Something wrong around here...

   Hello everyone and it's sure nice to be back. It has been awhile since my last "Real Deal" article, so I have had some time to think of a good topic. So my topic of interest for this report shall be, "what do we do about trainees that drop out of a training program and still try to make a go at pro wrestling".

   There are many wrestling schools around the globe. Some are good, some are average, and some are just outright terrible. Putting this aside, there is one thing common with all schools. No matter who teaches what at which school, bottom line is all schools graduate wrestlers and all schools have "drop outs". A big problem arises from "drop outs", but it isn't a problem that can't be easily corrected.

   "Drop outs" create a supply of untrained, unskilled talent. They flood the business and take away jobs from qualified personnel. The time has come for promoters and bookers to ban together and start researching where their talent prospects come from. I know there will be promoters (who pay the bills) reading this so I want you all to answer this question. Have you ever paid a wrestler and you honestly felt that person didn't deserve to be on your show, let alone get paid?

   The time has come in professional wrestling when the promoters and bookers must really start respecting the business they love and live. Many bookers have a tendency to book talent as a favor to some "name" or close friend. Some bookers will give someone a match as a "kiss @$$" favor to possibly boost their own career. The paying fans around the world do not pay to see talent for any reason other than wanting to see pure wrestling talent. Opinions will vary as to what is "pure wrestling talent". Regardless of the opinions, a well and properly trained talent will outshine any "drop out" (or impostors as I like to call them). Is it fair to all those that have honestly worked their tail off to get a start in pro wrestling? Is it fair to offer this type of talent to the people that make pro wrestling possible? I sure hope the answers are "NO".

   Promoters and bookers need to start checking new talent out thoroughly. Give the fans what they pay for and in return it will boost our market further and quicker than anything else we could do to improve. If you are a promoter or a booker, you are schooled well enough in the business to know who does and who doesn't put out a quality wrestler/manager/valet/referee/etc. There is just as much good "cheap" talent as there is unskilled "cheap" talent. Which type of talent do we want the paying fans to see? Which type of talent will be bring fans back to your next show?

Published: August 17, 1998