SORRY FOR THE RANT I just got off the phone with Jabari, and this specific subject came up. Jabari is one of the few guys who can always push my buttons, anyone who knows him knows its just one of his super powers. If you know me, you probably know Ive been doing this Pro Wrestling this for a little while now. I know I have never made it, but I like to think I have earned my little share of respect amongst my peers in Ohio. Does this give me the right to police the independent scene and decide how everything should work? Obviously not. This is simply my opinion, but more importantly this is why I have the opinions that I do. The issue of untrained “wrestlers” has been around for years, but it appears to of really exploded in the past few years. In fact, I have noticed there has been a recent push to unite and “shame” these wrestlers on Facebook in the past few weeks. Typically promotions based out of Middletown, OH are always at the center of these discussions, but the problem is far from being isolated there. At my wrestling school, the Central Ohio Pro Wrestling Academy, I had a student quit the school after 2 weeks of training because he felt that he was ready to do shows. (No, this is not a rant on that specific person) This particular person decided to go on Facebook and make the issue public, what followed was comments from his wife, friends and family such as... “Dont worry about what the haters say, I know you can do it!” “I believe in you! Dont let those negative people keep you down!” “Dont let anyone tell you that you cant follow your dream” Normally I wouldnt have an issue with these comments if you were in a bowling league or playing softball. My problem is Professional Wrestling is a skilled trade. Could you imagine if I wanted to be a doctor, but didnt want to bother with medical school and my friends and family told me “Dont let that hospital rejecting you keep you down! You can be a doctor if you want!” Now, someone might be saying “Being a doctor and a wrestler are not even in the same ballpark.” To that I say WRONG! With both professions, you are literally holding someone elses life in your hands. What does this one incident have to do with independent wrestling as a whole? I think many untrained wrestlers are dismissing perfectly valid criticisms from respected veterans as “Haters”, and going to other support systems such as friends and family to validate their reasoning for not getting proper training, not wearing gear, not paying dues and not applying themselves. I know there are lots of wrestlers out there who give unsolicited advice, I know I am just one voice of many. But please, do not accept pro wresting career advice from friends, family, spouses and siblings. They are simply not qualified to do so. There are many respected veterans out there who are willing and wanting to help you. PRO WRESTLING IS NOT A BEER LEAGUE.
Posted on: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 03:06:15 +0000