Wrestling 'politics'

**Russ** · 19-06-2008, 15:55

This isn’t something I’d normally discuss on CF but I’m just about running out of people who might have a valid opinion on this (for obvious reasons) so I’m throwing it out to you lot.

As some of you know I’m involved with pro-wrestling. I have had 20 matches in 3 years and I usually do more refereeing these days as injuries tend to take longer to heal at my age.

There are 5 promotions in South Wales and I work for 4 of them (some I wrestle for, others I only referee). 2 in particular are known to be ‘rivals’.

Now to give you a bit of background, ALL wrestling promotions have back-stabbing and politics going on. Nobody questions it, it’s just part and parcel of the business. Some people have egos, some people object to being given lower status on the card, some object to being given ‘lower’ opponents, some don’t like the pay-off, there are always plenty of reasons to moan.

The 2 promotions in question have very different ways of looking at the talent. One of them will give a wrestler an opportunity, ie will give an up-and-coming trainee a match against a veteran to see how well they perform. The other makes you EARN your spot. You have to be established and known to be a good worker before you get your chance. As a result there is a lot of nastiness between the 2 promotions which makes it tough for those of us who work for either promotions (we’re all ‘indy’ workers which means we’re not contracted to any 1 group).

As a referee I’m pretty much In demand – there are far too few refs about, especially those who look the part (I’m a good 15 or so years older than most of the rosters, and it’s good for the match official to have an air of ‘older authority’ about him) so I’m often asked to work for either company and in fact I’m pretty much a regular fixture. Although I disagree with the booking tactics of some of the promoters, I’m professional enough to do a good job for anyone I work for.

The situation now is ‘battle lines’ are now being drawn. People are expected to take sides which I find extremely childish. I’m not really in the position to say “keep me out of it until you sort things out” as I love what I do. The one who makes you earn your spot has more prestige – we are going to be filming a show for Sky in a few weeks. Yet the ones who give you the spot are more open and friendly to newcomers. All I want to do is enjoy the ‘sport’ and put on a good show.

Raistlin · 19-06-2008, 15:59

Keep doing what you obviously do so well and love so much.

Nobody can force you to pick sides, especially when you're obviously very much in demand by both camps. At the end of the day the two different groups of people are trying to run a business, they'll appreciate your value to them whether they want to admit it or not - for that reason they'll know that your worth to them runs a lot higher than whether or not you're 'on their side'.

Just try to keep in mind what you love about what you do and stick with it. I'm sure everything else will work itself out just fine.

**Maggy J** · 19-06-2008, 16:16

I think you are the one in a position of power as a ref especially if there is a shortage.Make it clear to both camps that you are doing it for your benefit and for the sport's benefit and that you won't pick sides

After all a ref HAS to be SEEN to be neutral.

**Russ** · 19-06-2008, 16:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Incognitas

After all a ref HAS to be SEEN to be neutral.

In theory that is correct,,,,however given the nature of pro wrestling, let's just say the ref isn't as neutral as you might expect...

TheDaddy · 19-06-2008, 17:13

Yeah ie isn't neutral at all

19-06-2008, 17:18

Difficult position to be in dude. Just knock a few of em out lol no seriously try as much as you can to ignore it and enjoy what your doing. If one camp pressures you to back them then you know where they can stuff it do you not? even if this lowers the profile of what your doing at least you will be true to yourself

punky · 19-06-2008, 17:37

Unfortunately you'll find that all sports have this kind of thing going on. Boxing is another very similar example, but the politics tend to be more than childish and involve shootings and beatings.

I'd doubt you'd change anything, so there is no point in martyring yourself. Your better off trying to play both sides towards the middle, or if its really getting you down, getting out altogether.