Should A Christian Be Involved in Pro Wrestling?

 Whether or not Christians should be involved in professional wrestling is a deeply personal decision that depends on the individual's convictions, the environment they are in, and how they conduct themselves within that environment. Here’s a biblically grounded breakdown of how a Christian might approach involvement in pro wrestling:

Reasons a Christian Can Be Involved in Wrestling

1. A Platform for Light in a Dark World

Like any entertainment industry, pro wrestling can be a mission field. A Christian wrestler can represent Christ by how they speak, act, and treat others backstage and in the ring.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16

2. Using God-Given Talents

Wrestling requires athletic ability, creativity, and charisma. If God has gifted someone in these areas, they can be used for His glory—especially when the wrestler maintains integrity and humility.

 “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” — Colossians 3:23

3. Being a Role Model

A Christian wrestler can be a positive influence for young fans, especially in a culture that often glorifies vulgarity and rebellion.

Cautions for Christians in Wrestling

1. Moral Compromise

Many promotions encourage profanity, sexual content, violence, or ungodly storylines. A Christian must be cautious not to compromise their witness for the sake of popularity or paycheck.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” — Romans 12:2

2. Pride and Ego

Wrestling is built on showmanship, and ego can easily take center stage. Christians are called to humility.

 “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” — James 4:6

3. Unequally Yoked Partnerships

A believer may find themselves partnering with or working for people who promote ungodly content. This requires spiritual discernment.

 “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers…” — 2 Corinthians 6:14

Things a Christian Wrestler Should Consider:

Can I represent Christ here without compromise?

Am I being a light in the locker room and to the fans?

Do my promos, attire, and actions honor God?

If a child or church member watched my match, would they be edified or ashamed?

Am I willing to say “no” to things that conflict with my faith, even if it costs me bookings or fame?

 Real-Life Examples

Wrestlers like Shawn Michaels, Ted DiBiase, and Sting (Steve Borden) have publicly spoken about their Christian faith and how it transformed their approach to wrestling. After living worldly lifestyles, they returned to wrestling with a renewed purpose—to reflect Christ even in the ring.

Final Thoughts

Wrestling in itself is not inherently sinful. But the way one participates matters greatly. If a Christian can maintain purity, humility, and a Christ-like witness in that environment, then yes—they can and perhaps should be involved. But if the culture or content continually pulls them into compromise, it may be wise to walk away.

 “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31

The Funk in the Locker Room: Wrestling’s Dirty Little Secret (and How to Fix It)

 

Let’s talk about something that no one wants to mention — but everyone smells.

If you’ve been around independent professional wrestling for any length of time, you already know: the locker room can reek. The odor of feet, unwashed gear, damp boots, body odor, and sweat fills the air like a punch to the face the moment you walk in.

This isn’t a one-time issue. It’s not just one guy or one show. It’s a problem across the board in the wrestling business — and it’s time someone addressed it.

A Wake-Up Call from a Legend

I once did a show with WWE Hall of Famer Ricky Morton — I’d worked with him plenty of times before, but on this particular night, he stepped into the locker room, didn’t even take a seat, and immediately said:

“Someone needs to wash their feet!”

And he wasn’t wrong.

On another show, a wrestler smelled so badly — from his armpits and entire body — that his opponent nearly vomited in the ring. After the match, the opponent came through the curtain and said:

“That guy is the worst smelling guy I’ve ever worked with.”

Think about that.

You can be a great worker, cut killer promos, and pop the crowd, but if no one wants to be around you because of your stench, you’re going to lose bookings. Period.

Let’s call it like it is. This issue is usually the result of poor hygiene and laziness — both in and out of the ring.

Why This Happens

Common reasons include:

• Wrestling Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the same, unwashed gear

• Wearing the same socks for days

• Using filthy boots or shoes that haven’t been cleaned or aired out in months

• Not packing extra clothes or gear

• Refusing to throw away gear or shoes that are beyond saving

• Skipping showers altogether — before the show and in everyday life

Let’s be clear: If you’re not clean in your personal life, you’re definitely not clean in the ring. Hygiene isn’t just about how you smell — it’s about how much respect you show to your opponents, the promotion, and yourself.

How To Fix It

 If you want to be taken seriously in this business, start acting like a professional — and that includes your hygiene.

1.) Pack Enough Clean Gear for the Weekend

If you’re working a multi-show weekend, don’t show up with just one set of gear. You should bring:

• At least 2–3 pairs of clean trunks/tights

• Multiple pairs of socks and shirts

• Extra elbow/knee pads or compression sleeves

• A spare towel or two

Never wear the same sweaty gear twice in a row. That’s not hardcore — it’s gross.

2.) Do NOT Mix Dirty Gear with Clean Gear

• Use a separate bag or sealed pouch for your dirty gear

• Never toss sweaty trunks, used socks, or damp towels into the same space as your clean gear

• Doing so contaminates everything and makes your entire bag smell like a dumpster fire

Your gear should be as protected as your gimmick. Keep it clean.

3) Wash Your Gear Immediately

Don’t leave your used gear wadded up in your trunk or duffel bag for a week. That’s how mold, mildew, and stink build up fast.

• Wash gear in cold water with antibacterial detergent

• Hang dry when necessary

• Use odor-fighting laundry boosters for extra cleaning power

4) Clean Your Boots

Your boots are often the smelliest part of your kit.

• Wipe down the inside with rubbing alcohol or disinfectant spray

• Let them air out fully before putting them back in your bag

• Use charcoal pouches, cedar inserts, or dryer sheets inside boots and gear bags to absorb odor between shows

5) Use Deodorant, Foot Powder, and Body Spray

This isn’t optional.

• Apply deodorant before every show

• Use foot powder or antifungal spray inside socks and boots

• Bring a travel-size body spray or hygiene kit with you

If your feet stink, fix it. If your pits stink, fix it. There are no excuses.

6.) Shower Before the Show

Even if you wrestled the night before — especially if you did — take a shower before you show up at the venue.

And no, wiping down with baby wipes doesn’t count.

Set the Standard

If you’re a promoter, trainer, or locker room veteran, speak up. You’re not being rude — you’re protecting the locker room.

Set expectations:

• Make hygiene part of your locker room rules

• Don’t be afraid to pull someone aside if it’s a problem

• Promote locker room respect, and that starts with cleanliness

Final Bell

Wrestling is a close-contact sport. You’re sweating, grappling, and breathing inches away from another person’s body. The very least you can do is make sure you’re clean.

You want to be respected? Start by not smelling like a landfill.

• Keep your gear fresh

• Respect your space

• Respect your opponent

• Respect the business

Fix the funk — or don’t be surprised when your bookings dry up.

Wrestlers Entrance Music: Pros and Cons

 This is a subject on which I'm split when it comes to my opinion. For the most part, wrestling entrance music adds to the show. But on the other hand, it diminishes the surprise factor; and it wastes a lot of time on the show.  But regardless, here we go.

In professional wrestling, entrance music is as iconic as a steel chair or a perfectly timed dropkick. From the glass-shattering opening of Stone Cold Steve Austin’s theme to the eerie gong that signals The Undertaker’s arrival, music has become a powerful storytelling tool in the industry. But is it always a good thing? Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of wrestlers having entrance music.

Advantages of Entrance Music

1. Instant Recognition
A wrestler’s music is often their auditory calling card. As soon as the first few notes hit, fans immediately recognize who’s about to hit the stage. That kind of instant connection boosts crowd reaction and anticipation.

2. Establishes Character
Entrance themes help define a wrestler’s persona. A hard-hitting metal riff might suit a no-nonsense brawler, while a slower, haunting tune may reflect a mysterious or supernatural character. Music can say more about a wrestler in 10 seconds than a promo might in five minutes.

3. Creates Memorable Moments
Great matches are made better with unforgettable entrances. Think of Ric Flair’s grand orchestral walk-ins or The Sandman making his way through the crowd to “Enter Sandman.” These moments become etched in wrestling history because the music elevated the entire presentation.

4. Builds Hype and Energy
Music can ignite a crowd. It builds energy, helps fans emotionally invest in the match, and gives the wrestler a psychological advantage by getting fans on their side before the bell even rings.

5. Marketing & Merchandising
Catchy or popular entrance themes can be monetized. WWE, AEW, and other companies sell music albums, use themes for promotional material, and sometimes even chart on music platforms—adding another revenue stream.

Disadvantages of Entrance Music

1. Over-Reliance
Some wrestlers depend too heavily on their entrance music to get a reaction. When the music stops, and it’s time to perform, the excitement may not carry over if the in-ring skills or storytelling fall flat.

2. Diminishes Surprise
Music cues often eliminate the element of surprise in run-ins or unexpected returns. If you want a truly shocking moment, silence—or a delayed reveal—might be more effective than a familiar theme hitting.

3. Risk of Generic or Forgettable Themes
Not all entrance music is created equal. A bland, generic track can hurt a wrestler’s presentation more than it helps. Some performers are saddled with music that doesn't fit their character, making them less memorable.

4. Production Dependency
Technical glitches can be embarrassing or disruptive. If a wrestler’s entrance music doesn’t play, cuts out, or plays the wrong theme, it can kill the moment and hurt the overall illusion of professionalism.

5. Can Overshadow Wrestler’s Identity
In some cases, the theme becomes more famous than the wrestler. This can create a disconnect—especially when the music gets more pop than the performer themselves.

Entrance music is a powerful tool in pro wrestling, capable of enhancing a wrestler’s identity, elevating crowd energy, and cementing moments into pop culture. But like any tool, it must be used wisely. When done right, it becomes an extension of the performer. When done wrong—or relied on too heavily—it becomes a crutch.

Wrestling at its core is storytelling. Music, when used effectively, simply adds the soundtrack.

Tread Lightly: The Fragile Balance of Wrestling Territories

 

In June, Appalachian Mountain Wrestling (AMW) proved once again that old-school professional wrestling still has a place in the hearts of Kentuckians. Our sold-out event at the Lexington Ice Center was a triumph — not just for AMW, but for the spirit of independent wrestling in the Bluegrass State. The energy, the crowd, and the support reminded us why we do what we do. It also put Lexington back on the map as a viable wrestling town.

But with success comes attention.

Now, word has gotten out. Multiple promotions — some established, others upstarts — have begun planting their flags in Lexington. Flyers are going up, events are being announced, and suddenly, a once quiet market has become a hotbed of activity. On the surface, this might seem like a good thing. After all, competition breeds excellence, right?

Not always.

Independent wrestling isn't like national promotions with million-dollar budgets and television deals. It’s a tightrope walk — every show is a risk. Every booking matters. Every dollar counts. We’re not fighting over ratings; we’re fighting to stay alive, to pay our wrestlers, to rent venues, to print posters, and to give fans a product worth their hard-earned money.

When multiple promotions flood the same market in a short span of time, it doesn't elevate the scene — it dilutes it. The audience gets split. Talents get overexposed. Ticket sales go down. And worse, when a poorly run show leaves fans disappointed, it doesn’t just hurt that promotion — it hurts all of us. Fans don’t distinguish between logos. If they get burned once, they’re less likely to come back… to any show.

Let’s be real — Kentucky is full of wrestling-hungry towns that haven’t seen quality wrestling in years. Places that are just waiting to be lit up. There’s enough unclaimed territory out there to go around, and there’s plenty of opportunity for everyone willing to work hard and build something the right way. And that doesn't apply just for Kentucky - it applies for all geographical areas.

AMW isn’t afraid of competition. But flooding a hot town with overlapping dates and copycat cards isn’t healthy competition — it’s short-sighted poaching. And if we’re not careful, it won’t just be one promotion that suffers — it’ll be the whole independent scene in Kentucky.

So let’s be smart. let's build our brands the right way, and most importantly — let’s give fans a reason to keep believing in what we do.

The ring may be made of steel, but this business is still built on trust, loyalty, and common sense.

Truth in Numbers: The Harm of Falsely Inflated Attendance Claims in Pro Wrestling

 In the world of professional wrestling, perception has always played a major role. Promoters and wrestlers alike have long subscribed to the mantra “fake it ‘til you make it.” But when it comes to falsely inflating attendance numbers, there’s a line between creating hype and actively damaging the credibility of your promotion—and the wrestling industry at large.

Some independent wrestling promotions routinely announce inflated crowd sizes—claiming there were 600 fans in attendance when photos and video evidence clearly show only 75–100. While this might seem like harmless self-promotion to some, the consequences are far more damaging than many realize.

Promoters often justify the lie as a way to:

• Appear successful to fans, talent, and sponsors

• Entice bigger-name wrestlers with the illusion of growth

• Impress potential venues, investors, or booking agents

• Maintain morale within the locker room and fanbase

But beneath these justifications lies a deeper issue of integrity—and the fallout isn't worth the momentary clout.

Inflating attendance numbers causes:

1. Loss of Credibility

Wrestling fans are smarter than ever. They attend the shows, post photos, livestream, and share behind-the-scenes insights. When fans see that the promoter claimed “a packed house of 800” and they were one of only 60 in the crowd, they feel lied to. Trust is hard to earn and easy to lose—and once credibility is gone, it’s nearly impossible to get back.

2. Damages Media Relationships

Local media, wrestling journalists, and podcasters rely on transparency. If a promotion consistently exaggerates numbers, reputable outlets will stop giving them attention. Worse, they might call out the lies publicly—humiliating the promotion and hurting its chances of future coverage.

3. Alienates Wrestlers and Staff

Workers talk. If you’re lying about the crowd to the public, you’re likely also misrepresenting gate revenue to your talent. When performers realize the house was small but the announced numbers don’t match what they’re paid—or what was promised—they feel cheated. That creates resentment and high turnover in your locker room.

4. False Expectations for Investors and Venues

If a venue or potential sponsor sees your inflated claims and agrees to a partnership based on those numbers, they’ll be furious when the actual turnout disappoints. That damages not just your relationship, but your promotion’s future prospects.

5. Stunts Industry Growth

When every indie promotion starts inflating numbers, it sets unrealistic expectations across the board. Real growth and sustainable business models get overlooked in favor of "fake success stories." New promotions trying to be honest get overshadowed, and fans become cynical of all indie wrestling.

Instead of focusing on faking success, focus on building real momentum. Highlight what went well—great matches, fan energy, positive reviews. If only 50 people showed up but they had the time of their lives, that’s a win. Be honest about your journey, your crowd size, and your goals. Fans respect transparency and hard work far more than hollow claims.

Pro wrestling is a business built on illusion—but that illusion should stay in the ring. When promotions lie about attendance to save face or inflate their ego, they hurt their credibility, alienate their audience, and ultimately stunt their own growth. In today’s world of social media and instant footage, the truth is never far behind. Better to grow slow and steady than collapse under the weight of your own lies.

Be real. Be honest. Be better. Wrestling deserves that.

Wrestling Ain’t Daycare—It’s a Business

 Professional wrestling is a business. Read that again. It’s not a backyard game, a hobby for grown-ups in tights, or a feel-good outlet to boost your ego. It’s a business—one built on ticket sales, character investment, and trust between the promoter, the locker room, and the fans. When one wrestler puts themselves above the booking, it doesn’t just affect them—it affects everyone involved.

So let’s talk about something that recently happened—and why it should never happen again.

There’s a guy wrestling in Lexington, KY this weekend for Ohio Valley Wrestling. Apparently, he didn’t like the outcome he was booked for, so what did he do? He ran and cried to his mom.

And now she is trying to rally the local community to boycott the show—all because she and her son don’t like how he is booked.

Let that sink in: A grown adult who calls himself a pro wrestler went home and whined to his mother about a finish. And now his mom is campaigning against the show.

If you’re in the business, your jaw just hit the floor. And it should have.

Why This Is a Serious Problem?

1. It Breaks the Trust of the Locker Room

Wrestling is built on trust. Promoters trust you to do your job and protect the business. Your fellow wrestlers trust you not to go public or personal over finishes. When you bring outside drama—especially through a family member—you break that trust. You make the entire company look unprofessional.

2. It Hurts Ticket Sales and the Promotion

Mom’s little boycott? That could hurt the gate. It damages the reputation of the promotion in an already tough market. Independent wrestling is hard enough without having to fight against a parent’s Facebook smear campaign because her son doesn’t like losing.

3. It Makes You Unbookable

Word travels fast in this business. If you cry to your mom about being asked to lose, and she causes drama, promoters will remember that. Other wrestlers will remember that. No one wants to work with someone who might throw a fit backstage—or worse, sabotage the show through outside interference.

Wrestling Is a Business—Not a Therapy Session! - If you can’t handle being asked to do the job a promoter gives you, then this business is not for you. You might not like every finish. You might not always go over. But this ain’t Burger King—you don’t get it your way. You’re there to tell a story and build the product. If you refuse to play your part, you’re not helping wrestling—you’re hurting it.

No one says you have to like every decision. But if you can’t do what’s best for the show—even when it means taking a loss—then hang up your boots. Because you’re not a pro wrestler. You’re just playing one on weekends.

This business will never grow if it’s filled with egos who throw tantrums the second things don’t go their way. If you ever find yourself tempted to whine about a finish—especially to someone outside the business—take a step back and ask yourself: Do I really belong in professional wrestling?

Because if you can't do business, you don’t need to be in the business.

Period.

Lack of Originality In Wrestling

 Once upon a time, professional wrestling was built on characters—larger-than-life personas who walked, talked, dressed, and wrestled in ways no one else dared to. You didn’t need commentary to tell you who someone was when they walked through the curtain. A silhouette alone was enough to identify a Randy Savage, a Dusty Rhodes, a Bruiser Brody, or a Great Muta. From their gear to their cadence, to their in-ring style and promo delivery—originality was everything.

Today, that originality seems to be vanishing.

Let’s be honest—look at most of the wrestlers on today’s independent scene, and even a large part of the major companies. Everyone’s wearing the same style of gear. Everyone’s doing the same move sets. Everyone's cutting the same kind of promo—talking tough, screaming into the camera, trying to sound like a badass. From the black trunks and kick pads to the denim jackets and wet-hair entrances, originality is the rarest gimmick in the business.

Can you tell the difference?
This is what pro wrestling has become.
Everyone is a clone of the next guy.

Too many wrestlers are either cosplaying their favorite wrestlers from the past or blending into a generic mold of what’s “cool” or “marketable” now. Instead of carving out their own identity, many are focused on fitting into what already works. But here’s the truth—if you're just a copy of someone else, you’re disposable. Once fans have seen the original, they don’t care about the carbon copy.

It’s not just the look—it’s the presence. Where are the wild eyes of Jake Roberts, the commanding voice of Ric Flair, the unpredictable chaos of Brian Pillman, the silent intensity of Sting, or the eerie charisma of The Undertaker? Where are the characters that can sell you on a match just by how they walk to the ring?

Wrestling has always needed its workhorses, sure—but it thrives on characters who break the mold. Those who dare to stand out. Right now, the business is overcrowded with talented performers who are indistinguishable from one another. And talent without identity is a recipe for mediocrity.

This isn’t a knock on the work ethic of today's athletes—most of them train harder and are more athletically gifted than ever before. But athleticism alone isn’t enough. If everyone can do a 450 splash or a Canadian Destroyer, then none of it feels special anymore. Wrestling is performance art. What fans remember isn't the crisp execution of a superkick—it’s who threw it and why.

Originality isn’t about reinventing the wheel. It’s about being memorable. It’s about knowing who you are and projecting that so boldly that fans can’t help but talk about you. Wrestlers today need to stop asking “What’s working for everyone else?” and start asking, “What makes me different?”

Because in wrestling—as in life—blending in is the fastest way to be forgotten.

---

Promoters, reward uniqueness. Wrestlers, dare to be different. Fans, demand more than just flips and kickpads. Bring back the color, the character, and the charisma. Wrestling needs it now more than ever.

Wrestlers, Show Up—Even When You’re Not Booked!

 

There’s a scenario that plays out far too often in professional wrestling, and it needs to be addressed.

A wrestler sees that GWA—or any promotion—is running a show on a night they have off. They’ve never worked for the company before, but they’re interested. So, they do the right thing: they reach out to the promoter and say something along the lines of, “I’m free that night if you need help. I’d love to be there!”

The promoter responds honestly: “I don’t have any open spots on the card, but you’re welcome to come by. If something comes up, I’ll put you in.”

Then comes the disappointing part.
Almost immediately after realizing they probably won’t get to wrestle that night, the wrestler backs out with something like, “Ah, something came up. I can’t make it.”

This kind of response speaks volumes—and not in a good way.

Let’s get one thing straight: if you’re truly serious about wanting to work for a promotion, then show up.

Even if you’re not booked. Even if you don’t get a single minute in the ring.
Why? Because showing up proves you care about more than just your own spot.

Helping with ring setup, security, intermission, tear-down, or anything else that needs done tells the promoter, “I’m here because I want to be a part of this team—not just because I want a payday or spotlight.”

Wrestling is a business built on trust, relationships, and professionalism. Promoters notice who shows up, who contributes, and who’s dependable. Likewise, they also remember who vanishes the moment they find out there’s no guaranteed match or envelope waiting.

Saying “something came up” after hearing you’re not booked just shows your true motivation: you’re not interested in helping build a promotion—you’re only interested in helping yourself. And that kind of attitude doesn’t get you far in this business.

So here’s the bottom line:
If a promoter invites you to come around, go.
Be useful. Be humble. Be present.

Because the ones who keep showing up?
They’re usually the ones who eventually get booked.

The Controversy of Intergender Matches in Pro Wrestling

In the world of professional wrestling, intergender matches - bouts between male and female competitors - have always been a topic of heated debate. While some fans appreciate the unpredictability and novelty these matches bring, others express concerns about the potential implications for the wrestlers involved, particularly the male competitors.

One of the main concerns is the perceived physical differences between male and female wrestlers. It's no secret that men and women are built differently, with men generally having more muscle mass and physical strength. This is not to say that women are less capable or talented - far from it. Many female wrestlers have proven their mettle and skill in the ring, matching or even surpassing their male counterparts in terms of athleticism and performance. However, when a male wrestler is defeated by a female opponent in an intergender match, it can create a challenging narrative for the male wrestler's character. The wrestling industry, like any form of entertainment, relies heavily on storytelling and character development. A loss to a female competitor, due to the aforementioned physical differences, can potentially make it difficult for the male wrestler to be perceived as a formidable contender in future storylines. This is not to undermine the abilities of female wrestlers or to suggest that they should not compete against men. The issue lies in the storytelling aspect of professional wrestling. If a male wrestler is portrayed as weaker after losing to a female wrestler, it can limit his character's potential for future big angles or storylines. In conclusion, while intergender matches can add an exciting twist to the wrestling narrative, they also present unique challenges in terms of character development and storyline progression. It's a delicate balance that requires careful consideration from the writers, performers, and fans alike. As the wrestling industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it navigates this complex issue.

Defining World Championships

 

In professional wrestling, the word “World” gets tossed around more than a steel chair in a hardcore match. Promotions of all sizes—from global juggernauts to indie start-ups—love to crown their top champion with the grand title of “World Heavyweight Champion.” But let’s get real for a minute: just calling something a world title doesn’t make it one.

A true world championship should be just that—defended around the world. At the very least, it should be actively defended across most of the United States and in multiple countries internationally. If a championship belt never leaves a single state—or worse, never leaves a particular county or city, it’s not a world title. It’s a local or territorial championship with a bloated ego, plain and simple.

If your “World Champion” only defends the title in a handful of shows in one region—say, just in Eastern Kentucky or Central Indiana—how is that a world title? It’s not even a national title. It's a regional belt with delusions of grandeur.

Let’s look at the benchmarks that have historically defined a real world championship:

• Geographic Reach: The NWA World Heavyweight Title (in its heyday), the WWE Championship, and NJPW’s IWGP World Heavyweight Title have all been defended across the United States and in countries like Japan, Canada, Mexico, the U.K., Australia, Germany, and beyond.
• Prestige and Recognition: A world title isn’t just about geography—it’s about visibility, media presence, and how many people recognize the champion as the best. If a title is only known within a 100-mile radius, it’s hard to call that a world title with a straight face.
• Competition: A world champion should defend against top-tier challengers from different regions and promotions. If the same five wrestlers are constantly rotating in and out of the title picture, and all live within driving distance of the venue, the belt’s status is severely diminished.

Throwing the word “World” on a belt might seem harmless, but it waters down the significance of the term for fans and workers alike. It confuses younger wrestlers into thinking they’ve made it when they haven’t left their home state. It tricks fans into buying into inflated stakes. And it devalues the work of actual world-traveling champions who earn that recognition.

Promotions would do better to be honest about their titles. There’s no shame in calling your top prize a Heavyweight Championship or Regional Championship. Let the prestige of the belt grow naturally over time—and earn the right to call it a world title when the belt starts traveling across borders and oceans.

The Bottom Line - If your championship has never been defended outside of your state—or even outside of your town, it’s not a world title. It might be important to your promotion, and that’s fine. But let’s not mislead ourselves or the fans. In wrestling, words matter. Belts matter. Let’s give them the meaning they deserve.

Along the same lines, if you use words such as “World”, “Global”, “International”, etc  in your promotion’s name – then you better be running shows around the world. Otherwise, that is a false grandeur as well. You are nothing more than a local or regional promotion, again with a bloated ego.

As some of you know, I’m planning to get my promoters license again soon. In fact, I had hoped to do it this week but I had a death in the family and some health issues, so I’ve had to push it back a few weeks. But anyway, I was talking to a potential business partner about it. My plans were to revive the Poffo’s “International Championship Wrestling” or use the name “Global Wrestling Alliance.”  And he asked me “are you planning to run shows internationally or globally? If not, those names would be misleading. That would be like having a world championship that never gets defended outside of Kentucky.”  Point taken.  So instead, I chose a name that reflects the product honestly and with integrity: Classic Wrestling Alliance.

 

 Choose the names of your championships and promotions wisely.  Don't try to deceive the fans into thinking you and your show are greater than they actually are.