The Classic Wrestling Alliance is built on the spirit of the 1970s and early 1980s — a time when the business was gritty, believable, and fiercely protected. But it was also a time when veterans took pride in teaching the next generation. Somewhere along the way, especially online, that part of the culture got lost.
I’m in several wrestling Facebook groups, and one thing I see constantly is this: A new kid posts a picture of their gimmick, their gear, or asks for advice on getting bookings — and instead of guidance, they get roasted. People pile on. They call the gimmick stupid. They say the person “doesn’t look like a wrestler.” They tear them down instead of helping them grow.
And I’ll be honest — I’ve been guilty of it too.
A Moment That Stuck With Me
Not long ago, a young guy was trying to get some bookings. He was green, eager, and doing the best he could with what he had. His gear wasn’t the most professional, especially his footwear. And just like everyone else, I piled on. I made my comment, got my little laugh, and moved on.
Then I found out the truth.
The kid wasn’t lazy. He wasn’t clueless. He wasn’t disrespecting the business. He was broke.
He was working with what he had because he couldn’t afford proper gear yet. And the second I learned that, I felt like absolute garbage. Not because I criticized his gear — that part is fair game — but because I forgot the human being wearing it.
That moment changed how I look at this whole issue.
What if, instead of mocking him, the wrestling community had said:
“Hey man, I’ve got some old boots you can have.”
“I know a gear maker who’ll cut you a deal.”
“Let’s pitch in and help you get started.”
Imagine how different that kid’s experience would’ve been. Imagine how much stronger the business would be if we treated newcomers like investments instead of targets.
1. Remember Where You Came From
Every wrestler — from the biggest star to the greenest rookie — started somewhere. Nobody debuted with perfect gear, perfect timing, or perfect psychology.
If you wouldn’t want someone trashing your early days, don’t do it to someone else.
2. Critique the Work, Not the Person
There’s a huge difference between:
“Your gear looks cheap.” and
“Your gear could look more professional with better colors or cleaner lines. Here are some ideas.”
One is an insult. The other is guidance.
3. Offer Solutions, Not Just Opinions
Anyone can say, “That gimmick sucks.” It takes actual knowledge to say:
“Your idea has potential, but it needs a clearer hook.”
“Try leaning into this part of the character — it fits your look better.”
“Your presentation would improve a lot with better lighting or a different pose.”
If you can’t offer a solution, you’re not helping.
4. Understand That Passion Doesn’t Equal Skill (Yet)
A lot of new wrestlers have heart, enthusiasm, and big dreams. What they don’t have is experience — or sometimes money.
Instead of punishing them for being new, guide them toward being better.
5. Avoid Public Embarrassment
If someone posts something rough, you don’t have to blast them in front of hundreds of people. A private message can go a long way:
“Hey brother, I see what you’re going for. If you want some honest feedback, I’ve got a few ideas.”
That approach builds relationships instead of resentment.
6. Praise What Works Before Fixing What Doesn’t
This isn’t about coddling. It’s about balance.
Start with something positive:
“Your energy is great.”
“You’ve got a unique look.”
“Your character idea has potential.”
Then offer the critique.
People listen better when they don’t feel attacked.
If someone doesn’t fit your personal idea of what a wrestler “should” look like, that doesn’t mean they don’t belong. Perhaps they just need guidance!
7. Lead With Respect — Always
Old‑school wrestling was built on respect:
Respect for the craft
Respect for the veterans
Respect for the fans
Respect for the boys and girls in the locker room
If we want to preserve that tradition, we have to practice it — even online.
Especially online.
Final Thoughts
The wrestling business is tough enough without us tearing each other apart. Constructive criticism doesn’t mean being soft — it means being useful. It means helping someone get better instead of making them feel worse.
If we want the next generation to succeed, we have to guide them, not ridicule them. If we want the business to stay alive, we have to nurture it, not poison it. And if we want to call ourselves “old school,” then we need to honor the part of the old school that mattered most:
Respect — and taking care of your own.
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