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Initial Publication Date: May 24, 2007 |
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Friday,
April 20, 2007 -- The Riviera Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada:
It was the second day of the Forty-Second Annual CAC Professional
Wrestlers Reunion. Hundreds of the best of the best the sport has
ever seen came together for this most prestigious event – an event
which would culminate in Saturday night’s world-famous CAC Awards
Banquet. Although I had been a presenter at two previous events,
this was the first event where I was to be honored.
It was
early afternoon when I entered a meeting room where a full-day
seminar was in progress. I was recognized and asked whether I would
be willing to speak to an audience of newer professional wrestlers.
I was delighted to be able to do so, and spoke for over an hour. It
was a wonderful opportunity to share the importance of marketing,
promotion, and networking with these up-and-coming wrestlers. “I
understand that most of you have been wrestling for only a few
years,” I said. “Some of you have seen some success, but none of
you are where you want to be. I know that because I don’t recognize
any of you. My guess is that you’re wrestling in your local areas
for local promoters. You’re making next to nothing financially and
you’re dreaming of hitting the big-time; being recognized all over
the world and making millions of dollars. Am I right?” Some were
reluctant, but all eventually said my observations were correct.
“Professional wrestlers,” I continued, “can easily be compared to
actors who want to become movie stars. Dozens of the most
brilliantly talented actors in the world give up every day. A
majority of the world’s most talented actors will never make it to
the silver screen. That’s because the film business is not based on
talent.” I noticed some questioning looks in the crowd. “Let’s
face it,” I continued, “at least a few of you are more technically
skilled than some of the top internationally-known wrestling stars.
So, why are they household names making multiple-six-figure monthly
income while you are unknown and starving? What do they know that
you don’t?” I paused for a moment.
“At least a few of you are more technically skilled than I ever
was,” I said to the crowd, being sure that I made eye contact with
each of them. 
“Let’s talk basics for a moment. How many of you can do a
drop-kick?” Virtually every hand in the room went up. “Great,” I
said. “In ten years of wrestling professionally, I never did a
drop-kick.” I noticed several mouths open in disbelief. “And, yet,
at the height of my career, I had top billing OVER the Heavyweight
Championship of the World. I wrestled all of the superstars, all of
the legends, and I was a substantial factor in filling major arenas
all over the country.” I surveyed the crowd, smiled slightly, and
asked, “Would you like to know how I did it?” I had the undivided
attention of every person in the audience. I shared my story with
them. I told them how important marketing and motivation were. I
told them how I sold myself by letting promoters know how I could
make money for them. The idea was always, “How can I help you make
more money, Mr. Wrestling Promoter? How can I assist you in
obtaining more power, prestige, and notoriety? How can I help you
realize and go beyond your dreams?” It was never about me. It was
always about the promoter and the promotion. I knew that. I knew
that I would be hired if the promoter saw me as a necessary tool
that would produce the desired results for him. “Go to give,” I
said to the audience, “not to take. Be a team player. Network with
those who hire. Promote and market yourself. Follow up. Send
thank you cards. Let’s face it: No matter how good you are, nobody
is going to hire you if they don’t know you exist. And, you must be
brought to their attention in a positive way. You must be perceived
as someone who understands that the promotion is the ‘star’ and you
are simply a part of the promotion’s big picture. Be helpful,
positive and friendly. Know that you are a part of the big picture,
but you are not the big picture. The bottom line: Approach the
business as a business, promote and market yourself, network with
the top people, always be there for the promotion, continually
demonstrate your worth without verbalizing it -- and your success is
assured.” I thought for a moment and added, “That is, of course,
considering that you have above average wrestling ability, at least
a fairly impressive athletic body, you have an above average ability
to speak on the microphone, you understand the psychology of
wrestling and wrestling crowds, and you respect those of us who
paved the way for you.” My first clue that I got through to the
audience was the standing ovation I received. Most of the people
there came up to me during the next day and a half to thank me. I
am still getting “Thank you” cards and e-mails.
Occasionally I am asked to attend in-ring training events. I’m sure
I will run into several of these newer wrestlers at upcoming
sessions. As much as I enjoy speaking at seminars, I place even
more value on being able to give “in-ring” pointers.
By Saturday afternoon the excitement was building toward a
crescendo; the Awards Banquet was quickly approaching. It had been
previously announced that eleven awards would be presented that
night. All who would be attending, especially the international
press, were buzzing. Little did they know that there would be a
twelfth unannounced award. It had been kept a secret from all but a
few top CAC officials. Even the living legend who would accept the
special award would be caught by surprise.
At 6:00 p.m. the ballroom doors were opened. Hundreds of
professional wrestlers entered, followed by dozens of photographers
and members of the local, national, and international press. Dozens
of dedicated fans added to a standing-room-only event. The first
hour
was an open hour of networking. Major wrestling legends were
hugging other legends whom they had not seen for years. It was
great to see the hundreds of living legends enjoying themselves. It
was also interesting to see one or two of the wrestlers basically
keeping to themselves. (Those of us “in the know” knew why, and I
may share this inside information with you in a future column.)
At 7:00 p.m. the announcement was made for everyone to take their
seats. The banquet was about to begin. We would all have a
delicious meal prior to the awards dinner. I’ve been fortunate
enough to have eaten in a number of world-class restaurants, and the
food prepared by the Riviera Hotel chefs for this special event was
amongst the best I’ve eaten. I was in the presence of greatness –
even at my own table. I was delighted to discover that I would be
seated at a special table with several wrestling legends. I smiled
and introduced myself to one of my childhood heroes, Nick Kozak. I
shared stories with him during dinner. I reminded him of things I
saw him do in the ring – things that he had forgotten. It was a
wonderful beginning to an extraordinary night. The lights dimmed,
spotlights illuminated the stage, and we prepared to enjoy a night
we would never forget. The actual awards ceremony begins … in next
week’s column. Until then, keep those e-mails coming.
