Essential Qualities for Pinoy Wrestlers to Build a Sustainable Industry

Wow that's a long-ass title

With “the Holy War” as an established goal among Pinoy Wrestlers, the next logical action is to pinpoint WHAT needs to be done. But before what needs to be done can even be accomplished, Pinoy Wrestlers must have the qualities to successfully accomplish these tasks.

This essay explores the essential qualities Pinoy Wrestlers need to hone to win the ‘Holy War of Pinoy Wrestling’.

Solid Pro Wrestling Skills

Proficiency in wrestling is non-negotiable. As a matter of fact, it is the first requirement that if left unfulfilled, guarantees failure. High-quality performances are essential to attract and retain audiences, and wrestlers must not only entertain but also ensure their safety and longevity in the ring. Training in various wrestling techniques, understanding in-ring psychology, and maintaining peak physical condition are imperative.

(People loved this match when it came out because it had ALL THE MOVES, but that’s just the smark lens. If you actually watch it with any sense of rationale, it’s a great example of shindy wrestling)

Solid skills help in building a credible and professional image, making it easier to gain respect and support from both fans and potential investors. Never forget the performances of pre-pandemic wrestlers- enough to turn off businesses and professional wrestling industry stalwarts. This must never happen again, thus the necessity of solid fundamentals. This also includes mastering the art of storytelling within the ring, which is key to engaging the audience and making sure they return for the continuation of the story.

Perhaps, before the other qualities are even discussed, having solid pro wrestling skills is the one quality that must be achieved.

A shena board for Hindu pushups!

Training-Minded (Including Nutrition)

Constant training and living an athletic diet is the bedrock of a wrestler's career. After all, half a wrestler’s life is training- the other half is eating. This ensures that wrestlers remain at the top of their game, reducing the risk of injury and improving performance quality. A commitment to training and good diet reflects professionalism and dedication, inspiring confidence in fans and stakeholders.

Man, sometimes I just eat hotpot because it tastes good, completely forgetting I’m supposed to pack it with protein.

This isn't just about physical conditioning and eating as much protein as one can get their hands on; it includes learning new techniques (from inspirations outside of pro wrestling), staying updated with sport science and nutrition trends, and continuously improving one's craft. This dedication to growth and excellence is essential for building a reputable and enduring wrestling scene, as well as ensuring an injury-resistant career. Having the fruits of physical might is also a great confidence booster.

Charismatic and Relatable

Charisma and relatability are crucial for engaging the Filipino audience. Wrestlers must be able to connect with their fellow countrymen, creating characters that resonate (and not alienate). This connection can turn casual viewers into loyal supporters, driving attendance at events and increasing the sport's visibility. This is another folly of former Pinoy Wrestlers- creating characters in a vacuum that nobody else but they understand. Remember that professional wrestling requires human connection to generate that spark of emotion- and this can best be achieved through characters that are charismatic and relatable.

Pinay Wrestling’s Ace, Super P, has the largest following out of all Pinoy Wrestlers. Because she’s a symbol. The P in Super P is anything you want it to be.

Manny Pacquiao has shown that charisma can elevate a sport's popularity in the Philippines. And he did this by being Manny Pacquiao- not some brown boy with a Western-sounding name that’s alien to the audience. We must be relatable, for if our audience cannot relate to us, then why will they watch us? People are more likely to support a cause if they see themselves in it. Hence, we must tap into the collective identity and experiences of Filipinos, making them feel invested in the success of the industry.

While you won’t think of HSSL when you say Pinoy Wrestling characters, that’s kinda our point. We want to be human.

But then, what about charisma- again, we must remember the ‘relatability’ aspect of it. Imagine stereotypes or tropes of common Filipino people; the kalog, the kuya, the boy/girl-next-door, take this and amp it up to 11 with the confidence only somebody with physical might can possess. That is a shortcut to charisma; and ultimately, merits its own essay discussing it.

Business-Oriented Mindset

Building a sustainable industry requires a keen business sense. Wrestlers need to understand that resources are necessary to maintain operations and grow. This includes recognizing the value of their performances and the importance of marketing, merchandising, and sponsorships. Unlike charity work, professional wrestling is an entertainment business that should be profitable. This is the crux- we must be profitable enough to merit our own continued existence.

A business-oriented mindset helps in negotiating deals, managing finances, and ensuring that the industry can support its talent financially. Organizing events, selling merchandise, and securing broadcast deals can provide revenue streams that sustain the industry, which is why Pinoy Wrestlers must constantly hunt for these opportunities. Pinoy Wrestlers are not vapid celebrities- we all have the responsibility of business for the industry.

*Literally* my job is to talk to potential sponsors, partners, and businesses.

At the same time, it is part of our existential responsibility to learn how to be business-like. The elders of business will not be here forever, Pinoy Wrestlers must learn from them and to ultimately not rely on them. Business is a skill that each Pinoy Wrestler must have.

Sociability

Being sociable is vital for building relationships within and outside the industry. Wrestlers represent Pinoy Wrestling and must always be approachable and amicable. Networking with promoters, sponsors, and media can open doors to new opportunities- and this must be done consciously, intentionally, aggressively. Going out for media appearances is not simply about “being seen”, it is also about connecting and befriending the people who will likely be working with you through your career.

Sociability will also rub off on fans. Positive interactions with fans help in building a loyal fan base, which is crucial for the sport's growth. Effective communication and public relations skills can lead to better promotional opportunities and collaborations, as you can convey both thoughts, ideas, and feelings better. The fans will be more driven to support you- and remember, some of those fans might be able to connect the industry to better opportunities.

Physical Appeal

I was one of the first Pinoy Wrestlers to give a shit about my appearance and they all derided me for it. Look who’s laughing now.

In a visual medium like professional wrestling, physical appearance matters. Wrestlers must pay attention to their looks to stand out from non-wrestlers and to fit the aesthetic expectations of the industry. This doesn't simply mean conforming to conventional beauty standards but rather cultivating a unique and marketable appearance. Remember, Pinoy Wrestlers have the right of vanity. One must not have to look conventionally attractive- they must look different. Easily picked out from the crowd, to have a look that shouts “I’m not a normal person”- that is what a Pinoy Wrestler must look like. Be gaudy, wear bright colored clothes, use absurdly large earrings- whatever it takes to look different.

Motivated JDL is a scary JDL

The power of physical appeal isn’t exclusive to marking yourself as a pro wrestler in public. In performance, physical appeal enhances the overall presentation and helps in creating memorable personas that capture the audience's imagination. It is about being visually striking and memorable, contributing to the spectacle that wrestling is known for. Imagine this- heroic figures look heroic. Superman has broad shoulders. Spiderman is lean and nimble. Wizards have long robes. Iconic characters have colors and physical traits (or accessories!) associated with them. Understand that physical appeal is a story in and of itself, and thus we must take it in consideration as well.

Conclusion

For Pinoy Wrestling to transition from a fledgling scene to a thriving industry, wrestlers must embody these essential qualities. Charisma, business acumen, wrestling skills, sociability, physical appeal, and a training-minded approach are all critical. By fostering these attributes, wrestlers can help create a sustainable and prosperous industry that garners respect and support both locally and internationally. These qualities will not only elevate individual careers but also establish a vibrant professional wrestling scene in the Philippines.