How to Become a Professional Wrestler

So you spend every Monday night cheering on your wrestling idols, and now you'd like to know how to join them in the ring. Though the steps to become a professional wrestler may be simple on the surface, the road to glory in the ring is extremely challenging. Of course if you've got the talent, the ability and the personality you may just make your pro wrestling dreams come true.

Instructions

1. Enroll in a reputable wrestling school. Be prepared to come home with lots of bruises until you complete the program, which is usually about 2 months long and will cost around $2000.

2. Join an independent wrestling federation. Once you've completed a wrestling training program most independent wresting federations will be willing to sign you up provided you meet their qualifications, which will vary depending on your location and the particular federation.

3. Develop a persona. Working as a wrestler in an independent federation will give you ample time and opportunity to fine tune your skills as well as your wrestling identity.

4. Hope for a wrestling scout to attend one of your matches. Scouts don't generally announce their arrival, but occasionally you may be able to make arrangements for one if you either have a good agent or you've acquired considerable press within your independent federation.

5. Accept a scout's offer to wrestle a "dark" match. These are matches that take place at a filmed event, but are not aired. They are usually designed to get the crowd going, and to test out the crowd's reaction to new potential wrestlers.

6. Sign on with a professional wrestling federation. If your dark match went well then you'll be asked to sign on with the professional organization.

Tips & Warnings

• You may find it helpful to hire an agent once you are confident in your skills and are receiving positive feedback in your career in the independent federations.

• Though much of professional wrestling is choreographed, it is still quite dangerous and the potential for injuries is high.