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by Chris "Crowbar" Ford
When I was considering becoming a professional wrestler over 20 years ago, this "highly impressionable" 15 year old super-mark could have easily gotten on the path of becoming another wrestling statistic. I could have easily gotten caught up in all of the perceived glamour of being a professional wrestler as well as the false belief that once you "make it" to TV, you’re going to make great money and be "set for life".
Fortunately, I was lucky enough to have 2 "angels" (Bill DeMott and Jim Powers) to offer me solid, sound advice and guidance. They talked to me about the harsh truths of the wrestling business, the false promises, and the difficult road I would encounter. They did this with the intention of preventing a young kid from becoming another "casualty" of the wrestling business, another "Randy the Ram". This advice was given out of genuine care for another person. They had nothing to gain personally or professionally, they had no alternate agenda in doing this.
Because of this advice, while I pursued a professional wrestling career, I attended college, physical therapy school and earned a degree in physical therapy. I entered this crazy adventure into the pro wrestling world equipped with the tools to survive and succeed in life no matter what happened in wrestling.
While still attending college, I enjoyed a period of time
when I was being booked for WCW Nitros as well as the Saturday Night show (in
1996 prior to the "Crowbar" days). I was being booked by, at the time, the top
wrestling company in the world - immersed in the excitement and the entire
scene, and extremely tempted to pack up everything, leave school and move to
Atlanta in pursuit of a full-time spot. Luckily with the continued
guidance of Jim and Bill as well as some good advice and guidance from Dallas
Page, who reinforced what Jim and Billy had told me, I chose to finish my
education.
After seeing people close to me suffer from not adequately preparing for this
journey, after seeing many acquaintances fall victim to financial ruin as a
result of poor decisions made pertaining to the wrestling business, I feel that
I owe it to others; I feel that it is my duty to voice my opinion and give
others this same advice that I was fortunate enough to receive.
On a regular basis when I come out to perform on Indy shows, I am usually asked by a new wrestler in the locker room or a fan considering becoming a pro wrestler if I have any advice for them. I can confidently say that I have steered many in the right direction. It is my hope that I will be able to persuade others to re-think, or better think the game plan they have for entering the wrestling world and in the process prevent some of many from going down the road that results in them becoming another casualty of the wrestling business.
While it is my sincerest hope that he does not wish to pursue a career in professional wrestling, this is the very same advice I would give to my own son if he chooses to go down that road in the future. Ultimately we all have free will and must take personal responsibility for our choices and actions. You will be given a lot of information from a lot of different people in the wrestling business and it will be up to you to filter through what is good advice and what is misleading advice. Here is my advice to you, do with it what you like.
Since it’s football season
Here’s some food for thought…
What Are My Chances Of “Making It†in Pro Wrestling?
There are 32 football teams in the NFL, each one able to carry a maximum of 53 players. 32 X 53 = 1,696 potential “spotsâ€
1,696 potential NFL spots Vs. the entire # of wrestlers on the WWE and TNA Roster
(maybe 100 positions ?)
Now, consider the odds for potentially earning a spot in
professional wrestling.
Here are a few of what I have found to be common misconceptions and beliefs
shared by many aspiring pro wrestlers...
"I talked to "so and so" who runs a wrestling school and he says I really
have "IT" and the potential to be a star."
While this may be true, keep in mind that wrestling schools are a business; a
business that makes money by getting new students. Therefore, these
schools have much to gain by convincing you that if you pay them money to train
you, they can make you the next John Cena. Not all schools do this, in
fact there are schools out there that are selective about whom they train OR are
very up front with new guys on the chances of making it in the wrestling
business. Unfortunately there is an outbreak of schools opening up, run by
shady guys who haven't been anywhere (some may lie about their credentials,
beefing up their resume) and quite frankly have no business training anyone or
giving career guidance. Once again personal responsibility comes into play
here - like anything else it's a buyer beware situation. So if you are planning
to pursue this, really do your homework and make sure you are going to a
reputable school with a reputable trainer before you fork over a few thousand
dollars to them.
“I spoke to "The Strangler†at a show I went to and he tells me he's doing
really well and making a lot of money"
If you're counting on actually making a living off of monies made doing
independent wrestling shows forget it - there is no money in indy
wrestling....Let me repeat that: THERE IS NO MONEY IN INDEPENDENT
WRESTLING. If you establish yourself, after a while you may be
able to make a little “pocket money" or a supplementary income off of indy
paydays - but expecting to pay your bills and support yourself (forget about
supporting family) off of the money you will make as an independent wrestler
couldn't be more unrealistic. Unfortunately, what IS a realistic
expectation is to actually LOSE money between gas, tolls, eating etc.... while
you attempt to just get your name out there and recognized. In addition there
are less and less Independent shows being run now compared to 10 years ago, and
even less that pay out.
"Did you hear "the Strangler" signed a 3 year deal with the
WWE...we'll be seeing him on TV for the next 3 years"
The Definition of "contract" also means something very different in the
professional wrestling world. Like me when I first entered the wrestling
business, many think that if hypothetically you sign a 3 year contract w/ the
WWE it means that you are going to receive a check and be guaranteed employment
for 3 years; you will wrestle for three years and the company will pay you for
wrestling for the next three years.
The sad reality is that unless you are already an established superstar who can negotiate hard, a wrestling contract for most talent means that YOU are committed to the company for 3 years, BUT they reserve the right to fire you at any time during those 3 years with the usual 90 days notice. I have heard many horror stories of guys signing developmental contracts, packing up there entire life and family to relocate to another state. They sell their old house, purchase a new house, and shortly after relocating they are given the infamous “best of luck in your future endeavors†notice and are released. Now the individual is faced with the harsh reality of having to sell their home or start a new life in an area they would have never re-located to had it not been for wrestling.
Do some research, and look at the large number of wrestlers who are signed to
developmental deals and are shuffled around the developmental system for years
only to be released without ever seeing a second of TV time. So just because you
“made it†doesn’t necessarily mean “you made it†in the wrestling business.
"I saw The Strangler at the bar after the show, he was wearing the best
clothes and was buying drinks for everyone - he must be doing great"
The ones who are lucky enough to Really make it often fall into the
belief that they are going to have a long run, a long career, and make a lot of
money in the process. During my time in WCW I saw first-hand many newly signed
guys live WAY beyond their means, spending their money on nonsense and pissing
their money away across the bar night after night. Now some of the guys
honestly were in a position to and could afford to do this ....others were not.
Once again I’m going back to personal responsibility here - it’s up to you to
know what category you are in. Time and time again it's the same story: the
boys spending money like it was never going to stop coming in....only to get
released shortly thereafter and with nothing to show for it except a few
memories. Once again let me stress there are guys doing so well that they
CAN do this - the trick is not to fool yourself into believing you're one of
these guys - when you're really not
"When my in-ring career is over I'll just get one of those behind the
scenes jobs"
A professional wrestler's career is very limited time wise. We are all human
and our bodies cannot wrestle forever. Most are under the impression that
if you make it to the "big time" and are on TV you are going to make a lot of
money. The truth is that unless you’re a John Cena, Randy Orton, HHH or
someone that high up on the card, when you are finished with your run and
"wished well on your future endeavors" you are going to have to find
another means to support yourself and family.
If you haven't prepared yourself for a life after wrestling this can be a
very tough time. Those looking to stay in the wrestling business
and maintain an income substantial enough to support themselves and a family
look to be commentators, bookers, agents, developmental trainers etc...
Keep in mind that there are even less of these positions than there are
positions for wrestlers. And because these are not "physical" jobs (except
for the developmental trainers), those who are lucky enough to land one of these
positions hold onto them with a vice grip for as long as they can.
MY ADVICE........
You owe it to yourself and your current or future family to adequately
prepare yourself for this endeavor. Empower yourself; go into this venture with
the tools that will prepare you for variable levels of success AND failure.
Train hard, work hard, study tapes learn your craft BUT expect nothing in
return - anything gained will then be a pleasant surprise. WANT to
wrestle, but do not NEED to wrestle. When you do not NEED to
succeed at it you will find the entire journey to be much more enjoyable.
As I went through college, I wrestled on independent shows every weekend, wrestled for
the WWE, WCW, and ECW. After graduating I was eventually signed by WCW. I
was given a "character", held 3 titles and made a little over six figures for
almost 3 years, - In no way was this money going to "set me up for life".
For a few years after being released, I was able to command decent paydays on
the indy because I was "fresh off of TV" - but the longer you are off of TV, the
harder it is to get the higher prices for performing. If it were not for my
education and degree, quite frankly I would have been SCREWED.
It was at this time that more than ever I was thankful for the advice given to
me long ago. I am able to support myself, my family and still wrestle because I
choose to and because I enjoy it - no pressure.
So what can you do?
Whether it’s by earning a degree or mastering a trade – PREPARE.
When I began my journey into pro wrestling, the internet was fairly new and there was no such thing as online education. Now, because of the internet, education is much more accessible. One of the smartest things I have heard over the past couple years has been that Mickey James was pursuing a college degree online while she was working for WWE. Mickey has been used well by the WWE and has enjoyed much success. She could have easily gotten “caught up†in her success and thrown caution to the wind like so many others have - hats off to her for thinking ahead and preparing for the time when her career is over.
Another fine example of being prepared is former WWE developmental talent Mike Kruel, who was an electrician by trade prior to being signed to a developmental deal. In spite of being in great shape and a great in-ring performer, Mike was released. After his release, he was able to once again resume earning an income in his field.
Whether you are just starting out on the independents or you have a "spot" for a major company there is absolutely no excuse for not utilizing "down time" to take a course or two. Get a lap top, bring it on the road with you and get to work. Just about every college and university out there offers online courses. If you aren't working for a major company you should prepare yourself with an education or a trade. If you have a long enough “runâ€, you may be able to finish a degree as WWE Diva Mickie James did – at the very least you will have a head start towards your degree after your release. I know several wrestlers and former wrestlers pursuing degrees right now, and all agree that they wish they would have obtained their education beforehand.
Now Let Me Defend Myself From The Critics
Before anyone jumps on me saying that "Crowbar is just sour on the business" and that is why he is talking bad about it let me clarify this; and anyone who knows me well in the wrestling business will tell you that this is the truth. I love professional wrestling. I love performing. I love being able to do something I grew up being a huge fan of. I challenge you to find anyone who truly enjoys the actual in-ring performance more than I. I continue to wrestle locally - not because I need to, but because I choose to and because I can.
Hopefully this column will enable others to enjoy the path that I have been blessed to enjoy and another "Randy the Ram" story can be avoided. Some will probably roll their eyes and accuse me of having a “holier than thou attitudeâ€. Nothing can be further than the truth. When Bill and Jimmy spoke to me so many years ago nothing was “candy coatedâ€. Their advice was blunt, real and up front – the way advice needs to be in order to sink in and hit home. In turn I am attempting to do the same to help whomever is willing to listen.
Ultimately the choice is yours. Sometimes risks pay off, and pay off big; the majority of time in professional wrestling they do not. Plans, Prepare, work hard and once again expect nothing in return. If you are fortunate enough to "make it" treat your finances like you're going to be released tomorrow - because it can happen.
Like the angels who advised me,
I have no agenda by releasing this. This is meant to help out and maybe make a
difference for a new guy starting out. When I look at my current life and
success Vs. what my life could have been without the guidance I was fortunate
enough to receive and I feel that it is my job and duty to pass this along to
others. Be safe, be smart and good luck.
Chris Ford (aka Crowbar)
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