No. That's YOUR job.

(Note: the above image was the result of a google image search of the phrase "that's your job". I am doubtful that any promoter/wrestler in the northeast is a "dumb slut". However... I haven't met EVERY promoter/wrestler.)

In the few years that I've been maintaining this website, the blog, and contributing to our (mostly) weekly Internet TV program, I've obviously met and befriended a fair amount of the "Who's Who" of local independent wrestling. From the promoters, to the wrestlers, ring crew, diehard fans and even the hangers-on... As the competitive climate in Upstate NY's indie scene rises (and it IS rising, people. Don't fool yourselves) a topic that repeatedly comes up in discussion is the practice of independent wrestling promoters "forcing" their wrestlers to sell "X-amount" of tickets for the show if they want to be booked. It's whispered about between workers and the fans who buy their tickets from them... It's called out for the world to see, kayfabe be damned, on social media platforms like Facebook; with some workers soliciting ticket sales half in character to friends and fans alike as well as workers from opposing promotions publicly bashing the practice. It's out there.

As I understand it, this is an old practice and I am not blind to the reality that, for some, it makes business sense to guarantee a base of attendees. However...

Isn't it the promoters job to sell the tickets?

To get the word out and get asses in seats? Isn't it the promoters jobs to flier and take to social media, trying to EXPAND their audience? Obviously, wrestlers should be encouraged to get the word out and spark some interest with friends and family... But, to ME, putting the onus and the weight on the workers to sell tickets is unfair.

I've had interesting discussions with individuals on BOTH sides of this issue. The people all about the practice will tell you that "[LEGEND A] used to do it". People who frown on the practice are quick to point out that [LEGEND B] would NEVER do that", etc etc etc.

Me? I'm not in the business, have never been in the ring or played a part in the business at all... But I work in marketing and have a pretty good understanding of promotion. You force workers to sell tickets, feel all fat and happy about the crowd, but isn't it mostly friends and family? Don't we want wrestling fans there? If all you're doing is banking on friends and family then isn't it really just an overblown vanity project?

I could see how a policy such as this might quickly turn into crappy workers with huge families getting shoved down the throats of guys like me - the unrelated wrestling fan. I've seen more than my fair share of "wrestlers" who neither LOOK the part or WORK like a seasoned wrestler get a spot on the card simply due to their position in the company and general politics. We all know it happens. Why add another layer of doubt to the mix?

I want to pause for a moment and make it clear that this is NOT a condemnation of any promotion that makes it mandatory for workers to sell tickets... On the contrary. Chances are good that I'm buying a ticket either way. What do *I* know? I'm just wondering if, by tossing that practice out the window, would more be learned and - long term - GAINED by building a fan base of wrestling fans who come to the shows because they enjoy a good product, not because they work a "day-job" with one of the performers?

Would the promoter themselves learn, along the way, how to be BETTER promoters?

Maybe. Maybe not. I just feel that workers should be on the show based off of merit alone. The ability and consistency of a promotions roster will sell tickets... You shouldn't have to rely on those same wrestlers to actually, physically sell those tickets.

No. That's YOUR job.

Any thoughts on this topic? Reply below or email me at Paul@Wrestlefudge.com