By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 30, 2024
You probably put an unruly younger sibling in a headlock once or twice growing up. Have you considered what would happen if you turned sibling rivalries down the hall into soap opera-styled rivalries traveling down the road?
Trade in your swim trunks for dinkier wrestling trunks and find out! Tell us what you want out of the job and what you’re good at when it comes to communication and physicality. We tell you which professional wrestling company fits best. Let us tell you something brother/sister, WWE pins you down if Hulkamania still runs as wild at 45 as it did at five. Japan welcomes those who value mechanics over muscles. AEW embraces both sides of the ever-flipping coin. If you just want blood, Game Changer Wrestling has every tool you need to become an unlicensed dentist. Best of all, you won’t be drilled by a spear in the process!
Wrestling companies
Wrestling companies have been around since carnivals figured out how to monetize a mixture of theater and amateur wrestling in the early 1900s. The National Wrestling Alliance consolidated the USA's major regional territories in 1948. Rikidozan introduced the professional wrestling world to Japan around the same time as a morale boost after World War II, becoming a national hero in the process.
Although wrestling is usually either an oligopoly or monopoly depending on the country, independent wrestling promotions rose in prominence after pro wrestling experienced a popularity boom during the late 1990s that even saw World Championship Wrestling's Goldberg grace the cover of TV Guide and WWF airing a Super Bowl commercial. The rise of DVDs and online streaming allowed cheaper ways to distribute products than breaking into pay-per-view, allowing a company like Ring of Honor or TNA to survive.
Which of the Wrestling Companies Should You Join?
Hey there, fellow grappling enthusiasts! Are you dreaming of flying off the top ropes or locking in a submission hold that gets thousands chanting your name? Wrestling isn't just about the glitz, the glamour, and the glistening championship belts; it's a vibrant world where athleticism meets theatrics, and the passion for performance is non-negotiable. So, you're looking to join this larger-than-life family, but with so many wrestling companies out there, how do you figure out which ring is your destiny?
The professional wrestling landscape is as varied as our crazy uncles at a family reunion barbeque—each with its own flavor and flair. From the household name grandeur of WWE to the boundary-pushing freshness of AEW, the industry is buzzing with places to make your mark. Maybe you're drawn to the strong style of NJPW, or perhaps the indie cred of Ring of Honor tugs at your heartstrings like a perfectly executed melodrama. It's all about finding a company that vibes with your personal brand of chair-smashing charm.
Choosing Your Wrestling Adventure
So, you're lacing up your boots and ready to drop elbows with the best of them? It's not just about brawn; it's about the story you're aching to tell in the squared circle. Let's get theatrical, folks.
The Titans of the Ring
When you're talking about wrestling royalty, it's impossible to ignore the monolith that is WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). This is the kingdom Vince McMahon built, sprinkled with the sweat and swagger of The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin. The allure is real—Year after year, WrestleMania transforms mortals into legends. But remember, this stage is for those who can blend athleticism with an over-the-top gimmick, live for the storylines, and don’t mind a script, as creative freedom can sometimes take a back seat.
Ring Rivals & Indie Darlings
Beyond the titan, there’s a galaxy of indie federations like Ring of Honor (ROH) and Impact Wrestling where the technical prowess and determination are just as fierce. Here you’ll find Ring Rivals and Indie Darlings crafting heart-stopping matches and crowds that chant your indie name until they’re hoarse. Now, these joints may not pack the same financial punch, but for character development and truly growing with a fanbase? Bravo!
Grappling with Fame
Now let's get a bit “elite”—All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is the brainchild of Tony Khan and wrestlers like Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks, and Kenny Omega. It's where world champions are born from sheer charisma and wrestlers wield more creative freedom than you can shake a kendo stick at. Fancy yourself the next breakout star? Fancy cutting a promo that gets more YouTube hits than a cat riding a skateboard? With the right gimmick, you might just make AEW your home and network your way to wrestling infamy.
Remember, whether you dream of hoisting up the championships or crave the freedom to craft your own heel turns, the ring's the limit. And now, if you’re feeling fired up and ready to rumble, take our quiz to see just where your wrestling path should begin!
Making It in the Squared Circle
So, you've laced up your boots and you're dreaming of top-rope glory? Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the glitz, grime, and sheer grit it takes to make it big in professional wrestling.
Pinning Down Your Niche
Choosing where to body-slam your way to fame is crucial. You could aim to join the ranks of the well-established heroes like Chris Jericho under the glistening lights of major wrestling promotions, or carve a path in the independent circuit, where the federation chants your name. It's all about the match between your age, energy, and style with the promotion's vibe. Independent promotions offer versatility and intimacy with fan engagement, but big leagues offer unparalleled production value and reputation.
- AEW Dynamite? Expect high-octane innovation and Shahid Khan's backing.
- AEW Rampage or AEW Dark? They're perfect for night owls and those who love a dark horse underdog narrative.
- WWE? It's the grand stage of them all, where legends are made.
Remember, every promotion has its own conventions, so do your promotion research and see where you could be the next big phenomenon.
Behind the Scenes
Now, let's take a sneaky peek backstage. As a wrestler, you're more than just muscle and high-flying moves; you’re an actor, an athlete, and above all, an entertainer. The magic happens behind the scenes—this is where compelling storylines are cooked up and where producers can become your new BFFs.
- Producers: They're the unsung heroes who'll help polish your persona until it shines like Sting's bald head.
- Production Value: Those dazzling lights and bone-shaking sound effects? They're as crucial as your finishing move when it comes to fan engagement.
Streaming services have brought pro wrestling to the comfort of our couches, so your in-ring endeavor could go viral before you can say “tap out!” Remember, whether it's federation giants or the grit of the independent circuit, your success starts long before the bell rings.
Ready to figure out which wrestling federation you should grapple with? Head over to BrainFall and take our quiz to find out!
