Gimmick

Question
QUESTION: Dear James,

This is Dalton Bragg again. You answered my question about professional wrestling schools in Colorado and muscle mass, etc. I don't know if you remember but you suggested the Butcher Shop. I checked it out and have been training for 2 weeks now. It's been a dream come true so far! I've been learning things way faster than anyone else and have made an impression on everyone who has worked with me. People in the company are raving about me so far! I want to start by thanking you.
Now in their company rookies usually have to wait 6 months to a year before being allowed to work in the actual shows. However I have been told that because of my natural athletic ability, my acting, and my hard-work, I could be in a show as soon as March. They told me this is a very big deal and that I should start thinking of a gimmick to break in with.
I was hoping you would have some suggestions to help get me started. I know I have to be a face (unfortunately). I have a few very vague idea's but am a little worried about coming across to the fans as too corny and gimmicky... If that makes any sense.

I know it helps to know my size and personality a little bit in order to help with this. I'm 6 feet tall and 160 pounds. I'm starting to gain a little weight. I'm a bit of a comedian. I was always a class clown. I'm not afraid of being silly or looking stupid however, a part of me wants to be taken seriously in this business so I can really make an impact. I have long blonde hair if that helps. I'm very creative and strange, always changing my hair color.
If you need any other information that would help you help me with this I'll be more than willing to give it. I'm an open book and you've already proven to be a huge help.

ANSWER: Hello again, Dalton,

I'm not surprised at all by your progress; though I am very pleased you have found a suitable school for you. When I got your first question, well, to have done what you have done speaks volumes about the attitude you have and the skills you must have developed. Couple that with the impression I have gotten from your questions and it seems to be like you have a ton of potential. I wouldn't be shocked if you were a World Champion one day, so its a particular pleasure to be able to help you out.  

Actually, when it comes to gimmicks, physical appearance is less important than personality- I need to know what you might be comfortable with and if you have any preferences. You've given me enough material, not just in what you say in this question, but also in your previous one. After all, knowing that you can act well opens up possibilities, likewise with martial art experience. In addition, throughout, I've gotten an impression of your attitude. That's a skill I've developed here out of necessity, I suppose.

First things first, whatever suggestions I give you, they can only be outlines. Just like with acting, good characters in pro wrestling are when the portrayers breathe life of their own into the characters. Go ahead and modify it, that's the whole point.

If you need more suggestions, let me know. You might want to add some more info if there is something I'm not considering. I've had some time to think about what can be done with you- gimmicks aren't things that can be hastily assembled, not if they are good and especially not if you aren't the person the gimmick is for.

I get the impression that you are confident, enthusiastic and very much enjoying yourself. I think a suitable gimmick for you isn't just one that you are comfortable with, but one you can have fun with, yet still have serious feuds. You might also want room for variety. From acting experience, you might be more inclined to seek out different experiences compared to those without it. From what you've put in this question, you want some humour as well.

If you are ever a heel, which might be done in other promotions, I suppose, it is much easier than a face gimmick. With what you have already accomplished, you have plenty to brag about. You would want to add another 'g' so then you can use the word in catchphrases. You could easily be not-so-much an arrogant heel, but confident that you are the future of the business and willing to go to whatever lengths including the low tactics, of course, to get to the top.

In pro wrestling, humour can come from different ways. The first one doesn't sound like it is right for you, unless you have a bit during appropriate times. There is physical humour- which in turn can be goofy, like that of Stalker Ichikawa, tough, like Alexander Otsuka, or smart, like Sakura Hirota- where the humour refers to other characters and events, as well as featuring humour that really plays of the other wrestler. The other kinds of physical humour in pro wrestling can lead to falling into a routine.

If you wish to have some physical comedy, the tough brand might be best. Otsuka is very much a serious wrestler, but with such a fun personality when he isn't focusing on the match, that occasionally he does something very funny, like rubbing the head of his opponent after countering some of his moves. Any physical comedy you choose to do would be a 'detail' of the character- it can work with many different gimmicks.

Then there is verbal humour, which comes in many forms that cannot all be categorised. You probably have your own ideas about promos, though it would be influenced by the feuds and characterisation, of course. Somehow, I get the humour either the style of humour Jericho used to have, or that of Edge and Christian in their tag team days, might be similar to yours.

I have a couple ideas of gimmicks. Usually, coming up with gimmicks poses some challenges. Sometimes it is because of limitations; you on the other hand are one of those were the challenge is that there are so many possible options and it needs to be narrowed down.

Another challenge is that because of your experience, it would be wasteful if a gimmick of yours didn't let you use that acting skills. In general, pro wrestling will let you use them but there is a difference between using the same expressions and emotions over and over- as does happen- and having some more variety through storylines. The storylines one can go through, naturally, depend on the character.

So you gimmick needs to be fairly broad in terms of what can be done with it. Also, since unlike other wrestlers you are making rapid progress, a generic gimmick later expanded upon wouldn't be helpful. Your gimmick needs to be distinct from the beginning.

A first suggestion is perhaps that of a face version of the confident heel. Instead of doing whatever is needed, you are above heel tactics and you are a shameless self-promoter. There's a big difference between arrogant boasting and self-promotion, which can be funny- as when DX had done it in the past- and it lets you use your experience to set you up as a serious contender. On your ring wear, you could proclaim a catchphrase that you are 'Someone to Bragg about.?

You say it confidently, but not overconfidently. You're the guy with the sunny smile that is having a hell of a time and is here to stay. That means standing up for opportunities and not letting yourself get pushed around by the bad guys. It also means playing a big role in multi-promotional feuds, if any. Be fun and entertaining to make it easy for people to cheer you- your promo and in-ring skills will give you numerous fans anyway.

Also, if there are any veterans, be they local or present or former big names on a bigger level, if they are involved in storylines where a local wrestler or group tries to take them down- it would be natural for you to help them out on-screen so the character is in a position to learn from them.

It shows you are respectful of others which the character would be in general- further showing the distinction between heel arrogance and plain confidence. Of course, wrestlers in general should learn what they can from other wrestlers, regardless of how long they have been around for and what their gimmick/s is/are.

My second and third ideas are ones that has been in my mind for quite some time, rather than one that has developed by thinking on this particular question. This second one is a gimmick that with the right treatment would be awesome, but except with the right people, can end up turning into something very silly or powerless. Well anyway, that gimmick is that of a kind of conspiracy theorist and needs some more explaining than the other couple of suggestions.

Despite the sound of the premise, it can still go along with serious wrestling and being given serious consideration in feuds. KrackerJak, a premier Australian wrestler, has similarities in that he is a bit wacky and very fun, but he does in a way where it is very entertaining, cool and doesn't stop him from being a good wrestler and being treated as such.

The suitability depends on the promotion, of course. The environment in some promotions wouldn't quite fit such a gimmick. And of course, if you aren't comfortable with it, or cannot quite pull it off, then of it wouldn't fit for that.

For this gimmick, care must be taken that the person doesn't overdo it in promos- then it is silly. It can be funny and serious at the same time #or just plain serious#, with the theories being one's opponents being involved in alliances and plots against the wrestler. That could very effective if you were holding a championship, having a certain level of paranoia and trying to keep a head of the enemies trying to beat you for the title.  The experience in multiple martial arts can be presented as 'making sure you are prepared.?br>
It would depend on the exact portrayal, but it would work better if these 'theories' weren't too far-fetched. They can even at times be very realistic, like disbelieving turns or be semi-realistic- being right in that a certain wrestler is about to make a turn or was behind an attack, but for the wrong reasons.

Its a gimmick where a wrestler can face anyone else- and fast- and can have a more serious edge by being a serious in-ring competitor- even if the motivations are slightly bizarre. The promos can be of varying levels of comedy vs. seriousness by modifying the elements of truth and nonsense.

In addition, more of a legitimate/serious edge can be given if desired by having a background where the character has had multiple bad experiences with the government #perhaps hurt or detained by police during sympathetic protests of some kind# and/or big business #(telemarketers, phone companies, shoddy repairmen, etc.#

Thirdly, you could have an actor gimmick. The Rock could be the character's idol, though the behaviour wouldn't be quite like that. It would be more your natural personality, perhaps with a splash of face Chris Jericho or someone else dynamic, not just possessing but using charismatic energy.

As for why the character is in wrestling in the first place, perhaps because it is a 'side job' to get money while he is waiting for a break, also seemingly right around the corner. The martial arts experience means you can openly boast about it and that it was all so you can proudly perform your own stunts, like Jackie Chan. Speaking of which, the persona could also use him as a partial model, either him in real-life, or from one or more of his movies.  

You might have some flashier ring attire- sunglasses, I think, would be definitely something to look into, no matter what your gimmick is, but particularly for this one. If it is your style, since there are relatively few wrestlers who have worn them- and those that have include big names like The Rock, Edge and Masahiro Chono, it can also be symbolic.

A cape could be suitable; if you can wear it and it not seem heelish.  A half-cape, I don't what it is called, would certainly work otherwise. If you keep changing hair colour, you could have matching kneepads or wristbands or something like that- this is cheaper than having matching costumes and gives you a fresher look. The fresher you remain, the more you beat of staleness.  

As for your hair, as far as the three possible gimmicks stated here goes, for heel or the face version of that, it is just part of your own personality. For the actor gimmick, it is because it helps prepare you for different roles. As for the conspiracy theorist gimmick, well, it is then presented as part of the slightly bizarre behaviour of that persona.

Again, if none of these are too your liking, or if you need help with further development, feel free to ask. You can mix some elements of these gimmicks together as well.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear James,

Thanks for the suggestions. They were all very good. I had a working idea before I read this and your first suggestion went almost perfectly with the idea I was forming.

I'm considering marketing myself as "The Smartest Man in the Business". This gimmick would make it more believable that I would have a chance wrestling the 250-300 pound guys we have. Because I could claim that I outwit them. It goes with the confidence thing and would be somewhat of a tough sell for a face, but it would be perfect for when I do get to turn heel. How can I make the Smartest Man gimmick an easier sell without having to put too much explanation into the character? (I.E. No baggage)

Also if the company owner doesn't like the Smartest Man gimmick I do like the Actor gimmick.

Answer
Hello again Dalton,

To make it easier to sell it for a face, use the intelligence for good, not evil. Pit yourself against the heels. If the heel is good, then it is much easier to come across as face by comparison. Actions speak louder than words. Instead of having to do promos, getting attacked by a heel will establish you as a face even without needing to do talking. After all, the crowd accepts that bad guys attack the good guys. A first feud can really cement your alignment if you are the guy getting challenged.

Once it is done, it makes it clearer your confidence is good-guy confidence, feeling good about what you have and what you have done. The confidence that comes with positive self-image, or knowing you can achieve your dreams, or something. All you have to do is say that you feel good being you or something like that. A simple reason, easily understood in the context of your actions. Then you have a basis for saying that you outwit your faces without it being seen as heelish arrogance. It is just a fact that you can do it.

You might have a heel pick on you for some reason, questioning your intelligence or your being in wrestling, likening you to a wannabe fan, a kid jumping into the ring thinking a couple lessons is all it takes. Be bullied, like the conception of bullies picking on smart guys at school. 'All the smarts in the world can help you when this fist pounds you into the ground and your head explodes with pain.' Something along those lines could help. It also helps your gimmick from coming across as too superior and untouchable.

Even outside of a feud, a match where you debut against a heel would help it go down better. You'll have to come across as a face in promos, but you won't need to do any particular explanation- as long as you wrestle impressively, the confidence will be seen as that of the young who see no limits and aim for the stars (like Mr.Kennedy at certain points in time)- so long as you don't be overconfident, which comes across as arrogance, or stupid/silly.

Also, don't forget to praise the fans. It is easy and a source of cheap cheers, but hey, cheers are cheers. This alone might be enough. If you prefer to be a heel then this might go against your instincts or something, but this is what faces do.