How to Get a Developmental Contract with the WWE

As a female wrestling fan, as someone who was lucky enough to be chosen for a WWE tryout, and as someone who has friends within the WWE and other smaller independent wrestling organizations, I'm here to give you the advice I would give to a friend that's looking for answers to this question...

In your opinion, what advice would you give to someone pursuing a career as a professional wrestler in the WWE?

STEP 1: Study the lives of WWE Wrestlers... not what wrestling move made them famous or how many matches they've won, but how they live their lives everyday--- how they prepare for a show, what sacrifices they have to make to be in the WWE, how often they're on the road traveling, how much time they have to be at home, etc. You need to make sure that this is a career that you will be passionate about and can fully commit to. Although there's so many things I love about the wrestling business, I've realized that right now isn't the right time for me personally to pursue a career in the WWE because of the time I would have to spend away from family and friends in order to make the commitment that the WWE asks for. But down the line, who knows. This can be a great job for the right person, with the right circumstances. However, you have to be the one to decide whether or not it's right for you. Read autobiographies of wrestlers, watch wrestling documentaries, search on YouTube, and google as much information as you can. A couple recommendations for documentaries that I've learned from in the past are...
(1) Beyond the Mat DVD
(2) 101 Reasons Not to Become a Pro Wrestler DVD
(Google these DVDs and you'll find more info about them.)

STEP 2: If after doing the research from Step 1, you decide that the life of a professional wrestler is right for you then it's time to start learning the craft. Study matches from the past and present--- not only the wrestling moves applied, but also the showmanship involved. You need to understand the psychology of wrestling in order to pull off a great match and have the fans out of their seats in excitement. Learn all of the wrestling lingo... google "pro wrestling terms" and you should find what you need. To get started I would suggest studying a DVD called "Ultimate Pro Wrestling Training" and also google as much information as you can about the psychology of pro wrestling.

STEP 3: Once you've started the process of learning the craft of wrestling, you also need to simultaneously be preparing your body for this career. If you're a man you need to try to build up your physique as much as you can and if you're a woman you need to try to lean out and tone up your body. Most importantly, you need to develop good strength and endurance so that you can perform well and protect your body in the ring. There are several good books and DVDs available to help you get in shape so it's up to you to choose the right training regimen. If you have no idea where to start then maybe you can google and pick up WWE Superstar Triple H's book, "Making the Game: Triple H's Approach to a Better Body."

STEP 4: After you've done your best to prepare yourself with the steps mentioned above, it's now time to start with the most important phase of the process. It's time to surround yourself with more knowledgeable people and find a school to train at. I highly recommend 'Florida Championship Wrestling' because it is the training ground for the WWE. This is the place that the up-and-coming stars train at while they are under a developmental contract. Check out their website at: http://www.fcwwrestling.com to learn about their school and how you can sign up for classes. If you continue to advance up the ladder and do well with your training you might catch the eye of a WWE Representative and be offered a WWE Developmental Contract. The rest is up to you to learn. Take care of yourself and good luck!