NWA: Can the Traditional System survive?

Yes

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by Harold Thompkins

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As an old school fan of professional wrestling or 'wrastlin' as we refer to it down south can survive. However it will require support from the local communities. I believe this because this made me a fan as a child. It had nothing to do with big arenas, muscled up steroid crazed performers/actors, advertising, merchandising and the corporate branding campaigns.

I fell in love with wrestling because those involved looked like people in the community, we connected with the story lines and it was entertainment that the whole family could enjoy. I remember Saturdays and Sundays from six to eight o'clock sitting around the television cheering our favorite wrestler. It was common place to run into your favorite wrestler in the grocery store, the bank, the gas station or at his " day job." This made wrestling believable and personally interesting to the local fan. The support the fans gave their favorite wrestler was more like rooting for your high school. It had nothing to do with popularity; it was more about loyalty.

I remember going to the local high school gymnasiums to watch the live action on a Friday or Saturday night. I was raised in a single parent home and this was the most exciting and affordable entertainment around. There was a connection between the fans, athletes and the promoters. The public was always treated to the best show and it was up close and personal. The largest venue I remember attending was held at the Macon Coliseum. If I recall correctly it seated about 8,000 people back in the 1980's. At the events you didn't have to spend 75.00 dollars for a ticket as you do today. If matters could be worse, you sit a mile from the live action and watch on a television screen.

Traditional wrestling is wrestling that happens to entertain. The acting does not overshadow what takes place in the ring. This builds a great following and support base potential. In any market there is a niche. I think there is a segment of fans that would prefer a choice of the brand of wrestling entertainment they support. The current programming we see on television today is not wrestling it is actually entertainment marketed as wrestling. There are people out there that want to be entertained by watching good wrestling. I think this is one of the reason MMA is so popular now.

Families are in need of good wholesome entertainment that everyone can enjoy together as a family. Traditional wrestling is something everyone can relate to there are no generation gaps. I think with the current economic condition traditional wrestling could make a great comeback and it could help stimulate the local economy as interest built.

Once the youth experience a traditional 'wrastlin' match they would be sold instantly. They would automatically prefer the traditonal brand over the new style of entertainment that is packaged as wrestling each week. The youth would recognize what they have been watching is not wrestling at all. Although the ratings of modern brand is growing and skyrocketing an average show has less than 40 minutes of action. Sadly this is all our children know. After they have been exposed they would know there is a difference.

The local media markets combined with the Internet could provide a great way to grow the popularity and rekindle passions in fans rather quickly. A promotion organized well could easily produce local stars through appearances and public relations activities.

People tend to support non mainstream events. A cult following could develop which is a phenomena that transcends corporate marketing stunts. Industries that have underground fans are supporters can usually survive without corporate backing. Generally the fan is more committed to the brand and embraces its tradition and culture rebelling against corporate influence.

I think there is a fan base and a market with growth potential; however, the question is the level of financial backing necessary to sustain a traditional systemwould have to be limited to investors who is committed to reestablishing this brand of wrestling first and foremost and making a profit is secondary. By building a strong brands and a loyal customer base practically guarantees profits.

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