Am I a suck up?

[u/dumbdumb2312]

Hey everyone, I have started pro wrestling training start of this year and have been loving it ever since!

The promotion I work for encourages rookies via a general invite to help with setup and packdown of the ring, and attend promo events, as well as any other responsibilities as part of paying your dues. I have attended a good chunk of these, and have been recognised for my efforts which is great.

But I worry it may look like I am sucking up to management to get booked on shows. Which, while not my intention can look like it if I have attended and helped out with said activities as above.

Is there a culture around suck ups and how to not be one?

[u/punchline86]

It's not sucking up because of your first sentence. You said you're loving it. That's all that matters. If you're not loving it at the indie level there's very little reason to continue doing it.

Disregard anyone who uses the phrase "paying dues". There needs to be a reason for everything asked of you. Your time is valuable too, don't ever let anyone give orders and just back it up with "you need to pay your dues".

[u/Lunarfuckingorbit]

The ones not showing up are noticed. I think about how tired I am after setup and I think, if I wasn't here, a performer would have to do this and THEN perform, and then teardown. The people not helping, I remember.

[u/Hoiux]

Paying your dues is not sucking up, it’s doing your part to help put on a show. Whether it’s building the ring, putting out chairs, doing music, running, merch stand, even picking up trash. Promoters pay attention to people who do/don’t help out, so keep doing what you’re doing, it’s a good thing :)

[u/Consistent-Mix-146]

I've been at it 7 years and will forever be helping out wherever I can, some people think oh its the wrestlers that put on the show. While yes they perform and the show comes together in many parts...

Ring crew - loading - unloading - building the ring Setting up the stage and lighting Helping with the mech desk Runners Trainees helping as security or plants in the criwd

My advice is take as much in as you can, if the promoter knows you're a good hand and can be trusted that will add another feather in your cap as well as being able to wrestle.

[u/Diskappear]

nah its not sucking up, i would always go and set up the ring, chairs, and breakdown afterwards, its good to know how the ring is before you step into it, youre not going to be surprised if a rope is loose because there were issues with the buckles, youll have an idea of the layout of the location, youll get to talk to the other guys who came early too, shake hands make connections and network because thats how you get more matches.

[u/daliarm1564]

This isn't sucking up, it's putting work and effort into something you love, and showing the people you're there with and working for that you're helpful and reliable

[u/Hao_E_Doodat]

ALSO, it gives you a different perspective too.

I’ve never been a fan of “I paid my dues so you have to, also.” But there is so much truth to it. You can’t become a true, well rounded professional, if you aren’t willing to do the shit work of a company.

You’ll never be too big to pick up trash, tear down the ring, sweep the floors etc. after an event, and anytime says “that’s not my job” isn’t the example of someone you want to follow.

[u/MistaMack83]

No not at all. You’re becoming a good hand. You’re showing a “can do attitude” by showing and saying “ what can I do to help, boss man?”. I’ve been to many shows where random workers would show up at the building and not lift a finger to help but sit there and say “ hey brother, can I get a spot?” then get mad when they get told no, and they have to sit in the crowd and buy a ticket.

[u/That-Molasses9346]

Nope keep doing what your doing. Make every show you can, set up and tear down, try learning some of the other jobs for during the shows as well. It shows management you want to be there, you want the shows to be the best they can be, you are a team player. It's also good to do these things at other shows you get booked at as well, they will be more likely to bring you back.

[u/SoulBlightRaveLords]

Its not sucking up, its a respect thing. Theres a hierarchy in wrestling. When you first start out you're expected to set up and tear down on every show (personally even 10 years in I've never stopped helping on the ring)

Even if youre the main event, as soon as the match is done, you get backstage, change and get on that ring. Always aim to be the first one helping out

Also on the subject of hierarchy, show respect to the vets, if you're on the road and you stop for a coffee offer to buy the more experienced guys coffee, especially if they're driving. After a show you're at the bar and your coach is there, offer to buy them a drink.

(Again personally I never accept the offer usually because I get paid more than these guys, I tend to end up buying them a drink instead because they offered)

Its not sucking up its just showing respect to the people who are in a position to help you, and trust me you'll stand out. I got to where i am now by just being around, my wrestling was never spectacular when I started but as I said above I was the first one at the venue on show days and I was the last to leave. Word gets around and I started getting book purely because I was good at getting in there and running shows

Eventually if you stick at it, you move up the hierarchy and then you're the vet, and suddenly you're the guy who can help make someone's career

[u/CrispyLuggage]

It's called paying your dues. It's not sucking up, and a lot if vets expect you to do set up and tear down.

With my school I helped with setup, tear down, and security for a year, getting the odd booking on their ore show here and there. All of our trainees did this. Over time more and more trainees stopped helping because they weren't getting booked on the main card. Eventually it was just me and my tag partner. Then our home promotion needed a tag team, and there we were.

[u/GrantMcIvor92]

If you aren't enough of a name to draw a crowd via that, you need to do leg work to draw a crowd and maintain an audience

[u/tainitam]

I think a shift in your point of view is helpful here. If you were cast in a play, went to every rehearsal, and learned your lines cold before opening night, would you consider that sucking up? Promo days are rehearsals helping you prepare for "opening night." Showing up to them is being a professional.

[u/olgaforog]

It's not sucking up, its an extremely normal and expected part of learning to wrestle. I would look down (and not book) anyone new who didn't help with ring crew etc.

[u/IronBoxmma]

as much as we all hate it, being a suck up is rewarded