Three Count Fall – Ways To Introduce New Wrestlers

We’ve seen a lot of debuts in wrestling over the past year, and this got me thinking. What is the best way to bring a new guy, gal, or team into your wrestling promotion? Let’s take a look at how this has been done in recent history.

1) Vignettes

This method, seen most recently with the Wyatts*, makes most sense if the plan is to elevate the superstar to an important story. Showing short videos throughout the week give us an idea of who this person is and build anticipation to see them. This has seemed to work for the Wyatts so far, and has proved successful for superstars like Hunter Hearst Helmsley and Carlito*, who won the US title from John Cena in his first match. Failures with this method in recent memory seem to be when the superstar is not fully revealed during these segments, such as w Tensai*. I personally believe this is because we build up the surprise in our minds and expect it to be bigger than it ever really could be in reality. An obvious non WWE example is the August 1* reveal on TNA. People thought it was Batista, Goldberg, or Stone Cold. No way Tito is close to those names.

2) Out of Nowhere

This is always a good surprise for us, the fans. To see a new superstar with no buildup is always unexpected. The perfect recent example of this is the Shield’s debut at Survivor Series last year*. But when using this method it is important that the debuting wrestler(s) actually make an impact. A losing effort, such as with our good friend Scotty Goldman*, can spiral a national career downward.

3) As a Second Banana

Personally, I think this is the best way to introduce a new wrestler. It allows him or her to pay dues and get match experience without the pressure of a main story. It also gives us the opportunity to care about them and become invested before their first solo story. Big E Langston has done well in his role of bodyguard for both Dolph and AJ, and has slowly become more comfortable in the ring. Dolph, who himself debuted as a valet, has gone on to an illustrious career thus-far. One other superstar that made his debut as an accomplice is the aforementioned Batista*.

What do you think is the best way to bring a new superstar or team? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter @sswtom. ( https://twitter.com/sswtom )

-Tom Lahdnuh

*Check out some links: