A name can be the difference between "cool" and "fool," a fact that is understood by most, if not many new wrestlers, but one that steadfastly eludes others.
Take All Pro Wrestling's new champion, The Polynesian Prince, (right)
a man who burst onto the Gulf Coast Wrestling scene a few weeks ago with all the subtlety of an asteroid strike. His gimmick fits so perfectly that he seems almost to have been born with it. And why not. Not menacingly tall, Prince is, nonetheless imposing by means of general physical presentation. His distinctive Samoan Polynesian build suggests strength and quickness even in dormancy, which is not very often, because he is a constant blur of motion.Prince's entrance gimmick is a simple combination of a colorful native wrap around garment and serious, handsome facial features that silently speak volumes as to how much danger his opponent is actually facing.
Among All Pro Wrestling audiences (the only place I have seen him work), Prince is wildly popular. Fans of all ages clamor for that passing handshake before he steps into the squared circle to deal a measure of fate to his opponent. It isn't hard to imagine a similar reception being handed to The Wild Samoans, Sika and Afa, back in the day.
The name chosen - Polynesian Prince, is direct, straightforward and tells the whole story to fans as it is spoken. What is offered in the introduction is who fans get when he bursts through the curtains, a young Samoan warrior capable of infinite damage, but humble enough to kiss a baby on the head on his way to do combat in the ring.
Hit or Miss, a gimmick name sticks, almost invariably, unless a wrestler is intuitive enough to change it by morphing his character to a new level.
Ultimate's "Chocolate Boy Wonder" Marcus Gibbs, successfully kicked "Chocolate Boy Wonder" to the curb, becoming "Mr. Marcus Gibbs" in a Sidney Potier-like move that made up in newfound dignity what he lost in name-recognition notoriety. Likewise, Jester McCain, became Carlos DeAngelo in a move that increased his overall recognition factor among fans. Both of these examples pale in comparison to the changeling "Vortex," who became "Nick Vortex," who became "Nick Virtue" and then "The former Sinner, Nick Virtue," one of the most controversial characters the coast has seen in recent years. Not since WWF's Brother Love and his catch-phrase, "I Luuuuve YOU." has anyone horrified fans quite as much or stirred them to outrage. All it took was a bible, a white shirt and a single word added to the gimmick name - "Virtue."
What should a new wrestler look for in a name for himself that not only defines his wrestling personality, but sets the tone for his future interaction with the audience? It's a tough question, one that plagues every rookie in training.
APW's Cowboy Ray is an example of how to get it right and wrong at the same time. Small and lean, school boyish in appearance but at the same time well muscled for his frame, Ray's choice of moniker is traditional and uncomplicated. "Cowboy" Ray, the character, though, is as uncowboy-like as could possibly be presented. His entrance music suggests traditional southern roots - but his ring gear consists of not the smallest hint of the word "cowboy" in his name. Neither hat nor duster, nor rope, chaps, boots or anything suggests that Ray-Ray is a cowboy. This is a lost opportunity, in my opinion.
As a cowboy heel, an appropriately black hat, and a black shirt with chaps would offer an authentic look as well as possibly a light touch of charcoal where beard would be if he were older. His attitude then would be enough to carry his heel persona forward to the crowd disdain needed for success. A baby face turn would then be no more of a problem than a change of hat color.
Costume tells a story started by a name. It fills in gaps left by careless naming or speaks volumes while the actor (wrestler) remains silent.
Black Scorpion doesn't need to say he is from parts unknown. He LOOKS LIKE a graduate of Parts Unknown High School. Just that alone puts him over.
"Brutal" Joe Gibson's recent image change from "dangerous" to "universally intimidating" is amazingly subliminal. Just a haircut, one might say - but no. It's so much more than that, but one can't quite bring it to the surface for scrutiny, such is the power of the wrestler's in-ring personality.
"Bobby Doll," (left) often heckled as "Barby Doll" has acquired a magnificent "Twilight" style vampire robe which suggests (though not yet a push) that fangs and a end-match ritual may be in Mr. Doll's future.Gimmick - name and costume combined can spell success or failure for a new or even experienced wrestler. Doink The Clown, Cousin Cledus, Moondragon; all these names conjure images in a fan's mindset. The Tye Die Kid, Damian LeVay; same guy, two very different characters.
Rainbow Warrior, Short Bandit, Street Bandit, all are names that evoke an image whether or not one has seen the wrestler perform. Tiny Tiswell is exactly that, Eddie G. (right) and his costume match perfectly. De’Luscious certainly is as the name implies, as is PVT 1st Class Angel.
So newbies - choose your gimmick thoughtfully and then pursue it relentlessly. Remember, you are literally as good as fans perceive you to be. You’re there for them so be your very best.
So newbies - choose your gimmick thoughtfully and then pursue it relentlessly. Remember, you are literally as good as fans perceive you to be. You’re there for them so be your very best.
