Tom Prichard Talks The Importance Of Relationship Building In Wrestling
Photo Credit: Jacobs Prichard Wrestling Academy
Tom Prichard recently launched a podcast in coordination with TMPT Empire and in his latest episode he shares an important tip that can ultimately lead to success inside the wrestling business. Prichard is known for being one of the most acclaimed wrestling trainers and you can see what he had to say below.
Transcription credit to TMPT Empire
On the importance of relationships in wrestling:
You build relationships in this business. I built relationships in this business but I also had what I considered to be one good friend (Brad Armstrong) and he passed away. But the relationships in this business, I had relationships, “The American Dream” who was a dear friend of mine to the very end he said that I just had bad mentors. Maybe I did but without relationships if they don’t want you there than you’re not going to be there. Far be it from me but I am going to use an example and I’m not picking on anyone because we’ve all made mistakes But the Dark Order in AEW. Okay, how do you really think they got there? Honest to goodness. Is that your best? They’ve got ways to go. If the work part is 90% do you really think they’d be there? It is that you have to build relationships and the guys in power have to want you to be there and if they don’t want you there than you ain’t gonna be there. So, you have to build relationships, you have to be able to get along, you can’t be a cancer in the locker room, you don’t want to be someone who is hard to deal with, you don’t want to be someone who is hard to deal with but at the same time you have to have confidence and know and understand how to manipulate because you are certainly going to be manipulated. Or at least they are going to try to manipulate you because that’s just the way it is. You can prove me wrong but I don’t think you will.
On relationships being more critical than having the skillset for the business:
I don’t care how good you are if nobody wants to book you than you ain’t gonna be seen. Nobody is going to let you work because they won’t use you. So if you treat people right and you get along with people and you build relationships and you show that you are a trust worthy person and I know there ain’t trustworthy people in this business and I know it can be a dirty one. I know what it can be and I certainly understand that and we’re trying to steer away from that and I’m trying to steer away from being and actually know I’m not trying, I am staying away from being negative about anybody out there because everybody has their own way. You have your way and I have my way but the right way and the only way does not exist.
You can listen to the whole conversation below.
Since debuting in January 2015 and named one of RollingStone.com’s “18 Pro Wrestling Podcasts To Follow”, The Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling has become a strong content provider in the podcast medium. Hosts John and Chad conduct the most in depth interviews in the entire genre of Professional Wrestling. TMPT also co-hosts shows with ECW Legends, “The Franchise” Shane Douglas: Triple Threat Podcast and “The Queen of Extreme Francine’s “Eyes Up Here”, ” Taking You To School With Dr. Tom” as well as “JJ: The JJ Dillon Podcast”. Follow @TwoManPowerTrip @ChadIanB & @The3ThreatPod on Twitter for Episode Previews and Show Coverage. Subscribe on YouTube for Interview Highlights and BEST OF Clips.