WWE Talent Scout Explains Why Being A Great Wrestler Isn’t Enough

WWE talent scout Gabe Sapolsky has explained what the company looks for when evaluating potential prospects from the independent wrestling scene.

WWE ID recently shared a video featuring Sapolsky, who discussed the qualities he looks for while scouting talent across North America.

Sapolsky has worked in professional wrestling for more than three decades, beginning his career with ECW in 1993. He currently works as a WWE talent scout in the North American region while also contributing to EVOLVE and WWE ID.

Sapolsky explained that unique qualities and the “it factor” immediately stand out to him, but strong fundamentals remain equally important.

“What stands out to me are unique qualities. I’m looking for ‘it factor,’ but at the same time, I’m looking for strong fundamentals. I’m looking for strikes that I still believe,” Sapolsky said.

He added that his reaction as a wrestling fan helps him determine whether a performer is connecting with what they are doing in the ring.

“When I see a good strike, I still go, ‘Oh,’ I still react to it. When I see a hold that looks like it hurts, I still cringe just like a fan, just like when I was 15 years old, and I’ll still be like, ‘Ah.’”

WWE Talent Scout Looks For Wrestlers Who Can Connect With Fans

Sapolsky believes that if a wrestler can make him react as a fan, there is a strong chance that the performer can make WWE officials and the wider audience react in the same way.

“And when I’m buying it like that, I know my superiors will also buy it. I know the fans, the WWE Universe, will also buy it. So, I’m looking for those strong fundamental qualities, and then I’m looking to people who add character to it, who add uniqueness to it, who add personality to it,” he explained.

The WWE talent scout stressed that being a technically sound wrestler is only one part of what it takes to make it in WWE.

“I always say we’re not in the ‘good wrestler’ business here. Being a great wrestler is part of what gets you in the door, but we are in the ‘superstar’ business,” Sapolsky said.

He continued by explaining that WWE wants performers who can stand out from the rest.

“So, getting all that wrestling down, cool, being cool, being different, that is all part of it. What really matters at the end of the day is what makes you a 1-of-1 after you have accomplished all that.”

Sapolsky concluded by revealing the two qualities he ultimately wants to see in potential recruits before they reach the WWE Performance Center.

“At the end of the day, I want to put two qualities in front of the coaches at the PC: people who outwork everybody else, and people who are coachable, and listen, and learn.”