What the corporate world could utilise from Pro Wrestling culture?

Most people who know me are well aware that I grew up in the U.K. professional wrestling scene. Pro wrestling has been a major part of my life since I was a kid, and it even gave me my first taste of the business world where I put my skills to work for personal gain. But hey, that's a story for another time.

I get it, though. When most folks think of professional wrestling, they usually picture the wild times of the Monday Night Wars in the late '90s and early 2000s, Or maybe they've heard tales from their grandparents about the legendary Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks. But you know what? The roots of this industry go way back.

In the 19th century, wrestling exhibitions started gaining popularity at traveling carnivals and fairs. They were presented as legit contests, but the outcomes were already decided. To keep up the illusion of real competition, wrestlers and promoters came up with their own secret language, called "Carny." It had all these coded terms and phrases that are still used today. And somehow, it's become a part of my everyday vocabulary without me even realising it.

So here's the thing: I truly believe that bringing pro wrestling terms into everyday business conversations could do wonders for the corporate world. I mean, think about it. Pro wrestling is all about storytelling, larger-than-life "products", and entertainment. Imagine injecting that kind of creativity and excitement into campaigns and communications. It would make interactions with key stakeholders and potential customers so much more engaging and memorable.

And let's not forget about the camaraderie factor. Using pro wrestling terms among colleagues would create this special inside joke atmosphere and make everyone feel like they're part of an exclusive club. Who doesn't love knowing the inside joke, right?

In the end, embracing the language of pro wrestling in the corporate world can bring a whole new level of energy, excitement, and unity among employees. It spices up internal communication while giving a touch of mystery and intrigue to those who aren't familiar with the industry jargon.?

So let this smart-mark drop the kayfabe and turn this shoot into a work hopefully without botching it and avoiding any go away heat in the process. I want to make sure that by the time you finish reading this article, you'll totally grasp that final sentence.?

Please Note: this article is all about having a good time, While I'd absolutely love to hear someone pitching the idea of using a "dusty finish" in an advertising campaign, I have to admit that some of these ideas might not translate well or might already be in use. But hey, let's enjoy the ride and have a laugh together anyway!

1. Mark/Smart Mark:

A Mark is someone who gets fully immersed in the sport, believing everything they see in the ring is real. They're like the true believers, cheering for their favourite heroes and booing those dastardly villains without questioning the behind-the-scenes magic. When it comes to a customer facing business this would be your casual customers. The people that show an interest in the brand or the cause. The business goal is to make them believe in the company's mission and values and make them loyal customers or advocates. They could eagerly participate in promotional events, share positive experiences, and show unwavering support.

Now, let's talk "Smart-Mark." This is a special breed of fan who not only loves the spectacle but is also in the know about the inner workings of wrestling. They’re aware of the scripted nature, backstage drama, and industry lingo. They appreciate the artistry and athleticism while still embracing the thrill of the show. This is me… but for a business this is your industry professionals, knowledgeable aficionados. These individuals are like walking encyclopaedias of industry knowledge and trends. They stay up-to-date with the latest business news, market insights, and technological advancements. They possess a deep understanding of the intricacies of the business world and are often sought after for their expertise and advice. These are gold for a business to cater to, if you have the backing of a professional in the field you have significantly increased the reputation of a company.

So, whether you're aiming to captivate the casual customers, the Marks who dive headfirst into your brand's world, or seeking the support of the Smart-Marks, the industry professionals who truly understand the inner workings of your field, it's crucial for businesses to cater to both. By winning over the casual customers, you can make them believe in your mission and transform them into loyal advocates. And if you have the backing of knowledgeable encyclopaedias of industry wisdom, your company's reputation will soar to new heights. So, remember, embracing both types is a winning strategy that'll set your business on the path to success!

Example:

"We need to make an Ad Campaign that caters towards Marks but is comprehensive enough that Smart-Marks will want to engage with it too."

2. Kayfabe:

Kayfabe is the secret code and agreement within the world of professional wrestling that keeps the illusion of reality alive. It's about staying in character, pretending it's all real, and not breaking the fa?ade, even behind the scenes. Breaking kayfabe means revealing the scripted nature of wrestling and going against the agreed-upon illusion. In everyday life, it's like playing along with something, even if you know it's not entirely true, to keep the fun and excitement going. It's all about embracing make-believe and immersing yourself in the spectacle, whether it's in wrestling or in everyday interactions.

The corporate world, it's like putting on a show, just like in wrestling. we often play the game of kayfabe to keep up appearances. They may have their fair share of disagreements behind closed doors, but when it comes to the public eye, they put on a united front. It's all about presenting a carefully curated image of harmony and agreement, even if things aren't always as rosy as they seem."

In this way, "kayfabe" becomes a way to describe the act of maintaining a fa?ade or creating a perception that may not necessarily reflect the reality of the situation. While not a term commonly used in the corporate world, it can be a relatable analogy to convey the idea of portraying a certain image to influence others' perception.

Example:

"Our company is going through a restructure and there are concerns about layoffs. Our CEO understands the importance of maintaining morale and investor confidence, so they decide to keep kayfabe during an all-hands meeting. They have presented a carefully crafted narrative, emphasising the company's strengths, commitment to growth, and a bright future ahead, Despite the challenges we're facing."

3. a Work/Shoot

A work refers to the planned and scripted elements of a wrestling match or storyline. It's like the choreography behind the scenes that makes the whole show come together. Everything from the winners and losers to the dramatic twists and turns is carefully orchestrated. So, when something is "a work," it means it's part of the planned show and not an unexpected or genuine occurrence.

Now, on the flip side, we have a shoot. This term refers to a moment or situation in wrestling that is real and unscripted. It's when things go off-script and get a little bit, shall we say, unpredictable. It's like breaking through the boundaries of the planned performance and getting into real-life territory. "A shoot" can involve genuine emotions, unscripted actions, or even real-life conflicts that play out in the wrestling world.

a work can refer to actions or events that are planned, orchestrated, or part of a carefully designed strategy. It involves presenting a specific narrative, image, or message for a particular purpose. On the other hand, a shoot can be used to describe unscripted, genuine, or spontaneous occurrences within a corporate setting. It refers to situations where individuals speak or act honestly, often without the filter of a prepared script or planned strategy.

Example:

"The marketing team's campaign was a brilliant work. They strategically crafted the messaging and visuals to appeal to the target audience but during the town hall meeting our CEO went off-script and gave a heartfelt shoot about the challenges the company was facing. It was refreshing to see their genuine concern and transparency."

4. Botch

a "botch" refers to a mistake or an error that occurs during a match or a performance. It's when something doesn't go as planned or doesn't happen the way it was intended. It could be a missed move, a mistimed action, or a general slip-up that disrupts the flow of the match. This term is probably the most common term on this list that is used in everyday culture. You might hear about a botched plastic surgery or a botch job in DIY projects. It's a term that perfectly captures those times when things don't quite go as expected and end up in a bit of a mess.

Why not bring this term into the boardroom? It's a clear and concise way to describe situations where things didn't go as planned or mistakes were made. Instead of using stuffy corporate jargon, we could embrace the relaxed and relatable language of the botch. It adds a touch of authenticity and recognizes that, hey, we're all human and mistakes happen.

Example:

"Let's address the botched product launch head-on. Mistakes happen, but we'll learn from this setback and turn it into a stepping stone towards success."

5. Heat/ Go-away heat:

In professional wrestling, "heat" refers to the level of audience reaction or response towards a wrestler or a storyline. It's like the emotional temperature in the arena, where fans express their feelings through cheers, boos, and overall engagement. Heat can be positive or negative, depending on how the audience perceives and responds to the performers and their actions.

Now, let's talk about "go-away heat." This term is used when a wrestler or a storyline generates a negative reaction from the audience to the extent that it drives them away or makes them lose interest. It's like when the crowd becomes disengaged or actively dislikes what they're seeing. Go-away heat is different from the regular negative reaction because it goes beyond simple dislike or booing—it makes the fans want the wrestler or storyline to just go away.

"go away heat" can metaphorically refer to situations where an individual, team, or even a company generates such strong negative reactions from others, such as colleagues, clients, or customers, that those parties may prefer to disengage or distance themselves.

Example:

"Due to their consistently poor customer service that supplier has developed 'go away heat' among many clients. The negative experiences and frustration caused by their actions have led customers to actively seek alternatives and disengage from their services."

Alright, there we go! now look... This article is my chance to blend two passions into one epic tale. You know, professional wrestling isn't just a bunch of spandex-clad fighters in a ring—it's part of a vibrant subculture rooted in ancient carnie traditions that have seeped into every nook and cranny of modern society.

So, picture this: incorporating pro wrestling lingo into everyday business talk might not be everyone's thing, but trust me, it injects a splash of creativity, excitement, and unity into the mix. The rich history and unique elements of pro wrestling can ignite storytelling and take business campaigns and communications to a whole new level of engagement. It's like hitting your audience with a steel chair of entertainment!

Here's the secret sauce: valuing both the casual customers and the industry professionals. By doing that, businesses can create an army of die-hard advocates and catapult their reputation to the stratosphere. It's all about embracing authenticity, owning up to the occasional blunders (we're only human, after all), and keeping up appearances, just like playing the kayfabe game in the corporate world.

And let's not forget the magic of the ring! Just like in wrestling, business is a dance of planned "works" and spontaneous "shoots." It's about choreographing the show while leaving room for those unexpected moments that can truly shine.

Now, I'm not saying we should shy away from the occasional "botch"—hey, they happen! The key is to generate that positive "heat" among stakeholders, where excitement and passion sizzle, while steering clear of the dreaded "go-away heat" that can send them packing.

So, my friends, let's infuse a little pro wrestling spirit into our businesses. Let's create an unforgettable experience for everyone involved, like true champions in the ring. It's time to grab that microphone, deliver our own promo, and show the world what we're made of. Are you ready to rumble? Let's do this!