WWE talent scout Gabe Sapolsky outlined what he focuses on when evaluating independent wrestlers. Sapolsky, who has spent more than three decades in the industry, recorded a video explaining the qualities that stand out to him when scouting new talent.
Sapolsky began by introducing himself and his background.
“Hello, my name is Gabe Sapolsky. I’ve been in the professional wrestling industry for 33 years, starting with ECW back in 1993, and I now work for WWE as a talent scout in the North American region, as well as working on the Evolve show and WWE ID.”
He said the first thing he looks for is uniqueness — something that separates a wrestler from the pack — but that strong fundamentals remain essential.
“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 explained that he still reacts to believable offense the same way he did as a young fan.
“I’m still a fan at the end of the day, so 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.’ 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.”
Beyond fundamentals, Sapolsky said he looks for personality, character and individuality — traits that elevate someone from a good wrestler to a potential WWE star.
“And then I’m looking to people who add character to it, who add uniqueness to it, who add personality to it. 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. So getting all that wrestling down, being cool, being different, that is all part of it. What really matters at the end of the day is what makes you a one of one after you have accomplished all that.”
Sapolsky closed by emphasizing two qualities he wants to present to WWE’s coaches at the 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.”
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