Being a good wrestler is only part of what WWE is looking for when evaluating potential talent.
WWE talent scout Gabe Sapolsky discussed the qualities he looks for in independent wrestlers during a video filmed at the company’s SummerSlam week tryout (see post below).
While strong fundamentals and believable in-ring work are important, Sapolsky explained that personality, character and uniqueness are also essential. Ultimately, WWE is looking for performers who can develop into superstars rather than simply being great wrestlers.
“What stands out to me are unique qualities,” said Sapolsky. “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. 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!’”
Sapolsky said that if the action is believable enough to draw that type of reaction from him, he believes it will translate to WWE officials and the audience as well.
“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,” he continued. “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’re in the superstar business. So getting all that wrestling down, being cool, being different, that is all part of it.”
Beyond the in-ring fundamentals and personality, Sapolsky said he ultimately wants to identify talent who can separate themselves from everyone else while also possessing a strong work ethic and willingness to learn.
“What really matters at the end of the day is what makes you a one-of-one after you have accomplished all that. At the end of the day, I want to put two qualities in front of the coaches at the [Performance Center]: people who outwork everybody else and people who are coachable and listen and learn.”
What do WWE talent scouts look for in potential new WWE ID prospects from the independents?@WWERecruit @BookItGabe pic.twitter.com/SaesT8YiyU
— WWE ID (@WWEID) August 13, 2026
