Sam Gradwell, formerly of NXT UK, and who later became SLAM! Champion in Finland, landed in 2022. As we picked him up for the matches, he said to me, “So, you’re the photographer!”
Everyone in the car started laughing.
Often, I wish I was just a photographer. But, working actively within a wrestling promotion, photography is not always something I have a lot of time for. Thinking about the famous 80/20 rule, I think 80% of my work is spent doing something quite different.
What else is there to do, then? Well, for many years now, I haven’t worked as a referee or a wrestler (a story for another day), but in wrestling, there’s always something to keep you busy. I’ve been called a ‘multitool’ and a ‘one-man army’, so let’s unpack that.
The grind and the juggle
For me, it’s got to do with media and event production—a colorful mix of things here. A bit of this and that, but not the full buffet, and not all the time (thank goodness).
Leading up to a show, I might have my hand in planning it out, designing logos, posters, graphics, shooting and editing promotional video, shooting promo pictures, marketing, paid campaigns, updating a website or two, managing a ticketing page, maybe putting up posters around the neighbourhood, preparing entrance songs, and sometimes, helping contribute to long-term storylines.
Then comes the logistics. I might be driving talent to and from the airport, helping pack the ring in the truck while playing music nobody wants to hear, driving said truck, and perhaps buying some supplies.
At the venue, you might find me putting up the ring, building the lighting, setting up a PA system, reacting to last-minute problems, arranging merchandise, coordinating with the venue’s tech people, making sure the ring announcer has everything set, and shooting promo pictures right before bell time.
By showtime, I am finally photographing the matches, but I may also be playing the entrance songs, signaling to the in-house tech from ringside, operating a smoke machine, shooting backstage video vignettes during intermission, and generally just trying to make sure the show flows. By habit, I’m checking my watch to see if we’re running on schedule, although, many times we don’t have time constraints.
If it’s a live broadcast, I want no part in it. Our broadcast professional, Tuukka, is one of the best in his field in the country.
After the show, I may be processing footage, editing photos, and prepping for the next one. I briefly tried my hand at commentary, but I certainly don’t have a knack for it.
The multitool philosophy and the wrench
By now, your question might be: why wear so many hats? It’s out of necessity. If the team is small, the grind is real. It’s a unique exercise in controlled chaos.
My preference is to come prepared. Small spot shows are (usually) easier, but when there’s a bunch more moving parts, I need to paint a clear picture of the show in my head, from start to finish. I play it through in my mind and write notes. For some shows, our running order / script can be two full pages of text in detail, that I condense down to a few lines on a piece of paper. It serves me as a cheat sheet.
With bigger shows, I want everything to run smoothly. Unexpected variables can be like throwing a wrench into it, and there might be no perfect way to fix it on the fly.
Many complications can be easily avoided with enough foresight. This is also where the wrestlers can help keep the train on the tracks; taking another moment to think through the match beforehand saves a lot. Especially props, and being aware of where everything is. Then there’s that one small item you left behind, only to find you needed it most.
Some other things can be out of anyone’s control, like the changing weather at an outdoor show, sudden technical problems, unannounced schedule changes at a festival, or someone getting injured mid-match. Then, you just have to think fast and make the best of it.
Add to the mix some first-timer video folks, production people not familiar with pro wrestling, a drunk fan who wants in the ring, unreliable video camera batteries, and last-minute changes I wasn’t aware of—you’ll see the color on my face turn a deep shade of red.
Recently, though, we’ve been adding more people to our team, and I’m super grateful for that. People who have a genuine love for pro wrestling, and choose to be a part of it, even though they’re all busy with their real lives.
Of course, there’s always lots more to do, so in case you’re interested in doing something in wrestling, drop me a DM on Instagram.
Thanks, and keep hustling!