Copyright © 1998 by Steve Pillmeier. HTML conversion by Bryant Berggren. Special thanks to the #ewrestling crowd, and the AWI website, both of whom made writing this much easier.
I'd put this in flashing lights if I could. Basically, every other rule in this list goes back to this one. It's for fun. If it's not fun, then start collecting stamps or something. Don't get overly aggravated. I'm not saying treat it as a total goof ... have some pride in what you do. Just don't take it too seriously.
This includes fedheads and other players. Fedhead is generally a pretty thankless job. So, give your fedhead feedback, especially positive feedback. Lets face it, the pay sucks. Also -- remember there's a real human being behind every character, and that they're trying to have fun as well. Even if you don't like a particular character. don't totally slag them.
As I said above, the pay sucks for fedheads ... real life does take precedence.
Example: if you don't like power-based musclemen, then don't run one. If you don't like babyfaces, don't run one. Chances are you'll do better with a character [not to mention have more fun] if you're running something you like.
If you've never seen a lucha-style match, then don't run a luchador. As an aside on this -- don't assume the fedhead knows the style. If your character has some different, unique moves, explain them in detail [to the best of your ability]. Help in this regard can be found at
http://www.webspan.net/~fender1/bbbowm.html.
Also, the more detail you give a fedhead, the better he can write up your wrestler. 'Tis better to give too much information than too little.
Again, an example: a lot of the feds I play in tend to frown on "being hardcore", swearing, and breaking kayfabe. Therefore, it'd be sort of silly for me to enter a character in them that did any of the above. Nothing wrong w/ being different in a fed, but chances are a league is a certain way for a reason [i.e., the GM and most of the players are against it]. Therefore, by "pushing the envelope", so to speak, there's a good chance you'll just be ticking off the rest of the league.
Other examples: a] If you wanna run a comedy type character, find a league suited for that genre. b] If you wanna run a total knockoff of a RL wrestler, find a league suited for it. Most feds tend to REALLY frown on this one, and entering, say, Hulk Hogan to compete is just a waste of time.
Now, I'm not asking for All Japan level psychology here ... though it would be nice :). This is more or less a pet peeve of mine I guess, but ... well, some examples:
For me, whether it be in "real" wrestling or e-wrestling, a lot of times it's the little things that get the character over. Put some thought into hometown, name of finisher, theme music, mannerisms, etc.
Ask for a handful of old cards, or a copy of the Who's Who of a fed. Talk to other players. Go on irc, try to find a fed that suits your need [#ewrestling generally has someone on it]. A couple websites to check out in this regard: