The WWE ID Twitter account released a video earlier today that was filmed at WWE’s talent tryouts during SummerSlam 2026 week earlier this month.
In the video, WWE talent scout Gabe Sapolsky explained what he and WWE are looking for when watching indie wrestlers for potential WWE ID deals with the company.
Saplosky stated that he is primarily looking for wrestlers who have good fundamentals and the type of in-ring action that brings a suspension of disbelief and also those who add character and personality to that as well.
“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. 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.
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.
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
Darby Allin on Winning AEW World Title In Two Minute Match, WWE Counterprogramming Efforts Against AEW, & Almost Drowned During Shark Week Stunt in 2025
Spoiler for Adam Copeland’s Opponent for His Match at MLP Northern Rising 2026
Anthony Bowens on His Belief AEW Has “One Of The Most Elite And Diverse Rosters In The World” & Injuries He Carries While Wrestling
