




All of these men were good friends to me, mentors, superstars, gentlemen and true professionals that had respect for the business and themselves. All of the could sell and tear the house down.
I have a great deal of respect for all of them and they will always be special to me for helping me throughout my career as a Pro Wrestler.


Ric 'The Equalizer'Drasin
Is 'selling' a thing of the past? I sure don't see it anymore. Ten high spots, slams, power bombs, backdrops, kicks, punches and then the guy comes back fresh! What's that all about? Let's be real for a minute. Years ago wrestling was based on Kafabe and Selling. Ok there's no more Kafabe, unfortunately. But, there's also very little selling.
How can you convince and audience that you are believable if you aren't. Plus it makes your opponent look weak. When I think of the old timers and how they sold a hold and wreaked with pain, you were sure that the arm was going to fall off. They sold it the whole match and then it meant something. Now days, it's just a shake-off and go again.
I watched wrestlers like Buddy Austin who was one of the most convincing heels around along with Kenji Shibuya and Pedro Morales. These guys had great matches. They sold, came back and sold but raised the heat in the house so high you had to open all the doors.
They didn't have to do more than one or two high spots. The rest was wrestling, selling and working the crowd. So, many people who come to me and want to train always tell me how great they can jump off the top rope. I had one student tell me after 3 weeks of classes that he thought he was ready to do a show. He doesn't sell, he has no facial expression but he can do a dive off the top rope and feels that's plenty. Oh, and he's also only 135 lbs. Doesn't even look like a Wrestler.
I told him he needs to learn basics, learn how to sell and work the crowd and said, 'Oh I know how." Wrong!!
Don't forget this isn't all gymnastics but that can be added where needed, the rest is selling and making believers out of the fans. Even today when most fans have been smartened up, you can still put some doubt into their minds if you sell properly.
Just like magic. If the magician is good, you believe it's real magic. Well working in the ring is magic as well. It's an illusion and we want to be the best at it.
You just have to remember when and when not to do it. IF someone hits you with a 'weak' punch, you sell it as one, if it's hard you sell it as it is. You can make you opponent look strong or weak or make yourself look like a wimp or a hero. It's all up to how you sell it.
Remember this and use it next time.
Ric "The Equalizer' Drasin
Photos - Buddy Austin - Kenji Shibuya - Pedro Morales