We are back to Warrior pics these last two weeks of September and I haven’t used a black-and-white one in a long time. This one is so similar to the WCW/NWO magazine cover I used a few years back when Warrior unleashed OWN in 1998. I decided to look up some photos and this pose was chosen. So hard to believe I have never used the word gimmick in a post, not ever. Yes, I had to check on that to make sure but an idea came to me. I was listening to a podcast and of course that word of gimmick comes up when talking about wrestling. The Ultimate Warrior had his gimmick as did others which does continue today just in a different way.
They knew back then how getting a gimmick would take you far in the business but actually, we all need one. Yes, you read that right. Have you looked up what it means? There are several definitions but the most obvious is doing something that stands out or makes an impression. It usually involves a business or product more but we can have our OWN gimmick too. No, you don’t need to paint your face, run around, or anything else the character of U.W. did. What makes YOU stand out though? Some may not truly want to but we all need to be remembered for our unique brand of intensity. We want to bring it all to the squared circle that is our life.
Gee, let’s see here. Our gimmick is our personality but it can be so much more. If one is going for fame, it gets amped up and expands into a lot but for regular folks~~~ it sounds intimidating. It’s not a word I use to describe someone as I’m sure you don’t either. Beyond a personality, it’s all in how we convey it to others but also in our attitude behind it. There are many traits that make up one’s gimmick so to speak. We as fans know several facets of the Ultimate Warrior that contributed to his gimmick which in turn made him successful. He even had some attributes that other guys didn’t but the opposite is true too. If you are unaware, just look him up. You can find plenty out there.
In these last several years, my gimmick would be writing. Believe it or not, I don’t share everything and despite some stories that are seemingly extroverted~~~I really am not. Extroverts will do much more to publicize a gimmick which is a natural fit to them. Some of us work in a different way which seems like we are really selling that gimmick but not doing everything. Let’s say being on most social media sites for example. That just isn’t me and it doesn’t bug me one bit. Sure, I could do so much more but for now, this is who I am. Will it change over time? Possibly and there’s that word of last week again but it’s all in how we project that gimmick to the world. For all those “out of the loop” about Warrior, no he was not an extrovert even though it could seem that way. I wrote about that too...
Over the years, your gimmick will evolve with the times as creatively you see fit. Look at Warrior. He advertised his gimmick all over from trunks, kneepads, dusters, hats, and any other gear. It then moved into some of his business ventures outside of wrestling like his gym, comic books, speaking, writing, or even artwork. Still has gimmick but just presented in various ways. Most of us will never have those items as part of our gimmicks but think of how else you can present yourself and how it can work in your life. You gotta get one and make sure it sticks. I guess if you are a pro wrestler, you can and possibly will have several. Many performers come to my mind that switched their looks or even aspects of the character around. Their gimmick might’ve gotten rebranded in a way but it still worked. We have our favorite of theirs but it’s them who decides how the “new” gimmick gets out there.
The risk is always around though when trying to change or improve an existing gimmick. You may lose fans, money, or even a project idea if it isn’t recognizable enough and others can’t relate. We do need to expand despite those possible risks but again, the cost is up to you. Warrior lived with his consequences and had said he didn’t have regrets. It’s difficult saying the same but there will always be lessons, not failures. You are in control of how your gimmick goes and if it goes well.
Some may say the gimmick of Ultimate Warrior waned but others always loved it as evidenced by many fans all over the world. Yes, there were those “squash” matches that became iconic with U.W. getting a crowd pop and then letting his gimmick take over. That’s how he wanted to do it but then again, his major feuds with opponents would usually be a much longer match that played out a great storyline. When I looked up more on gimmicks, pro wrestling was listed first among a few other sports. This makes total sense as their in ring persona defines how they are viewed by an audience and in turn accepted or not. Gimmicks can range also in terms of heel/ face, comics, (like Ultimate Warrior!) horror, (I think Undertaker!) ethnic, or so many more. Vince was always contributing to a character’s gimmick with mainstream culture and what was popular at the time.
I know you all that are wrestling fans recall many gimmicks of then and now as it is such a part of sports entertainment. I will always remember mine from the Golden Era and even today, laughter comes when thinking of some! Let’s all get a gimmick and work on it. It’ll go over with some but maybe not all. Keep the fans who love your gimmick as there is a reason why they do. I always loved the Ultimate Warrior gimmick despite never fully knowing his other wrestling personas. I know he likes mine too (: Get your OWN and continue doing the work, the right audience will be there.
***P.S. Don’t be confused by this post today. Warrior used his U.W. gimmick for certain aspects in his life but our TRUE gimmicks go deeper than anything one could put out there publicly. Know that. You are more than a gimmick. You have one but remember to be MORE than what it is... 👊🏻💙🙋🏻♀️Have that self- belief and discipline as your guide which will make your gimmick truly WORK…
*** Find me here along with book info on how Warrior’s energy ignited my intuition! I share dreams, family stories, psychic terms explained in a fun way, and lots more.. I write a more in-depth spiritual blog over there as well. *** The book is also on Amazon and other outlets (: I’d love a review or any feedback.., You can connect with me too over on Twitter and YouTube where I post more spiritual content and even some Warrior tidbit videos! *** check out a U.W. fb group too if you were or are a fan still of his!!! 🫵🏻💪🏻🥰
mywarriorwritings.com 