Step 1: Landing Your Interview!

Here are the Do’s and DON’Ts on how to pitch and land your interview with wrestling’s elite.

Let’s play a game of scenario.

You are wanting to do an interview with a famous wrestler, and were able to get good contact information for them…what do you do?

First, go ahead and take a moment to freak out.  Scream, jump, cry, do all the above simultaneously – we are here for all of it!

Once you settle down, you need to draft a solid interview pitch for this individual.  You can’t just pick up the phone and go blank. 

When brainstorming your idea, invest some time to research the various interviews they’ve done before.  Have they done one that’s a more introspective look at their career/life and the struggles with it?  Have they picked up a hobby that hasn’t received much attention?

OK, you got the topic.  Now what?  Next, you need to brainstorm the pitch.  Using whatever method works best for you, be it a brainstorm bubble or a pro/con list, make sure to keep your thoughts clear and concise.  Having a clear-cut point allows you to pitch the subject, without wasting anyone’s time.

After cementing your topic, practice your approach and tone a few times.  This ensures you won’t trip over your words and allows you to be more relaxed in your tone and approach.

Once you’ve gotten down your honed-in pitch and you’re confident with it, grab the phone to contact your subject.

Whether they answer a call, you leave a message, and/or emailing them, always identify yourself, address them by name and explain why you’re reaching out. 

Sidebar:  DON’T use their character’s name.  If you do not know that person’s legal name, Google is a magical tool my friend, use it.  I guarantee if you call WWE legend Mark Callaway, otherwise known as the “Phenom” Undertaker, and call him anything other than Mr. Callaway, I bet dollars to donuts you’ll get hung-up on.

Myself and Linda McMahon at Staples Center, after our interview. – May 2008. | Photo by: Cameron Mendez

These steps may seem silly, but the preparation is in the details.  It’s the same caveat as when you’re preparing for an exam; if you’ve done your homework, chances are you’re going to ace the exam and pitch.

After all the prep work is done, and you have their attention – it’s showtime!  Be confident and let your personality shine!

Thanks for visiting this first of eight installments on how to land and execute a top interview, with wrestling’s elite. Make sure to subscribe for next week’s post on how to prepare for your big day!

My favorite legend to interview, WWE Hall of Famer, Roddy Piper and I, in Hollywood – July 2010. | Photo by: Brandi Garcia-Valdes

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