Yesterday, we compared the professions of teaching and professional wrestling, highlighting the similarities between the two in terms of their performance-based nature and their ability to captivate and inspire audiences. In today’s blog post, we will delve deeper into this comparison and explore how the lessons learned from the success of three iconic professional wrestlers can be applied to the classroom. From their unwavering commitment to their craft to their ability to adapt to changing circumstances, professional wrestlers offer valuable insights for teachers looking to engage and motivate their students. So, whether you’re a veteran educator or just starting out, read on to discover how you can bring a little bit of the ring into your classroom.

To be a successful professional wrestler, one needs:

1. Physical and mental fitness and strength
2. Adaptability and quick thinking
3. Showmanship and charisma
4. Acting ability
5. Good “mic skills” (engaging public speaking)
6. Strong work ethic and discipline
7. Understanding storytelling
8. Good psychology and understanding of the audience
9. Willingness to learn and grow
10. Resilience and determination to overcome obstacles and injuries.

Which of these translate well into teaching school children? Literally, all of them. Are they all equally important? Does a teacher or wrestler need them all in equal proportion? Of course not! The most iconic wrestlers have most of these in some proportion or another—or know how to compensate for their particular shortcomings. Let’s look at some of the most iconic wrestlers and see how their particular characteristics could be applied to the classroom.

“The Macho Man” Randy Savage:

One of the most iconic professional wrestlers of all time, Savage was known for his flamboyant personality, charismatic promos, and intense in-ring style. One of the main characteristics that made Randy Savage stand out from his peers was his unique and over-the-top personality. He was known for his wild, untamed energy and his trademark gravelly voice, which made him one of the most recognizable and charismatic wrestlers of his era. In the ring, he was as intense as he was on the microphone—apt to take risks and delivering devastating blows from the top turnbuckle.

The unique and over-the-top personality of “Macho Man” Randy Savage could be applied to a teacher in several ways to make them more effective in their role:

1. Charismatic: Just like Randy Savage, a teacher could use their charisma to engage students and keep their attention in the classroom. By being energetic and enthusiastic about the subject matter, a teacher can create a positive learning environment that students are eager to be a part of.
2. High Energy: Randy Savage’s high energy and intensity could be translated into a teaching style that is energetic and passionate. A high-energy teacher can create a dynamic learning environment that is engaging and motivating for students.
3. Unique Personality: Randy Savage’s unique personality set him apart from his peers, and the same could be said for a teacher with a distinctive personality. By being authentic and true to themselves, a teacher can create a positive connection with students and build trust in the classroom.

“Stone Cold” Steve Austin:

One of the most popular professional wrestlers of all time, Austin is known for his tough, rebellious attitude and his charismatic, anti-hero persona.

One of the key factors that made Steve Austin stand out from his peers was his unique and captivating personality. He was known for his anti-authority attitude, which resonated with audiences and made him a fan favorite. Another aspect of Steve Austin’s success was his in-ring style. He was known for his hard-hitting, no-nonsense approach, and his willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of what was acceptable in the ring. Finally, Steve Austin was known for his ability to adapt to changing trends and styles in the industry, as well as adapting his personal style of wrestling due to numerous injuries.

The rebellious and adaptable characteristics of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin could be applied to a teacher in several ways to make them more effective in their role:

1. Rebel Attitude: Steve Austin’s anti-authority attitude could be translated into a teaching style that encourages students to think for themselves and challenge the status quo. By fostering a classroom culture that values critical thinking and independent thought, a teacher can create an environment that encourages students to be creative and innovative.
2. Adaptability: Steve Austin was known for his ability to adapt to changing trends and styles in the wrestling industry as well as personal injuries, and a teacher can apply this same mindset by being open to new and innovative teaching methods. By being flexible and willing to try new approaches, a teacher can create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that keeps students motivated and interested.
3. Open and Frank Communication: Steve Austin was known for his straight-talking, no-nonsense approach, and a teacher can apply this same approach by being open and frank with their students. By communicating openly and honestly, a teacher can build trust with students and create a positive and supportive learning environment.

“The Nature Boy” Ric Flair:

One of the most legendary professional wrestlers of all time, Flair is known for his flamboyant and flashy style, as well as his athletic ability and mic skills. One of the key factors that made Ric Flair stand out from his peers was his in-ring skills, known for his unique offensive style, as well as his ability to sell his opponent’s moves and make his matches feel intense and believable. He was also a master of the psychological aspect of professional wrestling and was able to draw audiences in with his promos and interviews. Outside of the ring however, Flair shined even more, being over-the-top and flashy, complete with expensive suits and lavish jewelry. His “Wooooo!” catchphrase became one of the most recognizable and iconic in wrestling history. He was and is a true showman, and his matches were always a spectacle.

Finally, Ric Flair is known for his longevity and his ability to remain relevant in the industry for many years without changing too much of what made him successful in the first place (notably having rejected taking on a “Spartacus” gimmick he didn’t believe in). He was a mainstay of the wrestling world for several decades and has “retired” several times, but between a personal passion for the business and fan demand, has consistently come out of retirement to wrestle matches even into his 70s.

The characteristics of Ric Flair could be applied to a teacher in several ways to make them more effective in their role:

1. Passion: Ric Flair was known for his passionate and energetic style, and a teacher can apply this same approach by being enthusiastic and passionate about their subject matter. By being passionate about their subject, a teacher can inspire and motivate students, making their lessons more engaging and enjoyable.
2. Authenticity: Ric Flair’s commitment to being true to himself set him apart from his peers, and a teacher can apply this same approach by being authentic and true to themselves in the classroom. By being themselves, a teacher can create a more relaxed and comfortable learning environment for students, allowing them to connect with the teacher on a personal level.
3. Understanding of Psychology: Ric Flair is a master of the psychological aspect of professional wrestling, and a teacher can apply this same understanding to their own teaching. By understanding how to engage and motivate students, a teacher can create a positive and supportive learning environment.
4. Showmanship: Ric Flair was a true showman, and his matches were always a spectacle. A teacher can apply this same approach by making their lessons entertaining and engaging. By incorporating interactive elements and making their lessons fun and engaging, a teacher can hold their students’ attention and keep them motivated to learn.

Learning from some of the icons of wrestling, being true to their own styles, strengths, and abilities, a teacher can create a more authentic, confident, inspiring, and empathetic learning environment for students. This can lead to a more positive and engaging learning experience for students, helping them to reach their full potential.