WWE Must Maintain an Open-Minded Approach to Scouting Prospective Talent

If the reports are true, then WWE should start holding developmental tryouts at the Arena Football League.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports, via WrestlingInc.com, that WWE doesn't want to sign any more small guys. Also, the company reportedly doesn't necessarily want guys who are big names on the independent wrestling circuit either.

The reality of this report would basically mean WWE is calling all and only linebackers and defensive ends who couldn't make it in the NFL—at least for now.

I don't know if I fully believe all of the rationale in this report, but I do think there is a good bit of accuracy to it.

In terms of WWE not wanting any more small guys, I'm not surprised. I don't agree with it, but look at every single person who WWE has ever had as their poster boy to make big money. Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold, The Rock, John Cena. All guys with bigger and bolder looks. Those are qualities worth more in marketing. However, I disagree with any mandate to not consider any smaller guys. If a guy is talented, he's talented. At least consider him before ruling him out due to his height.

In terms of WWE not wanting stars on the independent wrestling scene, there are two reasons for this.

The first angle I understand. Many do work an independent wrestling style that's got them popular with that crowd where they put on more of an exhibition than a wrestling match. Cool move after cool move with no purpose or timing to it. Less selling in the matches.

This style isn't something you can do night after night for WWE. It isn't smart business for guys WWE is making a long-term investment in. This style also often lacks what WWE is all about, which is emotion. They want facials. For WWE, bringing in some stars from the independent level is a "break them down and rebuild" process. They try to teach them the WWE style and way.

They want storytelling. Daniel Bryan and CM Punk have done a good job balancing the WWE style while building up to their “independent wrestling” style and spots in their matches. Punk and Bryan make the transition and compromise look easy. Not something everyone can do.

The second angle is what I question. I'm either questioning the accuracy of the report or the WWE minds if this is in fact true. It's the angle of not wanting guys who were making their living on the independent scene because they might feel they don't need WWE. That if WWE doesn't work out for them or they don't like it, they can always go back to the independent scene.

Really?

There is nobody who is a top name on the independent scene this would apply to. A guy who might get $350 on a good night from wrestling finally gets to WWE, isn't going to be fine with the thought of going back to the independent scene after being in WWE's system and having a chance to change his life.

If you've been under the WWE rule, on television and making good money for five years, you might have an itch to make your own schedule and rules by going back to the independents. We've seen that many times with a lot of mid-card guys. Of course, if you've been with WWE for five years and go back to the independents, you're not going to make typical independent money, as you can command a higher price and will do great at your merchandise table.

I don't care what size or background WWE developmental guys have. I just want them to have a love for the industry, both the entertainment and wrestling side of it. If they have that, you can only criticize them so much.

A good example is Ryback. The guy gets a lot of heat from fans but he loves wrestling and worked hard to get back to WWE after being released once.

It's the guys who are signed to WWE who have no clue or care for what they're getting into. The guys who were mentally trained since they were a kid by everyone in their lives that they were going to get rich because of their physical abilities.

They were trained that they would be the stars in high school and they were. Trained they would be stars in college with a free ride and got that. Trained they would dominate in the NFL but couldn't make it in one of the few select spots.

They've failed in the NFL which goes against all they've expected their whole life. So they call up the WWE. They call and don't have any real appreciation of what it means to set up a ring or drive hours to make $20 just so they could perform in front of a crowd. They just know their athletic and WWE has the potential to pay a good living.

The reality is, there should be no specific criteria for who gets to be looked at or given a chance other than heart. Otherwise, as soon as a guy with no heart makes a little bit of money and name for himself, he will be gone.

Talent comes in all shapes, sizes and backgrounds. WWE doesn't need to be the destination for all who can't make the NFL―the XFL already tried and failed.

Follow @JustinLaBar