Being a talented professional wrestler may help get someone noticed by WWE, but according to Gabe Sapolsky, in-ring ability alone is not enough to become a star in the company.

Sapolsky, who works as a WWE talent scout, recently offered insight into the qualities he watches for when evaluating independent wrestlers. His comments were filmed during WWE's SummerSlam week tryout, where prospective talent had the opportunity to showcase themselves in front of company officials.

For Sapolsky, strong fundamentals remain an important part of the evaluation process. He wants wrestling to look believable, whether that comes through convincing strikes, holds or other aspects of a performance that allow the audience to suspend its disbelief.

However, once those fundamentals are established, Sapolsky believes wrestlers need to bring something more to the table. Character, personality and individuality can ultimately separate a talented performer from someone WWE views as a potential Superstar.

Sapolsky explained:

"What stands out to me are unique qualities. I’m looking for ‘it’ factor, but at the same time, I’m looking for strong fundamentals. I’m looking for strikes that I still believe. I’m still a fan at the end of the day, so when I see a good strike, I still go, ‘Oh!’ I still react to it. When I see a hold that looks like it hurts, I still cringe, just like a fan, just like when I was 15 years old. And I’ll still be like, ‘Ah!’"

"And when I’m buying it like that, I know my superiors will also buy it, I know the fans, the WWE Universe, will also buy it, so I’m looking for those strong fundamental qualities."

Sapolsky then stressed that WWE is searching for performers who can become much more than simply accomplished wrestlers.

"And then I’m looking to people who add character to it, who add uniqueness to it, who add personality to it. I always say, ‘We’re not in the good wrestler business here.’ Being a great wrestler is part of what gets you in the door, but we’re in the superstar business. So getting all that wrestling down, being cool, being different, that is all part of it."

He also highlighted work ethic and the ability to take direction as two major qualities he wants to see before recommending prospects to WWE's Performance Center coaches.

"What really matters at the end of the day is what makes you a one-of-one after you have accomplished all that. At the end of the day, I want to put two qualities in front of the coaches at the [Performance Center]: people who outwork everybody else and people who are coachable and listen and learn."

Sapolsky has decades of experience evaluating and developing wrestling talent. His career dates back to his backstage work with ECW during the 1990s before he became closely associated with Ring of Honor in the following decade. He later founded the original incarnation of EVOLVE.

Today, Sapolsky's WWE responsibilities include scouting talent across North America, while he is also involved with WWE Evolve and the WWE ID initiative.

NXT Head Writer Offers Advice On Cutting Promos
WWE also released footage featuring NXT head writer Johnny Russo speaking to wrestlers attending the SummerSlam week tryout.

Russo focused on the importance of sounding authentic when delivering promos. He encouraged aspiring WWE talent to speak naturally rather than relying on a collection of rehearsed phrases.

Another key point was avoiding generic material. Russo advised wrestlers to find something distinctive in their delivery while ensuring their physical movements complement what they are saying rather than becoming a distraction.

The advice from Sapolsky and Russo gives aspiring talent a clearer picture of WWE's approach to recruitment. Wrestling ability remains essential, but personality, authenticity, coachability and the ability to stand out from the crowd could ultimately determine who receives the opportunity to take the next step.

What do WWE talent scouts look for in potential new WWE ID prospects from the independents?@WWERecruit @BookItGabe pic.twitter.com/SaesT8YiyU

, WWE ID (@WWEID) August 13, 2026