WWE talent scout Gabe Sapolsky appears to have responded to the ongoing MLW controversy by outlining several factors independent wrestlers should consider before signing a contract.

In response to a recent report that Major League Wrestling is planning a roster refresh, Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) owner Brett Lauderdale warned independent wrestlers against signing with the promotion. He said signing with MLW could stall their career and momentum. He also said the wrestlers can’t sign with AEW or WWE unless the promotion offers them an early exit from their deal. MLW contracts also have a clause that prevents its wrestlers from competing for GCW.

WWE talent scout and creative consultant Gabe Sapolsky listed seven factors on X/Twitter that he believes independent talent should consider before signing with any promotion. He emphasized that talent should not sign with a company merely to reach the milestone of having a contract.

The WWE talent scout wrote, “Things to consider when signing a contract:”

  • Ask what their plans are for you. This will immediately tell you if it’s a good opportunity
  • Is there upward mobility not just in the promotion, but for the future in your career
  • Who will you get to learn from and work with
  • The devil is in the details. What are the limitations, and what freedoms do you have
  • Are you signing it just to be “signed.” Not a good reason
  • What benefits will you gain that you would miss out on if you don’t sign
  • What’s your gut feeling on it? Follow your heart.

“I’m sure I’ll regret posting this since this app is mostly people talking about things that they have no real knowledge of, but think they do. Will delete soon probably,” Sapolsky wrote.

Gabe Sapolsky is currently involved with the WWE ID program and EVOLVE.