Book SummaryThere's Just One Problem..., by Brian Gewirtz

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of There's Just One Problem...

The writer delves into the unique traditions and frameworks that exist in the world of professional wrestling.

This part of the book explores the author's unexpected journey from dreaming of writing for Hollywood comedies to establishing a prominent position in the world of professional wrestling. The narrative delves into his adaptation to the unique demands of the industry, his navigation of its layered ranks, his success in gaining the trust of influential figures, and his ultimate establishment within the intricate world of professional wrestling.

Brian Gewirtz altered his professional goals, moving from writing sitcoms to making a name for himself within the world of professional wrestling.

Brian Gewirtz's journey to joining WWE unfolded through a sequence of fortunate occurrences and chance encounters. Brian Gewirtz's journey took an unforeseen turn towards the WWE, even though he initially aspired to create comedic scripts for the small screen.

The author's foray into the WWE universe came about through a serendipitous series of events.

Brian Gewirtz embarked on his journey to WWE after an unexpected phone call. Brian learned about an opportunity to write for a series of WWE specials in production through his brother, who was interning at MTV. Brian Gewirtz's chance to shine arose from a unique set of circumstances, including sharing a college professor with Mick Foley and the fortunate occurrence of his sister landing an internship at MTV.

Despite having taken a break from watching WWE for a while, due to the tragic death of Owen Hart, Gewirtz dove back into the product, realizing the potential of this opportunity. His familiarity with the characters and their voices allowed him to land the writing gig, marking his first foray into the WWE world after years of working on sitcoms. Brian Gewirtz initially met a number of key individuals while working on his MTV project, among them was Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who would later play a crucial role in his subsequent projects.

Practical Tips

• Volunteer your time in organizations or events related to your career aspirations. This not only gives you practical experience but also puts you in situations where you might meet influential people who could provide you with your big break. By being in the right place at the right time, you increase the chances of a pivotal moment happening in your career journey.
• Create a "connection map" to visualize and identify potential networking links. Start with people you know directly and branch out to the people they know. This can help you see hidden opportunities within your existing network. For instance, you might remember that your neighbor's friend works at a company you're interested in, which could lead to a valuable introduction.
• Create an online content series related to your interests to attract like-minded individuals and opportunities. This could be a blog, podcast, or video series where you discuss topics you're passionate about. As your audience grows, you may find that your content reaches someone who can offer you a unique opportunity, similar to how a blog about your love for wrestling might catch the attention of someone in the industry.
• Use downtime to expand your network by reaching out to individuals you admire or who hold positions you aspire to. Schedule informational interviews, virtual coffee chats, or attend industry webinars. This can lead to unexpected opportunities, such as mentorship, collaboration, or even job offers. If you're a graphic designer and find yourself between projects, you might reach out to designers whose work you admire to discuss industry trends and potential collaboration.
• Dive into the world of your desired industry by following and interacting with key figures on social media to understand their language and culture. By observing the tweets, posts, and discussions that industry leaders engage in, you can pick up on the jargon, priorities, and trends that define their world. For instance, if you're interested in the tech industry, follow prominent figures in Silicon Valley, join tech-focused LinkedIn groups, and participate in Twitter chats related to emerging technologies.
• Start a hobby project that combines elements from your current field with a new one you're interested in. For instance, if you're a web developer with an interest in fashion, you could create a website that showcases fashion trends through interactive web design. This allows you to apply your existing skills in a new context and learn through doing.
• Initiate a local meet-up group focused on your area of interest or industry. This can serve as a platform for exchanging ideas and can attract individuals with diverse expertise, including those who might play a pivotal role in your professional development.

The fast-paced and intense atmosphere of WWE presented a distinct set of challenges.

Brian Gewirtz first experienced the vibrant and high-energy environment he would come to know while contributing to the WWE-related MTV specials. He quickly realized that the environment at WWE was markedly different from the structured world of sitcom creation. The program's unpredictable and dynamic nature, coupled with the unique personas of the wrestlers, demanded his adept maneuvering through the chaos.

Transitioning from Hollywood to WWE was a culture shock for Gewirtz. In the WWE universe, the standard practice was to continually evolve and tackle the obstacles of devising engaging narratives for spectators at live events, a stark contrast to the carefully orchestrated and frequently practiced domain of television. The author narrates his first encounter with the job's challenges, which involved an unforeseen responsibility of managing travel logistics he wasn't ready for, and he continues by detailing the subsequent journey he took in a car accompanied by Vince McMahon, Shane McMahon, and Stephanie McMahon after the occasion....

There's Just One Problem... Summary The author's method for developing stories included working jointly alongside the athletes engaged in the wrestling matches.

This part explores the complex art of weaving engaging stories within the realm of professional wrestling. Gewirtz emphasizes his teamwork-oriented method in crafting scripts, placing emphasis on leveraging the distinct characteristics and abilities of each wrestler to craft unforgettable scenes. He unpacks the challenges of balancing creative control with honoring the performers’ input while adapting storylines to audience reactions and evolving talent dynamics.

Leveraging wrestlers' personalities and talents to create compelling narratives

Gewirtz focused on crafting stories that authentically reflected the wrestlers' unique traits and identities, instead of imposing his own concepts onto them. He worked closely with each performer to understand their distinct strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations, striving to create stories that were simultaneously captivating and authentic.

Striking a balance between honoring wrestlers' input and maintaining creative control

Collaborating with figures like the renowned Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Gewirtz adeptly balanced honoring their input with maintaining his own control over the creative direction. He shares his journey of...

There's Just One Problem... Summary The author's involvement in extensive company-wide projects and complex or difficult storylines

This section of the narrative delves into the author's involvement with broader WWE initiatives, including the ill-fated XFL venture and the contentious time characterized by the presence of celebrity guest hosts, while chronicling the creative and logistical challenges he faced while striving to make these ventures successful.

Managing the fallout from high-profile, polarizing storylines

Gewirtz explores the complexities of managing the outcomes of major storylines that provoked substantial reactions from the audience. He emphasizes the necessity for those who craft narratives to approach delicate subjects with thoughtfulness, remembering instances when the potential for significant public response was not completely foreseen.

Addressing the dissatisfaction among audiences and wrestlers concerning the infamous Katie Vick narrative.

The book provides an in-depth exploration of a particularly infamous era in WWE's chronicles, focusing on the Katie Vick storyline, as recounted by the author Brian Gewirtz. He acknowledges that the plot was not without its issues, remembering his early skepticism and the increasing discomfort that the narrative team felt as the story...