Now then, there are two main types of efeds: roleplaying and angle-based. In wrestling terms, an angle is a storyline. In angle-based feds, storylines are the most important aspect, whereas in a roleplaying fed, how you roleplay will ultimately determine the winner. This does not mean that roleplaying is not important at all in angle-based feds, just that there is a stronger emphasis on angles, whereas in a roleplaying fed angles are often secondary to how well you roleplayed for your match. The general rule is the better roleplayer will usually win the match. It should be noted that there is a huge debate over what "better" means; it is quality vs. quantity or the other way around? Most feds say it is a combination of the two, but the sad fact remains that in all actuality quantity usually wins that debate. For what it's worth, there also seems to be some sort of stigma against angle feds, as most people feel the best roleplayers are not always rewarded (this is a common fallacy). As such, there seems to be fewer angle feds than roleplay feds.

Once you have found a fed, joined and have been accepted, the person running it (often referred to as a fedhead) will book matches on imaginary "TV shows," meant to be modelled on real-life wrestling programming, such as WWE's Monday Raw and Friday Smackdown programs. A popular question is "what do I have to do get booked in a match?" Nothing, other than roleplaying. Even if you don't have a match, you need to roleplay to let the fedhead that you're an active member of the roster. Some feds even have a section on their message boards (more about this later) devoted to roleplaying that has nothing to do with a specific match. It could go by many different names (in EWA we have a section similar to this called "Character Development." If you're unsure, just ask. Anyway, the point is that they will put you in a match, trust me. So, if your character is named Dan "The Machine" Jones, you might notice that one of the matches (the size of the fed's roster will dictate how many matches are included on a given card) for the next event might be, say, Dan Jones vs. Billy Barnes, perhaps in a ladder match. After the event's card is posted, the wrestlers write roleplays as their characters.

So WHAT IS a roleplay? This is where all the interactive aspect comes in and what your responsibility is. Basically, you write up little promos featuring your wrestler. They can be about anything you wish really, and some people's roleplays have very little to do with wrestling at all (which I personally think is stupid) and, instead, focus on the character themself. It is essentially creative writing. They can also be entirely about wrestling. You know the type of thing: sort of like the promos that you see wrestlers do on TV all the time. Something like where Wrestler A says he'll kick Wrestler B's ass. Usually though it is best to try and do something a little more creative than just replicating the interviews you see on television (in fact, it's pretty much a must). So, if you are booked in a cage match, you might want to write a roleplay where your character is voluntarily put in prison, to see what it is like behind bars.

Again, the winner is determined by the person that roleplays "best." This is voted upon by the fedhead and any other staff members. Roleplays will be posted either on a message board set up by the fedhead, while some feds use an email system. The message boards seem to be the most common. Some efeds are set up entirely on message boards with no actual website existing.

As alluded to above, efeds are rarely run by a single person and usually involve some sort of committee with the fedhead at the of the hierarchy, with some sort of other senior staff member and then several other staff members, who might be in charge of everything from the maintenance of the website, creation of graphics, or writing matches.

The matches are then written up and then put together with the rest of the show (aside from matches there will also be backstage segments. Most feds will allow you to write up your own segments if you so wish) and posted on the website. For a better idea of how matches are written check out this page for an example match that I wrote between The Boy and Chris Jericho back in the RWW days.

There are three main types of results that you will find in efeds. One is known as recap/summary. This is basically where things are broken down into the major events of a match. There is no need to break down each and every move that was used, nor do you need to focus on what the announcers are saying at all. This is the type of results that RWW used when I first joined. In a way, I prefer this type, simply because it's much easier on the match writer(s), ensuring that results can get done on time. Also, it allows them to focus more on psychology and the flow of the match and not necessarily which moves were used or what funny thing the commentators had to say. To me, fantasy wrestling it really isn't about ACTUAL wrestling, so why bother knocking yourself plotting the matches move for move? I mean, all the interaction comes in the form of the roleplays and what happens in between matches and how matches end. It is not really about what happens in the ring, so why knock yourself out? That's just my personal preference though. Anyway, this type of results might look something like this:

Dave and Bill locked up in the centre of the ring, but Dave soon found himself with the upperhand. Dave pressed his advantage early, earning several near-falls before the momentum changed and Bill found himself mounting a comeback. Bill fought valiantly, but was unable to put away Dave. Bill went for his finisher, The Bill Bomb, when Dave reversed it into a small package for the three count and the win.

The second type is the play-by-play results, also know as "full, handwritten results." Basically it focuses on the match move-by-move, complete with commentary. It would be like reading a transcribed episode of Monday Raw. Most feds seem to prefer this type these days, as I think most fedheads feel it shows that they are truly dedicated or whatever. Problem is, you need a LOT of time to write this out, as shows will become quite lengthy very quickly. It is interesting to see how dedicated some people are though. An example would look like this:

Dave and Bill lock up in the centre of the ring, with Dave taking the advantage with a quick side headlock. Bill manages to push Dave off and into the ropes, connecting with a back body drop. Bill charges at Dave with a clothesline, but Dave ducks it and then counters with a dropkick. Bill gets to his feet, but is met by a northern lights suplex into a pin.

1...2...kickout by Bill.

Commentator Fred: "It looks like Bill will have his hands full with Dave tonight."

Commentator Steve: "It sure does Fred. Dave is a veteran and he knows where is at all times in that ring and he is going to use his experience to help him wear down his opponent here tonight."

Dave picks up Bill and whips him into the corner...etc.

Finally, you may also find feds that rely on simluation-based results. Basically, some sort of program is in charge of playing out the match and, ultimately, the end result is completely randomized. A lot of people do not like this approach and I would agree. These will probably look like a lot like play-by-play results, sans commentators, but the main difference will be how the winner was chosen.

Just like in real wrestling, efeds have "titles" that you can win too, some being more prestigious than others (obviously a World Title is more highly regarded than, say, a Television Title). Do you actually get a real belt? Of course not. You are champion in name only. It may sound stupid, and I suppose it kinda is, but it is nice to know your peers think you are doing exceptional work. In this sense, there are definite goals one can aim for in ewrestling. You will then be placed into title matches where you must defend your title. If the other person does a better job of roleplaying than you, that person will win the title. In some instances, angles are used to determine who the champion is. After all, this IS wrestling and storylines are a necessity. This is true of any type of match at any given moment, not just title matches. Often though, people competing in efeds do not understand this notion and complain because they felt they did a better job of roleplaying. I'll be blunt-these people are stupid and annoying and should get a life. It's just a game people!

So why do all this? Well, if you're a wrestling fan like me, it can be a lot of fun. Dorky? Oh hell yes, but if you know me then you already know I'm a dork. Basically though, it's a fun way to combine wrestling and creative writing, it's a great hobby, and a terrific way to meet like-minded people online. If you are at all interested in wrestling, or if you just enjoy doing creative writing, I would suggest giving it a try.

To find a good efed, check out the Roughkut efed database.

Hopefully that explains it all for you. If you still have questions or if you think I've forgot something, email me and let me know.

-With files from Roughkut.com.