Fantasy wrestling—or eWrestling as it's known to long-time fans—is a creative, competitive, and community-driven hobby that has been entertaining wrestling fans across the globe for over two decades. Short for “electronic federation,” an eFed mimics the structure of a professional wrestling promotion, but instead of actual matches being fought in a ring, they’re played out via roleplay, angle writing, or simulated results.

Though the umbrella term is “eFed,” the fantasy wrestling scene is far from homogeneous. In fact, one of the most intriguing aspects of this unique hobby is the variety of promotional styles that have evolved. Each type of eFed offers a distinct approach to storytelling, character development, and competition.

In this article, we’ll explore the different types of fantasy wrestling promotions—their formats, mechanics, and communities—to help both newcomers and veterans understand the landscape of eWrestling in 2025.

Table of Contents

1. Roleplay-Based eFeds (RP Feds)

2. Angle-Based eFeds

3. Hybrid eFeds

4. Match-Writing/Scripted Feds

5. Simulated/AI-Based eFeds

6. Booking Feds

7. Promo-Based eFeds (Shoot Feds)

8. Character Development/Story-Focused Feds

9. Discord & Social Media-Driven eFeds

10. Niche and Gimmick-Based eFeds

11. Choosing the Right Type of eFed for You

1. Roleplay-Based eFeds (RP Feds)

Core Mechanic: Competitive roleplay writing (RPs) to win matches.

Structure:

Roleplay feds, often referred to as "RP feds," are the oldest and most widespread type of eFed. In these promotions, handlers (participants who write for wrestlers) submit one or more roleplays—creative writing pieces that blend promos, character development, and story—before a scheduled match. The winner is determined by a judging panel based on writing quality, character portrayal, and creativity.

Subtypes:

1 RP Limit: One RP per match, with a tight word limit (500–2000 words).

Multiple RPs: Usually 2–3 per handler, often with flexible word counts.

Word Count Battles: Emphasis on longer, more descriptive entries (e.g., 3000–6000+ words).

Popular With: Competitive writers, hobbyists who enjoy creating deep, consistent characters, and those who thrive on head-to-head creative battles.

2. Angle-Based eFeds

Core Mechanic: Collaborative storytelling over competitive writing.

Structure:

Angle feds (or “story feds”) focus less on winning and more on writing great wrestling stories. Outcomes of matches are often pre-determined based on handler collaboration or staff decisions, with a heavy focus on feuds, alliances, and long-term booking arcs.

Handlers submit segments, participate in brainstorming, and may suggest outcomes for their characters. The focus is on narrative consistency and entertainment, not competition.

Strengths:

Emphasizes storytelling, creativity, and collaboration.

Inclusive to those who don’t want the pressure of competition.

Popular With: Veteran eFedders, creative writers, drama and story enthusiasts.

3. Hybrid eFeds

Core Mechanic: Blend of roleplay and angle/story input.

Structure:

Hybrid eFeds are the best of both worlds. They typically allow roleplays to determine match outcomes some of the time, but also incorporate angle work, segments, and collaboration for bigger stories and events.

These feds may:

Use RPs for weekly shows, but determine PPV matches through angles.

Allow character collaboration for tag teams, stables, and factions.

Emphasize storytelling even in competitive writing.

Popular With: Writers who want a little competition and a little story, and those looking for flexibility.

4. Match-Writing/Scripted Feds

Core Mechanic: Matches are “written” like a TV show—scripted for entertainment.

Structure:

In these feds, the staff (or volunteers) write out matches and shows much like actual wrestling programs. Writers often claim matches and write them out in full detail, complete with spots, commentary, and sometimes even wrestler dialogue.

Results are scripted ahead of time, often by bookers or based on handler collaboration. Participation involves writing segments, promos, and creative matches, not RPs.

Variants:

Open match claims: Any handler can write matches.

Staff-written shows: Matches handled by designated writers.

AI-assisted scripting: New trend where AI tools help write matches.

Popular With: Match-writing fans, people who enjoy producing shows, creative directors.

5. Simulated/AI-Based eFeds

Core Mechanic: Results are generated through simulation (e.g., video games or software).

Structure:

Sim feds rely on software like TEW, EWR, WWE 2K series, or custom-built tools. Handlers create characters and write promos or bios, but outcomes are dictated by stats, RNG, or game simulation.

Modern AI-based feds may use GPT-like models to auto-generate match writeups or match logic based on handler input and fed direction.

Strengths:

Removes judging bias.

Focuses on stats, randomness, or AI fairness.

Popular With: Stat nerds, casual players, fans of real sports logic, and game modders.

6. Booking Feds

Core Mechanic: Handlers act as bookers, not just characters.

Structure:

In booking feds, participants are more like General Managers or creative heads. Each handler may be responsible for:

A brand or show

Roster management

Writing match cards and PPVs

Scoring based on popularity, show reviews, and fantasy logic

Sometimes these feds use fantasy sports-style scoring, while others simulate match outcomes using TEW, Fire Pro, or even spreadsheets.

Popular With: Hardcore wrestling fans, aspiring bookers, statheads, and fantasy sports lovers.

7. Promo-Based eFeds (Shoot Feds)

Core Mechanic: Character-driven promos in a shoot-style environment.

Structure:

Promos are short, punchy, and focused—usually in-character interviews or hype videos. Often inspired by modern wrestling like AEW or indies, these eFeds emphasize realism, mic skills, and believable storylines.

Handlers write as if their character is cutting a real promo. There's less narrative fluff and more in-character fire. Matches may be judged based on promo quality or booked for storytelling.

Common Traits:

Realistic presentation (press conference style, social media wars).

Fast-paced weekly or bi-weekly promo cycles.

Popular With: Fans of realism, fast-writing formats, AEW-style energy.

8. Character Development/Story-Focused Feds

Core Mechanic: Pure character arcs and development take center stage.

Structure:

These feds aren’t about wins and losses. They're about long-form character journeys, often reading like serialized novels or prestige dramas. Matches still happen, but they exist to enhance emotional arcs.

Segments, diary entries, blog posts, and story threads are common. Success is measured not by title belts, but by depth, growth, and audience connection.

Popular With: Literati, fanfiction-style writers, and story-first hobbyists.

9. Discord & Social Media-Driven eFeds

Core Mechanic: Real-time or short-form writing on platforms like Discord, Twitter/X, or forums.

Structure:

Modern eFeds are increasingly run on platforms like Discord, Reddit, or Twitter/X. These are fast-moving, chat-based promotions where characters interact in real time via in-character posts, promos, and even voice segments.

Sometimes these feds simulate matches in real time, or rely on quick contests like vote-based decisions or live chats.

Pros:

Accessible and social.

Faster turnaround.

Feels more like “living the gimmick.”

Popular With: Digital natives, casual participants, younger players, and those who want immediate interaction.

10. Niche and Gimmick-Based eFeds

Core Mechanic: Unique themes or genres.

Structure:

Not all feds are based on traditional wrestling logic. Some niche feds build an entire world around a gimmick or genre, such as:

Anime-based wrestling (e.g., fantasy powers)

Sci-fi or dystopian feds

Historical settings (e.g., 1980s throwback)

All-women’s promotions

Deathmatch-only feds

Celebrity feds (using real or fictional personas)

Feds with supernatural or magical elements

These promotions often have specialized rules, terminology, and character templates.

Popular With: Genre enthusiasts, worldbuilders, and experimental writers.

11. Choosing the Right Type of eFed for You

Ask Yourself:

Do I want to compete or collaborate?

Competitive? Choose a Roleplay or Promo-Based fed.

Collaborative? Try an Angle or Hybrid fed.

Do I enjoy writing long pieces or short bursts?

Long-form writers thrive in RP feds.

Short-form writers may prefer Promo or Discord feds.

Do I want to book matches or run a show?

Booking feds let you call the shots behind the scenes.

Am I tech-savvy or nostalgic?

Sim feds and social media feds often require some digital comfort.

Forum feds have that classic charm.

Do I care about realism or fiction?

Realism? Shoot feds and sim feds may appeal more.

Fiction? Dive into character-driven or genre-based feds.

Red Flags to Watch For:

Toxic communities

Overly biased judging

Lack of transparency or communication

Burnout from too many matches or expectations

Final Thoughts

The world of eWrestling is vast and ever-evolving. Whether you're a first-time handler or a veteran returning after years away, there’s a place for you. From tightly judged RP contests to collaborative story sagas and Discord-based chaos, the modern eFed ecosystem offers something for every flavor of fan fiction, creative writing, and wrestling nerddom.

Don’t be afraid to try more than one kind. Many writers balance multiple feds, discovering what styles ignite their passion most.

In the end, fantasy wrestling is about having fun, building characters, telling stories, and finding your voice—whether it's behind a keyboard, in a Discord promo, or woven into a multi-part narrative arc.

So pick your fed. Lace up your boots. And step into the ring—fantasy style.

Have a favorite type of eFed? Let us know in the comments, or tag us on X @ewplacedotcom!

Want help finding the right fed for your character? Check out The Vault or join our Discord.