Pro-wrestling and TTRPGs have a lot in common, as both are storytelling mediums where actors must work together to craft an ever-evolving fictional world. Alas, (to my disappointment) most wrestling games (especially TTRPGs) remain solidly within keyfabe, ignoring the craft and chaos that goes into creating a good wrestling show. Thankfully, Hotdogs & Handshakes tackles the genre differently, capturing the complex planning and behind-the-scenes maneuvering that make pro-wrestling so intoxicating.
In Hotdogs & Handshakes, players take the role of managers in an indie wrestling federation. Each one aims to collect wrestlers, put on great matches, and carry their grapplers to the top of the industry. However, that is much easier said than done, as there isn’t enough room at the top for everyone, forcing each player to engage in some shrewd dealing.
Playing Cards And Choosing Spots
To start the game, players have to gather a tarot deck as well as a D12, a D6, and a coin. Players will also need writing instruments (to keep track of their matches) and some notecards (to keep track of the venues, wrestlers, and wrestling matches they make during the game).
Each player starts with two wrestlers in their stable. To make these wrestlers, the player rolls on a series of tables to discover their Style and Gimmick. Wrestlers also have 5 other stats: Level, Experience, Vigor, Fair, and Appeal, all of which start at 1.
The game is built around Shows, each of which features several wrestling matches. To set up a show, players must decide where it is being held. Any manager with a venue card may offer it for the show, and it’s up to the players to come to an agreement on which one to pick. However, players should consider this choice carefully. Not only does the venue affect the total number of matches on the card, but each venue also has modifiers that alter how matches play out.
Once the venue is chosen, the players roll the D12 to discover the type of audience attending the show (with each audience giving different modifiers) before working together to create a card of matches featuring the wrestlers in their stables, along with the order in which these matches will occur.
Once the show card is decided, each match is played out. In Hotdogs & Handshakes, wrestling matches are simulated via a War-like card game. Each player whose wrestler is involved in the match draws a hand of 7 cards from the tarot deck. Then, over a series of rounds (dubbed spots), each player plays a card from their hand.
The player who plays the highest value card wins the spot. However, in Hotdogs & Handshakes, players also have to make sure the difference in value between the two cards doesn’t exceed the Botch Check (the exact value of which changes depending on the venue). If the difference exceeds the Botch Check, then the player who lost the spot can attempt to avert it by using their wrestler’s experience. However, if this fails, the match gets Botch.
A match ends when either a wrestler wins three spots, players run out of cards, or when the number of botches exceeds either wrestler’s Vigor stat. After this, the players tally up how much Hype the generated. This Hype is then divided between the match participants and the venue owner.
Once all of a show’s matches have been played out, players have a chance to manage their wrestlers and venues. Players can spend Hype to upgrade their existing wrestlers and venues, or buy new ones. During this phase, players can sell venues to other players or remove from play to gain some extra Hype.
After this, the players pick a new venue, create a new match card, and the whole process repeats, with the game coming to a close when one player reaches a pre-determined amount of Hype.
A Game That Captures The True Feel Of Wrestling
The best thing about Hotdogs & Handshakes is how it blends competitive and coop gameplay. While each player competes against the other to reach the Hype goal first, the only way to generate Hype is to produce good, botch-free matches, which encourages players to work together.
This setup is a perfect microcosm of real-world wrestling, as while every performer wants to secure fame and glory for themselves, the only way they can achieve that is by working with others. Because a wrestler who only has boring, one-sided matches will never get over with the fans and will never have anyone to work with, as other wrestlers will avoid them.
This idea is enhanced by the freeform nature of the venue selection and match card creation phases. Making players actually discuss the options and come to a unanimous decision forces players to think tactically. If a player always tries to push for what is best for them at the expense of everyone else, the other players will likely stop including their wrestlers in matches, dramatically slowing their Hype gain. Thus, a player must work out how to get the things they need, while also deducing when it’s best to cut their losses and support or uplift another player.
The game also beautifully evokes wrestling’s unpredictability. Some of wrestling’s most famous and beloved moments were born from sudden changes of plans. From promotions having to change a storyline due to fan reactions to wrestlers having to rework a match on the fly due to an unforeseen situation. Hotdogs & Handshakes’ numerous modifier tables and the botch mechanics, as well as the inherent randomness of the card-based match resolution system, mean that there is no optimal way to approach any situation, forcing players to think on their feet and make the best of what they have, leading to plenty of unexpected moments that will keep players on their toes.
A Few Tweaks For The Future
Despite loving the game, there are a few things I would like to see improved in future editions of the game. Most notably, the layout. While I do appreciate the game’s compact 8-page nature, each page is dramatically information-dense, meaning that it can feel overwhelming at first, especially for players unused to crunchy, mechanic-heavy games. It also makes it hard to find what you need quickly, which can slow the overall experience (as you’ll be rolling on tables frequently during the game).
Similarly, the game would be enhanced by a flowchart that shows where each mechanic fits into the flow of gameplay, as it can be tough to remember which table needs to be used when due to the sheer number of mechanics and tables the game includes. However, it should be noted that an FAQ on the last page explains that this game was designed for a bundle with an eight-page limit, making these tiny issues forgivable.
Hotdogs & Handshakes is a fascinatingly unique game. Its blend of competitive and co-op gameplay is quite unlike any other wrestling game I’ve played. While it may seem a little complex at first, those who stick with the game will be treated to a really memorable TTRPG experience, one that’s sure to stick with them long after the game ends. However, what makes it stand out is how well it captures that intangible x-factor that gives pro-wrestling its unique atmosphere. While I’ve played many games that attempt to imitate wrestling’s aesthetic, I’ve never found one that so perfectly captures the vibe of watching a real-world show. Because of this, Hotdogs & Handshakes is a must-play TTRPG for wrestling fans.
