In the 2010’s, there was a massive wave of hype with independent wrestling. This prompted WWE to turn their NXT brand into a high budget variant of these shows, and showed there was a market for this style of wrestling, leading to the formation of All Elite Wrestling. However, WWE, NJPW, & AEW scooping up stars such as Ricochet, The Young Bucks, reDRagon, Matt Riddle, Will Ospreay lessened the star power of small shows. Then COVID-19 nearly took them all out with one fell swoop. However, now that WWE has purged it’s roster – things are back on the rise.
WWE Reseeded Independent Wrestling With Their Slew Of Releases
Over the past year, WWE has released 82 talents from their contracts. In addition, Ring of Honor had to release all their talent as they changed their focus away from contracts. This has flooded the indies with talented names, both new and old to the scene.
Just looking at a card like the recent Wrestlecade event would show names from WWE & ROH putting on show stealing performances. Matches like Malakai Black vs. Buddy Matthews, PCO vs. Erick Redbeard, Jay Lethal vs. Matt Cardona, and even The Rock n’ Roll Express facing The Bollywood Boyz were all featured on this show.
This is just a fraction of the talent that remain free agents, and that AEW loans out for shows. Massive indy cards could pop up in any city at any time, and have matches folks will call the best they’ve seen in ages. In a weird way, WWE has helped professional wrestling heal again – as they finally stopped hoarding talent.
GCW, House of Glory & PWG Are Just Three Options In A Sea Of Quality Wrestling
With companies like Game Changer Wrestling selling out Hammerstein Ballroom, House Of Glory showing amazing promise with their recent show, and Pro Wrestling Guerilla starting up again like nothing happened – things are getting beautiful for wrestling fans. We are now spoiled for choice, with more shows than any one person can follow.
Japan is pumping out amazing shows, the UK is getting back to running notable shows, and North America never truly stopped. It’s one of the best times to be a wrestling fan. There is something for everyone, and the shows are happening just about every day. Always pay attention to your local companies, because who knows who will stumble out from the back for a match right now.
Will indie wrestling become bigger than ever in 2022? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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