What Are the Indies in Wrestling?By Coder| August 31, 2023 Wrestling What Are the Indies in Wrestling? Professional wrestling has a rich history and is a multi-billion dollar industry worldwide. While most people are familiar with mainstream wrestling promotions like WWE, there is another side to the business known as independent wrestling or simply “the indies.” In this article, we will explore what the indies in wrestling are all about. The Definition of Independent Wrestling Independent wrestling refers to any professional wrestling promotion that is not affiliated with major television networks or established international promotions. These promotions operate on a smaller scale and often focus on local or regional markets. While they may not have the same level of fame and financial resources as their mainstream counterparts, independent promotions offer unique opportunities for aspiring wrestlers to showcase their skills and develop their craft. The Importance of Indie Wrestling Indie wrestling plays a crucial role in nurturing talent and cultivating new stars in the industry. Many of today’s top wrestlers, who have risen to fame in major promotions, started their careers on the independent circuit. The indies provide a platform for young wrestlers to gain experience, build their fanbase, and catch the attention of larger promotions. Key Features of Independent Wrestling: Diverse Styles: Independent promotions often embrace various styles of wrestling, including traditional technical wrestling, high-flying aerial maneuvers, strong-style grappling, and even comedy-based performances. Creative Freedom: Wrestlers on the independent circuit have more creative control over their characters and storylines compared to those in mainstream promotions. This allows them to experiment with unique gimmicks and develop their own identities. Tighter Budgets: Independent promotions typically operate on smaller budgets than major organizations. This can lead to more intimate and authentic wrestling experiences for fans, as well as a closer connection between wrestlers and their audience. Opportunities for New Talent: The indies provide a stepping stone for aspiring wrestlers to break into the industry. It allows them to gain exposure, improve their skills, and attract the attention of scouts from larger promotions. Community and Camaraderie: Independent wrestling fosters a strong sense of community among wrestlers, promoters, and fans. This camaraderie creates an environment where everyone involved in the industry can learn from one another and support each other’s growth. Notable Independent Wrestling Promotions While there are numerous independent wrestling promotions around the world, some have gained recognition for their impact on the industry. Here are a few notable examples: Ring of Honor (ROH) Founded in 2002, Ring of Honor has become one of the most prominent independent promotions globally. ROH focuses on technical wrestling and has produced many future stars who went on to achieve success in major promotions like WWE. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) New Japan Pro-Wrestling is a Japanese promotion known for its strong-style wrestling style and epic matches. NJPW has gained international recognition over the years and has collaborated with various independent promotions worldwide. Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) PWG is a California-based promotion known for its fast-paced, high-energy matches featuring some of the best indie wrestlers in the world. PWG events often sell out quickly due to their reputation for delivering exceptional in-ring action. In Conclusion The indies in wrestling provide a platform for aspiring wrestlers to hone their skills, gain exposure, and potentially make their way to larger promotions. Independent wrestling promotions offer a unique blend of diverse styles, creative freedom, and opportunities for new talent. So next time you come across an independent wrestling event, consider giving it a chance and supporting the stars of tomorrow.