Indie Wrestlers See New Opportunities

When you think of Professional Wrestling, chances are, one of the first names that come to mind is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. And for good reason. He’s become a Hollywood megastar, and was the highest-paid actor in 2019. Or possibly names like John Cena, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, and Hulk Hogan. These entertainers who have transcended the squared circle to become pop culture icons all have their legacies tied to the titan of the Professional Wrestling industry, World Wrestling Entertainment. WWE is Pro Wrestling you can’t have one without the other. At least, that’s what CEO and owner Vince McMahon would probably tell you. However, there is a whole world outside of the Connecticut based company where Pro Wrestling exists in its most uninhibited form, known simply as the Independents. 

The Independents, also known as the Indies is a network of smaller Wrestling promotions that spans the entire globe. These companies rent out places like church auditoriums, school gymnasiums, and bingo halls to put on shows for a couple hundred dedicated fans. In fact, the story of performing in these venues to eventually go on and make it to WWE has become a cliche in the business. 

The dedicated people who literally offer their blood, sweat, and tears to the Indies often wear their scars like a badge of honor, to show that they paid their dues. That they’ve earned every bit of respect they get. People like Dave McCall and Nate Carter, a tag-team from West Philadelphia known simply as The Rep. They’re the current Capitol Wrestling Tag Team Champions, and have nearly twenty years of experience between the two of them. They’ve spent their entire careers in the Independents. 

“It’s opportunity. Everybody wants to go to WWE because for the longest it was the only place to make a living doing this,” said Carter. “Everybody got in the business to make a living. But if you’re out here grinding like you’re supposed to be, it’s hard work, but you can get it.”

McCall said, “it’s the perfect place to get started on your career. Instead of being under a system the entire time, learn how to talk to people. You’ll run into some bulls**t situations, but it tests your grit. It lets you know where you stand, and how to handle yourself. And I love it for that reason.”

These performers are road warriors. They drive hundreds of miles from show to show, often in the span of one night. They usually don’t make great money, have no insurance, and barely get to spend time at home. To be a wrestler in the Indies means dedicating your entire life to the business. It’s a labor of love like no other. 

Not every performer in the business takes the role of wrestler, though. There are so many vital positions in the industry and they all have their unique rolls to fill. One such performer goes by the moniker of Coach Mikey. Mikey is the lovable “coach” of Rob Killjoy and Lance Lude, and together, they’re known as the Ugly Ducklings. This rag-tag team and their bird-based gimmick is beloved by the fans that know them. And though they’re as goofy and light-hearted as you’d think, the trio are all incredibly talented. “Independent Wrestling means exactly what the word is, it’s wrestling that we’re doing independently with no backing, and no driving force,” said Mikey. “It’s just people helping other people to make wrestling a better place.”

In WWE, chances are that the wrestlers you see in the main event are six-plus-feet tall behemoths that stand head and shoulders above everyone around them. They’re larger than life in every facet of the phrase, and command an audience on charisma alone. Though, an emphasis is usually placed on the physical size of these performers. It’s rare that someone under six feet tall will make it to the main event. There are exceptions to the rule, like Rey Mysterio, but it’s exceedingly uncommon. 

However, there’s no such limitation placed on wrestlers in the Independents. It’s all about how well they can connect with the crowd. And one performer who personifies that notion is “Colossal” Mike Law. Law stands around five foot seven in reality, but has presence of a giant. His heart in the ring, and somewhat self-deprecating sense of humor has endeared him to the fans that have seen him perform. 

“Independent Wrestling is really the grassroots of Professional Wrestling. I know it’s so commonly said, but it really is where you’re going to see some of the stars that you get the chance to see on TV, but you get to see them before they get there,” said Law. “I tell people, if you support the independents, it’s so powerful because this is like the mom and pops instead of the Walmarts.”