North Carolina's independent scene offers a variety of experiences for wrestling fans, catering to different tastes and preferences. We can divide the promotions into two categories: those that continue the tradition of bringing in established names, and those that focus on showcasing and providing opportunities for wrestlers who live in North Carolina and its surrounding area.
Promotions Featuring Established Talent
These promotions often bring in former WWE, AEW, or other nationally recognized stars to small venues, which enables them to connect with fans more easily. These promotions also often feature talented independent wrestlers from around the country. Some of the promotions in this category include:
WrestleCade Entertainment: Known for its family-friendly WrestleCade conventions, legends and current stars are brought in.
America's Most Liked Wrestling: Focuses on a traditional style of wrestling and potential stars of the future.
Revolution Wrestling Authority: Based in High Point, North Carolina.
Tarheel Championship Wrestling: Based in Lumberton, North Carolina.
DEADLOCK Pro-Wrestling: DEADLOCK Pro-Wrestling roster members have appeared on AEW-TV.
Fortitude Wrestling Entertainment: Based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
United Pro Wrestling: Based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
ASÉ: Live events include matches, DJ Sets, and musical performances, spotlighting multiple art forms.
Promotions Focusing on Local Talent: These promotions provide a platform for local wrestlers to build a following and grow their careers in a less competitive environment. This type of independent wrestling promotion is where many professional wrestlers started their career. Some of the promotions in this category include:
North American Wrestling Alliance: Founded in 1982, it is one of North Carolina's longest-running currently active promotions.
Allied Independent Wrestling Federations: A sanctioning body similar to how the NWA was originally a governing body.
AIWF Mid Atlantic Wrestling: The charter territory of the Allied Independent Wrestling Federations.
Ring Wars Carolina: Prioritizes entertainment that is fun for the entire family.
Premier Wrestling Federation: Features wrestlers with a diverse range of styles.
World Class Elite Wrestling: Originally known as World Class Extreme Wrestling, this promotion rebranded in 2023 after a change in ownership.
United Pro Wrestling Association: Although this promotion has featured established talent, it focuses more on new-generation talent.
Xtreme World Wrestling: Extreme action and extreme violence.
GOUGE Wrestling: Over-the-top characters and often comedic, sometimes extreme, style of professional wrestling.
Pure Pro Wrestling: Promises family friendly action.
Fire Star Pro Wrestling: Students from this promotion's training school have appeared in WWE and AEW.
Apple City Championship Wrestling: Based in Hiddenite, North Carolina and known for family-friendly live events.
Versus The World Wrestling: Prioritizes story and showmanship within its matches.
Fantasy Super Cosplay Wrestling: Blends cosplay and pro-wrestling.
American Lucha Wrestling: Has utilized talent that later moved on to larger promotions.
Icon Pro Wrestling: Based in Burlington, North Carolina.
See No Evil Wrestling: Based in Lincolnton, North Carolina.
Foothills Wrestling Alliance: Based in King, North Carolina.
Wrestling Evolution: Based in Denver/Lincolnton, North Carolina.
New Born Wrestling: Based in Knightdale, North Carolina.
The independent wrestling scene in North Carolina continues to increase in popularity, offering a diverse range of styles and experiences for fans, from promotions showcasing established stars to those developing local talent. I hope to see promotions there publicized as effectively as possible so that fans both in and outside of North Carolina become aware of what the state has to offer, increasing the visibility and show attendance of North Carolina-based promotions.
No comments:
Post a Comment