THE PISSING MATCH

I guess you could say this article is The Bald Guy’s fault. Well really, Mike Quackenbush’s. Actually, Bad Crew’s if you think about it. Or could it be Afa’s?

You see, on May 29’s “In the Ring with The Bald Guy”, Bald Guy asked CHIKARA co-owner Quackenbush about the rumor of Bad Crew (Hardway Wrestling owners) attempting to stop CHIKARA’s first show. The discussion arose about independents and the “territorial pissing match”.

On Wednesday, NEPAwrestling.com’s webmaster received a complaint from World Star Wrestling owner Johnny Glitter saying WSWF is attempting to do “so much for the NEPA area” and should be the only promotion discussed on the site, specifically citing posts on WXW and CHIKARA. The webmaster cited “competition is good,” to which Glitter agreed. The next day Glitter created his own Pro Wrestling NEPA Board, stating to NEPAwrestling’s webmaster, “competition is good.”

I could talk about how important competition is in pro wrestling. Look at WWE. When competing n the Monday Night Wars against WCW, wrestling reached heights of popularity never seen. Now the challenge is gone, WWE’s rating have slumped.

But my opinion of having different promotions in a certain area isn’t about competition, it’s about diversity. Let’s look at what the area promotions, in ALPHABETICAL ORDER, bring to the table...

CHIKARA brings to the table more Puroresu and Lucha Libre stylings than seen before. Not just by in-ring technique, but in the set up of the show’s entire production. Some less versed in international styling may think it’s just a good indy show, but it is more representative of international and very technical American stylings. Right now focused specifically in Allentown.

Hardway Wrestling brings an infusion of old and new school wrestling ability and talent. Some times those styles can clash, but there seems to be an earnest attempt at balance. Heavy handed with angles, with stronger dramatic performances.

KIRYOKU is the area’s ONLY ALL-WOMEN’S WRESTLING. There is GLOOW and WEW down in Philly and women’s matches in other promotions, but is usually focused on the objectification of women seen in WWE programming. KIRYOKU from their site states, “we're dedicated to bringing you women's wrestling at it's very best, without the nonsense. No catfights. No evening gown matches. This is about serious wrestling from serious wrestlers...who just happen to be women.”

Nittany Valley Wrestling is a direct access for Penn State students to follow wrestling. No other school in the country has a promotion sponsored by and showcased for a college setting. In Student Activities, this is an exceptional addition to college programming. It provides to student need and showcases exciting younger talent who share old and new school stylings.

Penn York Wrestling provides quality pro wrestling entertainment at present to north central PA and is looking to expand. They also have a quality blend of old school and new school wrestling, whom promoter Don Adams truly understands how to create not only an appropriate balance, but an exceptional showcase of both.

Premiere Wrestling Federation - Universal has quickly become a recognizable figure for what it offers and it’s ability to branch out (currently, there are 4 regional PWFs). Uses known close-to-breakout talent and quality younger stars.

World Star Wrestling Federation provides family-style entertainment old school wrestling.

World X-treme Wrestling provides solid old school wrestling, with a few interesting twists and on-going angles. Also showcases many former WWE talents and brand new faces.

Yes, there are similarities, but big differences. But here’s where the “Pissing Match” begins...with promoters’ differences.

Afa doesn’t allow his talent to work on some shows, while other shows don’t want to deal with him since he does not allow his talent to go under on other shows unless to a WXW or WWE talent. WXW and WSWF were formerly one and the same, now there’s a rift so large, sometimes causing WXW to book against WSWF shows. WXW and Hardway (formerly EWF) had problems. Hardway and CHIKARA . WSWF and PYW have openly flamed each other on the nepawrestling.com board.

There are probably more “differences” between promotions and definitely more between individuals. You get the jist. Some problems are petty and limits not only the fan, but the talent. The saying, “the most beautiful flower blooms in diversity” is definitely true in wrestling - while looking similar, it’s different and in that uniqueness is the most beautiful of it’s kind.

Support what you like. Support indy wrestling...ALL of indy wrestling.