List of independent wrestling promotions in the United States

This is a list of independent wrestling promotions in the United States, sorted by regional area, and lists both active and defunct "indy promotions" from the 1990s and 2000s. This list does not include the regional territories or promotions affiliated with the National Wrestling Alliance.

There is no concrete definition on what constitutes an independent promotion. A general guideline would be that an independent promotion, as its name suggests, has no corporate sponsor or ownership providing funding for its operation. For example, Ring of Honor is owned by Tony Khan and Impact Wrestling is a subsidiaries of Anthem Sports, so they fall outside this definition. Another guideline would be a restriction, either by choice or by financial or logistical circumstances, to a particular geographic area, be it a state, a metropolitan area, or even a single town or arena.

Of lesser consideration is the promotion's fanbase. Fan attendance at live shows can be a factor, but is by no means a definite consideration. Most shows hosted by independent promotions have attendances anywhere from under fifty to a thousand or more, but Extreme Championship Wrestling in its heyday in the 1990s regularly hosted events of several thousand fans. Media exposure is also considered. Most independent promotions have very limited television exposure, if any, as they lack equipment or infrastructure to produce broadcast-quality programming. None have had any national television contract since ECW in the late 1990s. The most successful televised promotions release shows as syndicated programming, aired by one or several network affiliates in their local area.

New England edit

Connecticut edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
Assault Championship WrestlingWaterburyJason Knight2000–present[1][2]

Massachusetts edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNote
Century Wrestling AllianceRevereEllen Magliaro
Tony Rumble
1989–2007Formerly known as NWA New England from 1998 to 2007. Is the longest-running independent promotion under a single owner in New England[1][3][4][5][6][7] Tony Rumble died in 1999.
Chaotic WrestlingNorth AndoverJamie Jamitowski
Killer Kowalski
2000–2017[8][9][10]
International Wrestling FederationReadingKiller Kowalski1979–1995Associated with Kowalski's wrestling school, a number of his early students competed in the promotion such as Perry Saturn, Joanie Laurer (later to be known as Chyna) and Paul Levesque (now better known as Triple H); later relocated to Burlington, Vermont[1][3][4][5][11]
International World Class Championship WrestlingBostonJoseph Savoldi1984–1996Dominant independent promotion in New England during the 1980s; succeeded by Century Wrestling Alliance prior to its close in 1996[1][3][5][12]
Millennium Wrestling FederationMelroseDan Mirade
Neil Manolian
2001–2013[14]
New England Championship WrestlingJamaica PlainSheldon Goldberg2000–2019[8][15][16][17]
Top Rope PromotionsFall RiverSteve Ricard1984–(Last event was in 2017 so far)Formerly known as Yankee Pro Wrestling[8][3][4] from 1997 to 2004
World Wrestling StarsRocklandMike Sparta1998–2010

New Hampshire edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
Front Row WrestlingRochesterScott C. Despres2003–2010Announced a merger with NWA Liberty States Wrestling in Massachusetts[18]

Rhode Island edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
Power League WrestlingPawtucketJack Martin
Ralph Adams
1991–2016Oldest independent wrestling promotion in Rhode Island[8][3][19]

East Coast edit

Delaware edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
East Coast Wrestling AssociationNewarkJim Kettner
Mike Tartaglia[20]
1967–presentLongest-running independent promotion in Delaware[3][4][5][21]

Maryland edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
Maryland Championship WrestlingBaltimoreDan McDevitt
Dick Caricofe
Dennis Whipwrecht
1998–2003
1998–2003
Founded by Dan McDevitt and Mark Shrader in 1998, it went on hiatus for three years before resuming operations in 2006[3][22] Caricofe died on May 14, 2021.
Mid-Eastern Wrestling FederationEssexDennis Wippercht
Tim Burke
1991–2004[3][4][11][23]

New Jersey edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
Game Changer WrestlingNew JerseyBrett Lauderdale1999–present
Independent Wrestling FederationWoodland ParkKevin Knight1998–2017[3][24]
Jersey All Pro WrestlingBayonneFrank Iadeavia
Jeff Sharpio
1997–2018[8][3][25][26] Iadeavia died on September 23, 2015.
Phoenix Championship WrestlingToms RiverDon Bucci2001–2003Promoted by the twin brother of Simon Dean, Donnie B, PCW was home to a number of future WWE stars, most notably Mike Bucci[27]
Women Superstars UncensoredLake HiawathaSean Hansen2007–2012

Active Movers Wrestling Old Bridge NJ

New York edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
Family Wrestling EntertainmentManhattanJordan Schneider2010–2015
House Of GloryRidgewood, New York CityThe Amazing Red
Brian XL
Master P
2012–present
Northeast WrestlingNewburghMike Lombardi1994–present
Wild ZeroSyracuse / RochesterKrist Worthless2017–present

Pennsylvania edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
CHIKARAAllentownMike Quackenbush2002–2020[8]
Combat Zone WrestlingPhiladelphiaD. J. Hyde1999–present[3][28]
Dragon Gate USAPhiladelphiaSatoshi Oji
Gabe Sapolsky
2009–2015American affiliate of the Japanese puroresu organization Dragon Gate
Extreme Championship WrestlingPhiladelphiaTod Gordon
Paul Heyman
1992–2001[3][15][4][5][11][29]
Extreme RisingPhiladelphiaShane Douglas
Kevin Kleinrock
Steve O'Neill
2012–2014
Keystone State Wrestling AlliancePittsburghBobby O2000–present
Pro-Pain Pro WrestlingPhiladelphiaThe Blue Meanie
Jasmin St. Claire
2002–2005Also known as 3PW; featured many former stars from Extreme Championship Wrestling following its close in 2001[30][31]
Pro Wrestling eXpressMcKeesportJim Miller1994–present[32]
Steel City WrestlingPittsburghNorm Connors1994–2000Promotion closed after Conners entered the mortuary business; became promoter for the International Wrestling Cartel in 2001[3][4][5][33]
World Xtreme WrestlingAllentownAfa Anoa'i1996–presentAssociated with Afa Anoa'i's Wild Samoan Pro Wrestling Training Cente.r[8][3][34]
International Wrestling CartelPittsburghJustin Plumer2001–Present[35]

Midwest edit

Illinois edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
All American WrestlingBerwynChicago

LaSalle

Danny Daniels2004–presentIn 2018 began branching out to Austin, Texas.
American Wrestling FederationChicagoPaul Alperstein1994–1996Tito Santana and Sgt. Slaughter were bookers for the promotion[3][36]
Shimmer Women AthletesBerwynDave Prazak
Allison Danger
2005–2021[37]
Warrior WrestlingChicago HeightsSteve Tortorello2018–present
Windy City Pro WrestlingChicagoSam DeCero1988–2010[3][15][4][5]
Women's Wrestling ArmyChicagoBobby Cruise
Maria Kanellis
2022–present

Indiana edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
IWA Mid-SouthClarksvilleIan Rotten1996–2022[8][3][38][39]
Main Event Championship WrestlingEvansvilleJason Daniel2009–present

Iowa edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
National Wrestling AllianceWaterlooBilly Corgan1948–2012 2017-Present

Kansas edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
Metro Pro WrestlingKansas CityChris Gough2010–2016Sold to the National Wrasslin' League in December of 2016

Michigan edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
Juggalo Championship WrestlingDetroitShaggy 2 Dope
Violent J
1999–present[40]

Minnesota edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
Pro Wrestling AmericaMinneapolisEddie Sharkey1985–1998[3][11][41][42]

Missouri edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
National Wrasslin' LeagueKansas CityMajor Baisden2016–2018
World League WrestlingTroyHarley Race (former)1999–presentAssociated with the Harley Race Wrestling Academy; formerly affiliated with the National Wrestling Alliance[8][3][43]

Ohio edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
Heartland Wrestling AssociationCincinnatiCody Hawk

Jack KimbleChad Dillefeld

1996–2015Founded by Les Thatcher[8][3][44][45]
World Wide Wrestling AllianceColumbusRichard Arpin
Dave Nelson
2004–2005Originally known as NWA Ohio[46]

Southeast edit

Florida edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
Full Impact ProLargoSal Hamaoui2004–presentSister promotion of Ring of Honor from 2003 to 2009; talent exchange agreement with Dragon Gate USA[47][48]
Future of WrestlingFort LauderdaleBobby Rogers1998–2003Associated with Rusty Brooks' School of Hard Knocks.[3][49]
Shine WrestlingTampaSal Hamaoui2012–presentSister promotion of Shimmer Women Athletes. Runs events regularly on internet pay-per-view.
Continental Championship WrestlingJacksonvilleChris Turner1989–1991Sister promotion of Continental Championship Wrestling (Alabama). Runs events regularly on YouTube.

Georgia edit

NameLocationOwnersYears ActiveInformation
Deep South WrestlingMcDonoughJody Hamilton2005–2007WWE developmental territory from 2005 to 2007[50][51]
National Championship WrestlingCorneliaSteve Martin1997–1999Merged with NWA Georgia to form NWA Wildside[3][52]
Turnbuckle Championship WrestlingMariettaDusty Rhodes2000–2003Featured many former stars from World Championship Wrestling following its close in 2001[53]

Kentucky edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
Ohio Valley WrestlingLouisvilleAl Snow1998–presentAffiliated with the National Wrestling Alliance from 1998 to 2000 and a WWE developmental territory from 2000 to 2008; also has an affiliate promotion, Derby City Wrestling, which it used to train students as its wrestling facility[3][54][55]

North Carolina edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
CWF-Mid Atlantic WrestlingBurlingtonDanny Wenkel2000–2019Also known as the Carolina Wrestling Federation; affiliated with AWA Superstars from 2005 until 2007, and Pro Wrestling International since 2009[8][3][56][57]
Deadlock Pro-WrestlingNorth CarolinaAnthony Douglas James Darnell John Blud2021–present
OMEGA Championship WrestlingCameronMatt Hardy
Jeff Hardy
1997–1999
2013–present
Promotion closed when Matt and Jeff Hardy joined the World Wrestling Federation, later reopened
South Atlantic Pro WrestlingWinston-SalemPaul Jones
Frank Dusek
1990–1992Founded as North American Wrestling Association by George Scott, John Ringley and Mike Lamberth[3][58]
Premiere Wrestling XperienceCharlotteBrian Kanabroski2003–presentFounded in 2003 as Carolina Wrestling Association. Renamed in 2008 as Premiere Wrestling Showcase. Since 2010, it has been known as Premiere Wrestling Xperience.

Tennessee edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
Global Force WrestlingNashvilleJeff JarrettKaren Jarrett2014–2017
Innovate WrestlingKingsportTony Givens2004–presentWas known as Championship Wrestling Alliance from 2004–2011 and NWA Smoky Mountain/NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling from 2011–2017.
Memphis Championship WrestlingMemphisTerry Golden2000–2001WWE developmental territory from 2000 to 2001; revived as Memphis Wrestling in 2003[59]
Smoky Mountain WrestlingKnoxvilleJim Cornette1991–1995[3][29][60][61]
Southern States WrestlingKingsportBeau James1991–presentFormerly known as NWA Championship Wrestling[8][3][4][5][62]
United States Wrestling AssociationMemphisJerry Jarrett
Jerry Lawler
1988–1997Promotion formed when regional promotions the Continental Wrestling Association and the Dallas-based World Class Wrestling Association merged in 1989[3][4][5][11][63][64]

Virginia edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
Independent Professional Wrestling AllianceArlingtonShyte Pan Dan
Stinky Steve
1995–1999Also known as the Independent Pro Wrestling Alliance[3][4][65]

West Virginia edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
Mason-Dixon WrestlingNutter FortJim Hawkins1997–2010[3][66]

South Central edit

Texas edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
Global Wrestling FederationDallasMax Andrews
Grey Pierson
1991–1994[3][67][68]
Reality of WrestlingHoustonBooker T2006–present
Texas All-Star WrestlingHumbleBob Murphy1994–presentThe first successful promotion since the close of World Class Championship Wrestling in 1990 and the Global Wrestling Federation in 1994, it is currently the oldest independent promotion in Texas[3][4]
Texas Wrestling AllianceSan AntonioRudy Gonzales1999–presentFounded with Shawn Michaels as part of his Texas Wrestling Academy wrestling school[3][69]
Warriors 4 Christ WrestlingSan AntonioCurtis Stone1999–present

West edit

California edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
All Pro WrestlingHaywardRoland Alexander1991–present[70]Featured in the 1999 documentary Beyond the Mat[3][71][72]
Empire Wrestling FederationSan BernardinoJesse Hernandez
Bill Anderson
1996–present[3][71][73]
Incredibly Strange WrestlingSan FranciscoJohnny Legend
August Ragone
1995–2003
Pro Wrestling GuerrillaLos AngelesExcalibur
Joey Ryan
Scott Lost
Super Dragon
2003–present[71][74]
Ultimate Pro WrestlingLos AngelesRick Bassman1998–2007The home promotion for many current stars of TNA, WWE and Zero One; as of 2005, is an official talent scout for the WWE[71][75][76]
Wrestling Society XLos AngelesKevin Kleinrock
Cody Michaels
Vampiro
2006–2007Produced by Big Vision Entertainment, it was briefly aired on MTV in 2007[77]
Xtreme Pro WrestlingSherman OaksRob Zicari
Tom Byron
1999–2003, 2021–present[78][71][79]
PCW UltraTorranceMike Scharnagl2015–present

Nevada edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
Ladies Professional Wrestling AssociationLaughlinTor Berg1989–1992Based in Laughlin, Nevada the promotion held its only pay-per-view in Minnesota.[80]

Oregon edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
Portland Wrestling UncutPortlandPete Schweitzer

Roddy PiperDon Coss

2012–2014The promotion aired on KPTV and KPDX.[81][82][83]
West Coast Wrestling ConnectionSalemJeff Manning

Pat Kelly

2005–presentWeekly television broadcast on KPDX-TV[84]

Utah edit

NameLocationOwner(s)Years activeNotes
Ultra Championship Wrestling-ZeroSalt Lake CitySteve Neilson2002–presentAffiliated with AWA Superstars from 2005 to 2007[85][86]

References edit