Independent wrestling is going through a rough stretch, and the problems are starting to pile up. With rising travel costs, fewer available stars, and AEW putting restrictions on how its contracted talent can be booked, running a successful independent promotion isn’t nearly as easy as it used to be.
During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer discussed the changing independent wrestling business after two promotions announced they were suspending operations until the spring. One of those companies was Cleveland-based Absolute Intense Wrestling (AIW), with both promotions canceling upcoming events while expressing plans to return next year.
Meltzer explained that independent wrestling used to operate very differently. Before AEW launched, major names like the Young Bucks, Will Ospreay, Ricochet, Keith Lee, Bandido, and several others regularly worked independent shows. Promoters could bring in recognizable talent from across the country, put together big matches, and attract enough people to make those events profitable.
That business model has taken a serious hit. Many of those wrestlers are now signed to WWE or AEW, and the same style of wrestling that once made independent promotions special is available on national television every week. On top of that, flying wrestlers around the country has become increasingly expensive. Meltzer said the combination of declining drawing power and rising travel expenses has made the old approach much harder to sustain.
“But the flights of bringing everyone in is just became exorbitant. But they also weren’t, you know, drawing big numbers, I guess, big enough numbers to make it work.”
He explained that smaller promotions can still survive by relying on local talent, but bringing in wrestlers from across the country to fill an entire card is becoming a much bigger financial gamble.
“So, you know, I mean, there are indies that use their local guys that probably don’t pay much and, and can continue. And I’ve seen them here, there’s a couple in this area. You know, Brian, you work on them and everything like that. But the idea of the, you know, bringing in guys from all over the country and flying them in for an indie show, it’s, you know, it’s, it’s much, much tougher.”
Bryan Alvarez agreed that independent wrestling can still be profitable, but believes promoters need to focus on building a local audience instead of constantly spending money to bring in entire rosters from other cities. Alvarez explained that promotions can build a reliable audience around local wrestlers while occasionally bringing in bigger names as special attractions.
“I mean, you can, you can run a successful indie and make money, but you have to run it like a business.”
The financial problems aren’t the only issue. Meltzer also brought up another obstacle facing independent promoters who want to use AEW talent — Tony Khan’s involvement in approving outside bookings. According to Meltzer, AEW wrestlers can work independent events, but Khan has to approve certain match outcomes. That creates problems for promoters who want to book AEW stars in storylines where they might need to lose or face another wrestler under contract with the company.
“Tony has to approve of them going, which isn’t. Which is not hard if the guys really want to go. But he has to approve of wins and losses because he doesn’t want his guys doing jobs and he just want his guys wrestling each other outside of aw.”
That means independent promoters can’t necessarily book the matches or finishes they want, even after securing a recognizable AEW name for their event. Meltzer pointed out that this makes it especially difficult to recreate the kind of independent wrestling scene that once made promotions like Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) successful. He also clarified that AEW talent isn’t completely prohibited from losing on independent shows. The problem is that those decisions still have to go through Khan.
“it’s not impossible for them to do jobs, but it’s got to be approved, you know, so it’s, it’s difficult to book programs and things like that when you know you. You can’t beat people.”
Meltzer believes the days of independent promotions regularly flying in major talent from around the world for expensive dream matches are largely behind them. While companies can still find success with local talent and occasional appearances from bigger names, the business has changed considerably since AEW entered the picture.
The situation leaves independent promoters in a difficult position. They need recognizable wrestlers to help sell tickets, but bringing those names in costs money, and booking contracted talent can come with restrictions. With two more promotions putting operations on hold, it’s another reminder that the independent wrestling business is facing some serious challenges.
Do you think AEW’s restrictions on outside bookings are making things harder for independent wrestling promotions, or should Tony Khan have the final say in how his contracted wrestlers are used? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
This transcript was produced exclusively for Ringside News from the original recording. Republishing the transcription in full is prohibited. When using excerpts, provide prominent credit and a link to this article.
