A live wrestling show is an exhilarating experience. It’s one thing to watch a sport on TV or from your phone. It’s another to see the sport live. Over the past two years, I’ve attended pro wrestling shows such as NXT, WWE’s development brand, AEW’s All Out 2024 pay-per-view, 4th Rope’s Heels Have Eyes, Game Changer Wrestling (GCW), and New Japan’s Pro-Wrestling’s “Windy City Riot.”
 
  The excitement of a live wrestling show can be overwhelming, with chants, laughter, and sometimes even tears. Being in a crowd, surrounded by fellow wrestling fans, creates a unique sense of camaraderie and shared experience. The energy is palpable, and the tension is electric. Chicago, a longtime wrestling hub, has access to a variety of wrestling promotions that have set up shop in the city. Chicago Style Wrestling and Freelance Wrestling are two promotions that have established a presence in the city. Every promotion offers something unique. For example, during the GCW show, a wrestler landed on my lap. And in another instance, a Japanese wrestling icon performed stateside for the last time. As a measure of caution, I’ve largely stayed away from the tribalism aspect within wrestling’s Internet Wrestling Community (IWC) filled with trolls who disparage wrestlers and claim whatever promotion they favor is superior to others. This weekend, Wrestlemania 41 takes place in Las Vegas. If you’re lucky to be in the area, independent promotions are taking advantage of being in close proximity to the sport’s most recognizable event. Some of them are curating spaces surrounding Wrestlemania weekend. Some independent promotions are hosting events featuring wrestlers known to their fan base who’ve wrestled for the aforementioned organizations. For example, Griselda rapper Westside Gunn’s Fourth Rope promotion is hosting an event. Asé Wrestling, a Black-owned Charlotte, North Carolina-based promotion, also hosted a Thursday card featuring Black wrestlers ahead of Wrestlemania. Asé Wrestling’s programming during Black History Month was highly exceptional. They featured past and present Black wrestlers from multiple promotions. They also threw in renditions of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Their programming gave flowers to past and present Black wrestlers from multiple promotions. One of the wrestlers has the theme to the 1985 film “The Last Dragon” as their entrance theme, while another enters the ring to Kriss Kross’s “Jump.” Their programming was highly engaging and gave flowers to past and present Black wrestlers from multiple promotions. Whether it’s with family, friends, or fellow wrestling fans, attending a live wrestling show is a unique experience. It’s fun. Trust me. Here are some of the benefits of attending a live wrestling show:

• Immersive experience: Attending a live wrestling show is an immersive experience that allows you to connect with the wrestlers and the audience on a deeper level.
• Energy and excitement: The energy and excitement of a live wrestling show are contagious and can create a unique sense of camaraderie and shared experience among fans.
• Unique perspectives: Independent promotions offer a unique perspective on the sport, allowing fans to see wrestling in a new and exciting way.
• Meet the wrestlers: Attending a live wrestling show provides an opportunity to meet the wrestlers and learn about their experiences and backgrounds.

 
  Some of the independent promotions that are hosting events surrounding Wrestlemania 41 include:

1. Fourth Rope: A promotion founded by Griselda rapper Westside Gunn, featuring wrestlers known to their fan base who’ve wrestled for other organizations.
2. Asé Wrestling: A Black-owned promotion based in Charlotte, North Carolina, hosting a Thursday card featuring Black wrestlers ahead of Wrestlemania.
3. Chicago Style Wrestling: A promotion that has established a presence in Chicago, offering a unique experience for fans.
4. Freelance Wrestling: A promotion that has set up shop in Chicago, providing a fresh perspective on the sport.

 
  The experience of attending a live wrestling show is truly unique and can be a fun and exciting experience for fans.

“I’ve never been one for sports, but after attending a wrestling show, I discovered a new passion for the sport. The energy and excitement of the crowd, the skill and athleticism of the wrestlers, and the camaraderie among fans made it an unforgettable experience.

 
  Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the sport, attending a live wrestling show is a great way to experience the excitement and energy of wrestling. So, if you’re looking for a fun and unique experience, consider attending a live wrestling show. Trust me, it’s worth it. Highlights of my wrestling show experience include:

• Witnessing a wrestler land on my lap during the GCW show.
• Seeing a Japanese wrestling icon perform stateside for the last time.
• Attending a wrestling show during Black History Month, which was highly exceptional in giving flowers to past and present Black wrestlers from multiple promotions.

 
  By attending a live wrestling show, you can experience the thrill of the sport in a unique and exciting way.

• Tribalism: The practice of dividing people into groups based on shared interests, often leading to conflict or bias.
• Internet Wrestling Community (IWC): A community of wrestling fans on the internet who often engage in discussions and debates about wrestling.

 
  In conclusion, attending a live wrestling show is a unique and exciting experience that offers a fun and immersive way to connect with the sport. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the sport, attending a live wrestling show is a great way to experience the energy and excitement of wrestling. So, trust me and go see a wrestling show – you won’t regret it!