WWE And AEW Are Not The Only BBQ In Town.

Social media has had and will continue to have an ongoing conversation about WWE and AEW. With rumors of WWE purposely having their PLE's on the same date of AEW programming and AEW purposely doing similar in ring spots days after WWE, it's pretty obvious there is some sort of back and forth with both promotions. Tribalism between the fans of both is at an all time high. Those who appreciate both wrestling promotions regardless of the three letters are usually older and remember when wrestling was once a week. Now, in saying all that. In the famous words of The Road Dogg Jesse James, "Oh, You Didn't Know". You didn't know that WWE and AEW is not the only BBQ in town?

With the popularity of those 2 promotions and all the tv time they have, Professional Wrestling itself has become extremely popular in 2025. What does this mean for the wrestling fans around the world? Well, it means just about every state in America and every country around the world has an Independent Wrestling organization in their area. People love to compare WWE to AEW so let's compare those two to Independent Professional Wrestling. Indie wrestling has wayyyyyyy cheaper tickets. Which means you can afford the price of admission as well as food and merch. For a fan who works a part time job you might have to break the bank at a AEW and WWE event if you want a ticket, food and merch. At an indie show you have about a 100% chance of meeting and taking pics with the wrestlers. You can find some of them selling their merch and hanging around after the show to meet the fans. at WWE and AEW, you won't find any wrestler selling their merch and once the show is over if you hang around in the parking lot there is a real small chance you will see a wrestler. It has happened though. Mostly in the past because these days they keep to themselves at their shows. Now this last comparison is the most important of them all. The personal experience. With indie wrestling mostly being held in small venues, there is never a bad seat to watch the action. Different than WWE and AEW is the interactions between the wrestlers and fans during the matches. This is a constant. Yes, it happens in the "Big Two" but in the indies it happens more often. If you yell at a wrestler or tell them they suck, chances are you will get a reply. The crowd interaction between wrestlers and fans is a big part of the indies and part of the fun time you will have at a show. The personal experience doesn't stop there. At an indie show you will hear every chop, body slam, drop kick and all the action that happens on that wrestling mat. When the wrestlers leave the ring to continue the fight, keep your eyes open. They have been known to grab the chair your sitting in or your food or drink just to throw it in the face of their opponent. Some indie shows have lots and lots of fan involvement compared to WWE and AEW. You will definitely leave that show with a favorite you will want to follow on social media. There is nothing on earth like the entertainment of Independent Professional Wrestling.

So, if you missed the big show at your local arena or can't afford the hefty prices of AEW and WWE don't forget there is most likely an Independent Wrestling show in your area. Do the research and find these events because they are happening. Well, that is all for now. I hope you find that indie show and get the opportunity to attend. I promise you, you will never forget it. Shadow La Fuente Signing Off.

  

If it wasn't for the fans.....

By now we have all seen WWE go up in price in not only tickets to events but but in cost to watch their shows on streaming apps. Their programs span across multiple apps making it difficult to afford to watch in 2025. The HHH era was very fun to watch but it seems like that didn't last to long before it became the TKO era. The HHH era gave back to fans as WWE listened and made it happen. It was exciting and fun and appreciated by the WWE Universe. We finally felt we had a say in what happens with storylines and talent and things we would like to see. Since Endeavor purchased WWE and created TKO Group Holdings things have drastically changed. With Endeavor owning a majority controlling stake of 51% in TKO and WWE shareholders owning the remaining 49% we know who is calling the shots. It's also been reported that NXT will now have 8 PLE's a year alongside  2 days of Wrestlemania and 2 days of Summerslam. Wrestlemania 42 has been moved from New Orleans to Las Vegas and everything WWE does seems to be for money purposes. I understand. They have to make money. That is a given. But when the money becomes more important then the fans it becomes a problem for the fans.

One saying in wrestling that has been said by wrestlers from all promotions worldwide is "if it wasn't for the fans.....".  If it wasn't for the fans showing up to shows cheering and booing, if it wasn't for the fans buying merchandise, if it wasn't for the fans asking for autographs, if it wasn't for fans showing appreciation in every way possible. If it wasn't for the fans. Now in 2025 it's the fans being priced out. It's way to expensive to go to a WWE show. It's also too expensive to be able to buy all the apps required to watch their shows on tv. This isn't Triple H's fault or the fault of all the WWE superstars we love to watch. It's obviously the people who own 51%. Maybe UFC fans are willing to pay high prices for tickets to UFC events but wrestling fans are not those fans. I feel like TKO is trying to replace the wrestling fans with fans that resemble UFC fans who pay high ticket prices. Wrestling fans are kids and moms and families and grandkids and grandparents and teenagers who work a 9 to 5. Those are not the same fans you see at a UFC event. 70 bucks to 100 bucks for a nosebleed seat at Friday Night Smackdown isn't that bad. $509 for 1 floor ticket at Friday Night Smackdown is on the crazy side. Especially if you want to take your family. A little further back in seats tickets go for $109 which is expensive but worth it to save money for and possible. If you never been to a WWE event it's a whole vibe. Regardless of where you sit you will get caught up in the crowd chants and the overall feeling everyone there is apart of. WWE events are truly a very fun time. Us as fans who have attended WWE shows know that which is why the high prices hurt us and disappoint us. Some people might have to save money from multiple paychecks in order to buy a ticket. Others might be able to afford many tickets from one paycheck. What we can't do is sacrifice rent or a car payment or any kind of bills to buy a ticket or streaming service.

 Let's be honest, the wrestling community has never been big money, expensive cars, mansions and yachts. We have always been the people Dusty Rhodes was talking about in the Hard Times promo. But the twist is we are all Dusty Rhodes and WWE is putting hard times on us and TKO, you don't know what hard times are daddy.

Shadow La Fuente. 

WWE Unreal. My Opinion.

 

I want to talk about the WWE show on Netflix called Unreal. I watched all six episodes and I have to say, it is nothing what people in the IWC thought it would be. Before the show aired there were conversations across social media about the show being a big reveal of secrets. There is no big reveal. Everything that is told has been common knowledge to those who have been curious about what goes on behind the curtain. What it does show is the process of how stuff is done. From gorilla position to how the talent feel about getting pushed and not getting pushed. I really enjoyed the episodes and I respect and appreciate the process of the work put into making a show happen. I don't think those who always say "wrestling is fake" understand how disrespectful that statement is to those who put in all the work from in ring talent to producers of matches, trainers, seamstress dept., agents, managers, personal assistants and so on. It's always interesting to see the talent backstage before and after the matches and the conversations they have in the moment. It's also pretty cool to watch them celebrate achievements after matches with applause and hugs.  I know it's personal for the talent behind the curtain. To have cameras back there filming is like an invasion of privacy even if no secrets are revealed. 

People already knew matches are predetermined and there are promo scripts or bullet points to go by. People also know that they rehearse matches and producers in gorilla are in the ear of commentators and referees. That being said that is a very small percent of info people know. It's similar to a magician who tells you how 100 year old tricks are done. The tricks are so old the public has a pretty good idea how they are done so the magician reveals them like it's a big secret but he has so much more up his sleeve that you don't know. When it comes to Professional Wrestling people still have no idea about the magic and how it is done. I won't get into detail but there is a plethora of secrets you will never know. WWE Unreal is a great way to promote their product and it's working. Pro Wrestling is a way of life that outsiders try to understand but it's not meant to be understood only appreciated and respected. Long live kayfabe and what you will never know. Shadow La Fuente.

#prowrestling #wwe #Netflixunreal #wrestling

Your first time at an Indie Wrestling show? Here's what to expect.

So you're going to your very first independent wrestling show and you don't know what to expect. Hopefully I can help you out. Get to the venue early. I'll tell you why. The people you see there in line who also came early most likely got there early for the purpose of conversation (as well as a good seat). It may seem like some of the people know each other. They do! All these people you see in line is your new wrestling community. This short video I made here explains that a little.

I don't know how you feel but meeting people in person makes me feel a lot better about furthering a friendship then meeting online. In my experience, meeting people in line eventually turns into friends who share the same love for wrestling. Before you know it you will be attending the same shows and sitting next to each other and enjoying them together.

Now, once you are inside the venue go find a seat. If I feel comfortable enough I will leave my jacket on my seat to go check out the merchandise tables or to get some snacks at the snack bar if there is one. Snack bars at indie wrestling shows are pretty affordable. Nothing outlandish. The merch tables is where the wrestlers and the promotions staff sell their shirts, masks, hoodies, stickers, photos and whatever else they put out on the table. My favorite part about the merch tables is lots of times the wrestlers themselves you will see in the ring at the show will be selling their stuff. If you know who they are before you attend your first show then this is your chance to show them some love and let them know you appreciate their work. Sometimes the wives or girlfriends of some of the wrestlers will be at the merch tables. These women are some of the most friendly people in the business. They live this wrestling life to and socializing with the public is part of the business.

Once you are done with the merch tables go sit down. The show is about to start. A wrestling show is not like watching a movie in a theatre where you have to be quiet. It's exactly the opposite. The louder the better. You can tell by what people shout out if they are a regular fan of the promotion or just a rowdy fan. Regardless, all the boos and cheering are always appreciated by the in ring talent. If you yell something clever you just might get a reaction from the wrestlers and the crowd might use it in their next chant. Since most indie shows are held in a smaller venue as opposed to an arena, the sound of body slams and chest chops will sound a lot louder. Remember, all chops get the Ric Flair treatment. Whoooooooooo! 

Intermission. Most indie wrestling shows have intermission. This is your time to stand up and stretch and get your booty up from that bleacher or metal foldable chair seat. If allowed, it's always wise to bring a seat cushion for those hard seats. Intermission is the best time to hit the snack bar again, use the bathroom or check out the merch table if you didn't get a chance before the show started. It's also a good time to find out where everyone is eating after the show. I can't tell you how many times we filled a restaurant with wrestlers, staff and fans after the show. This is the indie wrestling scene and it's pretty fun to be apart of. Intermission length is different sometimes but it usually runs from 15 to 25 minutes. Now get back in your seat. Intermission is over.

After intermission is over the show gets ready for the second half which is usually main eventers and wrestlers from other promotions who people can't wait to see. The hard hitting action continues. It's always fun watching the new up and coming wrestlers because they are the future of the business. One day you see them at an indie show and the next time you see them might be on tv. Even if you don't see them on tv, how many people do you know travel the world doing what they love. Make sure you get your favorites social media details at the merch table. The show is over.

Once the show ends, don't leave yet. You have another chance to meet and possibly take some pics with the wrestlers after the show. Lots of them love to stick around and socialize with the fans. It's also your chance to find out when the wrestling promotion will be back again and how you can go to their next show. If you made some friends don't forget to get their information to. Wrestling promotions always have their regulars but wrestling fans love all the shows of every promotion.

I hope I gave you a little insight on what to expect at your first indie wrestling show. Until next time. Shadow La Fuente Signing Off

Tommy Davis and Day 4 of WSW Legacy Tour

Tommy Davis had his first match in 2020 with Illinois Elite wrestling in a 3 way dance vs. PT Beckham and Steven Bishop. PT Beckham was the victor in that match. Since then he has wrestled for multiple promotions with over 130 matches. He has been the PWE Powerhouse Champion, the MMWA Junior Heavyweight Champion and the Dynamo Pro D-1 Champion. Recently here in 2025 he became Action Wrestling's Action Futures Showcase Champion. So, in saying all that I would like to send out a big congratulations to The New 2025 Action Futures Showcase Champion Tommy Davis.

Jack Bonza who started his in ring career in 2007 Vs. Shigehiro Irie who started his career in 2008 have a combined 35 years in the Pro Wrestling business, both with multiple title reigns. Their combined skill set is evident in their match at World Series Wrestling. On Day 4 of The Legacy Tour these 2 showcased a supreme match utilizing all their skills and showing the wrestling fans just how good they are. This is definitely a must watch. I won't tell you who won though but I will post my video on the match as well as all the important links in the description of the video. If you have ever seen these two in person handle business in the ring you are a very lucky individual.

Tommy Davis And Day 4 Of The Legacy Tour