10 Signs Wrestling Is Heading Towards A New Golden Age

10. The Indies Are Hotter Than Ever

Independent wrestling is in great shape at the moment. While no individual company is as hot as Ring Of Honor (who stopped being 'indie' a long time ago) was back in the mid-2000s, the current scene is stuffed wiith great promotions that are more than worthy of your attention.

PWG remain wrestling's biggest cult indie, with their annual Battle Of Los Angeles tournament still among the sport's most exciting weekends. Staying in the US, Gabe Sapolsky (the man who masterminded ROH's golden period) has created his own mini empire with companies like EVOLVE and Style Battle, and the former routinely produce excellent shows with a small, carefully curated roster. Promotions like WrestleCircus and Michael Elgin's Glory Pro are also gathering steam, while the family-friendly CHIKARA retain a sizeable following 15 years after their first show.

In the UK, PROGRESS are the most exciting indie on the planet at the moment, and they're joined by the likes of RevPro, WCPW, and ICW. Meanwhile, former giants AJPW and NOAH have revamped their products in Japan.

The importance of a thriving independent scene can't be understated when it comes to providing alternatives, restocking the talent pool, and keeping major promotions on their toes. Fortunately, the scene is in rude health in 2017.