5 Times PWG's Battle Of Los Angeles Predicted Future Main Eventers
PWG is run BY wrestlers FOR wrestlers, and they've got a knack for picking future main eventers.
This weekend marks the thirteenth edition of a star-making indie wrestling event: Pro Wrestling Guerilla's Battle of Los Angeles tournament.
The Battle of Los Angeles has long been a platform for up-and-coming talents to make a name for themselves with the best competition in the world. It's not big money, and it's not a big venue, but it's big-time credibility if you come off looking like a world-class star.
Last year's winner was Marty Scurll, and he's since gone on to greener pastures and bigger paydays in WCPW, ROH, and New Japan. Other previous winners include GFW's Davey Richards and NXT's Kyle O'Reilly, both ROH alumni.
With names like Keith Lee, Travis Banks, Rey Fenix, Donovan Dijak, Jeff Cobb (aka Matanza), Trevor Lee, Brian Cage, Matt Sydal and more entered in this year's glorious spotfest, it truly feels like anyone could win BOLA this time around.
And whomever does win will have some big shoes to fill, as previous winners of the Battle of Los Angeles have gone on to main event Ring of Honor events, NXT TakeOver specials, and even Wrestle Kingdom.
Let's take a look at five previous BOLA winners who are now in the spotlight, or will be very soon.
5. El Generico (2011)
I know, I know, Sami Zayn is not a main eventer in WWE. At least, not on the main roster. (Not yet, anyway.)
But in both NXT and ROH, the former El Generico was a major player. The same can be said for him in PWG, where he won BOLA in 2011, not to mention the PWG Tag Team Titles on five occasions and the PWG World Championship twice, once in 2007 and once in 2011.
The eternal rival of Kevin Owens plied his masterful underdog babyface selling all across the world, but never looked tougher, sillier, or more credible than he did during his stint in Pro Wrestling Guerilla.
Many fans, myself included, hold out hope that he'll break through WWE's vaunted glass ceiling and shine in the main event. But even if he doesn't, he'll still have the privilege of several of the company's best ever matches, winning over crowds and doubters alike with all-time great bouts with Nakamura, Owens, and Cesaro.