10 Predictions For The State Of Wrestling In 5 Years

6. The Independent Scene Struggles

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There's an argument to be made that many indy wrestling groups might not survive the impact of COVID-19. If they do, then futures will still remain uncertain. That's just the way it is for many 'hand-to-mouth' promotions out there, including loads that operate on low budgets in the UK.

The rise of AEW as a force has opened up more full-time opportunities for wrestlers than at any point since WCW's extinction in 2001. Now, workers can strive for contracts in WWE, All Elite, New Japan, Ring Of Honor, Impact and the NWA. The latter three can generally offer less-impressive deals than the first trio though.

Outside that, money is hardly great.

There was a period when WWE's disinterest in "indy guys" made rosters in promotions like ROH, for example, rife with world class talent. Now, thanks to emerging competition from AEW, they stockpile wrestlers like spoiled brats with too much money. It's hard to see that changing over the next five years or so, which could have a negative effect on the independent scene.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.