10 Things WWE Doesn't Want You To Know About Independent Wrestling
6. It Is A Meritocracy
Emerging though the market is, independent promoters struggle to survive. Many advertisers and sponsors will not readily associate with WWE, much less the more obscure fringes of an industry that is still to shed its tawdry, gruesome and disreputable public image. Unlike WWE, corporately financed to an extent of self-indulgent luxury, the indies serve, exclusively, a ticket-buying public.
This manifests as a meritocracy.
You won't see a performer fans have demonstrably been repelled by for four years, like Roman Reigns, at the top of an indy card. You won't see endless rematches involving these unpopular performers. You won't see performers, like Jinder Mahal, pushed beyond their ability level purely to make inroads into an untapped market to the vociferous derision of established markets. You won't see performers you barely see, like Brock Lesnar. Independent promoters can't p*ss off fans because those fans are the lifeblood driving their companies.
You will see the most over and talented performers pushed in accordance with fan sentiment. WALTER, one of the most sought-after names on the circuit, is the current reigning, actually defending Pro Wrestling Guerrilla World Champion. He was rewarded with that prestigious crown precisely because, having turned heads by lacerating chests, North American fans heard of his incredible exploits in Germany, and voted with their pockets. If you get over on the independents, you get put over. Supply meets demand.
It's very basic business practice, as opposed to just saying "best for business".