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Indie Wrestlers Hope for Big Time

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 20, 2008 11:00 AM CST

(Newser) – The WWE isn’t the only pro-wrestling battleground: Outside the mainstream are several indie wrestling leagues where lesser-known fighters can duke it out, the Wall Street Journal reports. There’s little pay—sometimes only $25 a night—and crowds can range from 20 to 18,000, says one contender. But there’s plenty of violence, cheering, and blood.

Those entering the ring can’t expect health coverage despite their dangerous stunts; the league can't afford it. Most wrestlers work regular jobs during the week and act as “weekend warriors” who get their heads smashed through tables before enthusiastic spectators. But backstage, they're buddies, and they adhere to a code of “kayfabe"—a carney term applied to the ring's put-on feuds.

Indie wrestlers hope to make it to become WWE wrestlers like John Cena, shown October 11, 2008 in Melbourne, Australia. (Getty Images)

Danny Omega of Jersey All-Pro Wrestling. (JAPW.net)

A Jersey All-Pro Wrestling tag team. (JAPW.net)

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Indie Wrestlers Hope for Big Time

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

sports • wrestling • professional wrestling • WWE

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Hey, Fans: Players Don't Care as Much as You

For most, it's just a job: Bill Plaschke

Special Skier's Underwear Banned at World Cup

It apparently gives athletes an unfair advantage

Major Leaguer Hits Ump in Face

Texas Rangers catcher Yorvit Torrealba gets mad after strikeout

More Ex-Players Sue NFL Over Brain Damage

2nd complaint claims the NFL covered up concussion dangers

Former Players Sue NFL Over Brain Injuries

Three ex-athletes want league to monitor all ex-players

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

What is Newser?