Adelaide
November 2-3, 2024
Adelaide Showground
Written by Leah Williams
“There’s never been a better time to be a wrestling fan.” It’s a phrase that’s been repeated often in a year filled with numerous surprises. Recent months have seen the popularity of Bullet Club skyrocket, the shocking arrival of Chris Jericho in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), and NJPW’s first-ever Australian tour.
The rising popularity of independent wrestling organisations around the world has led to a boom in great wrestling content, with Australian leagues making waves in the scene. With so much great content out there, it’s hard to know whom to follow – but with this handy guide, we’ll lay out just where to go for the best wrestling alternatives.
Victoria
Melbourne City Wrestling’s profile has grown considerably over the last few months, thanks to a deal with popular Japanese promotion, NJPW. Through this partnership, we’ve seen a bout between MCW regular, Slex, and NJPW’s IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada, as well as the induction of Mr Juicy into popular Japanese wrestling stable, Bullet Club.
New South Wales
International Wrestling Australia
The IWA is one of Sydney’s oldest wrestling organisations, starting life in 1998 at the Royal Easter Show, and going on to host shows at the badly missed Wonderland amusement park and signing a TV deal in 2009. IWA hosts regular tours across the Sydney, Newcastle, Central Coast and Wollongong regions, and recently crowned a new IWA Heavyweight Champion with Jonah Rock’s win at MCW’s seven-year anniversary event.
Pro Wrestling Australia has just come off a huge sell-out event at Paddington RSL, and often feature shows with stellar international guests. Last year alone saw guest appearances from CHIKARA founder, Mike Quackenbush, as well as international high-flyer and gravity defier Will Ospreay. They hold regular shows throughout the year around Paddington, Casula and Rooty Hill.
South Australia
Riot City Wrestling has long been partnered with Melbourne City Wrestling, and often features crossover rivalries. Based out of Adelaide, the promotion is active across YouTube and social media, making it more accessible for casual and interstate fans to follow. As well as their monthly live shows, RCW also frequently tours across Adelaide and regional South Australia.
Western Australia
Explosion Pro Wrestling is based out of Perth, where they host frequent local shows. They’re also active across Vimeo, YouTube and Twitter so it’s even easier to catch up with the latest news. Notable alumni includes Matt Silva, more commonly known as NXT’s Buddy Murphy.
Australia Wide
Australasian Wrestling Federation
Australasian Wrestling Federation is a name that should be familiar Supanova fans – we’ve hosted their high-flying, hard-hitting action across multiple Supanova events, and you can catch them at upcoming events. Largely based out of NSW, the promotion travels all around Australia, putting on spectacular shows for its passionate audience.
World Series Wrestling is bringing its unique brand of hardcore magic to Australian shores this March, with shows across Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide. They’re one of the brightest upcoming promotions, having recently featured the likes of Ricochet, Zack Sabre Jr. and Austin Aries during their Global Invasion tour in 2017.
If you’re looking for an alternative to WWE, or just need to get your wrestling fix, there are plenty of options to explore. Australian independent wrestling thrives on the support of its fans, and there’s no better time to get involved than now!
PIC: Melbourne City Wrestling by Digital Beard Photography
