The Bright Side of the Ring

By Chris Jacobs

In a world of drama, and negativity, people tend to focus on the dark side of most things. Hardship, pain, suffering and all elements of these things tend to grab the attention while the good gets ignored. I want to take a moment and speak on the lighter side of professional wrestling. I truly love this industry, and I feel like if people truly did love it as well they would want to focus more on the positive. Please take a moment and let the this article brighten your outlook on professional wrestling.

WWE: The Growth of Women’s Wrestling and Historic Moments
In recent years, WWE has seen a significant positive shift with the elevation of women’s wrestling to a more prominent and respected position. This transformation started gaining momentum in 2015 with the “Women’s Revolution,” where female wrestlers were given opportunities to showcase their talents in meaningful matches. Over the years, stars like Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch, and Bayley have risen to stardom, redefining what it means to be a WWE superstar.

One of the most defining moments in WWE history was the first-ever women’s main event at WrestleMania 35 in 2019, where Becky Lynch, Ronda Rousey, and Charlotte Flair headlined the biggest show of the year. This was a monumental step in women’s wrestling and reflected WWE’s commitment to equality in terms of match quality and importance. Lynch’s victory that night solidified her as “The Man,” a powerful symbol of women’s empowerment within the industry.

In addition to this, the WWE has introduced the Queen’s Crown tournament and the Mae Young Classic, giving younger female talents a platform to shine. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that women are an integral part of the brand’s success. WWE continues to push the envelope, with stars like Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair representing the next generation of women who are taking the industry by storm. This focus on women’s wrestling is one of WWE’s most positive achievements.

AEW: Creating an Inclusive and Varied Wrestling Product
AEW has been a champion of diversity and inclusion. With the establishment of the AEW Heels initiative, the company has made an effort to foster a community for female wrestling fans, giving them a safe and welcoming space to discuss and celebrate wrestling. Furthermore, AEW has pushed for more diversity within its roster, including LGBTQ+ representation with performers like Nyla Rose and Sonny Kiss.

AEW has also established itself as a major competitor in the wrestling industry by providing fans with a varied wrestling product, emphasizing inclusion, and contributing to charitable causes. One of AEW’s standout initiatives is the Owen Hart Cup, a tournament established to honor the legacy of the legendary wrestler Owen Hart, who tragically passed away in 1999. Working closely with Owen Hart’s widow, Martha Hart, AEW created this tournament not only to pay tribute to Owen’s contributions to professional wrestling but also to help raise awareness for the Owen Hart Foundation, a charity that supports education, housing, and other initiatives aimed at helping underprivileged families. This gesture has resonated with fans, bringing a positive spotlight to AEW’s commitment to honoring wrestling history while supporting meaningful causes.

In addition to this, AEW has actively supported fundraising efforts for the family of Jay Briscoe, one half of the legendary tag team, the Briscoe Brothers, after his untimely passing in early 2023. AEW, in collaboration with Ring of Honor (ROH), which is also owned by AEW President Tony Khan, worked to raise funds for Briscoe’s family, helping to cover expenses and provide support during a difficult time. The outpouring of love from AEW and the broader wrestling community was significant, showing that the promotion goes beyond entertainment, making a positive impact on the lives of wrestlers and their families. These actions, along with AEW’s dedication to inclusion—such as its diverse roster and partnerships with other wrestling promotions demonstrate the company’s efforts to make professional wrestling not only a source of great entertainment but also a platform for charitable and socially responsible initiatives.

TNA/Impact Wrestling: Revival and Growth in the Modern Era
Once regarded as a struggling promotion, then rebranding as IMPACT Wrestling to restructure before going back to their roots as TNA, has experienced a remarkable resurgence over the past few years. One of the most positive aspects of this growth has been its dedication to rebuilding the Knockouts Division, which has once again become
one of the premier women’s wrestling divisions in the world. Stars like Jordynne Grace, Deonna Purrazzo, and Tasha Steelz have helped rejuvenate the division with excellent matches and captivating storylines.

Total Nonstop Action/ TNA’s willingness to collaborate with other promotions, such as AEW and NJPW, has also been a boon for the company. The promotion’s “Forbidden Door” partnerships allowed stars like Kenny Omega and Jay White to make appearances, helping TNA remain relevant and engaging for fans. Additionally, IMPACT has worked with promotions like Mexico’s AAA and the NWA, contributing to the positive trend of cross-promotional wrestling that benefits both talent and fans.

TNA’s strong storytelling and ability to reinvent itself, despite facing financial difficulties and roster changes, have made it a success story in the wrestling world. The company continues to put out compelling content while nurturing homegrown talent like Ace Austin and Trey Miguel, ensuring that the future of the promotion is bright.

NWA: Tradition Meets Modernity
The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), one of wrestling’s most storied organizations, has undergone a revival in recent years under the leadership of Billy Corgan. Corgan has made it his mission to blend the traditional roots of the NWA with a modern twist, making the promotion relevant again in today’s wrestling landscape.

One of the most positive developments in the NWA has been the success of its weekly show, NWA Powerrr. The studio-style show harkens back to the golden days of wrestling, with a nostalgic atmosphere that appeals to longtime fans while still feeling fresh for new viewers. Talents like Nick Aldis, Kamille, and Trevor Murdoch have become prominent faces of the company, and the NWA has continued to highlight classic wrestling storytelling and character work.

Additionally, the NWA has shown its dedication to women’s wrestling with the formation of the NWA Women’s Invitational Cup and collaborations with organizations like Mission Pro Wrestling, helping to promote female talent across the board. This commitment to revitalizing the women’s division and honoring the NWA’s rich history is a positive sign for the future of the promotion.

Ring of Honor (ROH): A Legacy of Excellence and Its Promising Future
Ring of Honor has long been a cornerstone of independent wrestling, known for developing some of the top stars in the industry, including Bryan Danielson, CM Punk, and Samoa Joe. Despite its challenges over the years, the acquisition of ROH by Tony Khan in 2022 marked a new chapter for the company, infusing it with fresh energy and resources.

Under Khan’s leadership, ROH has remained committed to providing a platform for wrestlers to showcase their technical prowess and athleticism. The re-introduction of popular events like Supercard of Honor has allowed the company to maintain its loyal fan base while attracting new audiences. ROH’s current roster features a blend of established veterans and rising stars, ensuring that the promotion continues its legacy of top-tier wrestling. The renewed focus on the Pure Wrestling division, led by talents like Wheeler Yuta, has also added depth to ROH’s product, giving fans a unique wrestling experience that is rare in the mainstream wrestling world.

Michigan Independent Wrestling: A Thriving Scene
Michigan’s independent wrestling scene is one of the most vibrant in the country, featuring numerous promotions and talents that have been making a name for themselves on a national scale. Promotions like XICW/Xtreme Intense Championship Wrestling and Pro Wrestling All-Stars of Detroit have built strong followings and offer local wrestlers the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of passionate crowds. One of the most positive aspects of Michigan’s indie scene is the sense of community and collaboration between wrestlers and fans. Independent shows often provide a more intimate experience, allowing fans to connect with the performers in a way that’s not possible in larger promotions. Wrestlers from Michigan’s indie scene, like Trey Miguel and Alex Shelley, have gone on to find success in major companies like TNA/IMPACT Wrestling, proving that the local scene is a vital breeding ground for future stars.

One of the shining stars in Michigan’s vibrant independent wrestling scene is Independence Pro Wrestling/ IPW. Based primarily in West Michigan, IPW has been steadily growing in popularity and is recognized for its mix of homegrown talent and exciting matchups. Known for hosting thrilling events like IPW Blackout and IPW High
Stakes, the promotion has garnered a dedicated fanbase. One of the key highlights is its family friendly nature, offering events that appeal to fans of all ages, making it a community-centered promotion that brings people together.

IPW is well regarded for elevating local wrestlers who are making waves in the larger wrestling scene. For example, stars like former ROH and WSX talent and world renowned Josh Raymond who is the founder of IPW and head coach for upcoming students. Then there iscurrent IPW champion Chad Alpha who is a 20 year veteran on the independent scene, or Terry Van Avery the former IPW Champion and heartbeat of IPW’s show distribution and online footprint, and standout performers like up and coming Mondo Real or Big Jorge making their own path in Michigan Wrestling. IPW also has veterans of the ring and Michigan legends like HYPE Shalwin and Max Morrison have been featured in main events that showcase their talent. The women’s division has also been spotlighted, with up and comers like Stella Buho reigning as the IPW Women’s Champion, Honey Badger Lil’ Missy a dominating young contender, and veterans like Thunder Kitty contributing to the growing importance of women’s wrestling in the region.

As Michigan’s wrestling scene continues to thrive, Independence Pro Wrestling plays a significant role in building up the next generation of stars while giving fans high quality entertainment close to home. This makes IPW a cornerstone of West Michigan’s indie wrestling world.

Hollywood’s World of Sports: The Heart of the Behind the Scenes “Scene”
An area that often gets overlooked is the reporters and people who cover wrestling and truly let their passion shine. “Hollywood” Joe Williamson, the mind behind Hollywood’s World of Sports, has carved out a unique niche in sports journalism, with a particular emphasis on professional wrestling. While his platform covers mainstream promotions such as WWE and AEW, Williamson is also an ardent supporter of the Michigan Independent Wrestling Scene, with Independence Pro Wrestling being one of his primary focuses. He actively works to promote and spread awareness about local promotions, making him a vital advocate for independent wrestling in his home state.

Williamson’s journey is deeply personal. Born with congenital heart disease (CHD), a condition that prevents him from participating in contact sports, he has turned his passion for athletics into a media platform. Rather than letting CHD limit his involvement in sports, Williamson uses it as fuel for his advocacy efforts. He organizes wrestling shows at Patterson Ice Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, combining his love for wrestling with a mission to raise awareness about CHD. These events serve a dual purpose of bringing fans and families together to enjoy wrestling while also highlighting the struggles of individuals living with congenital heart disease and showing that if you love something enough and work hard enough, you can make anything happen.

His contributions to IPW and other local wrestling promotions have made a significant impact in Michigan’s wrestling scene. By offering his platform and voice, Williamson ensures that independent wrestlers and promotions gain exposure and support that they might otherwise lack. This passion project has resonated with many, and his efforts are seen not just in his writing but in the real world wrestling events he has a longtime been and always will be a part of.