Your first time at an Indie Wrestling show? Here's what to expect.

So you're going to your very first independent wrestling show and you don't know what to expect. Hopefully I can help you out. Get to the venue early. I'll tell you why. The people you see there in line who also came early most likely got there early for the purpose of conversation (as well as a good seat). It may seem like some of the people know each other. They do! All these people you see in line is your new wrestling community. This short video I made here explains that a little.

I don't know how you feel but meeting people in person makes me feel a lot better about furthering a friendship then meeting online. In my experience, meeting people in line eventually turns into friends who share the same love for wrestling. Before you know it you will be attending the same shows and sitting next to each other and enjoying them together.

Now, once you are inside the venue go find a seat. If I feel comfortable enough I will leave my jacket on my seat to go check out the merchandise tables or to get some snacks at the snack bar if there is one. Snack bars at indie wrestling shows are pretty affordable. Nothing outlandish. The merch tables is where the wrestlers and the promotions staff sell their shirts, masks, hoodies, stickers, photos and whatever else they put out on the table. My favorite part about the merch tables is lots of times the wrestlers themselves you will see in the ring at the show will be selling their stuff. If you know who they are before you attend your first show then this is your chance to show them some love and let them know you appreciate their work. Sometimes the wives or girlfriends of some of the wrestlers will be at the merch tables. These women are some of the most friendly people in the business. They live this wrestling life to and socializing with the public is part of the business.

Once you are done with the merch tables go sit down. The show is about to start. A wrestling show is not like watching a movie in a theatre where you have to be quiet. It's exactly the opposite. The louder the better. You can tell by what people shout out if they are a regular fan of the promotion or just a rowdy fan. Regardless, all the boos and cheering are always appreciated by the in ring talent. If you yell something clever you just might get a reaction from the wrestlers and the crowd might use it in their next chant. Since most indie shows are held in a smaller venue as opposed to an arena, the sound of body slams and chest chops will sound a lot louder. Remember, all chops get the Ric Flair treatment. Whoooooooooo! 

Intermission. Most indie wrestling shows have intermission. This is your time to stand up and stretch and get your booty up from that bleacher or metal foldable chair seat. If allowed, it's always wise to bring a seat cushion for those hard seats. Intermission is the best time to hit the snack bar again, use the bathroom or check out the merch table if you didn't get a chance before the show started. It's also a good time to find out where everyone is eating after the show. I can't tell you how many times we filled a restaurant with wrestlers, staff and fans after the show. This is the indie wrestling scene and it's pretty fun to be apart of. Intermission length is different sometimes but it usually runs from 15 to 25 minutes. Now get back in your seat. Intermission is over.

After intermission is over the show gets ready for the second half which is usually main eventers and wrestlers from other promotions who people can't wait to see. The hard hitting action continues. It's always fun watching the new up and coming wrestlers because they are the future of the business. One day you see them at an indie show and the next time you see them might be on tv. Even if you don't see them on tv, how many people do you know travel the world doing what they love. Make sure you get your favorites social media details at the merch table. The show is over.

Once the show ends, don't leave yet. You have another chance to meet and possibly take some pics with the wrestlers after the show. Lots of them love to stick around and socialize with the fans. It's also your chance to find out when the wrestling promotion will be back again and how you can go to their next show. If you made some friends don't forget to get their information to. Wrestling promotions always have their regulars but wrestling fans love all the shows of every promotion.

I hope I gave you a little insight on what to expect at your first indie wrestling show. Until next time. Shadow La Fuente Signing Off