How a Los Angeles wrestling club became North America's best
In short: In 2016, Dave Meltzer called Pro Wrestling Guerrilla the best wrestling in North America. Born from a mix of humor and high-stakes athleticism, this Los Angeles promotion grew from small community center shows into a global phenomenon, shaping the careers of superstars like CM Punk and Kevin Steen.
Founded in 2003 by a group of wrestlers including Super Dragon and Excalibur, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) carved out a unique niche in the independent circuit. The promotion was defined by its eclectic personality, featuring over-the-top press releases and eccentric show titles like "Kee_ The _ee Out of Our _ool!". While the founders handled the business, the creative direction was split: Excalibur managed the digital presence and artwork, while Super Dragon served as the sole booker from 2010 onwards.
The promotion's rise was marked by significant logistical and industry shifts. Fans dubbed the Hollywood/Los Feliz Jewish Community Center "The Sweatbox" because of the stifling heat after PWG relocated there in 2004. By 2007, the promotion faced a major crossroads when it ended its relationship with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). TNA had demanded contract terms that would have prevented their wrestlers from appearing on PWG's third-party DVDs, forcing the promotion to lose major stars like Samoa Joe and A.J. Styles.
Despite these hurdles, PWG became a vital stepping stone for talent moving to major leagues. Wrestlers like Kevin Steen credited the promotion for their WWE opportunities after being spotted by scouts during PWG matches. The promotion's influence was cemented through its annual flagship event, the Battle of Los Angeles, and its ability to blend local Southern California stars with international legends, creating a high-density talent pool that redefined independent wrestling standards.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
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