Independent wrestling's heart still beating even as social media begins to write its obituary

Regardless, there was a lot of chatter online about independent wrestling being "dead." The noise around the notion appeared to spark when Produce Wrestling and Absolute Intense Wrestling (AIW) announced hiatuses for different reasons for the end of the year.For what it’s worth, Produce already has a show booked for Feb.

25.CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK PRO WRESTLING COVERAGEBen Bishop enters the ring at Fight Factory Wrestling's No Thanks Given on Nov.6, 2026.

(OutKick)OutKick Dropkick has put the spotlight on several independent shows this year with a few different promotions, including Pandemonium Pro Wrestling, Awesome Championship Wrestling, Produce Wrestling, Gamechanger Wrestling, Fight Factory Wrestling and others.So, as social media wrote an obituary for the indies, OutKick Dropkick made its way to Middletown, New Jersey, on Friday night to take in Fight Factory’s No Thanks Given and to see whether the vibes would be more of a concert or a wake.

It didn’t disappoint.Ben Bishop, who made a surprise appearance at Total Nonstop Action Wrestling’s (TNA) Bound for Glory pay-per-view assembled a team for an elimination eight-person tag team match against MADE.Richard Holliday, Jack Vaughn and Madisyn Maxwell went up against Made.

Kristin Blaze then defeated Rachel Ley in a preview of what women’s wrestling may look like in the future.Even WWE Hall of Famer Arn Anderson showed up to support his sons as they took on Sent 2 Salute.The main event featured a no holds barred match between TNA star KC Navarro and Steve Gibki for the latter’s openweight championship.

The match ended with Gibki spearing Navarro through a table and putting his opponent in the Hell Hammer for the win.The show was held at the Middletown Sports Complex, which is not a large venue by any means.But pro wrestling fans still showed up to fill the available seats.

Most lasted through the chilly conditions since the event took place on a literal ice rink, which is also the home of t...