In Streets Ahead, we invite columnists to write about wrestlers and companies that are still on their way up or you might not be too aware of. Simply put, if you don’t get on board with them, you’ll be streets behind.
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Today, we have Jonas Wakefield AKA @typicalROHfan AKA ME to gush about his love of FWE! We usually put plugs for the writer here but you’re already on the site, so thanks!
What is FWE?
Located in New York, Family Wrestling Entertainment puts out a great product of stacked cards and eclectic talent. You hear the term often but in this case, it’s true that FWE offers something for everyone. They spare no expense at bringing in the best talent available and their goal is genuinely providing the fans with what they want.
Before FWE, I’d only attended WWE, TNA or ROH shows. For as high a reputation as New York City has for being a hot spot for pro wrestling shows, there weren’t many independent wrestling options, as most took place in Long Island, New Jersey or locations in places I’ve never heard of, despite living in NY my entire life.
I heard Brian Kendrick reference a show (Welcome To The Rumble 2012) in the city so I looked it up to see he was facing Mike Bennett. The card had enough wrestlers I knew of that convinced me to go and I was impressed. One of the most enjoyable atmospheres for a live show I’ve been a part of, I was convinced to continue supporting FWE.
The absolute most important thing FWE offers is a platform to the wrestlers. All wrestlers are available before the show and most during intermission for meet and greets. While these are the times you are guaranteed to meet them, my best experience at a wrestling show actually happened after a show, at Dysfunctional Family in June last year.
I and fellow Wrestling on Earthling, Tom Blackett (we actually met at this show for the first time), had the delight of meeting Paul London on a sidewalk street after the show in his gear, sweating a ton and playing with a dog. I don’t know what more you can ask for.
If you don’t live in New York, FWE shows are always on iPPV over at WWNLive.com
Who are some of the standouts in FWE?
FWE offers four main types of wrestlers and appeals to each of these fan bases very strongly. First are veterans often misused or released by WWE and TNA. FWE considers those to be gems in allowing these wrestlers to perform at their best abilities.
Regular standouts among these guys are Carlito, Brian Kendrick, Chris Masters, Tommy Dreamer, Sonjay Dutt, Petey Williams, Jay Lethal, NEW FWE champion John Morrison and my personal favorite, Paul London. After a lengthy absence from the indy wrestling world, London delivered some impressive performances in FWE and now finds himself back in ROH, PWG and other well known indy promotions.
Paul London has been one of FWE’s standouts over the past year. (Photo credit: Stacy Podelski)
The top indy talent, bar none, is also highly represented in FWE. You can list some of the guys in the prior column as well but the wrestlers to look for here are Tony Nese, Jigsaw, Mike Bennett, Colt Cabana and The Young Bucks. I didn’t truly appreciate this aspect in FWE until The Young Bucks debuted. Arguably the best thing on the indy scene, the Bucks often are in the best match of every FWE show they appear on.
The Young Bucks have been as great as you’d expect in their appearances.
Women’s wrestling is a vital part of what FWE brings to the table. Often disrespected in many promotions, FWE values this genre and tries to bring the best. Maria Kanellis has been the face of FWE since I started watching until now. Winter AKA Katarina Leigh plays a huge role as she does commentating aside from wrestling on shows. Many other female talent like Angelina Love, Rosita and Ivelisse Velez are regularly showcased. FWE even brought in Gail Kim for a live dark match, despite TNA’s rules making it unable to show on DVD or iPPV, just because she’s the best female wrestler in the world (in my opinion) and they want to deliver the best shows.
Maria Kanellis with the FWE Women’s Title.
And of course, FWE gives some of the best local talent in NY a chance to cut their teeth against the best in the world and some all time greats. Jorge Santi is probably the biggest stand out and he will be facing Mike Bennett on the next FWE show (FWE Open Weight Grand Prix in October) in a match I am looking forward to.
My personal favorite local talent so far is Wes Draven. Every time I’ve seen him wrestle, he’s left an impact on me. His matches vs. Sonjay Dutt at Welcome To The Rumble 2012 and in a 4 way match vs. Jigsaw, Petey Williams and Tony Nese at No Limits 2013 were two of my favorite matches in FWE history.
Where to get started with watching FWE?
For a new viewer, I would say Dysfunctional Family 2012 is the best show to start with. The show’s main event featured Jay Lethal vs. Carlito vs. Tommy Dreamer in a hardcore match for the FWE title, and supporting this wild and enjoyable match was a strong undercard featuring Paul London vs. Petey Williams and Colt Cabana vs. Matt Taven.
If you are a fan of battle royals, I recommend Welcome To The Rumble 2013, the latest FWE show. Featuring a 30 man battle royal, Paul London vs. Jimmy Yang, The Young Bucks vs. Jigsaw and Tony Nese and a rare appearance from Rob Van Dam vs. Tommy Dreamer, the show is very fun
Welcome to the Rumble 2 is the most recent FWE iPPV.
However, the greatest match in FWE history is online for FREE! Paul London, Brian Kendrick and Jay Lethal vs. The Young Bucks and Petey Williams from Back 2 Brooklyn was a stellar match and a MUST WATCH! Read more about it and watch it with our friends on Free Pro Wrestling.
Want to find out more about FWE?
FWE is very interactive with fans. You can follow them on….
Twitter: @FWEWrestling
Facebook: Family Wrestling Entertainment
VOD website (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED): FWE Video On Demand
And of course, website: FWEWrestling.com
Thanks for reading and look out for great things coming from FWE.
– Jonas Wakefield likes green tea ice cream.
