Best non-WWE events to attend during WrestleMania weekend
Breaking down the best independent wrestling shows in Orlando outside of WWE during WrestleMania 33 weekend
It’s hard not to love WrestleMania weekend. Not only is it the one show every year where WWE pulls out all of the stops, but it also allows the pro wrestling world as a whole to converge upon the host city. Thus, wrestling is ready to fully invade the city of Orlando, FL ahead of the April 2 WrestleMania 33.
Between independent shows, meet and greets, live podcasts, parties and whatever else, there are over 90 events that will be taking place in Orlando this weekend. Frankly, it’s impossible to catch them all. Even setting aside scheduling conflicts, there’s quite literally no way that you could hold up physically. Though it sometimes doesn’t seem like it, there’s such a thing as wrestling overload.
Luckily, there are a few cards for independent shows that stand out above the rest. For the record, I’m not including the Ring of Honor Supercard of Honor XI show in this mix. Yes, it’s technically an independent show and obviously non-WWE. However, the ROH brand is big enough that you probably already know about that show. With that said, you should still check it out, if for no other reason than to see BROKEN Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy face The Young Bucks in a ladder match for the tag titles.
Now let’s start with an honorable mention (for a specific reason) before diving into the five best non-WWE shows during WrestleMania weekend in Orlando.
Honorable Mention: Game Changer Wrestling Presents Joey Janela’s Spring Break
Date: Thursday, March 30
Time: 11:59 p.m. ET
Location: Orlando Live Events Center
Stream: FloSlam.TV
For starter’s this even should be an absolute blast. It’s largely being billed as a big wrestling party that takes place at midnight following the action on Thursday. What’s more, Joey Janela is an absolute madman in the ring and puts someone like Shane McMahon to shame in terms of the hardcore and daring bumps that he’s willing to take. However, the biggest reason why this gets an honorable mention involves another match on the card.
Matt Riddle is among the hottest names in wrestling right now, the King of Bros. Once a UFC fighter (fired for multiple positive marijuana tests), Riddle has picked up professional wrestling exceptionally quick and become a true talent. In fact, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him in WWE some time sooner rather than later. However, his match on this show will have more of an MMA feel as he takes on a UFC legend: Dan Severn.
Though 58 years old and a far larger man than Riddle, seeing these two clash should be an absolute treat. It’s going to be brutal, physical and technically sound in a way that most wrestling matches could only dream of. Even if you don’t watch the rest of the show, I’d recommend checking Bro vs. Beast at Joey Janela’s Spring Break.
5. WrestleCon Supershow
Date: Friday, March 31
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Location: Wyndham Orlando Resort
The list “officially” begins with the WrestleCon Supershow, hosted by the massive WrestleCon event that will host numerous meet and greets throughout the weekend and will also host shows from other promotions—a few that will follow shortly. This card, however, features a plethora of big names on the indies that you’d be unwise to miss out on. What’s more, the matchups are ultimately quite intriguing as well.
Billed at the top of the card is a “Dream Match” between the team of BROKEN Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy and the luchador brothers of Lucha Underground fame, Penta El Cero Miedo (Pentagon Jr.) and Rey Fenix (Fenix). Meanwhile, two other LU stars in Cage and Johnny Mundo will face off in a TLC match. Also on the card is what should be a fantastic hoss fight between Jeff Cobb and Bobby Lashley that should be incredible as these men are not only enormous, but freakishly athletic for their size.
However, the two most fascinating bouts on the card are the WrestleCon Rumble that features 20 of the biggest names on the indies in addition to a number of legends and then the 10-man Captain’s Choice Tag Team Match between Ricochet and Will Ospreay. These two have already proven they can put on a legendary show. Now joined with teams of exhilarating talent, this shouldn’t be any different in Orlando.
4. EVOLVE 80
Date: Thursday, March 30
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Orlando Live Events Center
Stream: FloSlam.TV
EVOLVE and WWE have a working relationship that has been touted over the past few years, specifically in regards to NXT. Subsequently, it’s not surprising that they would have two shows on WrestleMania weekend. Frankly, both shows are going to be high-quality and well worth your time if you attend or watch online. However, the first of the two shows, EVOLVE 80, stands out just a bit more when comparing the pair.
One of the more interesting aspects of a match is when two wrestlers with completely contrasting styles meet in the squared circle. EVOLVE Champion Zack Sabre Jr. is one of the best technical wrestlers in the world, as he displayed in the Cruiserweight Classic. At this show, he’ll be challenged by the highly athletic ACH. Though he’s not technically unsound, he has much more high-flying ability than ZSJ. Seeing how they interact should be a great deal of fun.
Another particular match to watch on this show will be the Grudge Match between the aforementioned Matt Riddle and Drew Galloway, formerly Drew McIntyre in WWE. These two are both physical beasts and should put on a highly emotional and physical bout. With Michael Elgin, Donovan Dijak, Ricochet and many others also wrestling on the card, EVOLVE 80 should definitely be one of the shows everyone leaves Orlando talking about.
3. Wrestling REVOLVER: Pancakes & Piledrivers
Date: Saturday, April 1
Time: Noon ET
Location: Wyndham Orlando Resort
Another show that will be hosted at the Wyndham Orlando Resort by the good people at WrestleCon, The Wrestling REVOLVER: Pancakes & Piledrivers show has plenty of starpower and high-profile matches that should draw the eyes of wrestling fans.
Perhaps the matchup that I’m at least most excited for would be the tag match between Twins (Brian Cage and Sami Callahan) and Penta El Cero Miedo and Rey Fenix. Not only are these four of the most talented people in the business, but it’s also a fascinating contrast. While Callahan and Penta can both bring a sick level of brutality to a match, you also have the immense strength and power of Cage and the high-flying aerial assault of Fenix. The result should be a torrid and ultimately incredible match.
If you’re into high-flying, there’s plenty more for you on this card. Ricochet vs. Shane Strickland (Killshot on Lucha Underground) is going to feature all sorts of crazy high spots that should tear the house down. What’s more, there’s also a ladder match involving AR Fox, Lio Rush, Matt Cross and several others that should be amazing. If that weren’t enough, Angelico and Jack Evans are also on this card.
With Jeff Cobb, Dave and Jake Crist, Michael Elgin, David Starr and plenty of other names that you need to see, missing out on Pancakes & Piledrivers would be a big mistake. Plus, they aren’t lying about the pancakes as you can also get your breakfast-carb fill at this show.
2. PROGRESS Wrestling
Date: Friday, March 31
Time: Noon ET
Location: Orlando Live Events Center
Stream: WWN Live
If you don’t believe the fact that the entire wrestling world converges on WrestleMania weekend, you need only look further than the promotions from the United Kingdom coming to Orlando to find your proof. One of those promotions, as well as one of the biggest and best across the pond, is PROGRESS Wrestling. Their show on Friday afternoon has some of the best talent, matches and once-in-a-lifetime (or maybe just very rare) opportunities that you’ll have the chance to see.
One of those talents is indeed Jimmy Havoc, who recently returned following a long absence from the ring due to injury. He’s one of the singular talents in the industry in terms of both ability and aura, so his bout with Zack Sabre Jr. is absolutely must-see stuff.
Meanwhile, familiar faces from the WWE United Kingdom Tournament will be in action and in fantastic ways. PROGRESS Champion Pete Dunne—with rumors circling that he may be in WWE soon—will defend his belt against Mark Haskins in what should be a thriller. Meanwhile, the WWE UK title will also be put up as Tyler Bate faces Mark Andrews.
The likes of Sami Callahan and Shane Strickland will also be on the card, which is reason enough to be intrigued as well. However, the possible show-stealer could be Matt Riddle taking on Trent Seven. In case you were unaware by now, I’m high on Riddle as a talent. However, Seven is also vastly underrated in the world of wrestling and these two should be made for one another in the ring.
1. Rev Pro
Date: Friday, March 31
Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
Location: Wyndham Orlando Resort
There are only six matches billed for the Rev Pro show in Orlando on Friday, another event hosted by WrestleCon and another promotion from the UK. However, these six matches put together on the same card rivals any wrestling card you might see in the world all year. That is not hyperbole.
When you have a match between Jeff Cobb and Martin Stone (Danny Burch in NXT) at the bottom of the card, you’re doing something right. Their placement on this card shouldn’t fool you as they’re sure to put on a hard-hitting and enthralling match. But it only gets better from there when next up is the Unbreakable F’N Machines (Michael Elgin, Brian Cage) taking on Shane Strickland and Ryan Smile. This is another contrasting styles match that should be awesome.
Next up will be a potential show-stealer and a match that will be jam-packed with high spots as Will Ospreay takes on Rey Fenix. These are two of the most athletic and acrobatic guys in all of wrestling and they can bring a house down. So too can Jay White and Sami Callahan, who face off in the next match on the card. White isn’t as widely known as some independent names, but he’s the real deal, as is Callahan and they’ll both prove that.
Now at the top of the card are two matches that could be the best of the weekend, including those at WrestleMania. First, Richochet and Marty Scurll offer contrasting styles, but are both two of the best doing it in the ring right now. Seeing how they interact and co-inhabit the squared circle should be quite a treat for wrestling fans.
Next: Best match from every WrestleMania in history
Finally, the main event of the Rev Pro show will be Zack Sabre Jr. and Penta El Cero Miedo in singles action in what’s essentially the battle of the most brutal arm-bars in the business. It also happens to be two more premiere talents in the business squaring off. That tops off a card that, among all of the great wrestling shows in Orlando for WrestleMania weekend, stands out and above the rest.