Top Wrestling MVPs 2020

Hi guys, How crazy has 2020 has been? With everything going on in the world, it seems as if 2021 couldn't come any sooner. However, even with all of this negativity, I think it's vital to try and find some positives.  Despite conditions making it hard for the wrestling industry, many companies have thrived during the pandemic. In particular, some wrestlers have managed to make the best out of a bad situation and continue trying to put on shows for fans whether in person or through streaming sites.  To mark the end of another year, I'm back with my annual wrestling MVP list of the wrestlers who have stood out this year. Just a quick note, most of the stuff I've watched this year is Japanese wrestling (NJPW, DDT and TJPW)! Yuka Sakazaki 2020 has been a great year for in the sense that I've had the time to fully get into Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling. For me, it's something I regret not doing earlier because it is full of some amazing wrestlers from Miu, Miyu Yamashita...

Wrestling Isolation Guide

Hi guys, 

Well, what a few weeks it has been and personally, I can say I've been full of anxiety probably not helped by the news which has meant that I'm basically no longer watching main television and getting upset at certain people around me. However, there's always one thing that has helped me whenever my anxiety has been high... okay two things, but the main thing is: Wrestling!

Even though many of our favourite promotions have cancelled shows in some way or another, so many promotions have given us content to not only lift people's spirits but give us a bit of escapism. So I've decided to do a list of all the promotions doing this and some of the best content to have a watch!

1. DDT Pro

Honestly, out of all the promotions I watch, DDT have been the most prepared and really have given subscribers of the DDT Universe some amazing stuff to watch. Although a lot of shows were cancelled, they still gave us some amazing content. To start with, they did a huge number of non-spectator shows live from the DDT Dojo which have been amazing with some classic matches including one where for every pinfall, reversal or rope break, Akito and Sasaki had to drink a glass of beer or the debut of Royce Chambers. Chris Brookes also threatened to eat Honda;s chin. Let me tell you, they were wild matches and it's crazy to think that the matches were so amazing without even any crowds and in a tiny dojo.


In the last few days, they've also put up so much content for FREE from title matches in America, the whole Grand Prix final from 2018 and some amazing Tokyo Joshi matches. Apart from these new and exclusive content, DDT Universe also has a whole archive of things to watch and I find it so funny going back and watching the first matches of some of my favourite wrestlers who all look like smol beans. With so many more shows announced including  Honestly, DDT have been the pioneers of this and really proved why they are one of the best promotions in the world. Always thinking of us as fans!

2. New Japan Pro Wrestling

After having to cancel the annual New Japan Cup, I know a lot of people (myself included) were left with a huge New Japan whole in our hearts and schedules. However, within a matter of days, #NJPWTogether was created and filled that emptiness so many of us would've felt. It's only the 19th March and we've been inundated with some amazing and original talk show style live shows. I don't know if I can name them all because there are so many, but here are some of my highlights: 

Alongside this, they've released some amazing exclusive matches on World ranging from Shibata v Naito from the 2015 G1, Tanahashi v Prince Devitt from the 2013 Anniversary show, Naito v Goto and Kota Ibushi (with a babyface Desperado and Michael Nakazawa) v Nick Jackson. Viewers can also watch night one of Wrestle Kingdom for free. So, even though we aren't actually getting any 'new' content, we are getting 'new' content if you get me. Not only do we have these amazing shows showing us a different side to some of your favourite wrestlers, but matches that haven't been on NJPWWorld and which many of us have never seen before.

In the coming weeks, we've also heard that alongside even more matches, we're going to have an Evening with Tanahashi and even rumours about them releasing My Dad's a Heel Wrestler with subtitles which makes my little heart so excited. So, even though they've taken a different route from DDT and other promotions, they have still given World subscribers their money worth and worked so hard to keep giving us our NJPW fix. 

3. All Elite Wrestling

Following many other promotions, All Elite Wrestling started doing non-spectator shows to ensure that their fans and talent stay safe but also making sure that we still get some amazing quality content. Initially, it always feels a bit weird seeing shows and matches without reactions from the crowd. However, I think it's testament to not only the booking but the calibre of the talent in the company. This week's show had some amazing content from the reveal of the Exalted One, Matt Hardy, and of course Orange Cassidy. There is also episodes of AEW Dark to keep you excited during the week.
Due to the lack of an exclusive streaming site, it isn't as easy to release exclusive content but I can imagine that the company will utilise social media and their YouTube to carry on giving us amazing content. If there is a way to give us some sort of escapism, All Elite Wrestling will do whatever it can to deliver us some amazing content.

4. WWE

WWE started their battle to overcome the virus by making all of the show non-spectator. Despite recent reservations about whether this would would for a product like DDT, it definitely proved the doubters wrong. These shows have really been amazing showcasing some amazing talent in a space where you don't have to worry about annoying fans, showing just how brutal some wrestler's offence is and giving us the joy that was Triple H and Asuka on commentary. NXT also had an amazing show where we got to see never before seen interviews and stories with the roster and gave us a nice insight into the lives of our favourite NXT wrestlers. There are also rumours that WWE are recording a whole lot of prerecorded content to satisfy your needs on the WWE Network.



Also, with Wrestlemania around the corner, despite protestations, the event will still occur in April but will be broadcast from the Performance Center in Orlando with only necessary personnel in attendance. Although many people see this as the wrong thing to do, it will be nice for people to have something to look forward too. It's awful for people who were meant to be there but it's a show that will be great relief to some people so we should appreciate it. WWE is going to lose a lot of money from this but the fact that they're still willing to put on a show should be some sort of sign that they're not always the bad guys.

Although I have only put in the four major promotions that I watch, the list is endless for the number of companies making sure to make this hard time as easy as possible. Stardom have been putting shows up for free on their YouTube channel, WrestleTalk put on a free show on YouTube based in London showcasing some of the best talent from the UK including an amazing main event of Bea Priestley v Will Ospreay which you can watch here and that's only to name a few.

So, even in these tough times, there is always something to take your mind off everything. However, also keep in mind your favourite independent wrestlers who will be struggling because no shows equal no pay. Buy some merch, support their Patreon or help in anyway that you can because for once, it should be our turn to help them not have to worry.

If you also want some light content, then make sure to follow me on social media (@Wrestling_Chat on Twitter and Wrestling Chatter on FB and WrestlingChatter96 on IG)! for some top quality banter!

Also, keep an eye out for my fortnightly podcast where I talk a lot about all thing wrestling: https://www.mixcloud.com/WrestlingChatter/ because I will try and start posting content more regularly.

Until next time,

Bye

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