Here are some of the best wrestlers on the independent wrestling scene going into 2021.
The independent scene in wrestling has always had my heart. They may not have always deserved it, but I remember that it was independent wrestling that restored my joy and love for wrestling as an adult. It will always be where my love for wrestling lies.
And this year, five wrestlers, in particular, helped captivate and justify that love in the ring. These five have personified what is so bloody loveable and amazing about the independent wrestling scene. The individuality of it and the freedom to be the wrestler you want to be those four corners.
Let’s start off, shall we?
5. Boomer Hatfield
For an anthropomorphic baseball, there are few that can step within the ring and draw a crowd in support quite like Boomer Hatfield. The former Chikara Young Lion and now indie strutting sensation has proven time and time again that his recent arrival to wrestling should not be mistaken for greenness.
In my notes, I described Boomer Hatfield as a “car engine”. That is because I cannot think of describing his movement in a ring any other way. He builds up momentum through a match, gradually gaining and gaining momentum. Beginning with technical wrestling in a masterful way, he then begins building up speed and agility through pitch-perfect transitional moves before achieving Lio Rush levels of quickness. You only need to look at his match with Jaiden Newman at New South-The Saga Continues.
Many wrestlers live in the shadow of their older mentor/”father” figure in wrestling. But while I do count myself a fan of Dasher Hatfield, I can tell that Boomer Hatfield will not have that problem. Whether teaming with his likewise up and coming star partner in cousin, Molly Mccoy, or sparring off as a singles wrestler across the indies, Boomer Hatfield will achieve success wherever this baseball lands.
4. Willow Nightingale
The girl with the biggest smile in pro wrestling is showing just why she deserves it. It doesn’t matter who Willow Nightingale is squaring up against in the ring, she could be facing the pure incarnation of good itself but you would still find yourself cheering for Willow Nightingale.
With a powerhouse moveset that would normally clash with it, it is a testament to Willow Nightingale’s ability that she can make such power work with a wholesome and genuine character. The Babe With The Power is known for simply how beloved she is with the fans in a connection few can make.Teaming with Solo Darling as The Bird & The Bee, Willow was much clamored for choice to be included in AEW’s inaugural women’s tournament. With a crooked moonsault and gut-wrench powerbomb as pristine as her’s, it is easy to see why. Willow is a true and true kindhearted babyface which is so rare to see in the often edgy and jaded indie scene.
It doesn’t matter if she’s going toe to toe with fellow stalwart wrestlers such as Chris Dickinson, diva-style matches as in For The Culture or tagging with her long-time partner, the only thing that stands out stronger than Willow’s smile is her ability to entertain the crowd.
3. Still Life With Apricots & Pears
Some wrestlers will claim they are an experience. That they transcend wrestling. That they are art. But for Still Life With Apricots & Pears, that is not a claim. It is a fact.
Breaking out from under the shadow of BLANK and claiming the Young Lions Cup, Still Life made a name for herself as a monovalent and shockingly good sadistic heel in the ring, making the act of creating pain a work of beauty through a methodical in-ring style paired with picture perfect gimmick work. But alongside this, Still Life has shown in recent times that they are just as equipped to be the rookie face who draws cheers as easily as they drew boos in her early career.
Still Life has also showcased her skill goes beyond character and an understanding of face/heel dynamics. Wrestling the match of the show at Effy’s Big Gay Brunch and a beautiful display of wrestling against Lady Frost during Butch Vs Gore, Still Life can put an aesthically amazing action behind her persona.
No matter the persona or how she showcases it, Still Life brings art to bear in the ring. And it is a beautiful art as fit for The Louvre and beyond.
2. Trish Adora
There are few people in the indie scene I would describe as having historic moments. Very few. Trish Adora is one of these few, with every match she has feeling as if it’s something fans will talk of in years to come as hallmark moments.
Winning the Pan-Afrikan Diaspora Championship of F1ght Club Pro Wrestling, the victory itself was something out of superhero stories. Fighting valiantly through an arm injury within the match against Darius Lockhart and Mr. Grim, Trish’s selling was something every face in wrestling should look to for tips on how to put the “hard fought” in hard-fought victory. Rewatching this match for research, I was nearly on the edge of my seat at each maneuver from Adora despite knowing the outcome.
Since then, Trish has only continued her superheroic journey. Each match she has is never an easy win or a pointless win of someone being dominated only to pull out a victory at the last moment. No, instead she highlights how to make your opponent look competent in-ring while never appearing weak yourself. Something all wrestlers should learn from.
When you see Trish Adora, the sky’s the limit. But even the sky would not be able to contain her amazing finisher, Lariat Tubman.
1. Lee Moriarty
Lee Moriarty is simply someone I am amazed has not been snatched up by Impact, MLW, AEW, or anyone with enough reach to deserve him. I watch him on the indies, and the fact that he has not been signed brings the phrase “leaving money on the table” to mind.
While always a phenomenally skilled competitor, Lee’s trilogy of matches with Alex Shelley proved my above point. It’s difficult for many performers in this sport to have successive matches against one another and not seem similar in at least small ways. But Lee managed to bring something new to the field in each match with Alex Shelley. Whether as a novice rookie looking to prove himself in their first bout. A surprising potential in victory within their second bout. Or finally proving he can stand on equal footing with Shelley in their third and final one-on-one match.
Oozing charisma in every move he does, Lee is the textbook example of how someone with a technical base utilizes big and flashy moves to not cover up for a lack of skill but to enhance what is already boundless skill.
I said at the start of this segment that Lee could be signed anywhere and it wouldn’t surprise me. Well, that’s not true. Lee Moriarty SHOULD be signed anywhere he chooses. Cos’ the man certainly deserves it.