The Best Independent Wrestling Show You Don't Know About

CWA Pro Wrestling based in Orangeburg South Carolina is head and shoulders above any independent wrestling organization you will ever find.

The problem is you probably still don't know about it.

That's because CWA, like most independent operates on a small strict budget. But even though the budget is small compared to many shows, CWA makes the most of its money. CWA boasts a large projection screen, a lighting system and two more large flat screen TV's. The additions - estimated to have cost around $50,000 - makes for entrances similar to those produced by larger shows. You don't see this on many independent shows. Some shows are lucky to even have a simple sound system.

Indeed, in terms of production, CWA has few rivals. Producer Dusty Jackson produces video entrances for all CWA wrestlers and was instrumental in the launch of CWA's television and DVD programming. His early work included the use of multi-camera angles, state of the art graphics and editing, virtually unheard of on the independent level. As the company grew, Charlotte, NC-based Highspots.com was brought in to handle DVD and TV production while Jackson oversees production of live events. The company grew so fast that a two man production crew (Jackson and his assistant) could no longer handle the workload.

How fast? The company's first show in early 2005 drew 50 fans. Currently CWA averages over 400 which may not sound like a lot but is actually a strong number for an independent. At its peak, Philadelphia based ECW (not the watered down version Vince McMahon currently provides), the third largest national promotion at one time in America drew 1,000 fans to its live events. ECW has now achieved a cult following status with many fans still chanting "ECW, ECW" at many live events across the nation.

What CWA lacks is a national or even statewide presence. It is limited on where it can run its shows. 2007, however, was its biggest year yet as the company expanded beyond its borders in Orangeburg into the state capital of Columbia, SC and began running shows at the Jamil Temple which can hold upwards to over 2,000 fans. CWA also runs shows in Orangeburg at Southern Methodist College.

CWA currently reaches 400,000 homes in South Carolina where the company's show can be seen on Carolina On-Demand on Time Warner Cable. According to the compant's website, CWA Pro Wrestling is currently the 4th most matched program on the channel. Providing such programming as well as live events keeps promoter Roger Gleaton and booker David Garrick quite busy, the duo is constantly creating storylines that will draw fans and to constantly be on the lookout for new and exciting talent.

CWA performers now have their own merchandise on sale at the merchandise stand at live events. And CWA is not short on talent. CWA brings in some of the best talent from TNA Wrestling and ex-WCW and WWE stars (Nick "Eugene" Dinsmore will be appearing for the company, stars like Scott Steiner and Diamond Dallas Page have in the past). But it is the homegrown talent that is the heart of the CWA. Josh Magnum, a high flying cruiserweight is arguably CWA's most popular performer. Magnum is fearless having competed in ladder matches, no disqualification matches and table matches. There is Timber, the company's heavyweight champion. a tough a rigged individual who has gone toe to toe with wrestlers like TNA's Abyss and Dustin Rhodes. There is Malachi, a young man in peak physical condition, ripped to the bone and not afraid to let the crowd know how great he is. There are Incredibily popular tag teams like Nu Skool (Danny Dollar and Zack Salvation) and Team Macktion (Kirby and TJ Mack). High flyers like Amien rios, Xavier Night, monsters like Asylum and Phil Shatter. And making their way up the ladder, "The Hottness" Chris Mayne ann the impressive Islander Kimo. None of them household names but on any given night any of them will give you a bout as competitive and as exciting as you'll see on national TV.

You can check out the CWA on YouTube at http://youtube.com/profile?user=CWAProWrestling or visit the company website at www.cwaprowrestling.com.