So, you’re looking to get into the wild world of professional wrestling? Awesome! It’s a fantastic form of entertainment, a blend of athleticism, storytelling, and pure spectacle. Whether you’re a seasoned sports fan or just curious about what the hype is all about, understanding how to watch wrestling can seem a little daunting at first. With so many promotions, streaming services, and broadcast options, where do you even begin?
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. This guide will break down all the different ways you can watch wrestling, from the biggest shows on television to the independent promotions that are constantly innovating. We’ll explore the various subscription services, free viewing options, and even some tips on how to catch live events. Get ready to learn everything you need to know to become a wrestling fan and enjoy the thrills and spills of the squared circle.
Let’s get started on your wrestling journey!
Major Wrestling Promotions: Where the Action Happens
The wrestling world is vast, but a few promotions dominate the landscape. Understanding these major players is key to knowing where to find the best wrestling. Here are the biggest promotions and where you can typically watch their shows:
World Wrestling Entertainment (wwe)
WWE is the undisputed giant of the wrestling world. They produce the most widely-known and watched wrestling shows globally. Their shows are known for their high production values, larger-than-life characters, and family-friendly content. WWE operates on a global scale, and their shows are available in numerous countries and languages.
- WWE Raw: Airs weekly on Monday nights.
- WWE SmackDown: Airs weekly on Friday nights.
- WWE NXT: Airs weekly, showcasing up-and-coming talent.
- Premium Live Events (PLEs): Monthly pay-per-view-style events featuring major matches and storylines. These are now available on Peacock in the US and on the WWE Network (or local equivalents) internationally.
How to Watch WWE:
- United States: Peacock is the exclusive streaming home for WWE Premium Live Events and a vast library of past content. Raw and SmackDown air live on USA Network and FOX, respectively. NXT airs on the USA Network.
- International: The WWE Network (or local streaming partners) provides access to PLEs and a vast library. Check your local listings for TV broadcasts of Raw and SmackDown.
All Elite Wrestling (aew)
AEW is the biggest competitor to WWE. It offers a different style of wrestling, emphasizing in-ring action and a more adult-oriented product. AEW has quickly gained a significant following and features a roster of talented wrestlers from around the world.
- AEW Dynamite: Airs weekly on Wednesday nights.
- AEW Rampage: Airs weekly on Friday nights.
- AEW Collision: Airs weekly on Saturday nights.
- AEW PPVs: Pay-per-view events featuring major matches and storylines.
How to Watch AEW:
- United States: AEW Dynamite and Collision air on TBS and TNT, respectively. Rampage airs on TNT. PPVs are available through various providers.
- International: Check your local listings for TV broadcasts. AEW offers its own streaming service, AEW Plus, for international viewers outside of the US to watch Dynamite, Rampage, and Collision, as well as PPVs.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling (njpw)
NJPW is a prominent Japanese wrestling promotion. It’s known for its strong style of wrestling, emphasizing technical skill and hard-hitting action. NJPW has a dedicated international fanbase and often collaborates with other promotions.
- NJPW Weekly Shows: Various weekly shows featuring matches and storylines.
- NJPW PPVs: Pay-per-view events featuring major matches and tournaments.
How to Watch NJPW:
- NJPW World: NJPW’s official streaming service, providing access to live events and a vast library of content.
- Fite.TV: Some NJPW events are available for purchase on Fite.TV.
Other Notable Promotions
Beyond the big three, numerous other promotions offer exciting wrestling action. These promotions often showcase unique styles and up-and-coming talent. Some examples include: (See Also: How Do You Score Wrestling )
- Impact Wrestling: A long-running promotion known for its unique characters and storylines. Watch on AXS TV in the US and via streaming internationally.
- Ring of Honor (ROH): Now owned by Tony Khan (owner of AEW), ROH is a promotion with a rich history and a focus on in-ring action. ROH shows are available on HonorClub and through streaming services like Fite.TV.
- Independent Promotions: Countless smaller promotions offer wrestling shows across the globe. These promotions often feature a more grassroots approach and provide a platform for emerging talent.
Streaming Services: Your Digital Wrestling Hub
Streaming services have revolutionized how we consume entertainment, and wrestling is no exception. Here’s a breakdown of the major streaming options for wrestling fans:
Peacock (wwe)
Peacock is the exclusive streaming home for WWE in the United States. This means you can watch all WWE Premium Live Events live, as well as a massive library of past events, documentaries, and original programming. Peacock offers a cost-effective way to enjoy all things WWE.
- Pros: Exclusive access to WWE PLEs, extensive library of WWE content, relatively affordable.
- Cons: Only available in the US (though WWE Network is still available internationally). Requires a paid subscription.
Wwe Network (international)
The WWE Network is available in many international markets. It offers the same content as Peacock in the US, including live PLEs and a vast archive of wrestling history. Check your local listings to see if the WWE Network is available in your country.
- Pros: Access to live PLEs and a massive library of WWE content.
- Cons: Requires a paid subscription. Availability varies by region.
Aew Plus (international)
AEW Plus is AEW’s streaming service specifically for international viewers. It provides access to AEW Dynamite, Rampage, and Collision, as well as AEW pay-per-view events. AEW Plus is a great option for fans outside the US who want to follow AEW.
- Pros: Access to AEW Dynamite, Rampage, Collision, and PPVs.
- Cons: Requires a paid subscription. Only available outside of the US.
Njpw World
NJPW World is NJPW’s official streaming service. It’s the best way to watch NJPW events live and on-demand. NJPW World offers a vast library of NJPW matches, including historical content, and is a must-have for fans of Japanese wrestling.
- Pros: Access to live NJPW events and a vast library of NJPW content.
- Cons: Requires a paid subscription. Content is primarily in Japanese, but English commentary is often available.
Fite.TV
Fite.TV is a streaming platform that offers a variety of wrestling promotions. You can purchase individual events or subscribe to various promotions. Fite.TV is a good option for watching independent wrestling and events from promotions like Impact Wrestling and ROH.
- Pros: Wide variety of wrestling promotions available. Pay-per-view and subscription options.
- Cons: Requires paid subscriptions or individual event purchases.
Television Broadcasts: Catching Wrestling on TV
Even in the age of streaming, television broadcasts remain a key way to watch wrestling. Here’s how to find wrestling on TV:
Wwe
WWE Raw and SmackDown air weekly on major television networks.
- Raw: Airs on USA Network (USA).
- SmackDown: Airs on FOX (USA).
- NXT: Airs on USA Network (USA).
Check your local listings for specific times and channels. In many international markets, Raw and SmackDown are broadcast on local channels.
Aew
AEW Dynamite, Rampage, and Collision air weekly on various television channels. (See Also: Are You Allowed To Move Your Elbow In Arm Wrestling )
- Dynamite: Airs on TBS (USA).
- Rampage: Airs on TNT (USA).
- Collision: Airs on TNT (USA).
Again, check your local listings for specific times and channels. AEW’s international broadcast deals vary by region.
Other Promotions
Impact Wrestling and ROH also have television deals. Check your local listings or the promotion’s website for broadcast information.
Pay-Per-View (ppv) Events: Major Matches and Storylines
Pay-per-view events are a cornerstone of the wrestling industry. They feature major matches, title defenses, and the culmination of long-running storylines. Here’s how to watch PPV events:
Wwe
WWE Premium Live Events are now available exclusively on Peacock in the US. Internationally, they are available on the WWE Network (or local streaming partners). You’ll need a subscription to access these events.
Aew
AEW PPVs are available through various providers. You can purchase them through your cable or satellite provider, or through streaming platforms like Fite.TV. Check the AEW website for a list of authorized providers.
Other Promotions
Other promotions like NJPW, Impact Wrestling, and ROH also offer pay-per-view events. Check their respective websites or streaming platforms for purchase information.
Free Wrestling Options: Budget-Friendly Viewing
If you’re on a budget, there are still ways to watch wrestling without paying a subscription fee. Here are some options:
YouTube
Many wrestling promotions post free content on YouTube. This includes highlights, match clips, and sometimes even full episodes of their shows. WWE, AEW, and other promotions all have active YouTube channels.
- Pros: Free to watch. Access to a variety of content.
- Cons: Content is often limited to highlights and clips. Full episodes may not always be available.
Social Media
Wrestling promotions and wrestlers often post content on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. This may include short clips, announcements, and behind-the-scenes footage.
- Pros: Free to watch. Quick updates and insights.
- Cons: Content is often limited to short clips and promotional material.
Free Trials
Some streaming services offer free trials. Take advantage of these trials to watch live events or catch up on past content. Be sure to cancel your subscription before the trial ends if you don’t want to continue paying. (See Also: Can I Start Wrestling At 22 )
- Pros: Free access to premium content for a limited time.
- Cons: Limited time access. Requires canceling the subscription before it renews.
Live Events: Experiencing Wrestling in Person
Nothing beats the excitement of watching wrestling live. Here’s how to attend live events:
Wwe
WWE runs live events throughout the year. These include Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and Premium Live Events. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster and other authorized ticket vendors. Check the WWE website for tour dates and locations.
- Tips: Buy tickets early for the best seats. Consider attending a meet-and-greet to meet your favorite wrestlers.
Aew
AEW also runs live events regularly. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster and other authorized vendors. Check the AEW website for tour dates and locations.
- Tips: Check for pre-sale codes to get access to tickets before they go on sale to the general public.
Other Promotions
Independent promotions often run live events as well. Check their websites or social media for tour dates and locations. These events are often more affordable than WWE or AEW events.
- Tips: Support your local wrestling scene! Check out local independent shows for a unique wrestling experience.
Tips for New Wrestling Fans: Navigating the World of Wrestling
Getting into wrestling can feel overwhelming at first. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Start with the Basics: Familiarize yourself with the basic rules and terminology. Learn about the different match types (e.g., steel cage match, ladder match, Hell in a Cell).
- Choose a Promotion: Decide which promotion interests you most. WWE and AEW are good starting points, but don’t be afraid to explore other options.
- Follow Storylines: Wrestling is all about storytelling. Pay attention to the feuds, rivalries, and character arcs.
- Use Online Resources: Numerous websites, podcasts, and YouTube channels provide wrestling news, analysis, and reviews.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions: The wrestling community is generally welcoming and helpful. Don’t hesitate to ask questions on social media or online forums.
- Watch Regularly: The more you watch, the more you’ll understand and appreciate the nuances of wrestling.
- Explore Different Styles: Don’t limit yourself to one promotion or style of wrestling. Try different promotions and see what resonates with you.
- Have Fun: Wrestling is supposed to be entertaining. Enjoy the ride!
Understanding Wrestling Terminology
Wrestling has its own unique vocabulary. Here are some common terms you’ll encounter:
- Face: A “good guy” wrestler.
- Heel: A “bad guy” wrestler.
- Turn: When a wrestler changes from a face to a heel (or vice versa).
- Gimmick: A wrestler’s character or persona.
- Spot: A planned move or sequence of moves.
- Work: The performance or match itself.
- Shoot: Something that is real or not planned.
- Kayfabe: The illusion that wrestling is real, even though it’s scripted.
- Selling: How a wrestler portrays the effects of a move.
- Over: When a wrestler is popular with the crowd.
- Push: When a wrestler is given a prominent role or increased exposure.
- Jobber: A wrestler who is typically booked to lose.
Creating Your Wrestling Viewing Schedule
With so many shows and events, it can be helpful to create a viewing schedule. Here’s a sample weekly schedule:
- Monday: WWE Raw
- Tuesday: Watch highlights from the week’s wrestling.
- Wednesday: AEW Dynamite
- Thursday: Catch up on any wrestling you missed.
- Friday: WWE SmackDown, AEW Rampage
- Saturday: AEW Collision, NJPW events (if available)
- Sunday: Watch WWE Premium Live Events or AEW PPVs (if applicable) and catch up on any wrestling you missed.
Adjust this schedule to fit your own preferences and availability. Consider setting up a calendar reminder for your favorite shows.
Building Your Wrestling Community
Wrestling is even more fun when you share it with others. Here’s how to connect with other wrestling fans:
- Join Online Forums: Participate in online discussions on websites like Reddit, or specific wrestling forums.
- Follow Wrestling News Sources: Stay informed about the latest news, rumors, and results.
- Watch with Friends: Invite friends over to watch wrestling events.
- Attend Live Events: Meet other fans at live wrestling shows.
- Use Social Media: Follow wrestlers, promotions, and wrestling personalities on social media. Engage in discussions and share your opinions.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide on how to watch wrestling. From major promotions like WWE and AEW to the exciting world of independent wrestling, there’s a show for everyone. Whether you prefer to watch on TV, stream online, or attend live events, the world of wrestling offers endless entertainment. By following the tips and resources outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the thrills and spills of the squared circle. Get ready to cheer for your favorite wrestlers, boo the heels, and experience the passion of professional wrestling! Now go forth and enjoy the action!
