THE MAGAZINE

The latest from ringside.

History

Closed-Circuit Wrestling and Early Pay-Per-View Access

How documented wrestling events used ticketed remote screenings, local live cards and early home pay-per-view, with practical ways to distinguish venue attendance from television purchases.

History

How to Read an Old Wrestling Program

Arena programs, handbills and newspaper clippings can reveal a promotion’s planned card, local ties and sales language. The key is to separate what was advertised from what later sources can confirm.

AEW

When Hangman finally caught up

Full Gear 2021 is a useful lesson in how a championship match can settle a question of belonging as well as a question of victory.

WWE

Two WrestleManias. One turning point.

Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns turned a rematch into a story about what a challenger has to overcome—and who gets to stand beside him.

THE RINGSIDE READ

Good wrestling. Great reading.

Features, match history and a little perspective, straight to your inbox.

SmackDownOnYou app icon

Your seat. One tap away.

On iPhone or iPad, open this site in Safari, tap Share, then choose Add to Home Screen. On Android, use your browser’s Install app option.