If you pay attention to my work, you may be like, “Rob, you hate top ten lists. What are you doing?” Welp. The boss wants a top ten list, and the boss keeps me in my hot tub filled with pizza rolls so I said I would do it but do it in a way that screams “Rob (what are you doing!?)”.

As WLS’ bastion of independent wrestling, I decided to drop a list of independent wrestlers that consistently entertained me over the course of 2024. There is no real criteria for this list outside of not being signed to WWE or AEW, just a crew of folks that I make sure to watch whenever they grace my screen or local area. This list will be in no particular order, and I will leave it up to you, dear reader, to put them in an order that suits your needs.

1. “Filthy” Tom Lawlor

 Tom Lawlor remains grossly underrated in the world of professional wrestling and it is a crime that he is not with a major company right now. Lawlor can do it all, whether that is a killer promo, match analysis, or giving us characters such as Hilljack. Due to his experience in UFC, Lawlor has the background where he will not lose any aura doing spots for laughs. He is also the only true bright spot in the abysmal World Titan Federation skits in Major League Wrestling. Regardless of what he is doing, I know if Tom Lawlor is gracing my screen, I will be entertained.

2. Mance Warner

Lemme preach at ya. Ol’ Mancer has given an already entertaining career a shot in the arm by aligning himself with the Deathmatch Kings, winning the GCW Championship, and engaging in a bloody war with EFFY. Mance is now starting near riots almost anywhere he goes, and in the post-kayfabe era…that says something. Specializing in bloody brawls, harkening back to the 1980’s, there will never be a dull moment with Ol’ Mancer around.

3. “The Marionette” Noelle Summit

You know what I love in wrestling? Real gimmicks. You know what we don’t see enough of in wrestling? Crazed puppets. Salem Wolf’s puppet, Noelle is running roughshod over Rocky Mountain Pro and is slowly moving eastward, bringing her own brand of unpredictability to the world of independent wrestling. Still relatively young in her career, Noelle has the tools needed to stand out on the independent scene. All she needs is experience and some veteran hands to help guide the way. Noelle will be one to watch out for.

4. Eric Eznite

SCW Pro’s Champion and leader of “The Chosen” is expanding his reach within the Midwest in addition to ascending to the upper echelon in SCW Pro. This Black and Brave graduate is riling up crowds wherever he goes, including appearances in RoH. Eric is another young talent to watch, as he converts sinners to his side. This standout year includes victories of Shane Hollister, the 1 Called Manders, and winning the SCW Pro Championship from “The Devil Dog” Dustan Mosely.

5. Mads Krugger/Krule

Krule has left a path of destruction wherever he goes. Best known for his stranglehold on the IWTV championship and leading CONTRA Unit in MLW. Krule is a big man who is willing to spill copious amounts of blood if it means the destruction of his enemies. Standing nearly seven feet tall, the fact that he is willing to participate in deathmatches is just horrifying…for his opponents. Why this man has yet to hold any championships since his return to MLW is something I have not figured out.

6. EFFY

I may catch some heat for this, but EFFY’s candor is something that is sorely lacking in today’s wrestling environment, whether I agree with his statements or not. EFFY is a regular with GCW, who is a veritable Sting there, with as much and he is turned against, and through them promotes his Big Gay Brunch that gives shine to LGBTQ talents. When not performing with GCW, EFFY is a regular throughout the U.S. independent scene with or (currently without) Allie Katch.

7. O’Shay Edwards

Big. Bad. Kaiju. Edwards is branching out across the world now, with a recent tour of the U.K. Edwards has the look and strength to be an intimidating presence in any company and woe to the opponents that company puts in Edwards’ way. That being said, he does not have a proper home base, so he is free to reign destruction at any time or anywhere.

8. Richard Holliday

Another question as to why someone is not signed to a major company. Holliday is good in the ring, a good promo, and after a bout with Leukemia, has an inspirational story to tell. The upside to being unsigned is that we get to breath in rarified air all over the country. Whether it’s in Beyond, New South, MLW, GCW, NWA or even AEW, Holliday is drinking coffee and taking names.

9. Zayda Steel

Zayda was the first person named to WWE’s new ID program, need I say more? Okay. Zayda has had an impressive year, appearing in Major League Wrestling, Marigold, Uprising, H20, among others. Zayda has stepped up her in ring game and will only continue to improve with the resources WWE can provide.

10. “WARHORSE” Jake Parnell

WARHORSE has eschewed everything that made him go viral and embraced nihilism. “Commissar” is now gathering championships throughout the Midwest and followers to his cause, proving that only throw nothing can anything be achieved. Whereas I was worried about Parnell losing the WARHORSE character, those fears have been vanquished, and I am curious to see where this goes. Not that it matters.

There you go. Ten independent wrestling talent to watch. All of these competitors belong in major companies, if not right now, then in the near future. Be sure to give them a follow and catch them live wherever you can.

Rob Kamerer is the host of the MLW Con-Fusion podcast and contributor for the Urban Wrestling Network. He can be found on Twitter & Facebook. He watches independent wrestling wherever he can and is most assuredly reporting his hot takes on the topic.

Feature Photo Credit; Bring Me The News

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