# Independent wrestling’s heart still beating even as social media begins to write its obituary

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/independent-wrestlings-heart-still-beating-even-as-social-media-begins-to-write-its-obituary/
- Published: 2026-11-08T21:06:24+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-08T22:38:34+00:00
- Original publisher: Fox News (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/independent-wrestling-heart-still-beating-social-media-begins-write-obituary
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Fight Factory’s New Jersey show filled the available seats.
- Ben Bishop put attendance at 300 to more than 400.
- Some promotions pausing has prompted claims that indies are dying.

## Summary

Independent wrestling drew a strong crowd at Fight Factory’s No Thanks Given event in Middletown, New Jersey, challenging claims on social media that the scene is dying. The article argues that, despite some promotions announcing pauses, local shows still attract engaged fans and give wrestlers a place to perform.

The event took place at an ice rink and featured several matches, including a main event in which Steve Gibki defeated TNA wrestler KC Navarro in a no-holds-barred bout. Ben Bishop estimated attendance at between 300 and more than 400 people, and said talk of the independent scene’s death resurfaces every few months as wrestling changes. Produce Wrestling has already scheduled a show for 25 February after announcing a hiatus.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.