The Beauty of Independent Wrestling

Professional wrestlers who work for the WWE are able to enjoy fame and fortune. Those who work for TNA receive less than the WWE but more than plenty of others. Those others are the independent wrestlers.

Most independent wrestlers begin their careers by receiving training from others who have a knowledge in the business. Training usually costs the aspiring wrestlers hundreds or thousands of dollars. This puts the wrestlers in some debt. Debt that many may not ever pay back. That's because small-time independent wrestlers usually do not get paid, but if they do it is not much.

So why would they keep wrestling? The do it because they either love to do it or want to improve their skills in order to earn a big payday someday. Either way, they provide fans with entertaining shows. Well, they try to at least.

I didn't watch much independent wrestling early in my life, but lately I have spent just as much time watching it as I do WWE. That's in large thanks to independent wrestler Mark Vandy.

My brother not only wrestled Kevin Nash, he pinned him. What made it better was that it was the day before my birthday. (Photo/ Michael Vanderkolk)

Why lie to you? He is my older brother. However, he is young and talented in the ring. He's only been doing it for a little over a year now, but has made a name for himself all over the state of Indiana as well as parts of Ohio and Massachusetts. He was even mentioned by Kevin Nash in his infamous article with Grantland when he called Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero "vanilla midgets." However, Mark is not the only reason that I enjoy watching his shows.

The Road to WrestleMania has Begun

The "Road to WrestleMania" always seems to be one of the most exciting times of the year. Intense storylines, big returns, and Undertakers streak all make these weeks the best of the year, but you all already knew that. Even though we know some things are almost guaranteed to happen (Undertaker winning), it's still the exciting because of the "what if" factor.

I know that we still have plenty of weeks and Elimination Chamber left, but these are my thoughts on what the WrestleMania XXIX card will look following Royal Rumble:

-Rock (c) vs Cena - This match is all but finalized already, and we have only seen one Raw since they both were victorious at Royal Rumble. With The Rock being the big name star that he is, I do not see him dropping the belt after only a month. Although I would love to see anyone else with the strap. The Rock went over in his "Once in a Lifetime" homecoming match last year, so I see "Once In a Lifetime: Part II" being the official passing of the torch and championship belt.  Winner: Cena

    

Stars such as Carlito (pictured) and Shelton Benjamin were heavily rumored to return at the Royal Rumble. They were both involved in many MITB matches, I would love to see either one at Mania. (Photo/ Michael Vanderkolk)

-Del Rio (c) vs Orton - After Del Rio beats Big Show and Orton wins the EC match, the two will have a face-vs-face 'Mania match. Del Rio wins, but Dolph Ziggler finally cashes in his MITB contract on the grandest stage of them all. Winner: Zigger via MITB

-HHH vs Lesnar- Lesnar returned on Raw and injured Mr. McMahon. I see the recently retired son-in-law wanting to seek vengeance. Since Vinnie Mac never said the words "You're fired" to Heyman, I see his contract being on the line. Lesnar saves his manager's job. Winner: Lesnar

-Taker vs Punk - There's rumors Taker is sitting this year out. I for one would be disappointed. Punk has little to prove anymore. To be the first one to defeat Undertaker at WrestleMania would be something no one would forget. It doesn't happen, but no one will forget the match. Winner: Taker