The Future Of Wrestling In Australia

Written by Leah Williams

The Australian Wrestling Federation has been entertaining audiences since 1999, and is a regular and exciting staple of Supanova Comic Con & Gaming.

As a significant part of Australia’s wrestling scene, AWF has undergone great change in recent years, including a healthy dose of new competition.

The biggest change in the past year has been the influx of international interest, with promotions like PROGRESS and NJPW pulling off large-scale tours, and it’s safe to say the Aussie scene is thriving. But is all the competition healthy? AWF promoter and star Greg “TNT” Bownds believes so, telling Supanova, “It’s good for fans to see wrestling from different places and styles live.”

“Whether it helps the local scene in the long run will be seen,” he adds. “It is an interesting time in wrestling internationally, for certain.”

Bownds also notes that wrestlers are taking things more seriously, and looking to improve their game and social media reach. Furthermore, show production locally is picking up. There are a lot of shows currently.

Looking to the future, Bownds sees a good run for Australia’s wrestling future. “Internationally, wrestling is on its long-awaited upswing, and I think many wrestlers and promoters have built to these days for a while,” he says.

With the popularity of wrestling growing, the industry appears to be in good health, particularly in Australia and the United States.

If you’re yet to see what AWF has to offer, Bownds encourages new fans to join the action. “The events are super fan friendly, up close, and exciting, with a focus on in-ring wrestling.”

AWF will be touring with Supanova one again next month, setting up in Sydney (15-17 June) and Perth (23-24 June) and continuing the 11-year partnership.

“Fans can expect some action packed live bouts each day, fan interaction with our wrestlers, and even some live streaming of a few bouts this next tour.”

AWF has plans to increase their social presence over 2018, with a commitment to posting more interviews, bouts and matches to hype their upcoming events. The team will be running approximately 50 live events across the year, too. Those interested in joining AWF’s future plans can get a taste of their dream wrestling experience with AWF’s Dreamcamp 2018, taking place later in the year.

Led by Bownds himself, the camp is a four-day wrestling experience for those aged 12 and up where attendees can learn the basics of how to put a match and promo together. According to Bownds, Dreamcamp’s former participants have stated it was “the best week of their lives.”

Bownds praises the support of fans for AWF’s success. “I want to thank our loyal fan base for its support since 1999, next year being our 20 year anniversary. AWF Proud to be Pro-Wrestling, and Awesome Wrestling Forever!” 

You can find out more information via the Australasian Wrestling Federation website.

Read more:

A Handy Guide To Australia’s Local Wrestling Scene