the zine is 12-page A6 so requires a bit of glue and scissors in addition to staples/thread:

1. print this file single-sided on A4 paper. cut it in half and glue the cover on the backside of the B/W section.
2. print this file double-sided on A4 paper. cut it in half.
3. stack the pages in the correct order and bind it with a stapler.

Intro

Auckland's indie pro wrestling scene is at its biggest in years! It's a great time to get into it—this guide introduces the four active pro wrestling promotions as of 2026, plus my opinion on some of the most popping wrestlers in the city.

What's indie pro wrestling!?

It's like WWE but run by independent local companies. Instead of watching matches on TV, you're watching them at the Mt Albert War Memorial Hall or local RSA. It's essentially like IRL sports theatre, so it's really fun to watch even if you aren't typically into sports or televised pro wrestling.

Auckland usually has 2–3 indie pro wrestling events per month. Wrestlers aren't exclusive to one company, so you can watch your favorite wrestlers across different events!

Is pro wrestling real!?

Character behavior, storylines, and individual match outcomes are all predetermined, and some moves are staged. But the fights themselves are mostly improvised, and do hurt, especially when blood is involved!

What's the appeal!?

Indie pro wrestling is the perfect combination of drama, action, and comedy, all based in reality.

It’s like watching a superhero series right in front of you, with larger-than-life characters in a show that’s partially improv but also scripted to continue across months and years, yet consistent enough that you can jump in at any time. The fighting itself is exhilarating, and the hype atmosphere and emphasis on audience interaction is the closest you get to chika idol culture in NZ. It’s super rowdy and super fun!!!

How do I start watching it!?

Just show up to an event and enjoy the ride! Most promotions have a storyline going on, but they're pretty much always about winning a championship so they're easy to follow. You don't need to know the rules.

I highly recommend watching a non-Armageddon Impact Pro Wrestling event as your first pro wrestling show.

Jargon

• Promotion: Pro wrestling company
• Card: Match lineup of an event
• Kayfabe: The state of being in-character
• Promo: In-character speech
• Gimmick: Wrestling character persona
• Face & heel: Good guy & bad guy

Impact Pro Wrestling

Impact Pro Wrestling is Auckland's longest-running indie promotion and its gold standard. I always take newcomers to IPW first!

With a huge recurring cast and generous use of props, each event has a pretty good variety of fights. IPW features a couple of elaborate special matches that run annually, like The Eliminator (20 wrestlers thrown in the ring until only one remains) and Fans Bring the Weapons (wrestlers fight with chairs, pool noodles, cheese, toilet seats, tacks, and whatever else fans decide to bring).

IPW has a more elaborate storyline than other promotions, but you don't need to follow it closely to understand what's going on. The MC is the best in the business.

It consistently has the biggest audience out of the monthly shows—typically over 200 attendees, especially at the larger Mt Eden War Memorial Hall events. It's even sold out in the past, so I recommend buying tickets online and arriving at least 15 minutes before the show starts so you can grab a good seat (the sweet snacks are very affordable and yummy too). They also hold shows at Auckland Armageddon and similar events.

IPW runs a weekly wrestling school, where much of its roster comes from. Most shows also feature wrestlers from other Auckland schools and NZ promos.

NJ Tamashii (Fale Dojo)

NJPW Dojo (formerly Fale Dojo) is the only wrestling school directly affiliated with New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), the third-largest wrestling promotion in the world. It's owned and operated by Toks Fale (Bad Luck Fale/Don Fale), a longtime NJPW wrestler who splits his time across Japan and New Zealand.

Since it's basically the Oceania branch of NUPW, its storylines revolve around the real-life goal of becoming a NJPW wrestler in Japan. Lately, the promotion has been focusing a lot on South Auckland spirit.

The matches are very entertaining and funny, though notably less gimmicky than other promos that utilize props and venue space. You'll usually be watching the dojo boys, some other Auckland wrestlers, and whatever Australian wrestlers Fale's connections manage to net. The MC is hilarious and their copywriter is truly knowledgeable about pro wrestling.

NJ Tamashii refers to the big bimonthly events often held at the Māngere Arts Centre, which typically have an audience of 100+ people. The venue is real cinematic, with tiered seating that makes it easy to see the stage. Lion's Den refers to the smaller, more frequent events held at their dedicated training school in Manurewa.

Separate from NJPW, the boys are also extensively involved in Fale's Instagram Reels influencer side hustle. Not sure what that's all about.

Hughes Academy

Hughes Academy is a small, family-friendly promotion that showcases the stars of its training school alongside other Auckland wrestlers. It mainly features solo matches, often with more gimmicky wrestlers as serious contenders.

Monthly shows take place in community halls across North/West Auckland; occasionally bigger shows are held at the New Lynn RSA (this seems to be the only wrestling venue that allows alcohol if you want to drink while watching).

Aotearoa Wrestling

Aotearoa Wrestling is owned by Henare of NJPW fame. It doesn't have shows very often, but when it does they're some of the biggest in the country (both in length and attendance)!

Its last Auckland shows were at the Due Drop Arena, featuring wrestlers from all across New Zealand and Australia. Definitely worth catching a show while they're in town, especially if Henare is on the card.

Wrestlers to watch out for!

Mighty Maia

The Matriarch. The current star of NZ female pro wrestling, she's super popular with the kids in the audience.

Joseph Kruz

In IPW's storyline, he's a good guy who got roped into a team of villainous alpha male jocks. His determined character led to a heel-face turn for the stable.

Raven

Former drag queen, current pro wrestler! They have a distinct voguing-inspired fighting style that makes the crowd go wild!

Ringo Ryan

He's British and we all boo him for it.

Kauri

One of the youngest pro wrestlers in New Zealand but also one of the biggest! He can take on anyone!

Toothless Nico Bell

Rising star of NJ Tamashii. His missing tooth and raucous demeanor make him super memorable.

Horus

The Duke of Death. Undoubtedly the most popular Auckland pro wrestler for his pure coolness. My personal favorite!