On September 25th, Mystery Wrestling might have launched a program that likely will change the game for Canadian wrestlers trying to break through on an international level. In a video posted to Mystery Wrestling’s YouTube channel, Evil Uno announced the Mystery Wrestling Talent Initiative in addition to several of the talents the promotion has signed to the company.
Now, companies sign talent all the time. You may even be thinking why something like this matters? I’m here to break it all down and give you my thoughts as an avid Mystery Wrestling viewer as well as highlight some of the talent recently signed under this incentive to keep an eye out for a local independent promotion near you.
The Mystery Wrestling Talent Initiative
As announced across Mystery Wrestling socials, over two dozen of Canada’s top independent stars have signed to Mystery Wrestling through their new talent initiative. Through this, these talents are now available to not only be booked in Canada, but the United States and abroad. Headlining the group are the likes of Stu Grayson and Psycho Mike, both of whom are also signed with Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling.
In the video debuting the program, Uno describes it as “a monumental day for a lot of Canadians who never could be able to enter America to wrestle” and I wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment. Time after time, the visa approval process hinders talent's ability to perform in the US. This impact can be felt on both the independents and in major US companies. Heck, very famously, Mike Bailey got banned from the US for 5 years for trying to cross into the US without a work visa for wrestling – and that was nearly a decade ago before border restrictions have somehow gotten even tighter.
As a result of this initiative, we now have the chance to see so much amazing Canadian talent on local independent shows. Vets who have spent years working towards a moment like this to finally break onto a larger stage. A bevy of young talent whose ascension to that next level will likely be expedited as a result of this program. I believe that The Mystery Wrestling Initiative will play a massive part in shaping the next generation of Canadian stars for the better.
Although I am excited to hopefully see all of these talents soon at my local independent show, there are five specific acts that I think people should keep an eye out for.
Standout Talent
Psycho Mike
As mentioned early, I think Psycho Mike is one of the main talents that headlines this talent announcement. Not only is Mike signed to MLP, he also has wrestled several current AEW stars, most recently RJ City (yes, you read that correctly). Every time an international independent show comes to Canada, it feels like you will likely find Psycho Mike somewhere on that card. He is someone that matches up so well against any opponent and knows how to get a great laugh.
One might think that Mike easily could have chosen not to sign with Mystery because of all of this. However, signing one of the country’s top independent stars quickly legitimizes the program. I think this is an excellent opportunity to introduce Mike to the larger American wrestling audience because his style of wrestling translates fantastic across the border. I am still devastated that I didn’t get to see him live in Montreal, but who knows, maybe I’ll get to hear “Who wants to see a body slam?” live sooner than expected.
TDT
Well, I said in my Mystery Wrestling 27 review that I would cross the border in a heartbeat to see these guys wrestle again live – looks like I might not need to. As both a trio and singles talent, Thomas DuBois, Mathieu St Jacques, and Benjamin Tull, known collectively as TDT are such a fun signing as a part of this initiative. I’ve caught up on a couple more of their matches post-Montreal and these guys still impress. Something about their hard-hitting style just connects with me and I think will impress crowds at a show anywhere across the US. I can’t wait to see these three represent Quebec proudly on an international stage.
Fresh Air
Arguably one of the best young tag teams in Canada now gets to prove themselves on a larger stage. Junior Benito and Macrae Martin are staples of Mystery Wrestling so their signing isn’t a shock, but is vital to their growth together. Their chemistry is up there with some of the best teams, even holding their own against Daniel Garcia and Wheeler Yuta in Montreal. I’m convinced that they would get any independent crowd on their feet in a match of the night worthy contest. Even if a split may be in their cards in the future, both Benito and Martin I think are going to be faces of this initiative so be on the lookout for them soon.
Layla Wilde
Learn the name Layla Wilde now because when she eventually breaks out to a larger audience, you can say you bought in early. From the moment I saw her in a Mystery Wrestling ring, there was just something about her that screamed future star. “The Ultimate Woman”, despite being so new to wrestling, seems to understand wrestling so well. She can really do it all, comedy, brawl, tag, singles, you name it. I think her being able to work in the US and abroad will be a great opportunity to home in on her natural instincts as a wrestler and take a massive next step forward in her career.
London Lightning
I’m going to make a massive prediction right now: London Lighting is going to be signed to a major company by the end of the decade – and this incentive is going to be why. I think he is such a great talent, from his look to his gimmick to how he works in the ring. Bringing him in front of a larger audience will be a massive step forward for him in the next phase of his career. Him vs the likes of Jordan Oliver or Alec Price? Sign me up now!
I said it before, I’ll say it again. London Lightning is the future of Canadian professional wrestling. I don’t know what it is, but something about him almost reminds me of watching young MJF clips. That’s high praise but I seriously think this guy has the potential to be that big. Now, because of the Mystery Wrestling Talent Initiative, he’ll be able to enter that phase of his career sooner rather than later.
To learn more or book any of the talent signed to the Mystery Wrestling Talent Initiative, you can visit their website or contact talent@mysterywrestling.com.
Amanda Woods is an independent filmmaker and writer residing in the Green Mountain State of Vermont. She loves any medium that is able to tell a good story. Recently, she’s fallen in love with international pro-wrestling, having watched matches in three different countries and hopes to travel for more shows soon! Amanda really should have a website to view all of her work, but for now, her Instagram page will do.