The world of professional wrestling is constantly changing, with new stars rising to prominence while established names take on new challenges. In 2023, many free-agent wrestlers will be waiting for the right opportunity to take their careers to the next level.
It all started in 2023 with the debut of Sasha Banks, who took up the new name Mercedes Moné. The appearance of Luchador Dragon Lee in WWE also set the ball rolling for this season. After signing up with the NXT, Karl Fredericks from New Japan also created much excitement.
We’ll see many more new signings as significant events like Royal Rumble take place. If you’re to believe the grapevine, here’s a list of wrestlers who a major company must sign in 2023. Also, we see some wrestlers with expiring contracts. So, it will be interesting to see which path they will take.
Wrestling Scene in 2023
Since WWE signed Dragon Lee, fans expect that it will invite more independent and free agents into its circle. So, we shall wait and see what new arrivals 2023 will bring. Also, a new streaming service focused on wrestling events has set sail in 2023. It is called Premier Streaming Service, providing content on pro wrestling, combat sports, and other entertainment. So, besides the current streaming providers supplying wrestling content, fans will have another option.
If you find yourself unable to watch wrestling events when abroad, you can try a VPN for PC. It lets you enjoy access to content you view in your home country. How? Well, a Virtual Private Network changes your IP address and, in turn, lets you connect to a server in your country. Then, you can enjoy online content as you do at home.
Trish Adora
Trish Adora is one of the top female wrestlers in the world today, yet she is still unsigned. Adora made her debut in 2016, but she already has a wealth of knowledge from her time in ROH, AEW, Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling, MLW, and GCW, among others.
Adora’s journey to Japan to wrestle for TJPW and open the year with a tremendous bout against Miu Watanabe would be a terrific way to get the year started. Fans should continue to keep an eye on Trish Adora in 2023, as she is one of the hottest free agents in wrestling and would be a valuable addition to any women’s division across the globe.
Sasha Banks
Banks, a part of the famed Four Horsewomen stable, has won seven WWE Women’s Championships and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in women’s professional wrestling history. She was the show-stopper in 2021’s WrestleMania, had several incredible bouts, and even appeared in The Mandalorian!
She hasn’t been seen on WWE TV since May of 2022. Since then, her future with WWE has been in doubt, but Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer reports that she will no longer be working for WWE as of the new year. She recently got representation from United Talen Agency, which will help her find opportunities in film, TV, and more.
Mandy Rose
If Mandy Rose were released from WWE in 2022, it would be one of the most stunning moves of the year. Rose’s debut has generated a lot of buzz in the wrestling world, making her a rising star in the business. Her recent stint in NXT has prepared her well for a stretch on the indies, controversy or not.
She has one of the longest NXT Women’s Champion reigns, lasting 413 days. Along with Gigi Dolan and Jacy Jayne as Toxic Attraction, she also ruled the company’s women’s segment. If Mandy signs with another organization or chooses to rejoin WWE later this year, 2023 might be a pivotal year for her comeback.
Lio Rush
Rush made his professional wrestling debut at MLC Pro Wrestling. As his career progressed, he competed for various organizations, including PWG, CZW, and ROH. Before joining the WWE, he won several titles in both singles and tag team competitions.
After an absence of many years, Lio Rush would return to New Japan in 2022, first appearing at their New York City event, where he would join the CHAOS faction and then join Junior Tag League later that year. The tournament would be won by him and YOH, but they would lose in Wrestle Kingdom 17. New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) needs to add a new face to the Junior Heavyweight Division in 2023. Hence they need to sign Lio Rush to a full-time contract.
Jake Something
It was expected that if Jake Something became a breakthrough star in Impact Wrestling’s X Division, he would be scooped up by AEW or New Japan and start frequently appearing at AEW Dark and New Japan Strong tapings in 2022. As of the beginning of 2023, he is still considered a free agent, which means he will never be given a contract to sign.
During the tail end of his time in Impact Wrestling, Jake Something, who had a fantastic appearance and physical presence, showed a lot of potential. If Tony Khan is intrigued by the big guy, he may be an excellent signing for ROH when it begins operations in 2023, making him a viable candidate for that brand.
Conclusion
In conclusion, several free-agent wrestlers are waiting for the right opportunity to take their careers to the next level. It will be interesting to see where they end up and how they will impact the industry. From Tessa Blanchard to Bo Dallas, these talented performers would be a valuable addition to any major wrestling company in 2023.