Wrestling has long been big business in Georgia, but Atlanta has seen a recent resurgence of in-ring athleticism. From local independent promotion Atlanta Wrestling Entertainment's biweekly bar shows to industry juggernaut WWE bringing its annual "Survivor Series" event to town for the first time, the next couple of months offer plenty of bodyslams and headlocks. Here's a look at the upcoming action.
Atlanta Wrestling Entertainment | 4 p.m., Nov. 29
$15, two for $25 for Nov.29
Quad, 728 Spring St. N.W., Atlanta, Ga. 30308. 678-306-6149.
www.atlantawrestlingentertainment.com
Building toward its big event on Dec. 27, AWE hosts the edgiest wrestling in town, attracting popular legends and up-and-coming talent from the East Coast and Midwest. Nov. 29's "Follow the White Rabbit: There is No Spoon" is sure to feature even more big names engaging in brutal brawls that will set the stage for Dec. 27.
WWE "Survivor Series" | 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22.
$29-$404
Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta, Ga. 30303
www.wwe.com.
The world's biggest sports entertainment company returns to Atlanta for the Thanksgiving week tradition of "Survivor Series," one of it's most popular annual pay-per-view and WWE Network spectacles. The event marks the 25th anniversary of one of WWE's most imposing superstars the Undertaker, who reunites with his monstrous brother Kane to take on the sadistic Wyatt Family. A new WWE World Heavyweight Champion will also be crowned as the title tournament to fill the vacated championship comes to its chaotic conclusion (with former Georgia Tech football star Roman Reigns being a favorite). And Divas Champion Charlotte (daughter of WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair, who spent much of his career in Georgia) defends her title against Paige, with more matches yet to be announced.
Micro Championship Wrestling | 8 p.m. Dec. 5
$12-$30
The 120 Tavern & Music Hall, 1440 Roswell Road, Marietta, Ga. 30062
www.mcwnation.com.
In the wacky world of wrestling, there's room for grapplers of all sizes. In MCW the little people performers prefer to be called midgets, and they bring violence just as extreme as their larger-than-life counterparts. Regular combatants include "The World's Biggest Midget" Meatball, the flamboyant Angel and the overall-clad Hillbilly Bob. No matter which little people are in action, you can expect to see some comedy, a large dose of hardcore action and perhaps the most politically incorrect wrestling around.
Ring of Honor "Winter Warriors Tour" | 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23
$20-$70
Infinite Energy Forum, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, Ga. 30097
wwwrohwrestling.com.
Known for its focus on hard-hitting action over on-camera drama, Ring of Honor returned to the Atlanta area last January for the first time since its 2011 "WrestleMania" weekend events. Following another Norcross event in August, ROH's "Winter Warrior's" tour will be in Duluth Jan. 23. Even though it's a couple of months away, the card already boasts current ROH World Champion/ROH World Television Champion Jay Lethal, indie tag team sensation the Young Bucks, Gainesville, Ga., native AJ Styles and former Atlanta Falcons lineman Quinn "Moose" Ojinnaka. Fans of fast-paced, hard-hitting Japanese-style wrestling are likely to enjoy what ROH has to offer.
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