#RAWlternative Goes European

#RAWlternative to make some PROGRESS Photo via @ThisIS_Progress

RAW has been pretty terrible lately from where I sit. I struggle to get through three hours without getting distracted or falling asleep. I know it's an anecdotal story, and others may think it's pretty good lately, and whatever. However, to me and several others, it seems, the show is becoming nearly unwatchable, even more unwatchable than it has been during the autumn in past years. It needs a kick in the butt, and sadly, that doesn't come until Royal Rumble season. In the past, when RAW has been lagging, or in the case of the night after this past year's Rumble, snowed into oblivion, Beyond Wrestling has cobbled together the best matches from various independent wrestling organizations around the United States and Canada. on November 9, it will venture across the Atlantic.

#RAWlternative will be returning, and the focus this time will be on all the great promotions in the Old World. Europe will be the setting, which is great because indie wrestling is rich in talent in the United Kingdom and Germany at least. The first promotion named is a doozy as well. Progress Wrestling, perhaps the most prestigious and critically-acclaimed company going in England right now, will provide a match to the proceedings. I would imagine other English and Scottish companies will follow suit, and the German Westside Xtreme Wrestling will hopefully drop a match. It's unknown whether American/Canadian companies will be included this time around, but either way, the amount of talent in Europe right now is insane and enough to make people tune out of another three hours featuring yet ANOTHER Roman Reigns/Wyatt Family match and Seth Rollins 20 minute promo.

The talent influx from across the Atlantic has been substantial in the last couple of years. Guys like Grado, Nikki Storm, Tommy End, Mark Andrews, Rhia O'Reilly, Kay Lee Ray, Zack Sabre, Jr., Will Ospreay, Marty Scurll, Saraya Knight, and Pete Dunne have all made landfall in the last couple of years. All of them have dazzled audiences in their own ways. Shining a spotlight on their native promotions and introducing people to folks like El Ligero, Bad Bones, Big Damo O'Connor, and the countless other major players in Europe isn't the worst idea, especially against a stale mainstream product. I am definitely looking forward to this installment in the worst way.