Sports · Other Sports · 2 hrs ago
PRODUCE Wrestling postpones most 2026 shows during hiatus
PRODUCE Wrestling is pausing most of its planned 2026 shows after two events in New York on November 14 and 15.
The independent promotion said unexpected medical issues in its founder’s family were the main reason for the decision.
It also cited rising travel costs, advance payments and uncertainty in the live-event market.
Canceled event ticket holders will receive refunds, while the company plans to remain active with content, collaborations and opportunities for its wrestlers.
The hiatus reflects wider strains in independent wrestling, with Sam Adonis saying that making a living from bookings has become harder.
Vinnie Massaro said large independent shows face high costs and competition from WWE and AEW, which now stage dream matches of their own.
PRODUCE plans to return in Los Angeles on February 25, 2027, with a show called PRODUCE: Most Wanted.
PRODUCE Wrestling is postponing most of its remaining 2026 dates and plans to return with a major show in Los Angeles on February 25, 2027.
The promotion cited rising costs, uncertainty in the live event market and unexpected medical circumstances in its founder’s family.
It will still hold events in Kingston and Brooklyn on November 14 and 15, 2026, with partner promotions.
Founder Adam Abdalla said the family medical circumstances were the main reason for the hiatus.
Wrestling veterans Sam Adonis and Vinnie Massaro offered differing views on the state of independent wrestling.
- Who
- PRODUCE Wrestling, founded by Adam Abdalla.
- What
- The promotion is pausing most shows and postponing its remaining 2026 dates, while planning a February 2027 return.
- When
- The hiatus begins after shows on November 14 and 15, 2026. A major return show is scheduled for February 25, 2027.
- Where
- The promotion’s remaining 2026 dates include shows in New York, Florida and Montreal. Its announced return show is at The Vermont in Los Angeles.
- Why
- It cited rising travel costs, advance payments, uncertainty in the live event market and unexpected medical circumstances in Abdalla’s family.
Sam Adonis
Vinnie Massaro
State of independent wrestling
Sam Adonis
Adonis said the claim that independent wrestling is “alive and well” is not true and that making a living from bookings is harder than it has been in years.
Vinnie Massaro
Massaro said local independent promotions are doing well, though larger “super indies” are difficult to sustain.
Why larger independent shows struggle
Sam Adonis
Adonis said a few companies can draw crowds but rejected a blanket claim that the scene is healthy.
Vinnie Massaro
Massaro cited high travel costs and competition from WWE and AEW, which he said now put on dream matches and work with promotions internationally.
PRODUCE Wrestling launched with an event centered around Jonathan Gresham.
PRODUCE announced it would take a hiatus after its November 14 and 15 shows, citing a family health situation and market stability.
PRODUCE is scheduled to hold a show in Kingston, New York, in partnership with Assembly.
PRODUCE is scheduled to hold a show in Brooklyn in partnership with Lucha Fresca.
PRODUCE is scheduled to return to The Vermont in Los Angeles with PRODUCE: Most Wanted.
- Launch
- June 2026
- Remaining 2026 events
- November 14 in Kingston, New York, and November 15 in Brooklyn
- Postponed dates
- Remaining 2026 dates were postponed indefinitely
- Planned return
- February 25, 2027, at The Vermont in Los Angeles
- Ticket refunds
- Fans who bought tickets for canceled events will receive refunds
2 sources
What people are saying
This was a difficult decision to make, but after taking a hard look at rising travel costs, advances, uncertainty in the live event market, in combination with our primary concern, unexpected personal family medical circumstances, the most prudent decision is to reset and move forward in 2027 with new partners and intention to ensure the long term health of the project
This sucks for a lot of people but can we finally admit that ‘the indies are alive and well’ is just not true?
Local indies are alive and well
WWE and AEW both work with promotions in Mexico, Japan, and the UK
Posts on X
*Announcement* PRODUCE will be taking a hiatus after our shows on November 14th and 15th in New York, due to a family health situation, combined with the realities of market stability. Our remaining 2026 dates are postponed indefinitely, with an eye towards rescheduling in