The world of professional wrestling, often perceived as glamorous and lucrative, presents a starkly different reality for those grinding it out on the independent circuit. Indy wrestler Brittnie Brooks recently shed light on the grueling lifestyle of indie wrestlers, prompting WWE stars Natalya and Chelsea Green to share their own experiences of financial hardship and relentless travel.
Brittnie Brooks’s Perspective: The Unsung Grind
Brittnie Brooks took to Twitter to emphasize the often-overlooked challenges faced by indie wrestlers. “Ppl don’t give wrestlers on the road enough credit,” she began, highlighting the grueling travel schedules and minimal compensation. “They be driving all day, wrestling for 8-10 mins and then driving all night back, and it’s like every weekend.”
She also acknowledged the physical toll, describing the post-match adrenaline dump as “crazy.” While she doesn’t maintain such a demanding schedule herself, she expressed admiration for those who do, often traveling and performing solo. Despite the hardships, Brooks’s passion for the sport shone through. “It’s the grinnndddd!!” she declared.
Chelsea Green’s Testimony: $20 Shows and Gas Station Meals
WWE Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green corroborated Brooks’s account with her own experiences. “I did Friday, Saturday, Sunday, minimum. Every weekend from 2014 – 2019. Car, plane, car, wrestling, car, sleep 3 hours, car, plane, REPEAT,” she wrote, detailing the relentless travel schedule.
Green also revealed the meager pay and challenging living conditions. “I lived off of packaged eggs from gas stations and protein shakes. I made $500 a show, when I was making ‘great money’ and $20 a show for my first year or two. People just don’t understand the grind. It takes special humans to be indie wrestlers,” she emphasized.
Natalya’s Early Struggles: $10 Matches and Broken-Down Trucks
WWE veteran Natalya added her own story of hardship, revealing even lower pay and more challenging travel conditions in her early career. “I made 10-20$ a match working for my uncles lol and driving 9 hours to Cold Lake, Alberta following the ‘broken down stampede wrestling ring truck’ that carried the ring we had to set up…… ‘back in myyyyyyy day!’” she recounted.
Despite the difficulties, Natalya expressed a deep appreciation for the experience. “But I loved every second of it. We had so much fun. And I’d do it all again in a heartbeat! Learned the most from those moments!!!” she added.
I made 10-20$ a match working for my uncles lol and driving 9 hours to Cold Lake, Alberta following the “broken down stampede wrestling ring truck” that carried the ring we had to set up…….. “back in myyyyyyy day!” 😂
…. But I loved every second of it. We had so much fun. And… pic.twitter.com/Q3XWJFHTdE
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) March 23, 2025
A Stark Reality: The Financial Hardships of Indie Wrestling
The accounts shared by Brooks, Green, and Natalya offer a stark contrast to the perceived glamour of professional wrestling. They highlight the financial struggles and demanding travel schedules faced by indie wrestlers, who often sacrifice comfort and security for their passion.
These stories serve as a testament to the dedication and resilience of those who pursue their dreams on the independent circuit. They also emphasize the significant gap between the financial realities of indie wrestling and the perceived wealth of the industry’s top stars.
