It’s no secret that internet pay-per-views are the hottest trend in independent professional wrestling. In an increasingly digital age where physical media sales have drastically fallen, iPPV has become one of the ways for these companies have been able to compensate for this loss. Beyond Wrestling takes pride in keeping it’s finger on the pulse of trends in independent wrestling, so it’s no surprise that they quickly jumped aboard the iPPV train as well. Unlike other companies, Beyond Wrestling has decided to present prerecorded matches as opposed to live events. For the past month or so, Beyond has presented their extensive DVD catalog on Go Fight Live for the unassuming public to view. Tomorrow, Beyond presents their first iPPV that has yet to be seen by the public with “Gospel of the Boards.”
Beyond Wrestling has a luxury that no other wrestling company has – no fans means no spoilers. If reading results satiates your appetite for knowledge on what happened on an independent wrestling card, you’re merely a Google search away from satisfaction. While other companies must stream their shows live, Beyond Wrestling can put together a polished product to present for a small fee. To say they accomplished that would be an understatement.
“Gospel of the Boards” is Beyond’s first venture to the East Coast, presenting the show from Fall River, MA. The wrestlers ringside provide an atmosphere not unlike others you’d see at another wrestling event. They’re just as loud and into the matches as regular fans would be, but the passion is increased ten fold. To me, that’s what makes Beyond Wrestling stand out. In no other wrestling company is the passion so palpable, and all of it feels sincere. Their passion is contagious and allows you as a viewer to get more emotionally involved in the bout. For example, one of the matches on the show features Danny Danger (who has all the tools to be a star) taking on Matt Marvel, a student he betrays and attempts to take liberties with in a singles match. Danger’s demeanor towards Marvel has you beg for Marvel to set Danger straight. The Doom Patrol also compete in three separate matches, and although you aren’t given the complete back story, you understand that The Doom Patrol are a cancer upon the infrastructure of Beyond Wrestling and want them to be stopped just as much as the other wrestlers do.
“Gospel” treats you to six matches, all of which have a unique quality to them. You get a nice mixture of name talent such as Chris Dickinson, Corvis Fear, and Chase Burnett as well as relative unknowns like TJ Marconi, Darius Carter, and Danny Danger. These guys lay it all on the line in the ring, providing an exciting and unique product that truly needs to be seen to be believed. There’s no doubting the heart and ability of the Beyond Wrestling crew. As someone who has seen all of the Beyond shows, this is probably the most cohesive and consistent package they have produced. The majority of the matches are as good if not a step beyond what you’d see on a typical wrestling event.
If there’s any gripe about “Gospel”, it’s the lack of back story told. This iPPV should not only serve up great wrestling, but also familiarize the previously uninitiated with the current storylines that are progressing. To their credit, the commentary does a terrific job of explaining certain elements, but a few more promos explaining who the individual wrestlers are would have gone a long way. The video of Denver Colorado being busted open by Doom Patrol is showed, but there’s little explanation as to why it happened or who was on his side. There’s a point during the show where Chase Burnett mentions “his boy” was taken out by Doom Patrol. This would have been the perfect time to show that beatdown and to mention who Burnett’s “boy” was (it’s Zane Silver, by the way). While this is somewhat of an issue, it will not hinder your overall enjoyment of the show whatsoever. Just make sure to be attentive to the commentary.
“Gospel of the Boards” is two hours of fun, unique wrestling that provides something for every wrestling fan. By the end of the show, I was left wanting more. I don’t mean that the show didn’t deliver, I mean that the show was such an enjoyable experience that I looked forward to the next Beyond event. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, I recommend giving “Gospel of the Boards” a shot. For $9.99 with unlimited viewings, you won’t be let down.
You can order “Gospel of the Boards” right here. Be sure to check out Beyond Wrestling’s official website and YouTube page as well.

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