Combat Zone Wrestling

Combat Zone Wrestling is a Indie and Hardcore pro wrestling promotion operating in the United States, based in Blackwood, New Jersey, USA.

The CZW promotion was founded on February 19, 1999 by John Zandig.

It gained prominence in the 2000s for its hardcore wrestling style, often termed "ultraviolence," which featured extreme match elements such as ladders, tables, barbed wire, light tubes, and other dangerous items. This niche was particularly notable following the collapse of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) in 2001.

In 2009, John Zandig sold CZW to wrestler D.J. Hyde. Under Hyde's ownership, while hardcore matches remained a key component, their frequency diminished, and CZW began incorporating a wider range of wrestling styles. This evolution was marked by the introduction of diverse annual tournaments, such as the Tournament of Death, highlighting the ultraviolent style, and the Best of the Best, showcasing technical and high-flying wrestlers. Throughout the 2010s, CZW was part of the Triangle of Unity, an alliance with Big Japan Pro Wrestling and Westside Xtreme Wrestling, and was featured in Vice Media's 2016 documentary Bloodlust: Tournament of Death.

After a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, CZW resumed operations in 2021. Since its return, the promotion has shifted away from hardcore matches, except for their annual Tournament of Death. CZW now hosts events primarily in Blackwood, New Jersey, and Havre de Grace, Maryland, with occasional shows in other East Coast locations.

Combat Zone Wrestling: Info