The CZW Cage of Death is one of the signature events of Combat Zone Wrestling and has become a hallmark of the brand’s extreme wrestling style. All are invited to join the excitement on December 21st, 7PM at ACX1 Studios, One Atlantic Ocean, in Atlantic City as CZW’s Cage of Death XXII returns! Details about tickets can be found on the CZW website: https://www.czwrestling.com Overall, the Cage of Death remains a highly anticipated event on the wrestling calendar, drawing fans who appreciate the extreme and theatrical elements of the shows. The people who revolutionized this genre of wrestling are back in full force!
The preshow Gauntlet Scramble kicks off competition for the number one contender for the New Wired Title slated to be awarded at the anniversary show in January 2025. The Ultraviolet Showdown boasts JJ Allen & Tarzan vs Demitri and a mystery guest. The CZW World Title match will feature Eran Ashe vs DeSean Pratt vs Kenta. Post Game vs. Milk Chocolate are after the CZW World Tag Team Titles along with Rich Swann, Griffin McCoy and Richard King and Matt Quay vs Ian Bush, Desean Pratt vs Kenta vs Eran Ashe will battle for the CZW World Title, all leading up to the Cage of Death XXII with Judge Joe Dred vs Mickey Knuckles in the infamous cage structure. The lineup also has several guest appearances by wrestlers who will not disappoint! Fans will also experience the reveal of an exciting new wrestling show.
Key Elements of the Cage of Death:
1. Structure of the Cage : The cage itself is a large metal structure that can vary in design from year to year. It is often equipped with multiple levels, weapons hanging from the cage, and sometimes even additional elements like barbed wire and fluorescent light tubes.
2. Match Types: The main event is usually a stipulation match that could involve multiple wrestlers, often with high stakes, such as championship titles or personal rivalries. It often features a mix of different match styles, including falls count anywhere, no disqualification, or elimination rules.
3. History and Evolution: The Cage of Death event has evolved over the years, with each incarnation adding new elements and twists. The matches often showcase the promotion’s most extreme talents and have included notable wrestlers who gained fame in the independent circuit and beyond.
4. Milestone Matches: The Cage of Death has hosted numerous memorable and controversial matches, contributing to the legacy of CZW. These high-impact bouts typically feature extreme violence, dangerous spots, and sometimes shocking moments that resonate with hardcore wrestling fans.
5. Significance: Cage of Death has become a defining event for CZW, symbolizing the promotion’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of professional wrestling. It serves not only as a showcase for talent but also as a proving ground for wrestlers who thrive in high-stakes, high-risk environments.
The hardcore wrestling style, often characterized by the use of weapons, and controversial storylines and match-ups. CZW is no stranger to big media exposure. They were seen on Tubi, endless pay per view shows, and in documentaries. Video games even feature CZW characters!
CZW started as a small, regional promotion, initially running shows in the Philadelphia area with John Zandig. It gained notoriety in the early 2000’s, particularly for its hardcore matches and a focus on wrestling that pushed the boundaries of in-ring violence. The promotion became a platform for many wrestlers who would later gain fame in larger promotions, including WWE and AEW. DJ Hyde took over CZW in 2009 as CEO and Trainer.
CZW has been pivotal in showcasing up-and-coming talent, offering a platform for wrestlers to develop their skills and create unique personas.
Throughout the early 2000’s, CZW was a major player in the hardcore wrestling landscape, often compared to promotion rivals like ECW (Extreme Championship Wrestling). The promotion introduced several signature matches, such as the “Ultraviolet” and “Tournament of Death,” which became staples of its identity.
In the 2010’s, CZW’s popularity experienced fluctuations, driven by the changing landscape of independent wrestling and the rise of other promotions. Despite these challenges, it continued to hold events, including their CZW “Live” series and annual events like “Cage of Death,” which features elaborate cage matches and remains a fan favorite.
Despite its controversies and the extreme nature of its content, CZW has maintained a dedicated fanbase and continues to influence the wrestling scene with other genres of wrestling and a wrestling school. CZW has also adapted to the modern wrestling landscape.
Follow CZW on Social Media: @Combatzone #cageofdeathXXII #RenaissanceOfTradition
