5 reasons why GCW is the hottest independent promotion today

2) GCW top babyface, Nick Gage

Nick Gage is the top star of GCW and a star in the wrestling industry. Some former wrestlers and pundits will deny his appeal due to his past and his death-match persona. However, Gage is undeniable in his popularity with the GCW fanbase.

Gage has only grown in popularity this year with the Dark Side of the Ring episode that chronicled his career and real-life journey. From bank robbery to the loss of his brother, this allowed fans to connect with the man even more. His connection as a folk hero to the death-match community is unreal in many ways.

The Dark Side of the Ring episode allowed Gage his biggest opportunity yet. Former AEW World Champion Chris Jericho worked as the narrator for Dark Side of the Ring Season 3 and wanted to face the former GCW World Champion after learning his story. The two men clashed in a No Rules Match on the July 28th episode of AEW Dynamite.

Days before that showdown, Gage defended the GCW World Championship against Matt Cardona at their Homecoming event. This was the culmination of months of conflict between Gage and Cardona. The former Zack Ryder battled the King and survived.

Gage has feuded with both Cardona and Moxley over the course of the past year. Between his huge encounters in AEW and his headline matches in GCW, Gage has firmly established himself as the biggest draw in the promotion.