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The following press release was issued:
“SLOWBURN SHOOT: AN INDIE WRESTLING STORY,”
THE RAW STORY OF ABSOLUTE INTENSE WRESTLING (AIW),
HITS THE ROAD THIS MAY & JUNE ACROSS THE U.S.
Cities include Akron, Chicago, Oklahoma City, Boston, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, and New York City.
The film features appearances by Johnny Gargano, Britt Baker, Eddie Kingston, Nick Gage, Ethan Page, Tom Lawlor, Swoggle, Chris Van Vliet, and John Thorne, among others.
Cleveland, OH (April 23, 2026) — Following its world premiere at the 2026 Cleveland International Film Festival, Substance announces that Slowburn Shoot: An Indie Wrestling Story, the raw and unfiltered documentary chronicling the rise of Absolute Intense Wrestling (AIW), is hitting the road this spring with a series of special theatrical screenings built for fans who have supported independent wrestling from day one. Cities on the tour include Akron, OH; Chicago, IL; Oklahoma City, OK; Boston, MA; Cincinnati, OH; Los Angeles, CA; and New York, NY.
Directed by Adam J. Wilde and produced by Wilde, Ryan J. Kelly, and Geoff Yaw of Substance, Slowburn Shoot: An Indie Wrestling Story is an unvarnished look at Absolute Intense Wrestling (AIW), the Cleveland-based indie promotion that has served as a proving ground for rising stars and veteran talent alike. Chronicling the trials and tribulations of founder John Thorne and his beloved co-owner Chandler Biggins, the film captures over 20 years of grit, ambition, and community that helped launch the careers of some of wrestling’s biggest names. Told through the voices of top talent, it brings to life both the triumphs and the hardships that define AIW and the independent wrestling scene.
The film features appearances from key figures in and around the promotion, including Johnny Gargano, Britt Baker, Eddie Kingston, Nick Gage, Ethan Page, Tom Lawlor, Swoggle, Chris Van Vliet, and John Thorne, among others.
More than just a screening series, the Slowburn Shoot: An Indie Wrestling Story roadshow is a chance for fans to come together and experience the story of independent wrestling where it belongs, in a room full of people who get it.
Full List of Roadshow Screenings:
May 3 in Akron, OH at Nightlight Cinema
May 6 in Chicago, IL at The Davis Theater
May 12 in Oklahoma City, OK at OKC Film Exchange
May 15 in Boston, MA at Coolidge Corner Theatre
May 18 in Cincinnati, OH at Woodward Theater
June 11 in Los Angeles, CA at Braindead Studios
June 15 in New York, NY at Nitehawk Cinema
Additional cities may be announced at a later date.
“This film started as a love letter to indie wrestling, but it quickly became something deeper: a reflection of the people who give everything to it,” said Adam J. Wilde. “After premiering at the Cleveland International Film Festival, taking it on the road felt like the only honest next step. These fans deserve to see the reality behind it all - the sacrifice, the setbacks, the perseverance, and the community that makes it all possible.”
For screening details, tickets, and updates, visit https://www.slowburnshootfilm.com/ and follow the film on Instagram (@slowburnshoot).
ABOUT SUBSTANCE
Substance is a production company founded in 2024 by Adam J. Wilde, Ryan J. Kelly and Geoff Yaw as the original content arm of TRG Multimedia. Built as a true storytelling production studio, Substance produces scripted and unscripted films, television and online content.
For more information, visit https://www.thisissubstance.com/ and follow-on social media:
Instagram: @slowburnshoot
TikTok: @this_is_substance
