Independent Wrestling Federation
Created by	Kevin Knight
Opening theme	"Live To Win" by Paul Stanley
Country of origin	United States
No. of episodes	399
Production
Camera setup	Multicamera setup
Running time	Approximately 2 hours per event
Original release
Release	March 14, 1998 (1998-03-14) – 2017 (2017)

TheIndependent Wrestling Federation (IWF) is aprofessional wrestling promotion based inNutley, New Jersey. The IWF features upcoming talent, in some cases, which have made it to theWorld Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Along with producing live events for the public, the IWF also gives youth clinics and acts as a wrestling school. The wrestling school trains teens and adults, and former WWE starTito Santana is among the instructors.^[1]

IWF events occur weekly on Saturday nights. In most events, championship matches occur. Before each week's shows, the IWF website features their Eruption webcast which gives a preview of the upcoming show.^[2]

Established in 1999, IWF Wrestling School trains hundreds of wrestlers and managers from 16 states and six countries that perform in bouts around the globe. The IWF wrestling school has taught former many athletes, from former WWE wrestlers to teenagers. The wrestling school usually features clinics from former and current wrestling superstars.Tom Prichard,^[3]John Bradshaw Layfield,Tito Santana,Honky Tonk Man,Steven Richards,Nunzio,Ricky Steamboat,Ken Shamrock,Dawn Marie,Tom Brandi (Sal Sincere),Steve Corino,Jim Powers,^[4]Bushwhacker Luke andSimon Diamond have hosted clinics.

In addition to his role as an instructor,WWE Hall of Famer Tito Santana began wrestling with IFW in 2005. Santana, a two-timeWWE Tag Team Champion, also held the IWF Tag Team Championship in the latter part of his career.^[5]

NXT graduate and formerRaw performerDarren Young trained, graduated, and wrestled in the IWF. While wrestling for the IWF, he was known as "Bonecrusher" Fred Sampson. Other graduates of note include currentTotal Nonstop Action talentRob Eckos (ring name Robbie E.), who is also mentioned in theDarren Aronofsky film "The Wrestler", and "Pretty Boy" Moby Plinko, better known as music producer Keven Maroda. Eckos and Maroda trained together under Kevin Knight in 2000.

On April 30, 2014, the IWF Centre (Independent Wrestling Federation's school) relocated and opened in Nutley, NJ at a state-of-the-art 7,000 sq-ft facility with a new wrestling ring, padded amateur wrestling/MMA room, 3 dressing rooms, pro shop, nutrition store, and a private party room.^[6]

On June 26, 2017, the IWF held its last training school session.

The Independent Wrestling Federation began in 1998, as a road show. The IWF traveled to local high schools and venues to perform live events. In 1999, the IWF moved into its current home inNutley, New Jersey, known as the IWF Centre. The IWF CustomMuscle Centre houses not only the wrestling events, but also wrestling clinics, a training facility, and serves as a wrestling school.

At February Fury in 2009, Kevin Knight was beat for his IWF Heavyweight Title by Chris Steeler. This not only marked the first time the Ross Family held every title (excluding Junior Heavyweight), but Steeler became the first GrandSlam winner (has held every IWF Championship). Kevin Knight was able to win a 16-manbattle royal to become number one contender for Steeler's title at March Madness. Steeler remained champion throughout the later events. The Heavyweight championships stayed on Steeler's waist for all of 2009 since winning the title in February. Chachi won the Tournament of Champions in December to win the vacant American Championship.

• Independent Wrestling Federation web site

• American independent professional wrestling promotions based in New Jersey

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