In Canada, we have a well-earned reputation for being some of the nicest folks. That can make it all the more surprising for some people to learn there are so many wrestling fans here. The biggest problem with being a wrestling aficionado in Canada, though, is that matches are typically spread across such a wide array of apps and time zones. This means a good home setup needs to stand up to the WWE, the AEW, NJPW, and all your favourite leagues and associations, without a headache.
In this guide, we’ll start by looking at the hardware you need to see modern wrestling in all its glory. Then we’ll move to getting the most out of those near-falls with your sound system. Once you’re ready to watch, we’ll tell you how to get around geo-restrictions to see the wrestling matches you want to see. Before we wrap up, we’ll drop a few tips for keeping those streams smooth and secure.
The Ultimate Viewing Setup for Wrestling Fans
The first question you must ask yourself is how much you are ready to invest in the equipment. We’re sure you want the best experience without breaking the bank, but let’s stay real—quality things come with a price. However, with thorough research, you can find many reliable options in all price ranges, especially if you stick with the off-brands. Remember, investments are not only measured in money, but also in time.
The Screen
Wrestling is fast action, and fast action needs a fast panel. To get the best speed and response, ideally, you’ll want to stay in the 55-66 inch class. You can find 4K TVs with impressive 120Hz refresh rates, so the matches always look buttery smooth. The higher refresh rate keeps the picture clearer, particularly when there’s a lot of fast motion happening.
Leave motion smoothing off to keep the picture crisp and realistic. If your chosen set supports HDR, stick with settings like “movie” or “filmmaker” so your colour always looks its best. Finally, remember that the ideal viewing distance from your screen is 1.5x the height of the screen.
The Sound
The picture isn’t the only important thing for fans. Hearing the roar of the crowd, the commentary, and the snark of the heel, it’s all better with solid audio. A soundbar with a dedicated center channel can keep voices isolated and clear, not lost in the arena noise. Add a subwoofer if you really want to hear and feel those mat thuds and suplexes.
Install your soundbar at ear height, and aim the speaker grill at the seats. For later viewing, use low-latency over-the-ear headphones with a Bluetooth connection so you don’t keep the rest of the house awake.
Wired and low-latency sets help cut delay from wireless communications and eliminate the potential for A/V sync issues. On your TV, look for pass-through options to keep the latency low and the audio synced. Many soundbars also offer a “night mode” to lower sudden spikes without losing commentary.
Streaming Device
Use a modern 4K streaming box or stick with fast Wi-Fi and, if possible, an Ethernet port. A single device keeps Netflix, Prime Video, TSN, and niche apps together, so you do not hunt through a smart-TV menu. Pick one with profiles and good app support for sports. Turn on match-frame-rate and dynamic-range matching so entrances and replays look right. Keep the remote simple, and set the box to auto-update when you are sleeping, not during a live show.
Where to Watch: A Guide For Canadian Wrestling Fans
- WWE: WWE Raw is currently available on Netflix in Canada and is one of the top 10 shows in the entire country. This means you can get access to massive events like SummerSlam without special arrangements. The US also uses Peacock for some premium live events, so if you don’t see it, that should be the first place you check. Start checking Netflix listings about a week before the event to see specifics about times and availability.
- AEW: Most of the AEW pay-per-view specials are available on Prime Video. Weekly AEW Dynamite is available for Canadians on TSN, posting record-breaking viewership, with streams through TSN.ca and the platform’s app for subscribers. TSN coverage for Collision and Rampage can fluctuate since they air on the USA Network, so check their schedule a few days ahead of time to confirm.
- NJPW: NJPW World provides live shows and a massive archive. As a bonus, tons of their shows have English commentary. They work on a direct subscription model, but they allow Canadian subscribers, so there are no issues for fans there.
- Stardom: Monthly Stardom World events are available on a VOD framework with a reasonable monthly fee. They occasionally run promos for first-time subscribers and have separate listings for big events and major fight cards are organized on a PPV basis.
- CMLL: Mexico’s CMLL operates paid YouTube channel memberships that unlock their live streams. Tiers are available to unlock Tuesday and Friday Arena Mexico shows, as well as special events. CMLL is available to Canadian residents.
- AAA: Major AAA events like Triplemania are typically carried on TrillerTV, previously known as FITE. TrillerTV also hosts a wide range of US indie wrestling cards to fill up a light weekend viewing schedule.
How To Beat Geo-Locks To Get Premium Wrestling Content in Canada
While there is lots of great wrestling content available to Canadians, even more is out of our reach. Some live shows and archives limit access by geographical region, which leaves Canadians out in the cold.
This is where an online VPN can help. VPNs are incredibly popular for their data security through encryption features, but that’s not all they do. One of the coolest features of an online VPN is changing your apparent location with just a few taps.
Once you download the VPN client app and sign in, your real location is immediately obscured. But if you want to access content only available in, for instance, South Korea, you simply select a node in that region. Most major VPNs can provide a node in just about any country on the planet, so you can tell a content provider you’re from Thailand while you’re sitting in downtown Vancouver.
World Wrestling From Your Couch
Pick a fast screen, clear sound, and a single streaming box. Use verified services and keep a short list of go-to apps. Plan across time zones and test your network before bell time. With an online VPN, your Canadian couch becomes a global ringside seat.
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