What Is 2013 Battle of Los Angeles

Overview

The 2013 Battle of Los Angeles was the ninth annual installment of Pro Wrestling Guerrilla's premier independent wrestling tournament. Held over three consecutive nights from August 9 to 11, it showcased some of the top independent wrestlers from around the world competing in a high-stakes single-elimination format.

Organized by PWG at their regular venue, the American Legion Post #308 in Reseda, California, the event drew strong critical acclaim for its fast-paced action and deep roster. The tournament culminated in Michael Elgin winning his first BOLA title, marking a major milestone in his career.

• 24 competitors participated in the tournament, making it one of the largest BOLA fields to date, each vying for the prestigious title and career advancement.
• The event spanned three nights—Friday, August 9; Saturday, August 10; and Sunday, August 11—with preliminary and quarterfinal matches on the first two nights.
• Michael Elgin won the tournament by defeating Brian Cage in the final, having previously beaten Roderick Strong and El Generico en route to the finals.
• Notable participants included A.J. Styles, Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly, and Johnny Gargano, highlighting the tournament's draw for top-tier independent talent.
• The American Legion Post #308 in Reseda, California, has been PWG’s home venue since 2003, known for its intimate setting and passionate fanbase.

How It Works

The Battle of Los Angeles is structured as a single-elimination tournament, designed to test endurance, versatility, and in-ring excellence across multiple matches in a short timeframe.

• Tournament Format: The 2013 edition used a 24-man single-elimination bracket. Wrestlers had to win up to three matches in three nights to claim the title.
• Match Duration: Each match had a 20-minute time limit, with draws leading to a panel decision if neither wrestler secured a fall.
• Scoring Panel: In case of a time-limit draw, a panel of PWG officials and guest judges determined the winner based on in-ring performance and dominance.
• Progressive Rounds: The tournament included first-round, quarterfinal, semifinal, and final matches, with winners advancing quickly over the three-night span.
• Championship Stipulation: While not a title match, winning BOLA often led to future PWG World Championship opportunities and increased industry visibility.
• Independent Circuit Showcase: The event served as a platform for independent wrestlers to gain exposure, with scouts from major promotions often in attendance.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2013 Battle of Los Angeles with prior editions from 2011 and 2012:

The 2013 edition maintained the 24-wrestler format introduced in 2010, continuing PWG’s tradition of high-octane, endurance-testing competition. Unlike 2009, which had only 16 participants, the expanded field allowed for greater depth and unpredictability, contributing to the event’s growing reputation as one of the most important indie tournaments in North America.

Why It Matters

The 2013 Battle of Los Angeles had significant implications for both the wrestlers involved and the independent wrestling scene as a whole. It served as a proving ground for rising stars and a showcase for established names looking to reaffirm their status.

• Michael Elgin’s victory elevated his profile, leading to appearances in New Japan Pro-Wrestling and later Ring of Honor, where he became a top contender.
• A.J. Styles’ participation drew major attention, as his rare indie appearance reminded fans of his in-ring mastery and independent roots.
• The tournament helped legitimize PWG as a premier independent promotion, attracting national media coverage and streaming subscribers.
• Several participants, including Johnny Gargano and Adam Cole, later signed with WWE, underscoring BOLA’s role as a talent pipeline.
• For fans, the event offered three nights of elite wrestling at affordable prices, reinforcing loyalty to the PWG brand.
• The BOLA format demonstrated how independent promotions could produce world-class events without corporate backing, inspiring similar tournaments globally.

The 2013 Battle of Los Angeles remains a standout year in PWG history, remembered for its competitive depth, standout performances, and long-term impact on careers and the independent wrestling landscape.