OuterMindsAudio

Written By: Erick “EKM” Mattern. Published: 04/17/2026

In an era where wrestling is more polished and corporate than ever, Westside Gunn is building something that truly feels raw again. 4th Rope Wrestling isn’t just another indie promotion trying to compete with WWE or AEW—it’s a cultural statement. A remix of pro wrestling, hip-hop, fashion, and art, all stitched together under one vision.

Created by Westside Gunn and SMOKE DZA, 4th Rope represents Gunn’s long-standing love for wrestling, but more importantly, his desire to reshape it. The name itself says everything. Traditional wrestling rings have three ropes—Gunn’s “fourth rope” symbolizes the extra layer he believes the industry has been missing: culture.

And that’s exactly what sets 4th Rope apart.

The main event series, “Heels Have Eyes,” mixes wrestling with live performances and appearances from both wrestlers and artists. The structure isn’t rigid—it feels curated, almost like a mixtape. There’s a mix of high-energy matches, unexpected moments, and music that ties everything together.

Visually and sonically, 4th Rope feels similar to Gunn’s music. The design is raw and intentional, blending gritty underground elements with a high-end look. The sound reflects the same energy, often pulling from the kind of music associated with the Griselda movement.

Even though 4th Rope focuses heavily on culture, it’s still a real wrestling promotion. There are championships, recurring talent, and appearances from well-known names. It also connects with other parts of the wrestling world through collaborations, showing that it’s part of a larger ecosystem.

What makes 4th Rope important is how it brings two cultures together in a real way. Hip hop and wrestling have always been connected, but this creates a space where that connection is fully realized. Artists and wrestlers share the same platform, and fans of both worlds come together in one place.

The goal isn’t to compete with major wrestling companies. It’s to create something independent and original. Gunn is building a platform where he can control the vision and present it exactly how he wants.

4th Rope represents a new way of thinking about both music and wrestling. It’s not just about performance—it’s about creating an environment that reflects a certain style and mindset.

Instead of strictly focusing on in-ring storytelling, these events feel more like immersive experiences. A typical 4th Rope show might feature hard-hitting matches from top independent wrestlers, followed by live DJ sets or hip-hop performances, all curated with Gunn’s signature aesthetic. It’s not uncommon to see respected names from across the wrestling world sharing the spotlight with legendary producers or rising artists. The energy isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about atmosphere.

There’s a certain authenticity baked into it. Where larger promotions can feel overly scripted or disconnected from the fans, 4th Rope leans into grit and personality. It embraces the overlap between wrestling and rap—the bravado, the storytelling, the larger-than-life personas. In many ways, it taps into the same spirit that made both industries resonate in the first place.

This venture also comes at a pivotal moment in Gunn’s relationship with wrestling. After a public fallout with WWE involving intellectual property disputes and behind-the-scenes tensions, 4th Rope feels like a declaration of independence. Rather than waiting for a seat at the table, Gunn is building his own.

And while it’s still in its early stages, the potential is clear. These events have already generated buzz, pulling in a mix of wrestling fans, music heads, and curious newcomers. It’s not trying to be the biggest—at least not yet—but it might be one of the most creatively ambitious.

4th Rope Wrestling exists in that space between worlds. It’s for fans who grew up on both mixtapes and Monday Night Raw. For people who understand that wrestling has always been a form of performance art, and that hip-hop has always carried a similar energy.

Whether it evolves into a major player or remains a niche movement, one thing is certain: 4th Rope Wrestling isn’t just about adding another promotion to the landscape.

It’s about changing the vibe entirely.

It’s not just wrestling.
It’s not just hip hop.

It’s both, combined into one system.

MAINTAIN ABOVE.