In your opinion which were the main differences between an Independent show and a Joint show?

In later years the Indies seemed less stale than joint in general

I wish I had been able to put this question to Gerry Hoggarth, as throughout his career he appeared to switch regularly between the two codes. In the circumstances it is surprising that when with Joint Promotions (mainly Relwyscow) he regularly topped the bill.

Following on from bkendo1's comments I would say that Joint had the talent, they had the famous names (thanks to tv) and the organisational skills but they weren't good (in the meaning of the word) at promoting that talent. They relied on the fact that tv exposure had given them the advantage and rested on their laurels. Independents like Lincoln, Robinson, Woolley/Flynn and Taylor were much more effective at promoting their more limited talent.

joint creamed off young talent from independents,but the grass was not always greener something akin to Dales luring northern joint workers to relocate in the smoke ,some it worked for some and I'm thinking of one good mate in particular it had adverse effect on his whole life not just professionally.Dales led the way for credibility and maintaing the sporting aspect as did all the joint promoters although to a lesser extent and didn't actively promote this element of the business.

The "Champions" on Joint shows were more often than not, the only credible ones, and the ones that I "believed" (at the time) were genuine champions.

There was greater consistency of high standards within Joint Promotions. Some independent promoters presented consistently high standard shows but there were others that would use dubious tactics to attract customers to poor quality shows.

Independent shows were generally, but not always, presented in a more exciting and colourful way.

Even wrestlers you had never heard of were presented as some internationally acclaimed star on independent shows.

Overseas wrestlers on Joint bills were more likely to be genuine visitors while the pedigree of independent overseas wrestlers was more dubious.

A greater number of gimmicks and colourful personas on independent shows than on Joint shows.

Far more substitutions on independent shows than on Joint shows, where substitutions were rare.

Consistency of champions on Joint shows was not found on independent shows.

This makes it sound like Joint shows were better than independents. If the independent was reputable, as the long-term promoters were, then their shows were just as enjoyable, and personally I preferred them. Most independent wrestlers were just as good as Joint wrestlers, and there were very few that did not cross over at one time or another.

You were more likely to go home excited or disappointed from an independent show and more likely to go home bored from a Joint show.

Like Romeo this is based only on my own experience and applies up to the early 1970s when the original Joint members sold out. Following that there was less difference between the two groups.