This blogger wasn't certain how to write this post and when he was going to do it. However, now is the time to share it with everyone.
The Walking Death, Mike Madrigal of Filipino Pro Wrestling, will always be a champion in my book. As those of you know, Mike held the FPW Championship for 547 days.
He took on all comers from the company that he wrestles for in the Philippines. Earlier this year, he traveled to Malaysia to take part in a four way match for the prestigious title, and won. Since wrestling returned to the Philippines, and the world after the Covid pandemic, he was undefeated in singles action.
The defeat to Jeff Cobb was, in no way, an upset. I've had a chance to see Jeff Cobb live a couple of times when Cobb wrestled locally for an independent promotion in the Bay Area, and with New Japan Pro Wrestling. Since the first time watching back in a local auditorium in Daly City, Jeff Cobb has improved greatly in his craft. In fact, I'm sure that Mike Madrigal has, and will continue to improve from the experience from last month's match.
A little over a year ago, this blogger had an opportunity to interview him on this blog. This happened after seeing my first FPW show. The banger of a match that he had with Duke Ortega in August 2023 had this fan standing at the conclusion of the match. It was that good. I knew that FPW had a champion that they were proud of. I had a chance to talk with Mike briefly after the show and it was an experience not to be forgotten.
Mike was gracious and candid with what he said in the interview. At the time, he wants to take pro wrestling, and with FPW to the next level. There is no question in my mind that Mike and FPW have done just that.
Jeff Cobb has said that he will defend the title again in the Philippines, Japan and possibly other Southeast Asian locations. As far as Mike Madrigal is concerned, don't be surprised if he gets another title shot down the line, as early as 2025! He'll always be a champion!
Madrigal clearly looked like he spent extra time in the gym getting ready for this match.
ReplyDeleteThat it took a guy from NJPW to defeat him speaks volumes on his championship run.
For sure Anonymous. Jeff Cobb is in better shape since I first saw him live (around 2017 or 2018). Right now, all three promotions in the Philippines are doing well since the pandemic ended. As Jeff said in the Q&A, pinoy wrestlers are more hungry now than ever. The pandemic as well as previous promotions closing have a good deal to do with it.
ReplyDeleteThe hope here, and am seeing a good trend, is that Southeast Asian promotions can work together to make the product even better. This blogger and fan is grateful to do a blog like this since no one in America cares to do it. There is more to pro wrestling than WWE, AEW and TNA if you know what I mean.
As always, thanks for sharing your thoughts. Appreciated very much.