FPW Astig October Show Update #2

Hello everyone!

 

A day or so ago, this blogger mentioned about the main event for the FPW Astig's October show.  That would be the FPW Championship match between current champion, Mike Madrigal and New Japan Pro Wrestling's, Jeff Cobb.

 

For those wondering on when the show will take place, it is on Sunday, October 20th, 2pm at Baked Studios in Makati City, Philippines.

 

One additional match has already been announced and is very important for all three wrestlers.

 

A Triple Threat match between Chino Guinto, Ralph Imabayashi and Duke Ortega is one match that in this blogger's opinion, is a Main Event anywhere in Southeast Asia.

 

Starting with Chino Guinto, every upcoming match for him is like an elimination game in the NBA Playoffs.  Win and continue wrestling.  Lose and retire.  Chino has done his best wrestling, according to sources, and has aspirations towards an FPW Championship Title shot in the future.

 

Ralph Imabayashi wants to continue to prove, not only to himself, but to the fans, that he's the best grappler.  He has proven that throughout his career wrestling in the Philippines.  With a win, he could definitely be just that, and very likely, another FPW title shot! 

 

Duke Ortega wants to make a point.  He has improved since the day Filipino Pro Wrestling began.  He has done very well in numerous matches that he has taken part in.  He may be overlooked by some fans, but in a triple threat match, anything can happen.  This blogger doesn't sell him short.

 

For more information, including tickets, please visit the FPW - Filipino Pro Wrestling Facebook page.  Thank you.

FPW Unfinished Business Update #1

Hello everyone!

 

Filipino Pro Wrestling's show, Unfinished Business will take place on Sunday, September 15th.  The venue is Baked Studios in Makati City beginning at 2pm.

 

Both Ralph Imabayashi and Duke Ortega will be in action at the show.  Their opponents are yet to be determined.  However, a win by each wrestler will possibly lead to a match between each other down the road.

 

For more on the show, and tickets, please visit the FPW - Filipino Pro Wrestling Facebook page.  Thank you.  

Sunday's FPW Astig Show

Hello everyone!

 

A reminder regarding Sunday, FPW Astig show.  It It will take place at Baked Studios in Makati City (not the PMC Spotlight Theater in Circuit Makati).  Show begins at 2pm.

 

Here is the lineup regarding the show.  Please note that the card is subject to change.

 

The YOLO Twins vs. Mike Madrigal and James "Idol" Martinez

Ralph Imabayashi vs. Roxy Reeves.

Duke Ortega vs. Proximo.

Chino Guinto vs. Dax Xaviera.

Jan Evander vs. Cali Nueva.

Thiago vs. Jeffrey.

Good Guy Quatro vs. Evan Carleaux

and

A special announcement by President Red Ollero.

 

For more information, including tickets, please visit the FPW - Filipino Pro Wrestling page on Facebook.

 

This looks like a great show.  Hope you're there.  Have a good weekend everyone! 

 

 

FPW Astig July Show #7

FPW Astig will be having their next show this coming Sunday July 14th at 2pm.  The venue is the Baked Studios at Makati City.

 

Another match that this blogger is excited about is one particular match. It features a student who had her impressive debut at the last show versus the teacher who is no stranger to Pinoy wrestling. We are talking about Roxy Reeves vs. Ralph Imabayashi.

 

Roxy Reeves made her in-ring debut at the last show against Proximo and this blogger has learned that she was impressive in the match.  This is great news for FPW, women's wrestling in the Philippines and throughout Southeast Asia and the industry!

 

The Best Pure Wrestler in Ralph Imabayashi is a season veteran in Pinoy wrestling history.  Besides wrestling, he is a trainer with the FPW Academy.  There have been some recent graduates out of the Academy and Roxy is one!  It will be interesting how this match plays out.

 

I'll have an update on the show in my next post.  Also, this fan is interested in what President Red Ollero's announcement will be on July 14th.  It sounds like it will be big.

 

Finally, if anyone is interested in wanting to become a pro wrestler, please visit the FPW - Filipino Pro Wrestling page on Facebook.  Once you are there, please click the message button and inquire.  My understanding is that the academy is open each Sunday although it won't be this coming Sunday due to their show.  However, please Facebook message them for more details.  Thank you.

FPW Astig July Show Update #6

Hello everyone!

 

It's been a couple of weeks since last reporting about Filipino Pro Wrestling's July Astig Show.  For those that are new to the blog, the show will take place this coming Sunday, July 14th.  FPW will host their show at a NEW location.  It is the Baked Studios in Makati City will bell time beginning at 2pm.

 

Here is an update of the seven matches as of this post on Monday morning in no particular order...

 

Ralph Imabayashi vs. Roxy Reeves.

Duke Ortega vs. Proximo.

Chino Guinto vs. Dax Xaviera.

Jan Evander vs. Cali Nueva.

Thiago vs. Jeffrey.

The YOLO Twins vs. "Playtime" James "Idol" Martinez and Mike Madrigal.

Quatro vs. Evan Carleaux.

 

Tickets for the show are still available!  Please visit the FPW - Filipino Pro Wrestling page for more information.  Thank you everyone!

FPW Astig July Show Update #4

Hello everyone!

 

Another match has been added to the FPW Astig show.  The event will take place on Sunday, July 14th, 2pm at the Baked Studios in Makati City.

 

This blogger hasn't seen her in action yet, but Roxy Reeves is making a name for herself in Filipino Pro Wrestling.  Anytime, a woman makes it to the big stage, it's great and welcome news!  Congratulations Roxy!

 

After her impressive debut in FPW's last show, she will now take the next step.  She will be facing a former champion in Pinoy wrestling history, and a teacher, in Ralph Imabayashi.

 

Billed as a singles match featuring the Teacher versus the Student, how much as Roxy learned thus far?  Or, how much has Ralph shared in their training sessions in the FPW Academy?

 

We'll find out on July 14th!  For more info including tickets, please visit the FPW - Filipino Pro Wrestling page on Facebook.  Hope everyone has a great weekend ahead!

The FPW Champion's Next Possible Opponent

Mike Madrigal, the Filipino Pro Wrestling champion, has done, pretty much, everything a champion has done in his time as the title holder.

 

He has taken on all comers with the exception of Robynn who was unfortunately injured before the last show.  A Triple Threat Match would take its place. 

 

This blogger has been reading comments in Facebook on who possibly should be his next opponent.

 

If Robynn is fully healthy, "The Walking Death", am told, should give her the title match that she deserves.  Mike announced this himself during the last Astig show in April.

 

If not, there are certainly some qualifiers, some are wrestlers.  And then, there is Red Ollero.

 

This blogger wasn't at the show but am told things are heating up in FPW.  There was the Triple Threat match between Madrigal against Jan Evander against Thiago.  A reel that was posted had Red on the ring apron, then in the ring with what looked like a "chicken wing" on Madrigal.  Mike got out of the way and Thiago, coming off the ropes, "accidently" clobbered Red with his right foot.  Red wouldn't be of help during the remainder of the match.  The Walking Death would go on to win the match and retain the FPW Championship.

 

There could be a title match with Mike and Ralph Imabayashi.  That match could be a good one.  Also, Mike could go up against Chino Guinto or Duke Ortega.  There are several opponents that are possibilities.  Dax Xaviera, Evan Carleaux and several others are possibilities.

 

The thought of Red Ollero enters the picture.  I don't know how the fan base would feel about it.  All this fan knows is things could be heating up in the weeks upcoming.   

 

This blogger is not a match maker.  However, there are several possibilities.  Let's see what happens.

FPW Astig April Update #3

Hello everyone!

 

There has been another match added to the Filipino Pro Wrestling show, FPW Astig this coming April 14th.  The event will be at 2pm at the PMC Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati.

 

"The Gym Bro", Thiago will take on "The Mad Doctor, Jan Evander in a singles match as one of several matches lined up on the show.

 

Will the powerful and muscular, Thiago have his way or will the quick, high flying and unpredictable offense of Jan Evander be the story?

 

Also, here's an update of the other matches on the show so far....

 

Mike Madrigal (C) vs. Robynn for the FPW Championship.

Duke Ortega vs. Ralph Imabayashi.

The Yolo Twins and Good Guy Quatro vs. Evan Carleaux, Cali Nueva and James "Idol" Martinez in a Six Man Tag Match.

 

For more information, including tickets, please visit the FPW- Filipino Pro Wrestling page as well as the ticket2me.net website.  Thank you. 

FPW April Astig Update!

Hello everyone!

 

Since the last post, there have been two matches added for the upcoming FPW Astig show.  The date is Sunday, April 14th at 2pm at the PMC Spotlight Blackbox Theater.

 

Mike Madrigal, the current Filipino Pro Wrestling Champion, will face Robynn in the main event of the show.  Mike has been undefeated since the beginning of FPW and it appears that no one will take the title from him.

 

However, Robynn may have something to say about that.  This fan had the chance of seeing her live last August.  She defeated Thiago in a match that woke up some fans at the PMC Theater that day.  Robynn has done well in matches during the past year and deserves a title shot!

 

In the other match that has been made so far, the long awaited rematch between Duke Ortega and Ralph Imabayashi will take place.  The last time the two faced each other was a technical wrestling showcase and this one should be no exception!

 

For more information, including tickets, please visit the ticket2me.net website and/or visit the FPW - Filipino Pro Wrestling page on Facebook.    

FPW Astig Next Show

Filipino Pro Wrestling has announced that the next FPW: Astig show will take place on Sunday, April 14th.  The venue is, once again, the PMC Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati beginning at 2pm.

 

See the stars of FPW such as Mike Madrigal, Thiago, Robynn, Ralph Imabayashi, THE YOLO Twins, Good Guy Quatro and more!

 

For more on the upcoming show, tickets are available on ticket2me.net.  For more information, please check the FPW - Filipino Pro Wrestling page on Facebook.  Thank you.

FIlipino Pro Wrestling Update #5

Hello everyone!  Filipino Pro Wrestling's show, FPW Astig, will take place this Sunday.  The venue is the PMC Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati.  The show starts at 2pm with the doors opening at 1:30pm.  Note:  Please disregard the photo that says Early Bird Tickets Available now!  That has passed.

Here is the lineup, once again, of matches up to this post.  As always, the show is subject to change.

Mike Madrigal vs. Thiago for the FPW Championship.

Robynn vs. Ralph Imabayashi.

Cali Nueva and Evan Carleaux vs. The YOLO Twins.

James "Idol" Martinez vs. "Good Guy" Quatro.

Duke Ortega vs. Freak Tisoy.

Also,

"The Blessed One" Chino Guinto, "Dark Wolf" Matt Walters and "The Mad Doctor" Jan Evander will be in action!

 

For more information on tickets, please check the ticket2me.net website.  Also, before doing that, please check the FPW - Filipino Pro Wrestling page on Facebook if there are any changes to what this blogger has mentioned.

 

Thank you and hope everyone enjoys the show on Sunday!

Filipino Pro Wrestling Update

With a little more than two weeks to go, Filipino Pro Wrestling's show, FPW: Astig will take place on Sunday, February 11th.  The venue is the PMC Spotlight Blackbox Theater, Circuit Makati at 2pm.  Doors open at 1:30pm.

 

Thus far, two matches have been announced with more on the way.

 

Mike Madrigal vs. Thiago for the FPW Championship.

Robynn vs. Ralph Imabayashi.

 

This blogger shared a little bit about the Mike Madrigal vs. Thiago in the last post.

 

The Robynn vs Ralph Imabayashi match will be interesting and a really good one for the fans.

 

For those that are new to reading this blog, and with Southeast Asia pro wrestling, intergender wrestling matches are not uncommon.  Because the number of women on rosters throughout the region are low in number, often, you will find matches like either a singles or a mixed tag team.

 

I've seen both Robynn and Ralph in action both live (August 2023) and on video (You Tube).

 

Beginning with Robynn, this fan was impressed in her match last August in an intergender match.  She is as tough as nails.  She can take the punishment as well as dish it out.  This fan learned more about her when interviewing her last October.

 

Ralph Imabayashi is no stranger in Philippines wrestling history either.  When first watching PWR, the first matches watching on You Tube were Ralph's matches.  Then, there was the match in August 2023 against Robbie Eagles.  I cannot  share the result here but it was one of the most exciting matches ever to this fan!

 

Tickets are available right now on the early bird rate!  Please check ticket2me.net and/or the FPW - Filipino Pro Wrestling page on Facebook for more information! 

The First FPW Championship Match

It was Sunday, April 23, 2023.  The venue was the PMC Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati.  The finals of the FPW Tournament, to decide the first FPW Champion, was about to take place.

 

Mike Madrigal, Ralph Imabayashi and Cali Nueva would go through a competitive tournament to reach the finals.  I was fortunate to see all three wrestlers live last August.  There was no question in my mind then that all three grapplers deserved to be in the final on this very day.

 

Prior to seeing the August show, it was watching each on You Tube video when all three were with Philippine Wrestling Revolution.  I knew about Ralph Imabayashi being PWR Champion longer than anyone in the promotion's history.  But, after watching some video with Mike Madrigal and Cali Nueva, any one of the three could be the first FPW Champion.

 

This wrestling fan has watched this match a couple of times now and it was as action packed of a three way match as any triple threat match I've seen worldwide.  All three brought their 'A' game that day to the PMC Spotlight Theater.

 

I want to say that Red Ollero and Poch Spice (who is also the ring announcer) did a good job with the commentary.  They brought a lot of excitement to the match as well.

As 2024 is a few days old, I could see any of the three in this match holding the FPW Championship this year or sometime down the line.  If you haven't seen the match, the link to it is below.  Hope you guys enjoy it.  The fans who were there back in April did just that!

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDS3iccCB2s

Final Thoughts On FPW Astig

This blogger and wrestling fan has some final thoughts in 2023 on Filipino Pro Wrestling, one of three wrestling promotions in the Philippines.

 

To begin with, the company began operations in October 2022 with a few wrestlers who had performed with Philippine Wrestling Revolution, a company whom was founded in late 2013.  The company, because of the pandemic, closed in September 2022.

 

Because this fan loves wrestling, and this is a Southeast Asia wrestling blog, FPW deserves more posts than it has been getting.  Moving forward, the company began with their first show on October 16.  It turned out to be the beginning of a series of shows called FPW Astig.  The first show was called FPW: Unfinished Business.

 

Red Ollero, in my opinion, has done a great job with getting Filipino Pro Wrestling off the ground. The promotion is starting cautiously and slowly, but most everyone feels this is the correct way.

 

Back to FPW Astig, the shows from October 2022 through the August show in 2023, were held at the PMC Spotlight Theater in Circuit Makati.  Following the Unfinished Business show and another in November, there were seven FPW: Astig shows.  Several of the shows would have a tournament to see who would be the first FPW Champion.  That turned out to be Mike Madrigal.

 

Madrigal won a three way final on April 22nd by defeating Cali Nueva and "The Best Pure Wrestler"- Ralph Imabayashi, certainly two deserving wrestlers, to win the belt.  Madrigal has successfully defended the belt twice against Cali Nueva and Duke Ortega.

 

This fan was curiously wondering why results were hard to come by.  Well, I found out the reason.

 

While on vacation in the Philippines in August, on Sunday, August 27th, I attended my first Filipino Pro Wrestling show.  Following one of the matches, Red Ollero announced that the FPW Astig series would be aired on You Tube beginning on Thursday, September 14th.  There would be two matches each week for 10 weeks with the FPW Championship Match as the final match of the series.

 

Right now, this fan is assuming that there will be more video from the July and August shows on You Tube sometime in the future.  Certainly from the show I saw in August, it was a highlight in itself with some great matches that took place.

 

From what is on the blog, several wrestlers were accommodating on doing interviews with this blogger.  Though right now, it is a quiet time of the year due to the Christmas holidays, am sure that training is going on to get ready for the 2024 season.  

 

Am told as of right now that Filipino Pro Wrestling's next show will likely take place in February and at the PMC Spotlight Theater once again.  With what has been happening with World Underground Wrestling - Philippines and the Manila Wrestling Federation in 2023, the 2024 season will be a successful year for all three promotions.

 

And why not!       

Filipino Pro Wrestling Notes

Wanted to share some info regarding Filipino Pro Wrestling for this next post.

 

First off, this blogger would like to thank Red Ollero, the MWF staff and the FPW locker room for a successful year one of FPW Astig.  I had the opportunity to watch all the episodes of FPW Astig like all of the fans on You Tube.  It was well produced and really enjoyed the commentary of all the matches.

 

Certainly, seeing how the FPW Championship unfolded was really cool.  Congratulations to Mike Madrigal on winning the first FPW Championship.  Also, congratulations to everyone on the FPW roster for making season one a successful one.  I feel, along with Red, the FPW locker room, staff and the majority of fans, that Filipino Pro Wrestling is cautious and doing things the right way.

 

Seeing the last FPW Astig show in August was special for this fan.  The matches were exciting, particularly the Mike Madrigal-Duke Ortega and the Ralph Imabayashi-Robbie Eagles matches.  Definitely, the show was entertaining and important, especially when earlier in the week, the pro wrestling world lost two iconic wrestlers.

 

I'm told that Filipino Pro Wrestling will resume likely in February 2024 with another series of shows.  I don't want to mention the date until told to.  Hopefully, the FPW and Pinoy wrestling fans will look forward to another season of exciting action.

FPW Astig Update!

This fan has enjoyed, and appreciated the Filipino Pro Wrestling shows that have been shown on You Tube over the past 10 weeks.

 

This coming Thursday, November 23rd, will be the final FPW Astig shown on You Tube beginning at 4pm local time.

 

The match for the inaugural Filipino Pro Wrestling Championship will be shown in its entirety.  Over the past few episodes, there was a tournament to determine who would be the first champion.

 

Ralph Imabayashi, Cali Nueva and Mike Madrigal, all have moved on to the Championship round.  Hope all of you have a chance to enjoy what, I understand, was a great match.   

Interview #4 - Ralph Imabatashi (FPW)

Ralph Imabayashi is known today as "The Best Pure Wrestler."  For wrestling fans who have seen him live at an event in Circuit Makati or elsewhere, you'll know what I mean.

 

This blogger first saw Ralph on You Tube several years ago during the pandemic times.  There were several matches that really inspired this wrestling fan.

 

At the last FPW: Astig wrestling event of 2023 in August, Ralph and Robbie Eagles put on one of the best wrestling matches seen in a few years.

 

Recently, I did the interview with Ralph.  This fan was a little shy and timid but Ralph wanted to do this.  Thank you again and will look forward to seeing you in action in 2024!  

 

Wayne:  Ralph, how long, other than the pandemic time, have you been wrestling?

 

Ralph:  If we exclude the pandemic time then I've only been doing this for 5 years, it feels weird cause a lot has happened but I still feel new and fresh with still lots to learn. I haven't had a lot of opportunities to face opponents with the same caliber as Robbie Eagles, who I learned a lot from through wrestling him as well as seminars. I wish to have more of that and have more learning experiences in my career.

 

 

Wayne:  Was there a moment or time when you knew that you wanted to become a pro wrestler?

 

 

Ralph:  I always wanted to be one. Everyday at school when I was a young kid, I would day dream almost every day about being a wrestler. I vicariously lived through the Smackdown vs Raw games pretending I was really in WWE and I wanted my dad to bring me to Japan ASAP because I thought I could start my wrestling career there. The moment I got a chance here I did not waste my time I immediately took it.

 

 

 

Wayne: Do you remember your first pro wrestling match?

 

Ralph:  I clearly do. It was a bad match. I had no idea what I was doing and neither did my opponent. It was a miracle how I came through. It was also in a boxing ring bumping there sucked it probably took years off my life. I had no idea who or what I was as a wrestler and my opponent was just copying popular Japanese wrestlers he watched. Thing is the first step in being great at something is sucking at it. I was clearly not a good wrestler but I wouldn't be able to achieve my dreams if I didn't start at all.

 

 

Wayne:  Do you have a favorite promotion outside of FPW?  It can be local, international or both.

 

 

 

Ralph:  I love AEW, I watch both Collision and Dynamite every week. The match that solidified my fandom for the promotion was Cody Rhodes vs Dustin Rhodes at Double or Nothing 2019, it just kept escalating until it became something special. Of course it sucks Cody is no longer All Elite but he has achieved great success in WWE even becoming one of their biggest draws. The main events in recent PPVs have mostly felt special too like Orange Cassidy vs Jon Moxley, MJF vs Adam Cole, MJF vs Bryan Danielson, Bryan Danielson vs Kazuchika Okada - all big fight feel matches that future generations will look back to.

 

 

Wayne:  Do you have a favorite wrestler that you follow today?  It can be local, international or both.  

 

 

 

Ralph:  Bryan Danielson has been a long time favorite of mine and probably inspired me a lot as a pro wrestler. When he won the Undisputed WWE World Heavyweight Championship at the main event of Wrestlemania XXX it felt like a strong message towards little guys like me. If someone like him can achieve great things then I can too, it was prolly the catalyst for me to take my dreams seriously and join a local wrestling promotion. I watched him in person back in WWE Live Manila 2019 and I was close to tears I didn't expect to see him at all after his retirement in 2016. This man inspired me to start wrestling and he continues to inspire me today. Fight for your dreams and your dreams will fight for you.

 

 

Wayne:  Ralph, your thoughts on pro wrestling in the Philippines, now and it's future?

 

 

Ralph:  With the release of the FPW: Astig episodes I think its about to be special, it's on Youtube so it's accessible to audiences worldwide. We've put so much into this, the wrestlers, the production, and the marketing team of Filipino Pro Wrestling all worked in tandem to give you guys this beautiful finished product of guaranteed great pro wrestling. This was honestly the most fun I've ever had in my pro wrestling career, everything just works and clicks. The eyes of the world can now see how great Philippine Wrestling can be. We're starting out really small and slow taking careful steps into the next level while thinking things through instead of rushing to get big like how we used to be. There's no where to go but up from here and I'm every excited to see where it goes.