If anyone knows someone who would like to help sponsor, or would like to sponsor, here's how you can help.
Please click the pic that I have at the top of the post. The information is listed at the bottom of the pic. If there are any questions, please contact PUSO Wrestling. You can also send me a message and I'll direct the question to PUSO Wrestling.
Thank you everyone!
Last August, this blogger had a chance to see a World Underground Wrestling - Philippines show there. During the vacation and visit, I was actually fortunate to see three wrestling shows over eight days last August. The other venue visited was the PMC Spotlight Theater in Circuit Makati.
Wrestling fans in America love the big settings for sports entertainment. I've been to those venues. They are nice but it's always great to see something at a smaller place.
Venues like Kezar Pavillion in San Francisco and Brawl Pit Bulusan in Quezon City are must see places to go, and enjoy. The venue has a coffee shop and restaurant close by and the food is exceptionally good.
World Underground Wrestling - Philippines has had shows at the Quezon City location for several years now. Dexcon, a promotion, has had two great shows at the location this year alone.
Just recently, a new promotion, PUSO Wrestling had a "fan invite" show that was very good per some wrestling fans that were in attendance. They will be having their first "pilot" show in August. Hopefully, I will be there at the show since I will be in the Metro Manila area for about three weeks next month.
This post was difficult to do. As much as the disappointment hits, this blogger needs to be professional when doing posts like this. With a planned vacation to the Philippines coming up (late July through most of August), there's a lot of uncertainty right now. This blogger has a backup plan in the country if things don't work out as planned. Though pro wrestling is something I want to see while visiting, there are plenty of things to do there. Possibly a trip to a nearby country could be in store.
Anyway, my thoughts of what happened are below. I'll be as respectful and professional as possible. By all means, please call me out if I'm out of line through the comments on this blog or Facebook messenger.
For those who don't know me in the Philippines (or elsewhere), the path to Pinoy Wrestling was a little bit different than some of you. I first heard about two wrestling promotions in the Philippine Wrestling Revolution (PWR) and the Manila Wrestling Federation (MWF) in November 2018 while visiting the country on vacation. Living in America, this fan was totally unaware of not one, but two wrestling promotions! It was a breath of fresh air, especially with what was happening with the wrestling scene at the time in North America with WWE and a new company emerging in All Elite Wrestling.
Finding this out happened over a conversation at breakfast after a footrace at BGC ironically. A friend of mine and I were talking about WWE and local wrestling came up in the discussion. I knew about NJPW, DDT and Singapore Pro Wrestling in Southeast Asia from viewing on You Tube.
Besides pro wrestling, running is a journey I've loved over the years. You could say that in this journey, the two will always be linked since I started both around the same time. Both things have helped make this world a little better place for me. There have been a lot of friendships made worldwide.
It wasn't really until the Covid-19 pandemic when this blogger followed and studied both of the Filipino promotions on You Tube. Learning the history of the wrestlers, promotions and, even the passion of the fans, was interesting and caught the attention of this long time wrestling fan.
In 2022, after the lifting of the Covid-19 restrictions, this blogger became more involved. With a blog, watching You Tube, Discord, eventually Gank, and getting involved with the various social groups, becoming part of it all was great. In September 2022, I learned about a new promotion coming into the Philippines. That was Filipino Pro Wrestling. I was hoping to see them in 2022 but just missed them by just over a month. It would be August 2023 when seeing the promotion for the first time.
Before December 2022, this blogger would learn about two more promotions in the Philippines. There was Art Of War Wrestling and World Underground Wrestling, the latter is still active today.
In December 2022, this blogger would attend his first MWF show at the Peta Center in Quezon City. It was a great feeling being with great, passionate, dedicated and knowledgeable wrestling fans.
It would continue last year (2023) while at the PMC Spotlight Center in Circuit Makati. Though living in America, it was memorable attending two more shows in Road To Fate and Noche Buena. Also, last August, this fan was blessed and fortunate to see two other shows with two other promotions (Filipino Pro Wrestling and Dexcon). This fan wanted to say back then, and now, that the Pinoy Wrestling Community and Pinoy Wrestling is very much alive and well.
When leaving the Philippines last December, all of the fans were "on a roll" sort of speak. MWF was to reach new heights in 2024. It was definitely an exciting time for the company. Noche Buena was the best MWF show that I've seen. The PMC Spotlight Theater in Circuit Makati was electric!
However, it may have very well have been the beginning, of what was, the end of the road for a company that was approaching eight years old. Neither the kapafeds, Pinoy wrestling fans, and I knew the details of what was happening behind the scenes.
As all of you know, perhaps by now, the MWF Republika show that was scheduled in May was canceled shortly after the Kasaysayan show at UP Dillman. This fan didn't think much of it when the announcement appeared. Shows had been canceled before. I was looking forward to June and the new date.
On May 9th, one day after the announcement, this blogger decided to plan for a three week trip to the Philippines. There was no way that this trip was going to be changed or canceled. This fan was locked in! Assumingly, I felt things were okay with MWF, WUW, FPW and the wrestling scene in the country.
Two days later, there was an announcement (a post on Facebook) by one of the MWF producers, that he left the company and explained it in his own words. Honestly, it was stunning by what was said, especially when you wake up one morning and see it. I can only imagine what the kapafeds (MWF fans), the MWF locker room and staff felt. If it was stunning 7000 miles away, it definitely must have been felt in PH.
This blogger doesn't wish to get into what was said since most of you know who are on Facebook know this already. The reason is that it's not my business what transpired. My obligation with this blog has always been to focus on a wresting show and provide factual results to everyone!
Also, this fan is well aware of the Pinoy wrestling history over the past 10 years. There have been some good moments and struggles. I've heard this from fans in the country. There have certainly been peaks and valleys. As a fan, I'll always appreciate what FPW, WUW and MWF, the fans, wrestlers and staff have done for me. They've welcomed me with open arms, been professional and communicative in the nearly two years of being involved.
Moving forward, about two weeks later, on Wednesday, May 22 late in the evening my time, I received some very unfortunate news that TBT, the producer for MWF shows were going to pull out of Gank, efffective on July 1st. It was noticeable this when going into Gank, there was no MWF content when doing some research regarding past Republika shows. As far as this fan was concerned, July 1st already happened from what I saw. This fan sensed that the end of the promotion was very near.
Then, after waking up early last Saturday morning my time, the news came out that the Manila Wrestling Federation would cease operations and the upcoming June 9th show would not happen. Though sensing that the end was near, the timing of the announcement seemed, let's say, "very fishy." The stunningness I had became a hurt one and actually bitter! I want to say, at this point, that I was also thinking of the MWF locker room, the kapafeds and those who wanted to keep doing what their passions and dreams leads them. This fan know knows here that he's certainly not alone.
It would be very easy for me to point fingers, continue feeling bitter and feel negative about a wrestling promotion that I loved. The same situation happened to this fan back in 1981 when Big Time Wrestling San Francisco, a National Wrestling Alliance production, shut its doors to the wrestling community in Northern California after 20 years. The news then was very ugly and painful for a few days. Eventually the wrestling fans and I got over it and moved on!
It's much different in this case. Maybe being involved much more with the Pinoy wrestling scene than the experience of what happened over 40 years ago tells this fan that the following quote applies. "When a door closes, another one opens!"
Moving forward, this fan wants to remember the memories and the friendships made over all the years. From this blogger, both will never go away. Also, reading some posts from the wrestling community assures this fan that Pinoy Wrestling has started a new chapter amongst those formerly with MWF since it's been shut down. Definitely, this is encouraging news!
A number of fans reading this have invested 10 years of Pinoy Wrestling in the modern era. Some fans may have tickets for the June show that is now canceled that they weren't able to use for last weekend's Dexcon show. For the last sentence, please check the Manila Wrestling Federation page on Facebook on how you can receive a refund.
In closing, this blogger wants to thank Veronica, William and Tarek of MWF for the conversations we've had and the memorable times. Because of you, the wrestling enjoyment has never been more fun. Though disappointed at the outcome, my best to all of you in any future endeavours.
To the former MWF locker room, hopefully we'll meet again. The feeling is that everyone involved wants to go on with Pinoy Wrestling someplace. Whatever the decision, please don't let this "bump in the road" deter you from your dreams!
Since I'm on a pro wrestling story in the Philippines, it hasn't been "a piece of cake" for Filipino Pro Wrestling either.
This certainly is not a knock on FPW, Red Ollero, the staff and the performers, but the promotion had a serious setback very early this year. It was stunning back then as well. At the time, I felt for the promotion, the FPW locker room and the staff. The concern was if FPW would have shows again. My thoughts and hopes then were that FPW would get stronger from what happened.
The promotion has apparently moved on from it, and has provided a couple of shows so far this year. The FPW Academy appears to be working okay in getting new wrestlers to be part of the promotion. This blogger thinks about the wrestling community in the Philippines on a daily basis, no matter the promotion. It means that much to me. Soon, hopefully, they'll have another show or shows. It will be exciting to see the likes of Mike, Ralph, Chino, The Yolo Twins and Robynn once again. When it comes to pro wrestling, in my world or bubble, you're never left out of the conversation. This blogger will try and get more posts about FPW soon!
Back to, what is now formerly the MWF locker room, and what does the future hold? Honestly, I cannot speculate, but again, there is a saying and will quote this:
"When one door closes, another one opens!"
For those of you who went to the Dexcon show on Sunday, hopefully, all of you had a great time! The show was to celebrate 10 Years Of Pinoy Modern Wrestling. The focus needed to be on the events at Brawl Pit Bulusan and nowhere else! As it turned out, the weekend was special with the Meet And Greet on Saturday and a great quality and emotional show on Sunday evening! Thank you to everyone involved in the wrestling community whether you were there or following what was happening. From Dexcon, to the wrestlers involved, to the fans. All of you contributed in making certain that Pinoy Wrestling is alive and well!
Certainly, Dexcon will not let Pinoy Wrestling die nor will Filipino Pro Wrestling and World Underground Wrestling. The Pinoy Wrestling community, fans and wrestlers alike, won't let it happen either. Certainly, as long as I'm alive, it won't either!
A new chapter and "challenge" has begun amongst a portion of the wrestling community in PH. The feeling is that the bar was set last Sunday night for future shows.
Cody Rhodes at WWE World on The Pat McAfee Show.
Normally, this post is for Southeast Asia wrestling but today, this blogger has made an exception. Hopefully, everyone will understand.
The last two days with Wrestlemania 40 in Philadelphia was epic. This blogger cannot say enough about the matches presented. I'm grateful enough to have seen all 40 Wrestlemanias with one of them, WM31 live! A couple of friends of mine who were there, said "The City Of Brotherly Love" was excellent to them during their five days there.
Besides the 14 matches (yes, we need to count Damian Priest's cash in as a match), there are two things that stick out in this fan's mind.
#1. This blogger can relate to Cody and the relationship with his dad. My father passed away at a younger age than Cody and am sure that the love for my dad was every bit as strong as in Cody's case. "Finishing The Story" was something I was behind as a fan from Day One! It had nothing to do with Paul Heyman, Roman and The Bloodline. Their storyline needed to happen because of the pandemic. This fan will always thank WWE and the faction for that. However, there needed to be a new chapter or era. Enough there.
#2. This blogger will always love pro wrestling! Yes, Michael Cole said it! And everyone that I saw on social media have said it!
For those reading this, whether in America, or the nearly 190 countries that now have read at least one blog post. The reason for a Southeast Asia wrestling blog is because of all wrestling fans, whether in Southeast Asia or elsewhere.
Following pro wrestling for 56 years now, the time has never been better. Let's enjoy it while we have it!
I've always said that this is not for me, but on the wrestling community no matter where. If any of you have any comments or suggestions on making it better, please let me know here or on Facebook. This fan is touched and really appreciated what the wrestling community has said. Hopefully, I'm doing a little something right to help make pro wrestling a little better in Southeast Asia!
Anyone can get on the internet and read about WWE, AEW, etc. However, promotions like Manila Wrestling Federation, Singapore Pro Wrestling, Vietnam Pro Wrestling and 13-15 other promotions in the region deserve more ink!
From that this fan has seen this year, pro wrestling is booming in the region. Wrestling shows are selling out! Podcasts based in America are finally realizing that there is a product here. One specific podcast has interviewed two Asian promotions over the past several months. Promotions have been able to secure pro wrestling for television. Pro Wrestling Illustrated has mentioned several Asian pro wrestlers over the past calendar year and have mentioned them in their top wrestlers list. All these things are long, long overdue but appreciated! Pro wrestling became global in 1972 when today's New Japan Pro Wrestling was formed. If people still feel that pro wrestling is only a North American way of sports entertainment, you've been living under a rock! Get with the program!
Just so I'm not being picky, I didn't know about pro wrestling in Southeast Asia until November 2018. Finding out from a fellow running friend in the Metro Manila area of the Philippines was the best thing ever to happen. It took four years before attending my first wrestling show outside North America where I live. If this fan could only turn the clock back, I wished it would have been much sooner. However, it is what it is, I guess. Pro wrestling means much more to me personally today than it did prior to November 2018.
There is one thing I can say in my 55 years of following pro wrestling. Wrestling IS better today than it was when I first started following in 1968! Overall, the wrestlers are better. They are in better shape. The equipment is better. Safety is very important. The training is better than before. This fan doesn't know what to call this era in pro wrestling but it is a golden time globally!
I'll be taking a brief break until next Thursday. Being on vacation, there are people that I'm looking forward to seeing. Sightseeing here in the Philippines, a 5K race this coming weekend and turning 72 years young are on the agenda. When I get back to America, there will be a lot of items to write before the Christmas/New Year's break. Here are some of the items.
One interview with a huge Pinoy wrestling fan that this fan did prior to the MWF Noche Buena show.
An interview with Mr. Geylang of Ring Of Rebirth/Singapore.
Results from Todos Los Wrestling (MWF)
Results from Vietnam Pro Wrestling's last show (and yes, the Chris Jericho appearance at the end of the show).
Results from Malaysia Pro Wrestling's show.
Grapplemax Pro Wrestling's Upcoming show (Singapore).
Update on Middle Kingdom Wrestling's show in January in China.
and
More on the 2023 MWF Noche Buena show, an observation (no results because I'm no spoiler) and the new venue for pro wrestling at UP Dillman in Quezon City.
So to those who read this.......please be patient! A little relaxation is needed by this fan. Getting recharged makes the posts and the blog better too.
Anyway, please be safe everyone and will post again next week!
The idea of this actually happened to being the day after watching seeing my worst wrestling show. In 2019, this fan went to see a PLE WWE event known as Hell In A Cell in Sacramento, California. Without going into gyrations about the show, it was poor, especially the WWE Championship Match. Also, the wrestling fans that paid for a ticket at the Golden One Center were rather disgusted.
There were other signs too. A small amount of wrestling fans in America would bash anything from wrestling shows, to wrestlers and to promotions. This fan needed to step back and, perhaps, make a change.
I thought about never attending a wrestling show in America again. Well, the pandemic of 2020-21 changed a lot of things.
Watching You Tube and watching various promotions from the Philippines to Singapore to Vietnam were things I was doing each day. It was learning who the different wrestlers were and the history. By 2022, the mindset was totally different than it was in late 2019.
The idea of a blog became a reality. Yes, there have been some hicups (as well as a deletion and a rebuild). However, I'm happy with it not more than ever.
I felt that Southeast Asian wrestling needed a voice, not just in the region, but worldwide, especially in America. Today, when I see shows either live or on video stream including You Tube, I see people that appear to be from outside the region there. I don't know if it was this blog that directed them there but it doesn't hurt having something to bring them to an arena or studio.
There will be some additions to the blog. For the time being, this blogger wants to keep this as a Southeast Asia blog. There are around 20 different promotions and it's a chore to keep up and to remember upcoming shows. Certainly, a 14-17 hour time difference is a challenge. However, it is something that this blogger cherishes.
I still watch the major promotions today. Whether its WWE, AEW, TNA Impact and/or New Japan Pro Wrestling, I'll watch it. However, this fan knows that there is a lot more than these companies.
Please continue to support this everyone. For those who have followed this from the very beginning and today, thank you! Pro Wrestling in Southeast Asia is growing and fast. It's global, and is no longer just a North American way of entertainment.
The event was the 2022 MWF Noche Buena show. A very near sellout crowd packed the venue and saw nine terrific matches including one for the MWF Pinoy Wrestling Championship. Fabio Makisig defeated the previous Champion, Jake de Leon for the championship.
This coming Sunday, October 22, the two will stage the rematch for the title at the MWF Todos Los Wrestling event. The venue is at Mandala Park in Mandaluyong.
The promotion since the end of the pandemic early in 2022 has skyrocketed. Thanks to the team of Veronica Litton, William Elvin, Tarech El Tayech, Patricia Ligaia, Sonny Go, Romeo Moran and Mr. Sy, MWF is leading the way in the Philippines. The major shows are happening three times a year with (Republika, Road To Fate and Noche Buena). Several other shows like Todos Los Wrestling and Tuloy Ang Laban, for example, are shows that lead up to the major ones.
Early this year, the Manila Wrestling Federation secured a television spot on a new channel in the Metro Manila area. It is known as Rock Of Manila TV. Roughly most of the population of the Philippines can see MWF a couple of times a week now.
Also, GANK, a streaming service, will show current and past MWF shows. One needs to be a subscriber of the streaming service.
Also today, the shows are happening at the PMC Spotlight Theater in Circuit Makati and Mandala Park in Mandaluyong.
For more regarding the title and champions, please look for the MWF page that is listed on the top and on the right side of the page.
Manila Wrestling Federation - MWF can be found on the Facebook page. Also, all Southeast Asia promotions will be listed on the blog both at the top and the right side.
This blog will be about pro wrestling in Southeast Asia only.
The pro wrestling scene in Southeast Asia has been booming since the end of the worldwide pandemic. It crippled sports entertainment and pro wrestling. Now with the easing of the crisis, wrestling is better today than ever.
Hope all of you enjoy the blog!