Five Year Anniversary

Roughly five years ago, Saturday, November 30, 2018, this wrestling fan completed a 32 kilometer (about 20 miles) race in the Fort Bonifacio area of the Philippines near Global City.  It was a very popular event in the area.  People are probably wondering what running has to do with pro wrestling.

 

Following the grueling long distance race, a group of us met for breakfast close by near the Ayala Triangle area in Makati.  We talked about a lot of things including one of my favorite subjects, pro wrestling.

 

I brought up a question if wrestling, besides the WWE, was ever in the area.  This fan knew that the WWE had visited the Manila area back in the 2006-2007 time frame.

 

The answer was yes!  My friend, Mike, was aware about two wrestling promotions in the Manila Wrestling Federation and Philippine Wrestling Revolution.  He explained that the groups were somewhat like the independent promotions that happen to be in America.

 

Mike mentioned about Manila Wrestling Federation's show that was to happen the following day.  It was December 1st at the University of the Philippines Dillman, an area where I did some training.  Because this blogger had to go back to America that evening, I wasn't able to go to the event.  However, if there was a future visit to the Philippines, this fan would have secured a ticket and would be at the show early.

 

Unfortunately, because of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, this blogger didn't return to the country.  In fact, it wouldn't be until the end of 2021 when MWF would have another show, about two years after their previous one.

 

I never gave up in wanting to see MWF or for that matter, any wrestling promotion in the Philippines.  In September 2022, this fan became involved with the various Pinoy Wrestling groups on Facebook.  Nearly everyone in the groups have welcomed me with open arms, something that is not to be forgotten.  Am grateful that am around wrestling fans that are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and more!  

 

Moving forward to Sunday, December 11, 2022,  getting a chance to see the 2022 MWF Noche Buena show at the Peta Theater Center in Quezon City was the greatest moment in my wrestling life.  This meant much more than Wrestlemania 31 in Santa Clara and my first show back in July 1970!  It would also be my first show outside of North America!

 

Nearly 51 weeks later (this coming December 3rd), another MWF show is about to take place.  This is not just another wrestling show to this blogger. I will never take these moments for granted.  Unlike North America where you can see wrestling about once a month, going to an MWF or the other two promotional shows in the Philippines is always special.  Explaining it further, it's golden!

 

Hopefully, the kapafeds who will be at the PMC Spotlight Theater in Circuit Makati won't take this for granted either.  MWF and the other two promotions in the Philippines have come a long ways since returning from the pandemic.  Definitely, this will be the best post pandemic show, and possibly, the best show ever.  

 

Just a few days away now!  Will see you guys again soon!

MWF Team Vs. Team Elimination Match

In a couple of days, it will be five years since this fan found out about pro wrestling in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines.  That is when a friend of mine shared about the Manila Wrestling Federation and Philippine Wrestling Revolution to me.

 

A lot has happened since that time.  A few days after finding out, Robin Sane would win the first MWF Pinoy Wrestling Championship.  It just so happened to be the Noche Buena show.  The finals for the inaugural title was in December 2018.

 

This fan was going to visit the Philippines, and hopefully attend an MWF show in 2020.  Well, the plans were delayed around two years because of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic that took place.

 

However, fast forward to December of last year.  This fan finally got to see his first show, the 2022 MWF Noche Buena event at the Peta Theater Center in Quezon City.  Fabio Makisig would win a thrilling title match over Jake De Leon to win the title.

 

Fast forward to 2023.  Manila Wrestling Federation has had a really good year.  It began with Ken Cifer winning the Chilly Willy Cup in a tournament.  That was a part of MWF's Kasaysayan.  There was Gigil At Romansa, Republika, "Lights, Kamera, Aksyon", Road To Fate, Tuloy Ang Laban and Todos Los Wrestling.  All of the shows mentioned have done well.  On top of all of this, Manila Wrestling Federation secured a television spot with Rock Of Manila TV. The channel can be seen throughout the country.

 

Once again, at this time of the year, the final show of the year, Noche Buena will take place at the PMC Spotlight Theater in Circuit Makati.  The date is Sunday, December 3rd beginning at 4:30pm (doors open at 4pm). 

 

The featured match of the show is a first for this fan.  It is an Team vs. Team Elimination Match with the last wrestler remaining being the MWF Pinoy Wrestling Champion.  The title is still currently held by Fabio Makisig.

 

On one side, you have Oro Plata Mata with Jake DeLeon, Main Maxx, Dabid Ravena and Kurt Jiminez w/Mr. Sy.  On the other side, you have Team MWF with Fabio Makisig, Robin Sane, Nigel San Jose and Danny Zamora.

 

There are fans that will probably assume that Fabio Makisig and Jake DeLeon will be the last two wrestlers.  That is a normal thing.  However,  I'm sensing that something unusual or unpredictable will happen.  This fan will leave it at that.

 

The good thing about this match unlike a fatal three or four way is this.  Fabio going in as the champion is at a disadvantage, for sure.  Despite the fact that this is a team vs. team match, there are seven other wrestlers that want what Fabio has.  Fabio has to be pinned or submit in order to be eliminated and lose the title.  In a fatal match,  Fabio could lose the title without being pinned or submit.

 

This fan will watch the match very closely as the other matches on the show.  For those of you that haven't bought a ticket or tickets, please check the Manila Wrestling Federation - MWF page on Facebook.  The event is very close to being sold out!

 

See you guys next weekend!

 

   

ROR #3 Recap

Here are the results from Ring Of Rebirth Wrestling #3 from a few weeks ago.  For those who haven't seen any of their shows, you can find each match over the past year on You Tube.  Also, please subscribe to the channel.

 

Varun Khanna d. John Day.

Aerial Sniper Nyc d. Brother Bhai.

The Eurasian Dragon d. Ahmad Arif.

The Geylang Gamble hosted by Mr. Geylang.

VPW Immortal Glory Update

There have been some updates since last posting regarding the VPW Immortal Glory show.  The event is scheduled  to take place on Saturday, December 2nd at the VAIB Studio beginning at 7pm.

 

Besides the two title matches mentioned in the last post, there will be a Heart Of Darkness Over The Top Battle Royal.

 

Fugofugo Yumeji, who has appeared in a Vietnam Pro Wrestling ring before, will be one of the entrants in the Battle Royal.

 

VIP tickets for the event are sold out but there are General Admission tickets remaining.  For more information, please check the Vietnam Pro Wrestling page on Facebook.

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.   

Now Officlal!

In the last post, this fan mentioned that there may be a possible tag team title match for the upcoming MWF show.

 

Now, it is official!  The World Underground Wrestling Tag Team Titles will be on the line at the 2023 Manila Wrestling Federation Noche Buena show.  The date is Sunday, December 3rd at the PMC Spotlight Theater in Circuit Makati.

 

The team of Umezawa and Sansyu from Japan,  the WUW Tag Team Champions will take on Saint John Martin and Ken Cifer in what will be another great match on the show.

 

Unfortunately, I don't have very much info on the tag team champions.  Sansyu debuted in pro wrestling back in November 2007 (16 years ago.).

 

Umezawa's career, I believe, goes back to March 2010 from what this fan has found.  Definitely, the two are experienced in the ring. 

 

Definitely, this will be a great test for Saint John Martin and Ken Cifer, both with WUW - Philippines.

 

Regarding tickets, once again, there are just a few General Admission tickets left for the show.  However, as always, please do not take my word for it.  Please check the Manila Wrestling Federation - MWF page on Facebook for more information.  Thanks again.    

NTW Results Form November 18th

Here are the results from New Taiwan Wrestling's show that took place this past Saturday, November 18th.

 

 

First trial

(O) 剛田魁 ＜07:09 Spinbuster＞Alex Cool (X)

2nd trial

 

(O) Sky＜07:30 Dick Slam＞ Karas (X)

 

The third trial - the king of the south will decide to fight

(O) Black Ho <09:02 Tank bomb drop > Saka(X)

(Black Ho player becomes the new generation leader of the South Pang Army).

 

4th Test - Singles Championship Challenger Qualifying

(O) Lucifer ＜12:35 Diving Senton＞ 鬼狼 (X)

(Lucifer player qualified for the challenge and named to challenge NTW undifferentiated singles title).

 

Master try together

(O) 殭屍龍(MKW)＜13:11 Guillotine Legdrop＞The Joker (X)

Less Than Two Weeks Away!

It's less than two weeks away to Manila Wrestling Federation's 2023 Noche Buena.  The venue is the PMC Spotlight Theater on Sunday, December 3rd beginning at 4:30pm (doors open at 4pm).  For those of you that haven't bought a ticket, please so today.  I'm told that the event is close to a sellout.

If the event was anything like last year, you'll be happy you will attend this one.  Let's recap the matches that will be on this show....

*Team vs. Team Elimination Match for the MWF Pinoy Wrestling Championship.  The last man remaining will be the MWF Champion.

Team Oro Plata Mata (Jake De Leon, Main Maxx, Dabid Ravena and Kurt Jiminez w/Mr. Sy) will face the MWF All Stars (Fabio Makisig (c), Robin Sane, Nigel San Jose and Danny Zamora.

 

*All Women Four Way Match

Chelsea Marie vs. Joya vs. Super P. vs. Patricia Ligaya.

 

*"Danger" Rex Lawin vs. Ho Ho Lun in a #1 Contender's Match.

 

*Bro. Jomar Liwanag vs. Aaron Liwanag with the winner heading Bahay ng Liwanag.

 

*Michael Su vs. Joey Rosas vs. Bitman with the winner winning the Hong Kong-Philippines Alliance Cup.

 

*El Kapitunero vs. Kapatid Na Benny.

 

*Isaiah Valencia vs. CJ Serafin with the loser leaving Barangay Bagsakan!

 

*Saint John Martin and Ken Cifer will be in action as a tag team.  Their opponents have not yet been named.

 

And

The Trial of Oppa KT and Tarek.

 

Regarding one of the matches on the show.  This is not confirmed yet, and I'm not a matchmaker here.  However, there is a possibility that there will be another title match on the show.

Per an interview Patricia Ligaia had with Saint John Martin on the last episode of Todos Los Wrestling on Rock Of Manila TV and Gank, he and his partner (presumably Ken Cifer) want to take on the World Underground Wrestling Tag Team Champions in a tag title match at Noche Buena.

 

Since this is uncomfirmed, it's best to hold off mentioning any more.  However, if this match actually takes place, it will definitely be a must watch for wrestling fans who will be in the PMC Spotlight Theater that evening.  If I find out more, I will pass it on this site.

 

Also, I haven't talked about this, but there is a wrestling event coming up this weekend at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Paranaque City.  The Last Rakrakan Festival '23 is a multi day event.  MWF will put on two shows, Saturday/Sunday, November 25-26.  For more on tickets and the show itself, please check the Manila Wrestling Federation - MWF page on Facebook.

 

See you guys on Sunday, December 3rd!  

MKW Bash At The Bay 3 Update

Have an update on Middle Kingdom's Bash At The Bay 3 show  scheduled for January 27th in Shenzen, China.

 

Wangtao, the MKW Belt And Road Champion will take on Singapore Pro Wrestling's founder, Andruew Tang for the title.  This match is definitely a main event, not only in China, but all throughout Asia.

 

Tickets for the event will take place soon.  Please check back on the Middle kingdom Wrestling page for more information on tickets and additional matches.

MWF: Hong Kong-Philippine Alliance Cup Match

On Sunday, December 3rd at Manila Wrestling Federation's Noche Buena, there will be a new event for the first time.

A three way match between Michael Su and Bitman from Hong Kong and Joey Rosas with MWF will take place at the PMC Spotlight Theater in one of the major matches on the show.  The Hong Kong-Philippine Alliance Cup will be awarded to the winner for the first time.

 

For Joey Rosas, this is definitely a great opportunity and his biggest match to date.  In August, after several months as Pink Shirt, he defeated Isaiah Valencia at the 2023 Road To Fate show to make the main roster.

Last month, at a seven man Battle Royal event at the Todos Los Wrestling show in Mandaluyong, he outlasted six other wrestlers and defeated the final wrestler, CJ Serafin to be MWF's representative.

 

Joey has continued to train hard since making the roster.  The message seen on social media is that he's taking this opportunity seriously.

 

For Michael Su and Bitman, both wrestlers have been in big matches before in Hong Kong and throughout Asia.  Both wrestlers were trained by Ho Ho Lun.  He will be wrestling in the December 3rd show and in a Number One Contender's match against Rex Lawin.

 

Both wrestlers are 30 years old with Bitman, I believe, a little taller in height but both well built. Bitman has wrestled a little bit longer.

 

Recently, Bitman wrestled in China and won the KOPW Title over Black Dragon in early November, no small feat.

 

Michael Su's last match was a three way match for the vacant AWGC Junior Heavyweight Title against Ricky Marvin and Mikey Man.  Marvin ended up winning the title in late October in Hong Kong.  

 

Some fans may believe that Joey might be over his head in this kind of match.  However, this fan looks at this a bit differently.  Three way matches in pro wrestling are always interesting.  Usually, it is with a title on the line.  This time, it is for the inaugural cup so the stakes are definitely higher.  Also, from watching the recent Battle Royal against six other competitors, Joey handled himself well winning on his own.

 

Bitman and Michael Su know each other well since they were trained by the same mentor.  They wrestled in an MWF ring before in 2019 at the MWF Republika event as a tag team.

 

Since this cup goes to one winner, it will be interesting how this turns out.

MWF Women's Four Way Match

Manila Wrestling Federation will have their first four way women's match at the 2023 Noche Buena show on Saturday, December 3rd. 

 

The match will feature Chelsea Marie vs. Joya vs. Super P vs. Patricia Ligaia.

 

This encounter will be historical in many ways.  Through my following the many Southeast Asia pro wrestling promotions, it is very rare that you have a four way women's match let alone having four women in a promotion.  This fan, along with around 100 fans, saw a four way match last August at a show sponsored by Dexcon and World Underground Wrestling Philippines.  It took place on Monday, August 21st at the Brawl Pit Bulusan in Quezon City.  Alexis Lee would retain her SPW  Queen Of Asia title in a four way against Poppy, Crystal and Chelsea Marie.  Chelsea made her return to the ring in this show after an injury kept her out for several weeks.

 

This fan would hope that the kapafeds who will be at this show will appreciate what is happening here.  You have four women competing that have no more than possibly two years experience.  Chelsea Marie made the MWF roster at the Road To Fate show in 2022 and Joya made it early this year.  I believe Super P's first match was earlier this year though she may have been on the main roster during the pandemic time.  Patricia Ligaia, a great interviewer for MWF, is making her debut in this show.

 

Patricia's story, from what this fan is reading, is amazing.  Yappy, a wrestler who wrestled at the MWF Repulika show earlier this year is one of her inspirations.  She has been training in recent months and will be making her debut in a couple of weeks.  Hopefully, this will inspire other women to give the squared circle a chance!

 

Some people have asked me about Crystal, and why she's not on the show.  All I know is she's taking a break after the match she had with Fabio for the MWF Pinoy Championship last month.  She wrestled in a recent show in Thailand and will be wrestling in China in January.

 

That being said, this will give the four women an opportunity to step up their game.  For everyone who reads this, and will be at the PMC Spotlight Center, let's get behind all four women in this match.  They deserve this opportunity!

"Danger" Rex Lawin vs. Ho Ho Lun

There are a number of matches this fan will be interested in coming up at MWF's 2023 Noche Buena.  One of them will definitely be "Danger" Rex Lawin versus Ho Ho Lun.  It is the number one contender's match for the MWF Pinoy Wrestling Championship.

 

First, we'll talk about Ho Ho Lun.  Per Cagematch, he began his career in 2009.  His promotion currently is Dragon Gate.  This fan remembers him from back in the year 2016 when he was with WWE NXT for a short time.  Then, he would move on to Asia where he has been successful.

 

It wasn't until I started following the Manila Wrestling Federation when he had a couple of matches against the first MWF Pinoy Wrestling Champion, Robin Sane.  He would win the title at MWF Republika in 2019.

 

Ho Ho Lun was able to defend the MWF title twice successfully against Khayl Sison and Tajiri later in the year.  However, because of the worldwide pandemic, he would forfeit the title in 2022.  Up until now, Ho Ho Lun never lost the title by pinfall or submission.  Also, it will be about three years since he was last in the Philippines wrestling.

 

Lun, though away from the Philippines, has wrestled in numerous Southeast Asia countries over the last several years.  Recently, he has wrestled in shows in Hong Kong and will be wrestling in Singapore later in the month.  So, he hasn't been inactive in any way.

 

Regarding Rex Lawin, he has a quite a career.  I believe from memory that he started in 2017 back before the MWF title was established.  

 

In a tournament to establish the first MWF Championship, Lawin lost to the eventual first champion, Robin Sane in the semi final round in October 2018.  

 

The two (Robin Sane and Rex Lawin) would meet twice more after Sane won the title in December 2018.  It's not that the chances have not been there. 

 

I've always thought, from the matches on video, that Rex has what it takes to be a champion.  Sometimes, one big win can put you over the hump.

 

His career took a little break in September 2022.  He lost a "Loser Leaves Phillipines Wrestling" match to Dabid Ravena at the Road To Fate show.  

 

However, Rex has looked good since his return to action at the 2023 Road To Fate show last August.  He looks a little quicker and more aggressive than before.

 

Ho Ho Lun is one big obstacle in the way for Rex.  However, one big win away has also been an obstacle.  This fan is not predicting a Rex Lawin win.  However, the kapafeds who will be in attendance at the PMC Spotlight Theater on Sunday, December 3rd will be in his corner.  Definitely, this will be a great match!

Recovering!

Several people have been concerned over the lack of posts over the past few days.  I didn't want to bring this up but will share this nevertheless.

 

Last Wednesday while completing a 5K training run, I was hit from behind by a motorized scooter.  This happened near the KGO Television Building.  According to observers, the collision had me flying about 10 feet forward and hard to the ground face first.

 

This wrestling fan suffered a couple of facial cuts on the right side, a couple of scrapes on the right knee and a lot of soreness on both hands trying to break the fall.

 

It ended up being a trip to the hospital overnight to make sure that there was no concussion.  Fortunately, I'm recovering okay but slowly.

 

The person on the scooter did not stop and kept traveling south on the Embarcadero.  There were two onlookers that got a cell phone pic of the assailant.  It was someone on a lime green scooter which is owned by Lime here in San Francisco.

 

I filled out a police report with the San Francisco Police Department since this person was illegally not supposed to be on the sidewalk with the scooter.  The scooters have a warning on them that they are not supposed to ride on a sidewalk.  On top of this, parallel to the sidewalk was a bike lane which the person was supposed to ride on.   I'm told that through GPS findings, they will be able to find the suspect.

 

In the meantime, I'm okay and haven't had any ill effects.  Been able to go out and walk roughly a mile each day with no problem.  And yes, I still plan to visit the Philippines in two weeks!     

Malaysia Pro Wrestling's Next Show

The next Malaysia Pro Wrestling show will take place on Saturday, December 9th.  The event is called Champion's Quest.  It will take place at the KLCity Arena beginning at 3:30pm (doors open at 3pm).

 

In the semi finals for the vacant MYPW National Wrestlecon Championship, Da Butcherman will take on Cornelius Low.  The other match will be The Wonderboy against Jack Alexander.

 

Other matches will be announced soon.  For more information including tickets, please check the Malaysia Pro Wrestling page on Facebook.