Thank You In Advance!

Peta Theater Center taken on 9 December 2022!

I'll be here another couple of days but wanted to take the time to thank the running and wrestling community here in the Philippines.  Each visit since my first in 2008 when still working in the telecommunications field has been special.  I had an opportunity back in 2008 to visit PLDT, a telecommunications company that worked with my old company in AT&T.  I worked in the international group with companies from Southeast Asia.  I was blessed to work with the Philippines and Hong Kong.  They are work memories that I haven't forgotten.   

Back to this visit, Filipinos (and Filipinas) know how to welcome visitors from outside the country.  It's always special once getting off the plane and leaving the airport.  Definitely, this visit has been really the most special and rewarding.  

For the first time, this blogger has actually done two activities (running and pro wrestling).  Early Sunday morning, it was rewarding to celebrate my birthday weekend with a 31:47 - 5K at the McDonald's Stripes Run.  It wasn't fast like the old days, but this 5K run was special.  Finishing with a high school runner from this area was a special moment.  He sought me out during warmups and we talked about training, hydration and running history.  The guy, Miguel, remembered me from the Takbo.ph run a few years ago, and wanted to do this one with me. Along with two of his teammates, we exchanged the pacing duties throughout.  Miguel, the group and I covered the last 1K in 5:53 after averaging 6:28 the first four kilometers.  It was my best 1K and 5K total in the last 15 months and really felt good to let it go!

It was great to continue talking with Miguel afterwards and meeting a couple of his running teammates over a free McD's breakfast.  Even the orange juice tasted better than ever!

It was my first run here in the Philippines since 2017.  That run mentioned above, a 16K was nearly at the same location in Pasay City.  Injuries have slowed this runner down but hopefully, I'll be healthy a little while longer.  

This run, and visit. almost didn't happen so am gratified and grateful.  About four weeks ago during a training run, I was hit from behind by a motorized scooter in San Francisco.  The guy riding the scooter was on the sidewalk illegally.  The different scooter companies in the city have a notice on the scooters that say "NO SIDEWALK RIDING!"  The issue is a major problem in San Francisco and no one seems to care about resolving the issue.  Recently, one member of the SF Board Of Supervisiors, after an email I sent, will have this issue brought up in a City Hall meeting.  Remember, San Francisco is a city that has motorized scooters as well as taxi cars that don't have drivers.  No wonder I want to leave! 

This person suffered a mild concussion from the fall and was hospitalized overnight.  Other than that, I lost a tooth and had several cuts.  The good news was that there were four people who saw it.  They took pics of the assailant.  A police report was filed at the location.  I hired a lawyer and the issue has been recently settled out of court with a settlement that offset the medical costs, though my medical insurance covered 99%.

I didn't want to mention this to anyone here in the Philippines because of wanting to go on this visit badly.  If this had been mentioned on social media, there would have been numerous people messaging me not to go!  In fact, my doctor suggested two weeks ago not to travel.  However, my condition improving well enough to proceed with the trip, it happened.  This runner, and wrestling fan, definitely feels a lot better since being here in Makati.  Running three times including a footrace proved that!  Enough on sharing this, but want to let everyone know I'm fine!  I made certain to stay in an area that was close to a hospital (Makati Med Center) just in case!

I've met up with several people during the time here and thank you especially to Martin, Jag and Darius for the time spent outside of the running and wrestling events.  It was fun sharing many things.  Looking forward in meeting up again in 2024 sometime.   

The wrestling show with the Manila Wrestling Federation was the best in the three shows watched.  Last Sunday was definitely the best day in this wrestling fan's life!  Yes, I've been watching for 55 years now but I know a great time when seeing and feeling it.

Thank you to the Manila Wrestling Federation company not only for Sunday, but the year plus!  Also, thank you to all the fans present and those who couldn't make the event due to previous priorities.  This fan cannot say enough.  As always, you've been there for me.  Hopefully, I've been the same way.  Wrestling fans here deserve this.  Undoubtedly, pro wrestling is booming here with all three promotions.  It will be exciting to see what happens in 2024!

Soon, will be in America, but wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  Will definitely be back sometime in 2024!  Please stay safe everyone!        

Dexcon Event!

 

Hello everyone!

Just received word that a wrestling event called WrestleStorm will take place early next year.

The event will take place on Sunday, March 24, 2024.  More details will be announced soon.  Please check back by checking the Dexcon page on Facebook.  

Grapplemax's Next Show

Grapplemax Pro Wrestling Singapore will be having their final show, Amplify, on Saturday, December 23rd.

Hotshot, the new Grapplemax Openweight Champion will take on Jullian of Showtime Inc. as one of the matches on the show.

This blogger will have more info on the show next week when I return to America from vacationing in Southeast Asia.  In the meantime, please check the Grapplemax Pro Wrestling Singapore page on Facebook for ticket availability.

Ring Of Rebirth #4 Results

Here are the results from ROR Wrestling #4s show that took place several months ago. 

Aerial Sniper NYC defeated Khoa Truong (VPW).

Damien Wolfe (VPW) defeated Kuhan Bluestar.

The Big Bad Boys (The Eurasian Dragon and BGJ) defeated (Geylang Syndicate) Mr. Geylang and Alfred and retain the VPW Tag Team Championship.

Wam Bam Bellows defeated Brother Bhai.

Malaysia Pro Wrestling Show Update

Here is an update on tomorrow afternoon's Malaysia Pro Wrestling show, Champion's Quest.  The event will take place at 3:30pm at the KLCity Arena in Kuala Lumpur.  Doors will open at 3pm.

Here is the updated card for the show...

 MYPW National Wrestlecon Championship Tournament Finals: Winner of each Semi-finals match:

MYPW National Wrestlecon Championship Tournament Semi-finals: Da Butcherman (SPW) vs Cornelius LOW

MYPW National Wrestlecon Championship Tournament Semi-finals: Jack Alexander vs The Wonderboy

Three-way Match: ’Blazing’ Raj vs Shaun P. Diddy (Grapplemax Pro Wrestling Singapore) vs Syawal

International Singles Match: Jonathan Johnson (SETUP Thailand Pro Wrestling) vs Thommy Ardhi

For more information, and tickets, please check the Malaysia Pro Wrestling page on Facebook.

Chris Jericho

Normally, this blogger doesn't bring up pro wrestling stars in WWE, AEW, NJPW, Impact, etc but this wrestler will be an exception to this blog's rule.

Last Saturday at the VAIB Studio in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, current AEW superstar, Chris Jericho made an appearance at the end of VPWs show, Immortal Glory.  It was a total shock certainly to the audience present as well as those who watched it on the streaming system.  It also sent shockwaves on social media.

A few months ago, Jericho inteviewed X-Pat, the ring announcer for VPW as well as Vietnam's first wrestler, Rocky Huynh.  This blogger listened to the entire interview and it went very well.

More recently, Chris, on his podcast interviewed the head of Middle Kingdom Wrestling, Adrian Gomez as well as the MKW World Champion, M.A.  This blogger also had the opportunity to listen to the interview.

Chris's interviews have always gone well in my opinion.  They are not the controversial type like some others that I've heard in America.  From this blogger, it is appreciated that he is taking the time to recognize pro wrestling in Asia.  It is something that has been needed for a long time.

Thank you Chris.  Hopefully in future visits to Asia, you will visit places like the Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, China and others where pro wrestling in booming right now!

A New Home

It was announced last Sunday at the Manila Wrestling Federation show, MWF 2023 Noche Buena, that MWF will have their main shows at a new location in 2024.

Ang Bahay Ng Alumni (pictured above), a venue near the University Of The Philippines - Dillman Oval (roughly two blocks north) will be the location.

I had the opportunity last Tuesday to visit the UP campus and the venue location.  Since I'm not familiar with the area other than The Oval, it was a great experience to see this.  I've been told that pro wrestling has been here before.  For the most part, fans in attendance at Sunday's show were in favor of the move.  

This fan has also seen some pictures of the venue as well as some video from You Tube.  The venue holds well more than the last two venues in the PMC Spotlight Center in Makati and the Peta Theater Center in Quezon City.

Looking forward to 2024 and seeing a show there!

Interview #15 - Mr. Geylang

My apologies if I haven't done an interview in a little while.  Have been busy and am on vacation in the Philippines while this is posted.  However, I wanted to get this interview posted.  Have been looking forward in doing this one for awhile.

The next interview is a wrestler that I've been following since Ring Of Rebirth, the newest promotion in Singapore began over a year ago.  I've done two in the promotion with The Eurasian Dragon and BGJ, two great and experienced wrestlers in the country.  Mr. Geylang is the next wrestler that this blogger had an opportunity to interview.

Mr. Geylang is still fairly new to the industry with about a year's experience.  He is quite a character for the profession which this fan loves.  Without going into a lot of detail, it's best if you check his matches out on You Tube under Ring Of Rebirth.

When reading his responses, I learned a lot more about him than what I saw on video.  All the best to him now and in the future.  This fan believes he has quite a future in the industry.  Finally, this blogger thanks Mr. Geylang for doing this.  He is very accomdodating and enjoyable.  One day soon, I hope to visit Singapore and meet the numerous wrestlers over the three promotions.  Mr Geylang is certainly high on my list.  Here is the interview.

Wayne:  When did you decide to get into pro wrestling?

Mr. Geylang: I remembered attending a live event by Singapore pro wrestling (spw) when Pete Dunne first came down to perform. I was amazed with all the matches and had a blast. Since then I decided to embark on my journey and try out pro wrestling.

Wayne: Who was your favorite wrestler that you followed when you first started watching wrestling?

Mr Geylang: My most favourite wrestler would have to be Randy Orton.

Wayne: Do you have a favorite promotion that you follow? It could be local, international or both.

Mr. Geylang: As I mostly watch WWE, that would have to be my most favourite promotion. However since I started my pro wrestling journey, I have branched out to watching other promotions to study and learn more about the craft to see if I can add it into my matches.

Wayne: In the short time you have wrestled, what was the most important match that you were involved in?

Mr. Geylang: The most important match to me would have to be when I vs BJG to a public caning match. As BGJ and I started out our pro wrestling journey around the same time back in SPW as trainee and became friends. That match might be short but it was brutal mainly due to the caning at the end which pushed my pain tolerance to a whole new level. Seeing the fans enjoying the caning and doing it with one of my friends makes it an important match to me.

Wayne: How would you like to see Ring of Rebirth grow as a company?

Mr. Geylang: I would like to see ROR grow to the point where we can sustain having live event out of the training Center and more fans coming to enjoy themselves.

Wayne: Would you like to wrestle for ROR at another promotions show in Singapore and/or another Southeast Asia country?

Mr. Geylang: I would love the opportunity to perform for SPW as well as other promotions around the region and eventually USA. I just hope to wrestle as many matches I can especially with my surgically repaired knee due to an injured from wrestling training.   

Middle Kingdom Wrestling Update

Hello everyone! 

Here's an update of the matches to take place on the Middle Kingdom Wrestling show, Bash At The Bay 3.  The event will take place on January 27, 2024!  The venue is the Nashan Digital Innovation Exhibition Center in Shenzhen and will begin at 7pm.  My friend, Adrian Gomez has a great show lined up.  Here are most of the matches (I may have missed one or two but will add if needed).

Yoshi Tatsu vs. Big Sam.

Bad Boys (C) vs. The Irish Whips for the MKW Tag Team Championship.

Syuuou Fujiwara, Kimura Taisuke, Ash Silva and Uncle Money vs. Plata Mascaras, Sunny Z, Honwan and A-Yong-Go in an Eight Man Tag Match.

Coldray and Alexis Lee vs. Zombie Dragon and Hibiscos Mii in a Special Mixed Tag Team Match.

Andruew Tang vs. Wangtao for the MKW Belt And Road Championship.

M.A. (C) vs. Franco Varga for the MKW World Championship.

Just added...

A five way "Number One Contender's Match" for a future MKW Title shot.

Chen Wenbin vs. Feng Jianlang vs. Michael Su vs. Chen Pengwei vs. Bitman. 

For more regarding the January show and tickets, please check the Middle Kingdom Wrestling page on Facebook.

BREAKING NEWS!

This blogger has some breaking news to share.

A few hours ago, I've been texting with a friend of mine that wants to get involved as a second blogger.  This is great news to me for a number of reasons.

First off, I love what I do here.  This isn't a job but an adventure.  Over the past few months, wrestling fans in Southeast Asia have either messaged or met me personally to thank me for this.  Again, it has never been about me on this.  It is for the wrestling fans in all of Southeast Asia.

However, wrestling is booming in the area and I don't feel presonally that it is being kept up as quickly as it should.  You may want to call this perfection.  However, I want it to be better for all of us.

Also, I will be a little more involved in the wrestling scene in the Philippines in 2024 and beyond.  I don't want to go into details right now on this because it is personal in nature.  Let's just say that this fan, after following the industry for over 50 years, has vowed that he wants to give back to pro wrestling what it has provided him.

The rest of this year, the blog will remain the same with blog posts throughout Southeast Asia.  However, my blogging friend and I will be posting, likely on January 1, 2024.  There will be a post regarding this prior to the change.  

Since I have familiarity with the Philippines and the three promotions here (Manila Wrestling Federation, Filipino Pro Wrstling and World Underground Wrestling - Philippines), I will be posting on their shows exclusively.  All three promotions have been comfortable what I've been writing.  I'm comfortable with the country, the promotions and the fanbase.  There will likely be several other countries I'll be writing on as well.

The second blogger will handle the rest under my guidance until he feels comfortable with it.  There will be a post before the change to let everyone know what it coming.

In the meantime,  have a good day everyone!      

Thank You Everyone!

Wanted to take the time here to thank everyone who has read at least one post here on Pro Wrestling Today.  It is a constant project in progress and hopefully, wrestling fans are enjoying it.  While at the Manila Wrestling Federation show this past Sunday, numerous fans came up to me and thanked me for doing this.  

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!   

2023 MWF Noche Buena - The Sequel

It was an amazing evening of pro wrestling at the 2023 Manila Federation Noche Buena show this past Sunday.

The kapafeds began lining up for the show as early as noontime for the much anticpated final show of 2023.  Being one of the fans there, one can feel the buzz, anticipation and excitement.

This fan's day began early by walking over to Circuit Makati - Ayala Malls, about a 35 minute walk.  It came as no surprise when walking torwards Starbucks, that the MWF brian trust - William and Tarek were inside.  Joining them for a few minutes, the three of us talked about the past year and the excitement that the company is bringing to the Philippines right now.

Then, at Jolilbee, I flagged down Veronica while she was walking by.  I was able to give her a book on one of our all time favorite pro wrestlers, Pat Patterson of NWA and WWF (now WWE fame).  Patterson, to both of us, is a hero in this industry.  

Veronica, along with Tarek and William, were very appreciative of this fan's journey over the past year.  Thank you guys for the time.  This fan has learned a lot about MWF and what it means here in the Philippines!

Eventually, I caught up with my friend, Alexander, a Filipino wrestling fan who lives and works in Japan.  Alexander is so knowledgeable about the industry that you can spend days talking about its history with him.

Because he didn't have a ticket, and the show being sold out online, it was the hopes that he would be able to get in.  The three plus hours of being in line at the PMC Spotlight Center were long but worth each minute.  And the buzz and excitement grew as the 4pm hour came close.  Everyone that I knew that didn't have a ticket, were able to secure one and be at the show! 

Once inside, the anticpation of possibly the best show since the return from the pandemic, if not ever, was very possible.  This fan has, on one other occasion, Wrestlemania 31, experienced this.  The sellout crowd was ready for what was to follow.  

The show itself did not disappoint anyone.  It was definitely the best of the three MWF shows I've seen over the past calendar year!  Manila Wrestling Federation, with the storybook type, did not disappoint one fan inside the arena last night.  This fan has always said that the kapafeds, Pinoy wrestling fans, or whatever, are the most knowledgeable, passionate, humerous and great fans on this planet!  I will stand by this statement today and in the future!  

In the several wrestling shows over the past year, I've always appreciated the welcome and kindness the fans have shown.  There were so many that this fan met last night.  It is an experience that will never be taken for granted.  One learns so much each time at a show here in the Philippines whether it is MWF or the other two wrestling promotions.  Hopefully, this fan has done this for the wrestling fans here as well.

Instead of sharing results (because I want our fans to watch future episodes of Gank and Rock Of Manila TV), there were numerous things that I came away with.

Several of the MWF wrestlers reached out and have thanked me for the blog.  Sometimes, because of the humbleness, I don't think about it.  This fan feels the word needs to get out and it is a voice for fans who may or may not be at a show.  Last night, maybe for the first time, I was very touched and a little emotional about this.  Doing this has never been about me.  It's about MWF, the wrestling fans, other wrestling promotions in the Philippines, and promotions throughout Southeast Asia.  It is always been giving back to an industy that has provided many thrills for this fan!

It went further though last night.  Several of the wrestlers who performed last night saw the emotion, the smile, the conversations, and the laughter out of this fan.  It's another thing I don't realize only because we, the fans, get caught up in the moment.  All I want to say is thank you to you (whom I won't name).  It really meant a lot to me when you guys mentioned this.  It is also something this fan never sees in America wrestling shows.  One day, my persistance from this blog will see more fans from outside the Philippines at the shows.

This fan knows the risks, the work put in, the sacrifices, and some of the things that you do to prepare for shows like last night.  This fan goes on record here saying that he'll always be in your corner no matter what!

Before leaving, I stopped by another coffee shop to talk with MWFs Kurt Jiminez.  It was great to sit down, unwind, and talk about his accomplishments over the past year, his first.  Kurt has unlimited potential, in my opinion, and is definitely a solid member of Oro Plata Mata, one of several groups in the company.  This fan learned a lot of his experiences and am looking forward to his future, which is bright!

Finally, a word for the kapafeds who were or were not present at the show last night.  If any of you attended any of the MWF shows within the past year, if you enjoyed the product, please let your friends know!  Word of mouth is very powerful and it would be great not only seeing familiar but new faces at the shows.  Let them know about the social media outlets, Gank and Rock Of Manila TV.  

In closing, MWF will be at UP Dillman in 2024.  There will be more announcements on it in future days and weeks.  This fan is told that the capacity holds 100-200 more fans which is important for the company's future.  Also, I've vowed, like I did last year, regarding helping MWF in 2024 and hopefully beyond!

I'll be here in Makati for another week on a needed vacation.  In the meantime, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you!  This fan will see you guys again sometime in 2024!    

51 Weeks Later!

The year has flown by fast for this blogger.  It was 51 weeks ago tomorrow in seeing my first pro wrestling show outside North America.

Since then, it feels like that I've known the Manila Wrestling Federation group, it's fan base known as the kapafeds and the Pinoy Wrestling Community for several years.  When joining the different groups on Facebook back in September 2022, it was a good feeling just to share things with wrestling fans.  It has been much more than that.  Being welcomed in the Pinoy Wrestling Community is like no other.  Am grateful for this and salamat po!  

Wrestling fans here in the Philippines are like no other that I've experienced.  They are passionate, knowledgeable, witty, humorous and know the industry inside out.  Some of the wrestling fans have told me that they've learned a lot from my knowledge.  Honestly, this fan has learned a lot from you guys!  I've never been one to say that I know everything about pro wrestling in spite of the 55+ years in following it.  Even if I did, staying as humble as possible is the way I was brought up by my parents.

The promotions here in the Philippines?  Filipino Pro Wrestling, World Underground Wrestling Philippines and the Manila Wrestling Federation have been great with me!  The cooperation has been top notch.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!  Though this is an MWF post, I cannot say enough about the other two promotions here.  The memories are still on my mind from the August visit.  This fan learned so much in the three shows over eight days.  I wish wrestling fans throughout the world could have experienced what was experienced.

Back to tomorrow's Noche Buena show, it is a SELLOUT with a small amount of tickets available at the door (I believe 1000 pesos).  The event is at the PMC Spotlight Center, Circuit Makati and beginning at 4:30pm.  If you are still "on the fence" about going, now is your chance!  Just trying to help you decide.

No question it should be a great show on Sunday.  Every match has some meaning to it.  There are two title matches, a match for the Hong Kong - Philippine Cup, a Women's Four Way Match with a debut of one wrestler, and a match for the number one contender for the MWF Pinoy Wrestling Championship sometime in 2024.  Also, five wrestlers from two countries (Hong Kong and Japan) will be appearing.

Looking forward to tomorrow.  The anticipation is definitely high and special.  To the kapafeds reading this....please enjoy the show!  This is an amazing lineup of matches and none of us should take this for granted.  Also, please continue to support MWF as well as the other two promotions if you follow them.  The promotions will definitely appreciate it.

See you guys tomorrow.  I will be wearing the black MWF shirt with my dark blue SF cap.  Will be sitting somewhere in the first row.  In the meantime, Merry Christmas in advance and have a good weekend everyone!

SPW Viva La Lucha Results

Here are the results from Singapore Pro Wrestling's show, Viva La Lucha.  It was SPW's 11th anniversary show.  Congratulations on the milestone and hope the promotions continues another 11 years and beyond!  The event took place last Friday, November 24th.

 

 

Match Results:

 

Main Event

Samuray Del Sol def. The Statement Andruew Tang.

Yuki Kamifuku def. Alexis Lee to become the NEW SPW Queen of Asia Champion.

 

Aiden Rex retained the SPW Southeast Asia Championship against Zombie Dragon.

 

Chris Vice retained the ZERO-1 World Heavyweight Championship against BGJ, Destroyer Dharma, and Ho Ho Lun.

 

The Horrors def. CK Vin & Wonderboy.

 

Big T won the 24/7 Battle Royal.

 

Black Arrow def. Johnathan Johnson.