Real Global Threat

The date was May 27, 1996.  This wrestling fan and hundreds of thousands watching had no idea what was to happen on World Championship Wrestling's, Monday Night Nitro show.

 

The New World Order, a stable (group) was formed by wrestlers, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall.  They were two wrestlers who had their finals matches with WWE over a week before.  The group was active for roughly four years.  Wrestlers such as Hollywood Hulk Hogan, "Macho Man Randy Savage and a few others were with the group off and on during the era.

 

There is a new phenomenon that is going on in Southeast Asia Pro Wrestling right now.

 

RGT or Real Global Threat is definitely making noise in the world of Southeast Asia Pro Wrestling.  As of this post, it's members are Shivam (SETUP Thailand Pro Wrestling), Andruew Tang (Singapore Pro Wrestling), Emman Azman (Malaysia Pro Wrestling) and Jake De Leon (PUSO Wrestling - Philippines).

 

All four wrestlers have tons of experience in the ring and are the top wrestlers of their respective countries.  All four have won championships.

 

For those who aren't aware or don't know what I'm talking about, the formation of the stable likely began last November in Singapore.  

 

There would be the interference of a title match between, then, SETUP Thailand Champion, Jonathan Johnson and Andruew Tang.  Shivam, who wanted to wrestle that night, and SETUP management not giving him a match, interferred.  It led to Andruew Tang winning the title.

 

Fast forward to March.  There would be a return match and Tang would retain the title.  Following the match, there would be an announcement that Shivam and Andruew Tang would join forces with a formation of the Real Global Threat.  The two would double team Johnson following the match until Jake DeLeon from PUSO Wrestling - Philippines would come to the rescue.

 

In May, there would be an eventual six man tag match between Team SETUP (Jonathan Johnson, Jake De Leon and a third partner) vs. Team RGT (Shivam, Andruew Tang and a third partner).

 

Zach Sabre Jr., a well known international wrestler who wrestles for New Japan Pro Wrestling officially becomes the third man for Team SETUP.

 

The third man for Team RGT is an interesting one.

 

The night before the SETUP Thailand show, there was a Singapore Pro Wrestling show.  Shivam and Andruew Tang teamed in a tag match against Emman Azman from Malaysia and Hong Kong's Ho Ho Lun.  Following the match, Azman turned on his tag partner.  Both Shivam and Tang came back to the ring.  Eventually, Azman accepted the RGT shirt and the three left the ring together.

 

Fast forward to the next evening in Thailand.  Towards the end of the six man tag match, Shivam appeared to be in trouble with Jonathan Johnson ready to finish him.  All of the sudden, Johnson turned to his left and Jake De Leon hit him with a superkick that put him down.  Eventually, both Tang and Shivam finish Jonathan off with their signature moves.

 

Following the match, Jake De Leon, not only accepts the famous RGT shirt, but is now the SETUP 24/7 Champion.  He has held the belt before.

 

It is interesting what will happen with RGT going forward.  Certainly, there are a few wrestling promotions in Southeast Asia.  This fan knows that Vietnam hasn't been visited by the group at this time.  Could you see someone like Ares (for instance) joining the group?

 

One thing for certain.  Southeast Asia Pro Wrestling is having a great year in 2025.  With the addition of Real Global Threat, things have just got started!  

 

Their motto.......We don’t take part, we take over!

Dexcon's Next Show

Hello everyone.

 

Here is the latest statement from Dexcon's Facebook page..

 

 

DXCN: Dakila will take place on May 18, 2025, at Brawlpit Bulusan, following the success of WrestleStorm 2. This event continues the push for Pinoy talent in international tag team dream matches, featuring a Tag Team Main Event with a familiar face and a new competitor aiming to deliver an unforgettable match.

 

 

The participants will be determined in a match at Master Clash, with the winner earning a spot in the Dakila Main Event. To get early access and special rates for Dakila tickets, make sure to buy your Master Clash tickets now!

 

 

For tickets, please visit the Dexcon - DXCN Facebook page.  Thank you.

PUSO Wrestling At Tomorrow's Expo

Hello everyone!

 

Tomorrow (Saturday in Southeast Asia), PUSO Wrestling will be taking part in an event, MATA EXPO Philippines 2025.  The date is Saturday, February 1st between 10:00am-5:00pm.  Location is LE PAVILLON EVENT HALL, Metrobank Avenue, Pasay City (Near Mall of Asia), Metro Manila, Philippines.


According to the PUSO Wrestling Facebook page, the promotion will be very busy!  Besides having a merchandise table, PUSO Wrestling will have a wrestling show with three matches in the morning with the first match at 11:05am.   There will be three afternoon encounters beginning at 1:30pm.

 

Here are the lineup of matches.  As always, wrestling shows are subject to change...

 

Morning

Main Maxx vs. Robin Sane.

Fabio Makisig & Jomar vs. Super P & El Kapitunero.

Isaiah Valencia & Joey Rosas vs. Aaron Liwanag & Serafin Liwanag.

 

Afternoon

Main Maxx & Jake De Leon vs. Aaron Liwanag and Solomon Liwanag.

Hakai Mateo vs. Danny Zamora.

Super P, El Kapitunero & Patricia Ligaia vs. Joya, Robin Sane & Ken Cifer.

 

For more information on the Expo and the two wrestling shows, please visit the PUSO Wrestling Facebook page.  PUSO Wrestling can be seen on various social media outlets including Instagram and You Tube.

Thank you and wishing PUSO Wrestling, the wrestlers and entire staff a very successful weekend!

Looking Back - Second Of A Series

Outside of the Pacelli Event Center in Daly City, CA.

 

Hello everyone!

 

The second version of Looking Back, hopefully, is a good one for all of you reading and watching.

 

Japanese wrestling, and wrestlers, have always been one of this blogger's favorites in pro wrestling.  In the West Coast of America where I live, there were two excellent wrestlers that performed and were main event talent.  This was before the formation of what is now New Japan Pro Wrestling in 1972.

 

Kinji Shibuya and Mr. Saito (Masa Saito) were excellent AWA Tag Team champions back in the late 1960s.  They would face all comers in the area.  Mr. Saito would go on to the WWF and finish his career there.

 

In the 1970s-1980s, it would be The Great Fuji (later Mr. Fuji).  From the West Coast, he would continue on in the WWF not only as a wrestler, but also a manager.

 

In the 1980s, when the American Wrestling Association came to our area, Jumbo Tsuruda would have a brief stint as the AWA World Champion.  In the one show, this fan saw something that he never saw before, a belly-to-back suplex.  The move wasn't that common back then.

 

In the 1990s and 2000s, there would be more.  Fans reading this will recognize the names of Tajiri and Yoshi Tatsu!  This fan would see them on television and they would light up the arenas!  They were that good and electric during shows.

 

This fan never had the chance to see Tajiri live.  I  was a little more fortunate to see Yoshi Tatsu.  It was in May 2016.  All Pro Wrestling, a local independent promotion in Daly City, about 10km from San Francisco hosted an event.  It was called Friday The 13th!

 

This would be my first ever independent show!  Besides Yoshi Tatsu, the names of Marty Janetty (WWE - The Rockers), MVP (WWE and AEW who was wrestling in a 4 way match for the APW Universal Title) and a young Jeff Cobb (FPW Champion, AEW and NJPW) were on the show.

 

Yoshi Tatsu wrestled Joey Ryan, a familiar local wrestler with the promotion.  There were 10 matches on the evening.  The fans, in every match, were loud and enthusiastic!

 

Dexcon, wrestling fans in the Philippines, and in Southeast Asia, are in for a treat on March 16th!  You will have a chance to see the legendary Yoshi Tatsu in action.  Very few tickets are left for the show so please visit the Dexcon Facebook page for tickets!

 

Back to the Pacelli Events Center, to this fan's recollection, it holds 150-200 fans for wrestling events.

 

Believe it or not, this fan found the Yoshi Tatsu-Joey Ryan match on You Tube.  A courtesy thank you to Bar Wrestling and to You Tube for showing this.  The link is below so please click if you would like to see this!  Thank you.

 

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpnvuJTp9fY

Two Venues

This blogger has been asked often regarding a first wrestling show and a first Southeast Asia show due to the blog.  I'll divide this quickly into two portions and two venues.

 

My first wrestling show, after beginning to follow pro wrestling in 1968, was at the Cow Palace in Daly City (about 12 km. from downtown San Francisco).  I took in an event on 11 July 1970 before around 15,000 fans.

 

The five match wrestling card had some known names such as Pedro Morales (former WWWF Champion), Freddie Blassie, Haystacks Calhoun and Peter Maivia, the late godfather of WWE superstar, The Rock.

 

The main event was a between bitter rivals, Pat Patterson (c) vs. Ray Stevens.  Today, it would be called a match that would go on until a wrestler could not continue.  Stevens had forfeited the United States Regional Title about a year before because of injury.  Patterson, his scheduled opponent at the time of the mishap, defeated Pedro Morales and became champion.

 

The match went five falls and was one of the most grueling matches ever.  Stevens won when Patterson could not respond by the count of 10.

 

Stevens and Patterson carried pro wrestling in the Bay Area during the era.  They were great singles wrestlers and were also a tag team, perhaps the best in the Territory Era.

 

Over 50 years later, it was a new adventure for this fan.  In December 2022, this blogger went to his first pro wrestling show in Southeast Asia.

 

Pictured above is the Peta Theater Center in Quezon City, Philippines.  It was home for, at the time, the Manila Wrestling Federation.

 

That night with a great gathering of around 300 fans, MWF provided the fans with 10 matches including two title encounters.  The fans were knowledgeable, were really into the action, and were well behaved, something that is great to see.

 

Being from America, one didn't know what to expect that afternoon and evening.  However, it was every bit as enjoyable as the one at the Cow Palace.  To this day, I'm grateful for the support and everything that happened that night.  It was definitely a day not to forget and to appreciate!

 

Since then, I've been to several more shows in the Philippines at Circuit Makati and at the Brawl Pit Bulusan.  The venues have been electric and enjoyable.

 

This year, the plan is to expand traveling in the region.  Since Thailand is the furthest from where I live, will definitely make the journey.  The country has always been exciting with the views, culture and the food.  There are three wrestling promotions there and the hope is to see all of them (at least two!).

 

Since I have running and wrestling fans in the Philippines, yes, I will be back this year as well.  Please be patient though!

Thank You Everyone!

Want to thank everyone here in Metro Manila for the wonderful and memorable visit.  Each time, it turns out a little better than the last one.  This time, this blogger was here for three weeks instead of two.  It happens to be the longest away from America.

I don't take these vacations for granted, especially now in an advanced age.  There's never a guarantee that there will ever be a vacation like this again.

Next year, the planning is two countries in four weeks time.  I've talked with several people about this already.  The timeframe could be either in late July/August or perhaps earlier.  Nevertheless, the planning has already begun while still here.

As mentioned at the top, there are so many people to thank, and who made this visit special.  Getting a chance to do some running again at my favorite area at UP Diliman will always be special.  The meetups at UP, Trinoma and Ali Mall, Brawl Pit Bulusan and Onyang's Cafe were great as well.  Visiting much of Metro Manila either by foot, jeepney, MRT and Grab was a blast.  Finally, the PUSO Wrestling show the final weekend of the visit is still on one's mind.  Thank you to everyone that this blogger saw that evening.  All the best to PUSO Wrestling going forward.  The promotion has a very bright future and is on the right path!  Also, all the best to Jake De Leon, Fabio Makisig and Jomar in visiting Japan soon.

In closing, a couple of people are concerned that the flight out of Manila may be affected by the Taal volcano activity that's going on.  To my friends here, please be careful.  It may be rough breathing outside.  I've checked Philippine Airlines and the flight right now is scheduled for tomorrow night....subject to change (just like wrestling).

Please take care everyone and will chat when getting back to America. 

    

Wrestling Show Preparation

In various countries, there are ways that promotions prepare for wrestling shows.  Wrestling rings are one of them.

 

Some of this is similar to my experiences of preparing a track for another sports entertainment in North America known as Roller Derby. 

 

Very recently, this blogger read a post shared by Philippine pro wrestler, Fabio Makisig.  Definitely, preparing for a show varies from country to country.  Please check out by clicking the link below.  This fan is always appreciative of what goes on behind the scenes of pro wrestling shows!

 

   https://ko-fi.com/post/Bayanihan-in-Pinoy-Wrestling-Z8Z410P8GK

The YOLO Twins

Last year, this blogger had an opportunity to see a tag team match at the August FPW Astig show.  It wasn't just an ordinary tag team match either.

 

The YOLO Twins are the premier tag team in Filipino Pro Wrestling, if not all of Southeast Asia.  No question about it.  They are very capable of beating teams such as Aussie Aussie Aussie (Grapplemax) or Venomshank (Vietnam Pro Wrestling).  This writer is not bashing the teams mentioned.  However, there is something special about this team.

 

Yohann and Logan Ollores are a great and cohesive tag team.  In their match last year, this blogger was, more than impressed, with the athleticism, agility and the quickness.  Both wrestlers have the instincts of where the other is, and will be, when it is needed.  Seeing a video of them in tag team action and live are two different things.

 

Right now, Filipino Pro Wrestling is nearing their one year anniversary as a promotion.  There is yet to be a tag team division in the company because of the company size.  It is growing thanks to the FPW Academy!

 

The YOLO Twins have faced several teams in FPW.  Recently, they visited Singapore and wrestled in a Grapplemax show.  Though they don't have belts right now, The YOLO Twins have been two time - PWR Tag Team Champions.

Last year at FPW's final Astig show in August, this blogger sensed that there was a faction in the making forming.  Good Guy Quatro, a great wrestler and champion with PWR, has become part of a group now called Vandals MNL.  I haven't seen the faction yet in tag team action.  However, there is no question that they could dominate in any match, whether it is in the Philippines or elsewhere.

 

Moving forward, The YOLO Twins will be facing "The Walking Death" Mike Madrigal and James "Idol" Martinez in a tag team match this coming Sunday at FPW Astig.  The YOLO Twins and Mike Madrigal, as was pointed out in a recent promo, are both undefeated in FPW competition.  

 

The question is who will remain undefeated?  We will find out this Sunday at the Baked Studios in Makati City!  The show begins at 2pm!

PUSO Wrestling's First Show!

PUSO Wrestling has announced that their pilot show, Unang Tibok, will take place on Saturday night, August 17th beginning at 6pm.

 

First and foremost, this is a monumental announcement for Pinoy Wrestling in the Philippines.  A few weeks ago, 20+ wrestlers wanted to continue pursuing their dream in the squared circle.  The previous promotion, that they were involved in, was shut down.

 

Instead of talking about what led to the end of a promotion, I would prefer to mention the following statement.  "When a door closes, another one opens!"

 

From what this blogger knows, this group showed, and shows, a lot of character.  It would have been easy to just shut their dream down.  However, as a group, everyone wanted to continue.  Ideas and plans began to surface.  The result was that there would be a wrestling show that would take place. 

 

A few weeks ago, there was an "invite show" that I mentioned in the last PUSO post.  There would be wrestling matches.  This blogger did receive an invite.  Unfortunately, because of recovering from knee surgery, and an upcoming visit to the Philippines, I wasn't able to attend.  This blogger did send a message thanking them for the invite!

 

There would be a video shown near the end of the evening.  From what I learned, it was to show the pinoy wrestling fans that they missed them during the absence and that they want to "live their dream!"  From my experiences at past wrestling shows, this group, more than appreciates the interaction and the communication of the fans.  Whether it is at a show, a meet and greet, or just on social media, the group responds big time!  The name PUSO Wrestling was announced!

 

Over the past couple of days, there have been Facebook posts regarding sponsorship.  Please, if you have a chance, to look at it.  If one is interested in getting involved, or know someone, please contact PUSO either by e-mail or Facebook messenger.

 

When this blogger found out that PUSO Wrestling was going to happen, helping out is paramount right now.  Certainly, this tool called a blog is important.  I've helped out with a little funding with the previous promotion, as well as the DEXCON events.  The hope of seeing a PUSO Wrestling show was important to me.  At the same time, there are things like planning, making sure dates were available.    

 

Yes, this blogger is happy that the show will happen while I'm in the Philippines.  However, I'm more happy to see 20+ wrestlers be able to fulfill their dream.  This blogger is more happy to see the pinoy wrestling fans now have a chance to see their favorite wrestlers that they've seen for the past year (or for that matter 10 years).  That is the way I am.

 

In closing, if there is one thing I'd like to ask our fans who come to the shows.......please support PUSO Wrestling!  They do this to fulfill their dreams, and, they do this for us! 

 

Will see all of you on August 17th!  Please don't be afraid to say hello.

Another Intriguing Match At FPW's July Astig Show

This blogger has been following pro wrestling for a long time now (55 years or so).  I've seen nearly every type of match that has existed.

 

Filipino Pro Wrestling will have their next show this coming Sunday, July 14th.  The venue is the Baked Studios and bell time is 2pm.

 

The Main Event is definitely one to watch.  The YOLO Twins will face FPW Champion, Mike Madrigal and James "Idol" Martinez in a tag team encounter.

 

This blogger wasn't in attendance at the last FPW Astig show.  There were some things at the show that brought this match on.

 

This blogger has read some stuff from people that James "Idol" Martinez is not "main event" material.  Some people think that he's not serious enough with his craft as a professional wrestler.  Some fans think that this is a joke!

 

Obviously, as a blogger, and writer, I look at this differently.  Anyone who gets into pro wrestling has to be serious enough.  There's a lot of sacrifice involved, time spent in and out of the ring, and a lot more.  Wrestlers take bumps in workouts.  Certainly, people such as President, Red Ollero, and Mike Madrigal believe he's worthy for this upcoming match.

 

I've seen Martinez one time while at a FPW show.  The match he was involved in was at times, comical.  However, he does have talent and is someone not to be taken lightly.  No wrestler in any profession should!

 

It will be interesting how this match turns out.  I'm sure the YOLO Twins, as great of a team that they are, have their game plan ready to go.  Recently, they wrestled as part of a six man tag match at Grapplemax Pro Wrestling's show in Singapore.  Let's just say that the match they were involved in didn't quite turn out the way they wanted.

 

Anyway, for more on the show, including tickets, please visit the FPW-Filipino Pro Wrestling page on Facebook.  Thank you.    

PUSO Wrestling Sponsorships

This blogger just received a message regarding PUSO Wrestling, a new wrestling promotion in the Philippines.

 

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!

A Year To Remember For WWE

Today is a different post than what this blogger normally does, which is Southeast Asia Pro Wrestling.

 

Want to talk about WWE for a moment.  This year, the WWE has done PLE shows in more countries than ever before.  This is really no accident since the company wants to be more global than ever.

 

This past weekend, WWE and NXT took the show to Toronto, Ontario (Canada) to sellout indoor crowds of near 20,000.  The Scotiabank Arena was the place to be this past weekend.

 

Next weekend, WWE will do two shows on the south side of America.  Mexico's - Mexico City and Monterrey will have two Super Show events on Saturday / Sunday, July 13-14.  The promotion was in Mexico last year before sellout crowds and it appears that WWE is at a fever pitch this time!

 

Since I do posts on Southeast Asia wrestling, recently, I've thought about sending WWE an e-mail regarding an Asia and Australia tour.  European tours are good and the fans in Scotland, England and Germany have responded big time!

 

Having a show in Australia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, China and Malaysia would be great, not only for the wrestling fans of the countries mentioned, but the promotions themselves.

 

Let me draft a letter or e-mail and see what can be done here.....      

PUSO Wrestling

A lot has happened since being away from posting over the last couple of weeks.

 

As Pinoy Wrestling fans know, a wrestling promotion of eight years in the Philippines closed its doors to a number of aspiring wrestlers and numerous wrestling fans in the Philippines and world wide.

 

This blogger, before being away from the computer, sensed that something was in the works.  A few wrestlers in the group took part in a Dexcon event known as Wrestle Storm when the Manila Wrestling Federation canceled their promotion earlier this year.  

 

Wrestle Storm would come around at the right time.  It was the show to celebrate 10 years of Pinoy Wrestling.  Though not being there, the emotion of what happened previous and what happened at the conclusion of the show was something not to be forgotten.   

 

It would have been very easy for the group to end something that they truly love.  Some members in the group have wrestled for nearly ten years.  Others have begun their journey over the past year or so.

 

A few days ago, could be wrong on the number, but 22 aspiring people have come together and formed a promotion called Puso Wrestling.  Certainly, this is a huge start for the group.  

 

If this blogger can share this, PUSO Wrestling believes that Pinoy Wrestling is ALIVE!  One beat. One home.  One love for the Filipino pro wrestling industry.

PUSO Wrestling and WUW - Philippines member, Ken Cifer, messaged me last week to follow this group.  And in the very short time, as this is being posted, 906 have done just that!  

This blogger has been told that PUSO Wrestling will have a pilot show this coming August.  Details will be forthcoming soon.

 

In the meantime, this blogger needs to do his part and do some recruiting and promoting.  If you love Pinoy Wrestling or just wrestling in general, please visit the PUSO Wrestling page on Facebook.  Here is the link below.  Please click it and see for yourself.  Thank you and hope that you will enjoy what the promotion is offering.

 

 https://www.facebook.com/PusoWrestling 

Tagay Na! Show Update #5

Hello everyone!

 

A lot has happened since my last post two weeks ago.  My apologies for not posting but have had an emergency to take care of here in America.  Please don't worry everyone!  Health wise, I'm good and am looking forward to the Philippines visit in about four weeks time.

 

There have been changes on the card for Tagay Na!  The show will still take place at the Brawl Pit Bulusan on Sunday, July 7th beginning at 6pm in Quezon City.

 

Added will be an "I Quit" match between Main Maxx and Silent D.

 

Also, a singles match is now a Triple Threat Match.  The match between One Man Kru and Zera has been canceled.

 

Instead, Zera will wrestle against Dabid Ravena against Nigel San Jose in a Triple Threat Match.

 

Later in the week, this blogger will post the show lineup for everyone just in case anyone (like myself) forgot.

 

For more on the show, including tickets, please visit either the World Underground Wrestling Philippines - WUW Philippines and/or the Dexcon pages on Facebook.

 

Here is the link for tickets.  Thank you everyone!

 

 https://dexcon.helixpay.ph/categories/all 

When One Door Closes........

It's been several days now everyone.  Last Saturday morning, May 25th, this blogger woke up to news that was disheartening.  It will also be a day that those involved with pro wrestling (wrestlers, fans and staff) in the Philippines won't forget either.  

 

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.  

MWF Kasaysayan Show Update #9

Hello everyone!

 

There has been an update for Manila Wrestling Federation's show, MWF Kasaysayan.  The show will take place on Sunday, April 14th at 4:30pm at the UP Film Institute Media Center, UP Dillman.

 

Isaiah Valencia, a rising star with MWF will face Mentai Kid with Kyushu Pro Wrestling in Japan.  Mentai Kid is a former Kyushu Pro Wrestling Champion with the promotion.

 

For more information on the show, please check the Manila Wrestling Federation - MWF page on Facebook.  For tickets, please check the ticket2me.net website.  Thank you.

MWF Kasaysayan Update #7

Kodai Nozaki may be a pro wrestler that is unfamiliar to wrestling fans in the Philippines.

 

However, to wrestling fans that follow Kyushu Pro Wrestling, and to fans that follow the promotion in Japan, he's well known.

 

The two time Kyushu Pro Wrestling champion will face Manila Wrestling Federation's CJ Serafin at MWF Kasaysayan this coming April 14th.  The venue is the UP Film Institute Media Center, UP Dillman in Quezon City.

 

This blogger has seen the "roller coaster" career of CJ Serafin over the last year.  A former member of the stable, Barangay Bagsakan, CJ has wrestled in a couple of tag team matches of late.  On April 14th, he appears to be going solo in what might be his biggest test as a wrestler.

 

For more regarding tickets and the meet and greet, please visit the Manila Wrestling Fedeartion - MWF page on Facebook.  Thank you.

MWF Kasaysayan Update #6

Hello everyone!  There will be an added match for MWF's Kasaysayan show scheduled for Sunday, April 14th.  The venue is the UP Film Institute Media at UP Dillman in Quezon City.

 

The popular El Katipunero from Manila Wrestling Federation will take on Genkai from Kyushu Pro Wrestling in a singles match.

 

El Kapitunero is popular amongst the kapafeds with Manila Wrestling Federation and always rises to the occasion no matter the opponent.  Genkai will be a huge challenge since he is a three time - Kyushu Pro Wrestling Champion! 

 

For more information on the show including tickets, please visit the Manila Wrestling Federation - MWF page on Facebook.  Early bird tickets are available on the ticket2me.net website. Thank you.

MWF Kasaysayan Show Update #1

Hello everyone.  One match has been officially announced for the Manila Wrestling Federation show, Kasaysayan 2024.  The event will take place on Sunday, April 14th at the UP Film Institute Media Center at UP Dillman.

 

The two time - MWF Pinoy Wrestling Champion, Jake De Leon will put the title up against the number one contender, "Danger" Rex Lawin.

 

For those who didn't read the last post,   

Kasaysayan 2024 is co-presented by MWF and Kyushu Pro Wrestling .

 

Early bird tickets for the show is between February 9th and March 24th.  For more, please check the ticket2me.net website.  Also, please check the Manila Wrestling Federation - MWF page for more details.  Thank you.

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!