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What's Going Down? - News & Results
Philippines
Puso Wrestling ran their final main show of the year in Alamat, which we cover later in the issue. The Brawlpit wasn’t shuttered for Xmas immediately after, as WUW:PH ran Fight Night 2 on December 14th, where JDL pulverized Trainee Kiko, Gabriel Arkanghel took down Ken Cifer, Danny Zamora beat HIT, Robin Sane and Underground exclusive wrestler Zera went to a no contest, Isaiah Valencia defeated Joey Rosas (Valencia replaced Hakai Mateo after he was assaulted), La Verna defeated Ravena, and Main Maxx took down Serafin Liwanag.
Unlike previous Underground shows, this was a mat show, with the mats placed on the Brawlpit’s ring sans ropes.
The final show of the year was Robin Sane’s Noche Buena, a livestream show where Robin Sane beat Trainee Kenzo. Aaron Liwanag & Solomon Liwanag defeated ROMEO & Bon (despite protesting, Bon seems to end up in a lot of matches recently). Referee Dante defeated Earl and Juan, the other refs, while Nigel San Jose went over Hakai Mateo. The standout news was that Super P was back in action. She put on a spirited performance against Joya that ended in a no contest following interference. The bout then expanded into a 12-person tag team match: Ken Cifer, ROMEO, Robin Sane, Joya, Super P & Joey Rosas defeated Solomon Liwanag, Aaron Liwanag, Danny Zamora, Hakai Mateo, Migs Valdez & Gabriel Arkanghel.
Fabio Makisig has confirmed he is stepping away from Pinoy wrestling for some time. This is not a retirement, as he still wants to travel and train in Japan. Luckily his return has been announced for Wrestlestorm 3 in March. Main Maxx also confirmed he will officially retire at the end of 2026, prior to his final title defence at Alamat.
Thailand
As mentioned, SETUP was very, very busy at the end of the year with A New Dawn, A Hard Day’s Night, and then the TJPW show in December. We recap it all later in the issue. From the SETUP/TJPW double-header, the afternoon show has not yet been released for viewing, but the TJPW show is available on Wrestle Universe, although it’s an extra $13.99 above the standard subscription price.
Tomyum Pro Wrestling will kick off its 2026 calendar with a deliberately chaotic warm-up event ahead of its first major show of the year, leaning fully into its reputation for absurdist, comedy-driven wrestling. Promoted as a “leave your brain at home” experience, the card blends rookie showcases and high-concept gimmick matches, including an exhibition bout between trainees Manuel and Admin Oak, a “Tomyum Tie-Up” match where one wrestler is barred from using their arms and the other their legs, and a bra-and-panties stipulation between P’Suchart and The Sour Martini Dewdy. The main event will crown the inaugural Tomyum Champion, as Kevin Weng faces Naga Nai in a tongue-in-cheek championship match themed around the flavours of Thailand’s iconic tom yum soup. While intentionally ridiculous, the show continues Tomyum Pro Wrestling’s mission of challenging traditional ideas of what pro wrestling can look like in Thailand.
Jonathon Johnson was on the final Baka Gaijin show of the year we believe while Shivam and others performed at Japan’s comic con event.
Top Dojo finished off their year with Siam Fighter, their only ring show of the year. On Day One — December 20th — Golem Thai defeated Chaiyut, Asura defeated KUMA & Jay Yuu (Asura’s first match in over two years), and Best Boonpa defeated P-Nutz in a hardcore match. On Day Two, Golem Thai defeated Chaiyut, KUMA defeated P-Nutz, Jay Yuu defeated Best Boonpa, and Prince Benny defeated Golem Thai to win the vacant King of Thai Wrestling Championship.
August Artois has been advertised for PSE:Asia’s anniversary show on February 1st. From the poster, it looks like The Juicy Boyz will also be in attendance. Miles definitely seems intent on getting around every country, and if possible every promotion, this year.
PSE Wrestlers were involved in the Bruce Lee anniversary card in China in November, the free show had what looked like 3000+ attendees.
Malaysia
APAC Wrestling kept things busy at the end of the year at ESI Grand Hall. In results from the show, Eurasian Dragon and Hendo Ramli ended in a no contest, Shaukat pinned NYC, and Diana defeated Viva Van & Maya Hartsteel in what was either a three-way or handicap match. In the main event, Dreamkiller Azroy defeated Shota to retain the APAC Wrestling Championship. Other matches on the card involved De Retis, Serigala and Alfa Nazri, but no results were posted.
The promotion then headed up to Bertam for a series of public shows on December 27th and 28th, while their next event will be WrestleLegion on February 14th, back at ESI Grand Hall.
Diana returned to the USA at the end of the year to be a part of WWE veteran Bayley’s new project, Lodestone — a training camp for women wrestlers. As part of the invite-only camp, participants were trained by world-class stars including Charlotte, Mercedes Moné and John Cena.
What's Going Down? - News & Results
Singapore
Singapore Pro Wrestling ended the year with Tranquilo, which—thanks to the shock SEA Title win by Tetsuya Naito—gave the promotion a global media boost, including our own press release being used by POST Wrestling. More on the show later in the issue, but it is safe to say it may have been the biggest attendance ever at The Foo Chow Building.
The promotion then went on to run two shows for migrant workers at the end of the year, much like Deepavali Smackdown last year. These closed-to-the-public shows always end up looking great thanks to unique venues and massive attendance. The first Heavy Duty on November 22nd saw CK Vin retain against The Trickster; Dr Gore & Ryan Shen defeat Riky Malek & Kentona; Alexis Lee retain against Selina; Aiden Rex lock in a win over Riz and Terrance Choong; Jack N’Cheese retain against The Statement & Mason; and Da Butcherman pulverise Bryson Blade to retain the Southeast Asian Title. Then, on December 14th, Showdown featured a smaller card where The Legion of Total Anarchy’s Bryson Blade & CK Vin and The Midnight Bastards upset Jack N’Cheese & Mighty Arrow. Mad Kat Karina once again beat Selina, and in the main event, Aiden Rex defeated Da Butcherman, Dr Gore and The Statement.
The next SPW event will be Club Carnage, held at Lunar Club on January 31st. Unlike Clash at the Club, this event will feature a full ring. Matches announced so far include Terrance vs. Miles Karu, Mighty Jackson vs. The Midnight Bastards, Aiden Rex vs. Dr Gore, Poopy & Selina vs. Alexis Lee & Karina, Singapore Champion CK Vin defending against Wonderboy and Emman, and in the main event, a falls count anywhere four-way between Da Butcherman, The Statement, Bryson Blade & Emman Azman. The main event is an unusual combination, and it would not be surprising if it turned into a pseudo tag match at times.
Mighty Mighty has more teams to work with than Tony Khan at this point, with Mighty Arrow, Jackson and Mason (Vietnam-exclusive).
Singapore has already seen its first wrestling show of the year, with Keep ’Em Separated on January 3rd. A mat show run by wrestling couple Karina and Emman, the event was such a success that we’ve dedicated a full page to it later in the issue.
Grapplemax’s Unity show also performed well at The Foo Chow Building a week earlier. More on that event later in the issue. The promotion has not run any shows since, but there was a community event, H4PW, seemingly organised by a group of wrestlers on December 20th. The bizarre show featured cosplaying wrestlers from Grapplemax, MYPW and SPW, including a Remus Birthday Rumble won by Kelvin Lang among other characters. At press time, the promotion had yet to announce its first event of 2026.
Several Grapplemax competitors also took overseas excursions since the last issue. Endboss GREGORY appeared for Japanese promotion DIANA at an event in Taiwan alongside NTW, while Lahrvin Deshadow wrestled for PPP at Tokyo Square.
Sarah Coldheart was featured on the Singapore Tourism Board’s Instagram account towards the end of last year, appearing in an interview discussing her life as a professional wrestler.
Ring of Rebirth ran its final show of the year on December 21st. At Christmas Show, Tok Bomoh Mekong pinned Eurasian Dragon, Sabro defeated Light Singa Noor, and Erfie Blackheart pinned NYC to become the first ROR Champion in a top match. Their next event is scheduled for January 25th and will see Tok Bomoh Mekong challenge Blackheart for the title.
Vietnam
Vietnamania was a tremendous success, with standing room only on the night. We’ll cover more details later in the issue. VPW made several changes at the show, including shifting the staging to in front of the backstage area and, more importantly, replacing the old Openweight Championship with a brand-new VPW Vietnam Title. The belt is not a new championship, but rather a rebrand and new design for the existing Openweight title—mercifully avoiding the kind of confusing title ambiguity seen in some larger organisations.
Viva Van appeared on Talk Is Jericho just prior to Vietnamania, although the episode felt slightly out of date, as many details had already been filled in by the time of broadcast. While more relaxed than her appearance on Pep Talk, the latter was probably more insightful overall.
Xavier Patricks was involved in a World Underground Wrestling show at Toudoukan on January 1st, promoted by Fugo Fugo Yumeji, and the card also featured Southeast Asia regular Kojio.
Zachar continues to train and appear at VPW shows. He is training semi-regularly at the VPW Academy, working closely with his manager Tony Parker, who has become a strong supporter of VPW and professional wrestling. Their aim is to eventually run training sessions in their home base of Nha Trang, where Parker owns Silverback MMA. I was impressed by their professionalism and passion when I had the chance to speak with them at Vietnamania.
VPW ran a special invite-only show, For the Faithful, on January 10th from a smaller section of VAIB Studios. The event was used to announce the promotion’s end-of-year awards and to run a handful of matches. With a special VIP crowd in attendance, including yours truly, British Horror defeated Meteor Kidd, Henry & Khoa got the better of The Classic Night, Ares & KPY went to a ten-minute time-limit draw, and in the main event Ronnie El Rapido upset Hy Draco & Xumin Long.
Also on the show, the winners of the 2025 awards were announced. International Wrestler of the Year went to Miles Karu, Team of the Year to The Classic Night, Wrestler of the Year to Ares, Moment of the Year to Rocky Turns Heel, and Match of the Year to Ares vs. Butcherman.
Finally, Rensho appeared in a segment to announce he was leaving VPW. After embracing his brother Dokuga, he was sprayed with mist and attacked with a barbed-wire baseball bat. Perhaps keep an eye out for Rensho on the European front down the line—that is all we’ll reveal for now.
Due to the Lunar New Year falling extremely late in the calendar, VPW’s next main show will not take place until mid-March, with Spring Bash assumed to be the next major event.
Indonesia & Elsewhere
Indonesia Pro Wrestling (IDPW) has officially revealed its new training facility along with a brand-new wrestling ring. As previously stated by the promotion, IDPW is taking a grassroots approach by focusing on training local Indonesian wrestlers. Operations will be based out of Balubur, with the facility representing a foundational step toward long-term roster development rather than immediate large-scale events.
Angelo “The Unicorn King” Bimoadji, a prominent local MMA star, has been signed as part of the BPW Warrior Initiative and will be competing for the promotion.
Middle Kingdom Wrestling announced their All-Star Tour for Chongqing and Chengdu on March 26th and 27th. The promotion has stated its commitment to expanding professional wrestling in China and is actively looking to position Southeast Asian wrestlers as key parts of its roster. Matches announced so far include appearances by CK Vin, Alexis Lee, Crystal, Poppy, Sunny Z and Benji.
With the current state of other regions, strengthening links with China could be exactly what Southeast Asian wrestling needs to continue expanding in 2026.
The PWI Women’s 250 was an absolute celebration of some of the women involved in SEA Wrestling. Alexis Lee ranked at 247, Matcha at 231, Viva Van at 230 and Kamiyu at 180, while Dante Chen placed 414th in the PWI Men’s 500.
Vietnamania was not just the end of the 2025 season for Vietnam Pro Wrestling, but the closing chapter of the promotion’s first decade. As a landmark event marking ten years since VPW’s founding, the show was designed as a full-scale celebration of its growth, identity, and resilience within the Southeast Asian wrestling scene.
Starting early, the event immediately felt different from the get-go. The show incorporated a live band, meet & greets, and extended food and merch options, giving the evening a festival-like atmosphere rather than a standard wrestling card. With an earlier start time of 6:00 PM, a packed house of fans were welcomed by Xavier Patricks, setting the tone for a night that felt bigger than business as usual.
The night opened with a rivalry that began a year ago, as former partners Xiumin Long and Jimmy AG faced each other once more. The former Mystic Warriors made sure the bout felt like the major confrontation it was, delivering true main event-level entrances. Jimmy AG was backed by a group of “brothers” in matching attire, but it was the striking Vortex Rebellion entrance that left the strongest impression. A stunning female singer accompanied the entire stable as they flanked Xiumin on the entranceway, all donning Xiumin-style masks to create a visually imposing moment.
Despite early chicken antics from AG, the match quickly shifted into a highly competitive contest. Both competitors took to the skies and weren’t shy about using dirty tactics to gain the advantage. Surprisingly, given their backgrounds, the action largely stayed inside the ring, but it ended suddenly with a lightning-quick package piledriver that secured the win and evened the score at 1–1 between the pair. With both men knowing each other so well, the match was tight and flowed excellently. It would be a shame if there isn’t a decider in 2026. Due to unexpected circumstances, the feud has quietly become one of VPW’s most intriguing local rivalries, driven by shifting allegiances and the lingering possibility of reunion further down the line.
Next up, the night turned even more personal as the identical twins formerly known as Venomshank finally collided. While both have built reputations on hardcore
chaos over the past two years, this contest took a very different direction. The match was grounded, technical, and fairly reminiscent of a famous brother vs brother clash from 1994. The crowd gradually warmed to the slower pace, and in the end it was a spectacular series of roll-up manoeuvres that earned Dokuga the three count. The match revealed a side of both brothers that VPW fans rarely get to see. Notably, the audience responded positively to a technical bout in an arena that doesn’t often host them. Plenty has been left on the table here. A more gimmicked match would fit nicely in 2026, but this encounter proved both men have an excellent technical foundation.
With emotions already running high, the third match shifted gears into controlled chaos with the unique tag team rumble. Only seen once on a 1998 episode of Raw, the stipulation felt fresh and was elevated further by the unspoken VPW vs Singapore Pro Wrestling rivalry threading through the bout.
The fast-paced match, with barely 30 seconds between entrances, delivered more action than can reasonably be captured. Early highlights included the continuation of Khoa and Henry’s rivalry, with both eliminating each other for the second consecutive rumble, Miles Karu belting out Butcherman’s entrance theme, and a thunderous ovation for SPW Tag Champions Jack N’ Cheese.
It was particularly amusing to see long-time 2025 rivals Mighty Mighty and Mason temporarily working as best friends, a detail that flew under the radar for much of the VPW audience. Once all competitors were in, the bout erupted into a wild brawl, punctuated by Butcherman launching Meteor Kid almost back to the dressing room. The finish saw CBK thrown onto BGJ’s shoulders to avoid the pin, only for Miles Karu to dropkick them both over and secure the win for the now-dubbed ‘Juicy Meat’ duo, who have rapidly become one of VPW’s most over acts.
Following the interval, the show reached its in-ring peak as The Classic Night defended their Tag Team Championships in a “Blind Box Bash” against The Rocky Horror Show. The stipulation offered a creative twist on the traditional weapons match, with all items wrapped up like Christmas presents.
This led to a memorable moment when Rocky unwrapped a completely useless teddy bear. From there, the match descended into an all-out, weapons-filled war. The Classic Night controlled the early exchanges until heel tactics isolated Bobby, shifting momentum dramatically.The turning point came when Rocky wrapped a chain around Billy’s neck and yanked him through a table on the outside. Despite a spirited comeback attempt, Bobby was overwhelmed, battered with steel trays, and ultimately put through another table via a double powerbomb in the ring. Rocky and British Horror emerged victorious, and the crowd remained on edge throughout this chaotic and emotionally charged brawl.
The penultimate match delivered a true heavyweight clash as Ares defended against The Statement Andreuw Tang from SPW. Notably, it wasn’t the VPW Openweight Championship on the line, but the newly introduced VPW Vietnam Championship. While the lineage remains intact, the updated name and belt signal a new era. The bout unfolded as a classic sports entertainment heavyweight contest, blending holds, chops, and powerful slams that kept the crowd fully engaged. Late in the match, it genuinely felt as though The Statement might have Ares’ number after a razor-close near fall, but a final Stormbreaker from the champion sealed the victory.
What followed became the defining moment of the entire event. Immediately after the three count, The Rocky Horror Show stormed the ring and cashed in the Sure Shot contract for Rocky. A ferocious beatdown ensued, with Ares barely surviving multiple two counts. The crowd erupted when Hy Draco made his long-awaited return from a leg injury, drawing a thunderous ovation. Clearing British Horror from the ring, he allowed Ares to recover and deliver another Stormbreaker to Rocky to retain the championship. There was no question this was the emotional high point of the night.
that kept the crowd fully engaged. Late in the match, it genuinely felt as though The Statement might have Ares’ number after a razor-close near fall, but a final Stormbreaker from the champion sealed the victory.
What followed became the defining moment of the entire event. Immediately after the three count, The Rocky Horror Show stormed the ring and cashed in the Sure Shot contract for Rocky. A ferocious beatdown ensued, with Ares barely surviving multiple two counts. The crowd erupted when Hy Draco made his long-awaited return from a leg injury, drawing a thunderous ovation. Clearing British Horror from the ring, he allowed Ares to recover and deliver another Stormbreaker to Rocky to retain the championship. There was no question this was the emotional high point of the night.
That moment, however, proved difficult to follow. In the main event, Viva Van defended the Women’s Championship against Pinoy Wrestling’s Crystal. The two opened with a respectful handshake before settling into a grounded, technical contest focused on holds and positioning. As the match progressed, frustration crept in on both sides, leading to heavier slams and sharper strikes. Despite carrying a foot injury, Crystal managed to lock in a Tarantula, but Viva Van countered into an Eat Defeat to retain the title. While a solid and technically sound match, it struggled to fully connect with portions of the crowd who were still buzzing from the earlier angle and have grown deeply invested in long-term local storylines over visiting challengers. In many ways, VPW’s curse is also its blessing — big star imports need not apply.
Vietnamania ultimately served as a fitting conclusion to both 2025 and the first decade of Vietnam Pro Wrestling. Leaving the arena, the promotion felt stronger than ever, with a clear core of main event-calibre local talent ready to anchor the next chapter, while emerging names continue to develop and trusted international guests like Miles and Butcherman add variety. All signs point toward an even bigger 2026.
“The crowd erupted when Hy Draco made his long-awaited return from a leg injury, drawing a thunderous ovation”
“Bobby was overwhelmed, battered with steel trays, and ultimately put through another table via a double powerbomb in the ring.”
“The match was grounded, technical, and reminiscent of a famous brother vs brother clash from 1994”
Friday, November 28th 2025 will be a night that Singapore wrestling fans will never forget. A wild ending and a solid night of action was capped off by a shock ending where the answer to the question, What is Naito doing post NJPW? Was well and truly answered.
Singapore Pro Wrestling usually get a good house for their 6 to 7 Foo Chow Building Events but this was the first one in a while to sell-out way in advance. Being the anniversary show helped and not knocking the amazing talent of the promotion, the announcement that recent free agents Bushi and Tetsuya Naito would be wrestling on the show caused ticket sales to surge massively.
The show started with Dr Gore continuing his dismantling of The Legion of Total Anarchy by beating Bryson Blade this time. That makes him 2-0 with the group in singles. The end results surely has to be a 1 on 1 match with Singapore Champion CK Vin.
Massively popular Jack N’ Cheese then defended their tag team titles in a three team contest next where they defeated Mighty Jackson and The Legion of Total Anarchy’s Kentona & Riky Malek to retain the SPW Southeast Asia Tag Team Championship after CBK hit an off the shoulder splash onto Riky Malek. It wasn’t a good night for most of the LTA.
“The announcement that recent free agents Bushi and Tetsuya Naito would be wrestling on the show caused ticket sales to surge massively. ”
The Legion boys finally got a win as CK Vin defeated Emman, Terrance Choong and Tok Bomoh Mekong in a four-way match. This was supposed to be a five-way but Destroyer Dharma wasn’t cleared on the night. Speaking of Tok Bomoh Mekong, the former Sayn seems to be going hard with this character but is also doing some “it’s not me” type work online.
One of the best mid-card matches of the night was next when Ryan Shen retained the Hardcore Title against Mason after a splash from the ladder in another solid outing from the man quickly leaving his referee career in the dust (off the tables mostly).
Next up Bushi pinned Aiden Rex after an extremely complicated pinning maneuver in what was a very dynamic but slightly disappointing match with it only going around 8 to 10 minutes. Technically sound, it only disappointed fans as they expected to get something more akin to a 20 minutes Puroresu classic.
The women’s main event was the second to last match on the card where Viva Van and Alexis Lee went to a double count out in an unusual ending that did confuse fans as the heat and brawls were hitting a high point.
Prior to that match, Xavier Patricks from Vietnam Pro Wrestling was on hand to do the introductions. As beloved as he is in Vietnam, he does seem to know how to rub fans in other promotions the wrong way very easily. This of course caused a lot of support for Alexis and heat for Viva.
In the main event Tetsuya Naito managed to pin Da Butcherman in a three way with The Statement Andreuw Tang to become the new Singapore Pro Wrestling Southeast Asia Champion. The match was very much a heavyweight affair. The ending was an absolute shocker, Butcherman hit the meathead suplex on The Statement and went coast to coast but Naito came in, hit a jumping DDT on the Statement and Destino on Butcher to dethrone the champion. The fans ended the show in absolute shock.
At present only 2 matches are online as the promotion is still releasing footage from Hardcore Island but they have of course already uploaded the Los Tranquilo’s matches (at 36,000 views already it was a wise decision).. Based on the reports of people who were the show was a stellar night of action with a real electric feel in the venue to the proceedings that left the fans buzzing for more.
And more is what they will get with a promising 2026 ahead. The promotion has unique interest with their top title being sent on an excursion. There is a real women’s division forming with Karina, Selina and regular Poppy joining Alexis, the tag division built around Jack N’Cheese is hotter than ever and they have some fantastic up and coming talent, too many to name.
The question posed now is what happens next? Some sources have suggested Naito will return to Singapore on more than one occasion to defend and drop the title but with his recent appearances in NOAH plans may change. The idea of one of the biggest Japanese stars choosing to work on a semi-regular basis in Singapore would certainly turn some heads towards the SPW product but this remains to be seen.
On November 22nd, Grapplemax Unity was a big step for the Singapore promotion. Using the momentum, they’d built up in 2025, they finished up the year in one of the region's most famous wrestling venues by putting on a show that will be remembered for a long time.
Unity immediately stood apart from a standard Grapplemax presentation. A sparse set-up, using only the ring and the large fixed screen inside the Foo Chow Building, gave the show a noticeably darker tone. It felt less US indie and far closer to a Japanese-style presentation, stripping away excess and allowing the wrestling to take centre stage. The lack of entrance stairs, combined with a different filming approach, made the familiar venue feel surprisingly fresh. One thing was immediately apparent as well: just how big the Grapplemax ring is when it’s put in a familiar space.
The evening began quietly, with fans still filtering in, as Nish faced Tydus in a pre-show rematch from NWE Showcase 3. Their previous encounter had revealed a nastier edge to Tydus, and that side was again on full display. Tydus controlled the early stages through frustration tactics, darting away from Nish and striking opportunistically. He plays the role of a chicken heel extremely well, preferring to dismantle opponents piece by piece rather than engage directly. Nish eventually rallied the growing crowd and landed a skull crusher to secure his first-ever victory. While the “Nish Up” routine once felt overplayed, the audience response here suggested it has finally found its footing.
The first of two women’s matches followed, as Ships Ahoy’s Sarah Coldheart once again took on Radiant Rui. Remarkably, these two have been trading blows since 2022, even crossing paths on Stardom shows. Placing them on the pre-show proved to be a smart decision, pulling attention away from the bar and into the seats. Sarah’s entrance without Xtian raised eyebrows, especially given his later involvement on the card, hinting at ongoing tension. After failing to win over the crowd during an informal approval contest, Sarah launched a sneak attack, but Rui was more than ready for her tricks. Coldheart slowed the match down with eye rakes and underhanded tactics, but Rui’s colourful babyface comeback, highlighted by a powerful body slam and shoulder barges, reignited the crowd. Sarah attempted to wrestle clean late on, a rare choice that cost her dearly as Rui countered the harpoon spear and hit an STO for the win. Post-match, Xtian appeared only briefly, shaking his head before walking away, adding another layer of intrigue.
The main card opened with a generational six-man tag pitting Big Dave and LFG against Endboss GREGORY, Kelvin Lang, and Xtian. With founders, current roster pillars, and an emerging youngster all represented, this bout served as a snapshot of Grapplemax’s past, present, and future. KAL immediately denied Dave a respectful handshake, setting the tone for a sports entertainment-heavy opening. The veterans played their roles perfectly, focusing on crowd engagement rather than exhausting the audience too early. Commentary did an excellent job highlighting the shared training lineage among the competitors. After some slick exchanges from LK and Xtian, Dave’s cartwheel popped the crowd before Kelvin and Dave escalated things with crisp aerial work and stiff chops. Xtian shone during the closing stretch, but the Endboss’s hot tag brought the house down, clearing the ring to chants of “Grapplemax.” A Brainbustah from Dave to GREGORY sealed the win. Post-match chaos
followed, with LFG attempting to ambush the Endboss, only for Dave to intervene before abruptly walking away himself.
International competition took centre stage next as Divya faced Japan’s Marika Kobashi, who was midway through an Asian tour. Despite initial unfamiliarity from the crowd, Kobashi won them over quickly. Rather than a typical joshi showcase, the match leaned heavily into strong style, with both women trading stiff slams. It was refreshing to see Divya on the defensive, battling an aggressor rather than controlling a smaller opponent. She mounted a determined comeback after enduring a vicious chokehold, but Kobashi stunned the Foo Chow Building with an off-the-top dive to the floor. That momentum proved decisive, stopping Divya’s spear attempt and earning Kobashi the three count. Of her Southeast Asian appearances, this was easily Kobashi’s strongest, and a testament to the steady improvement of Grapplemax’s most experienced female competitor.
Comedy arrived in the form of a “Thunderwear” match, as veteran D returned to face Jinn Kai over brand representation rights. With Thunderwear founder Luigi acting as special referee, absurdity was guaranteed. The bout took its expected turn once both men stripped down to their sponsored attire, delivering light-hearted mid-card fun filled with wedgies and visual gags. On a longer-than-usual card, the humour was well placed. D ultimately scored the win with a Pedigree, but the chaos wasn’t over. Jinn Kai attempted a low blow post-match, only for Luigi to intervene with a well-timed strike using the Thunderwear hold all.
The most high-profile international contest of the night saw Heaven & Earth challenge ICW Tag Team Champions Arcade Violence. The Scots wasted no time in establishing themselves as villains, cutting a promo that drew immediate heat. Simon Siah’s blunt demand of “don’t talk, just fight” set the crowd firmly on his side. A technical opening between Lahrvin Deshadow and Jake Lawless gave way to brute force when the colossus Brody Turnbull entered. Siah was quickly overwhelmed, but a well-timed superkick created the opening for Deshadow’s hot tag. What followed was a thrilling stretch of double-team offence and aerial attacks that had fans believing an upset was possible. The champions, however, reasserted control during the middle portion, dismantling both challengers with methodical precision. Heaven & Earth repeatedly fought back, with Deshadow escaping a Doomsday Device to a massive reaction. Total Elimination nearly sealed it, but interference from Lawless saved the titles. A crucifix bomb flattened Deshadow, and despite Siah’s valiant resistance, he eventually fell to the Blue Shell. Arcade Violence elevated their opponents in defeat, making this a strong contender for match of the night.
The Rising Championship was on the line next in a heated triple threat, as Scumdawg Sage Matthews challenged Ban Sachak and defending champion Jullian Creed. The match stemmed from unresolved tensions, including Sage previously pinning Ban and costing him a singles title opportunity at Wrestle Pagar. Creed made his presence known early, refusing to be sidelined in his own title defence. The action spilled in and out of the ring, with temporary alliances forming and dissolving quickly. A countered Naga Slam briefly halted the two-on-one assault, but chaos soon resumed. High-impact moments came thick and fast, including a suicide dive from Sachak and a devastating senton off the stage from Matthews that wiped out both opponents. With Creed momentarily neutralised, Sage and Ban focused on settling their rivalry, only for a collision to give Sachak the opening he needed. One final Naga Slam secured Ban the Rising Championship. While crowd energy dipped slightly following the previous tag match, the title change felt timely and deserved.
Tag team gold was again in focus as newly turned DEGEN:Z faced two-time champions Aussie Aussie Aussie. Devin Zemir and Nathan X drew some of the loudest boos of the night, second only to Openweight Champion Hotshot. Their betrayal has clearly struck a nerve with the Grapplemax faithful. The challengers wasted no time, attacking before the champions could enjoy their entrance. Nathan X looked especially vicious, manhandling Shawn Phang and even intimidating referee Nish. Zemir embraced a smug bully persona, using underhanded tactics to isolate his opponent. DEGEN:Z executed a textbook cut-the-ring-in-half strategy, drawing heavy heat, particularly during corner assaults punctuated by mocking gestures. A hot tag to YC briefly shifted momentum, but interference and power from Nathaniel halted any sustained comeback. The shocking finish saw Phang taped to the corner, leaving Pinball alone. A modified Hart Attack, dubbed the Thumby Bustah, crowned new Grapplemax Tag Team Champions. DEGEN:Z emerged as fully formed antagonists: irritating, dangerous, and impossible to ignore.
The main event carried immen'se emotional weight. Long-reigning Openweight Champion Hotshot Wilson defended against SPD,a wrestler who has clawed his way back from the bottom since 2022 to earn the unwavering support of fans and peers alike. While Grapplemax’s video packages are consistently strong, this one stood out as exceptional, perfectly framing the stakes. SPD’s entrance, complete with a drum group leading into “The Black Parade,” transformed the Foo Chow Building into a wall of sound, with fans singing and chanting his name. Hotshot’s contrasting entrance, flanked by allies and dripping in gold, drew a chorus of boos.
The bell ignited the crowd as both men tested each other. A stunner attempt sent Hotshot retreating into the audience, buying time before reasserting control through technical precision. SPD responded with speed and forearms, but Hotshot repeatedly cut him off, clearly having studied his challenger closely. As the match wore on, frustration mounted among the fans as SPD struggled to break through. A fiery comeback, highlighted by his signature leg drop, nearly turned the tide, but Hotshot weathered the storm.
A near-fall following a Killshot shifted the psychological balance, with Hotshot now unable to finish the job. Chaos erupted when a referee bump halted SPD’s momentum, opening the door for DEGEN:Z to interfere. Endboss GREGORY attempted to restore order but was quickly overwhelmed until Big Dave arrived to even the odds, reuniting GST in a powerful moment that drew massive chants. Amid the disorder, Hotshot struck SPD with the belt, but the challenger kicked out at 2.99. In the final moments, after frantic roll-ups, SPD landed the decisive stunner to claim the Openweight Championship and send the Foo Chow Building into pandemonium.
Rarely does a main event deliver so completely. This was a perfect closing chapter, rewarding long-term storytelling and fan investment. Unity, despite its length, never truly lost the crowd. Even with a slight mid-show lull, the audience remained engaged throughout. Not a single match dipped below “very good,” and Grapplemax closed out 2025 stronger than it began. With new champions crowned, rivalries ignited, and a reunited GST looming, anticipation for the 2026 season is already running high.
THE FIRST ANNUAL
SEA WRESTLING AWARDS
If you keep an eagle eye on our socials, you might have noticed a few mentions that we were not planning on running year-end awards. As is often the case in wrestling, cards are subject to change — and plans change too. With that in mind, here are the SEA Wrestling Awards 2026.
The change came following encouragement from several members of the community, alongside the realisation that I did not need to select every winner myself. Selecting winners as a near one-man band had begun to feel slightly overbearing.
Instead, SEA Wrestling reached out to a group of trusted fans across Southeast Asia to form a nomination panel for the region. For 2026, awards are presented on a regional basis rather than selecting overall winners from across the increasingly deep rosters.
While subjective by nature, the core considerations were match quality, presence, travel, and how wrestlers represented both their country and Southeast Asia internationally.
Where possible, priority was also given to moments that directly involved Southeast Asian talent.
Singapore
A close vote, but the new Grapplemax Openweight Champion takes the award thanks to consistent storytelling across feuds with Crypto Bro LK, Big Dave, and Hotshot. Standout performances include his best match of the year against LK at Fightclub 5 and his leadership role during Grapplemax’s brief but memorable summer feud with FPW. Now firmly positioned as the top name in Grapplemax, attention turns to how SPD carries the role into 2026, including a rumoured match with SPW’s Da Butcherman.
Female Wrestler of the Year - Alexis Lee
Male Wrestler of the Year - SPD
From the conclusion of a strong feud with Yuki Kamifuku to extensive travel across Asia, Alexis “Friggin” Lee was one of the most talked-about wrestlers in the region during 2026. Her distinctive presentation and effective in-ring style connected with audiences across Thailand, Japan, Korea, and China, alongside matches against visiting talent such as Lacey Lane and Viva Van. As the reigning Queen of Asia, Lee stands clearly at the top of the regional women’s scene.
Match of the Year: Da Butcherman vs. Carlo Cannon
A unanimous choice. The high-stakes clash between the SPW SEA Champion and the MYPW World Champion was not their first meeting, but it felt particularly significant. Both men pushed each other to the limit in a physical encounter that left a lasting impression on the Foo Chow Building crowd.
Moment of the Year: Hotshot Turns on Endboss GREGORY
Hotshot’s shocking attack on Grapplemax founder Greg Ho (Endboss GREGORY closed a night that had otherwise felt celebratory for the promotion. The betrayal was not a throwaway angle, but the beginning of a longer story arc that tied together past and present rivalries throughout the remainder of 2025.
Rookie of the Year: Devan Zemir
Debuting in July 2024, Devan qualifies narrowly for this award and made the most of his eligibility. Over the year he progressed from NWE rookie to contending with veterans, challenging for championships, graduating, and becoming one half of the Grapplemax Tag Team Champions. International experience in Australia further rounded out a formiddable year. Popularity aside, his talent is clear.
Malaysia presented strong competition, but Miles Karu emerged ahead in the nominations. Competing across five promotions in four countries, Karu established himself as a bona fide regional attraction. His heel partnerships with Wonderboy and Da Butcherman, combined with memorable entrances and consistently engaging matches, made him stand out. Now a regular presence in both MYPW and VPW, 2026 looks set to be another major year.
Female Wrestler of the Year: Nor “Phoenix” Diana
Male Wrestler of the Year: Miles Karu
2025 proved to be a defining year for Diana. Appearances in Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling and tours with TJPW brought wider attention, which escalated following APAC’s Slam Fest 25. There, she defeated Zayda Steel to become the number one contender for the WWE ID Championship. Further momentum followed with a main-event match against Mercedes Moné at House of Glory. Away from the ring, Diana contributed in a journalistic role during WWE’s Australian tour and participated in Bayley’s Lodestone Camp. With international interest at an all-time high, her future likely lies well beyond Southeast Asian shores.
Match of the Year: Sean Legacy vs. Alfa Nazri
This fast-paced, non-stop contest at Slam Fest 25 gained international attention. The high-octane encounter elevated both competitors, particularly Nazri, whose performance helped establish his name on a broader regional stage.
Moment of the Year: Raj Deshi and Shaukat Face-Off
Slam Fest played a key role in showcasing Malaysian wrestling internationally, and no moment captured that better than the face-off between Shaukat and former WWE Champion Raj Deshi (Jinder Mahal). The tension created by their initial confrontation set the tone for a main event that remains widely remembered.
Rookies of the Year: LOVE X FRDM
Debuting late in 2024, Fienic Rose and Syawal quickly built momentum through glamorous presentation, charisma, and steadily evolving in-ring work. Now regulars in MYPW and Grapplemax, their highlight came with a brief reign as SETUP Tag Team Champions at Paranoid. With multiple established teams across the region, 2026 presents plenty of opportunity.
Malaysia
Malaysia presented strong competition, but Miles Karu emerged ahead in the nominations. Competing across five promotions in four countries, Karu established himself as a bona fide regional attraction. His heel partnerships with Wonderboy and Da Butcherman, combined with memorable entrances and consistently engaging matches, made him stand out. Now a regular presence in both MYPW and VPW, 2026 looks set to be another major year.
Female Wrestler of the Year: Matcha
Male Wrestler of the Year: Jonathan Johnson
Despite Thailand’s limited women’s roster, Matcha proved herself a global-calibre performer. As SETUP Women’s Champion, she demonstrated versatility through comedy, aggression, and serious in-ring work against a wide range of opponents. Well-supported by fans and peers alike, future international ventures — particularly into the Philippines — feel like a natural next step.
Match of the Year: Jonathan Johnson vs. Shivam vs. Carlo Cannon
This three-way match delivered chaos and intensity, igniting the Circus Studio crowd. While Shivam once again left with championship gold, the match itself stood out as one of the most memorable contests of the year.
Moment of the Year: The Formation of Real Global Threat
No single angle better reflected the direction of Southeast Asian wrestling than the formation of Real Global Threat. Beginning with Shivam and The Statement, the group expanded through a series of impactful additions and now holds multiple championships across the region. The story remains ongoing.
Rookie of the Year: Kru Pol
Eligible through his 2024 debut, Kru Pol spent 2025 navigating shifting alliances and rivalries while establishing himself within SETUP’s mid-card. A run to the Uprising Series finals highlighted his progress, and his trajectory suggests long-term potential.
THAILAND
Jake De Leon’s 2025 was nothing short of outstanding. Early-year highlights included appearances in Singapore and high-profile tag matches, before international attention focused on his all-out war at Dakila alongside Zack Sabre Jr. His shocking alignment with Real Global Threat and subsequent matches across multiple promotions cemented his status as a regional leader. Now a triple champion, De Leon continues to build momentum as a rising global name.
Female Wrestler of the Year: Chelsea Marie
Male Wrestler of the Year: Jake De leon
Selecting a single winner from the Philippine women’s scene was difficult. Chelsea Marie edged ahead through a combination of strong matches with Joya, effective media presence, and a notable year-ending match against Monomoth in Bangkok.
Match of the Year: Main Maxx vs. Robin Sane – Puso Karera
Frequently cited by the panel, this match stood out for its atmosphere and emotional weight. While not the most technical contest of the year, the crowd investment and narrative tension elevated it significantly.
Moment of the Year: Rocco Nacino Defeats Thiago
Actor Rocco Nacino’s transition from Astig appearances to a competitive victory over Thiago at FPW Unfinished Business drew widespread online attention and introduced new audiences to Filipino pro wrestling.
Rookie of the Year: Legendarius The Great
Initially debuting as a manager in late 2024, Legendarius quickly transitioned into an effective in-ring heel. His performances throughout 2025, including appearances against Grapplemax talent and solid singles outings, showcased both confidence and adaptability. His use of social media to reinforce character work further strengthened his presentation.
PHILIPPINES
After more than a year as one of VPW’s most popular figures, Ares captured the VPW Vietnam Championship at Ultimate Collision. Throughout 2025, he delivered consistently strong performances against leading regional names while carrying himself as a true champion. His next step lies in further regional exposure.
Female Wrestler of the Year: Viva Van
Male Wrestler of the Year: Ares
While VPW’s women’s roster remains small, Viva Van’s impact was undeniable. Championship success in TJPW, NJPW Strong appearances, and high-profile interviews helped raise Vietnam’s profile internationally. Her main-event performance at VPW’s ten-year anniversary capped the year.
Match of the Year: The Rumble 2025
VPW enjoyed several standout matches across the year, but The Rumble stood apart. Combining debuts, returns, and storyline developments, the match delivered sustained emotional engagement and lasting consequences for the promotion.
Moment of the Year: Rocky Turns Heel
Rocky’s heel turn — featured on the cover of Issue 3 — reshaped VPW’s landscape. Aligning with The British Horror, the founder’s shift became a defining storyline for late 2025 and continues to drive interest moving forward.
Rookie of the Year: "Slugshot: Henry
Henry’s full debut came in 2025 as part of Guerrilla Games, where alignment with established names provided immediate credibility. Ongoing tension within his tag team points towards a likely character shift in the near future.
VIETNAM
Thanks to our judging contributors - Diego Panlilio @Diego_Prime, Glen @The Collect Layer,@Lioncitywrestlingcult, Akira Honda @akirasunlight for insight in choosing the winners
PUSO Alamat
November 30th
Puso Wrestling closed out its year with Alamat on November 30th, delivering its most anticipated and complete event of 2025. Built around three high-profile Pinoy Wrestler–only main events, the show drew a sell-out crowd eager to see long-running storylines conclude while hinting at major shifts heading into 2026.
The night opened with the “Relic” Rumble, an over-the-top battle royal featuring a wide range of local talent all chasing a future title opportunity. After a competitive and energetic opener, Ken Cifer emerged victorious, earning a guaranteed title shot set to take place sometime in 2026.
The main broadcast began with Hakai Mateo facing Alien Friend, accompanied by Super P. Mateo held the clear power advantage, but Alien Friend relied on timing and awareness. A distraction involving Super P and the infamous Waifyu photo allowed Alien Friend to land an enzuigiri and STO for the win. The unexplained absence of El Katipunero and Patricia Ligaia since Bakunawa remained notable.
Crystal and Joey Rosas then took on Barangay Bagsakan in a match designed to further establish Nigel San Jose and Isaiah Valencia’s increasingly vicious edge. The uncomfortable but deliberate finish saw Valencia pin Crystal following a corner kick from San Jose and a Michinoku Driver.
Ravena’s challenge against Sane followed, as Ravena looked to prove he belonged beyond the mid-card. After a fast-paced contest, Sane capitalized on a missed frog splash to secure victory, leading to Mr Sy berating and effectively firing Ravena from MSG.
Chelsea Marie and Joya settled their rivalry in a violent, weapons-heavy brawl that delivered the best women’s performance of the year. Chelsea ended the feud by forcing a submission with a chain-assisted leg lock.
Fabio Makisig’s “Loser Leaves Puso” match against Danny Zamora produced a shock result, with Zamora capitalising on a missed moonsault to secure the win and send Makisig out of the promotion.
Jomar versus Ho Ho Lun began unusually, with Lun loudly protesting liquid on the floor before the bell. The behaviour soon made sense, as his familiar heel persona resurfaced. Jomar was framed as the hometown defender, overcoming Lun’s experience in a solid technical match before winning with a decisive cradle piledriver.
The night closed with Jake De Leon defeating Main Maxx amid Hy/Op interference, silencing the Brawlpit before erupting in the final stretch. Alamat stands as Puso Wrestling’s best showing of 2025 and is available in full on their YouTube channel.
The Unheard Story of Wrestling in Thailand
Dedicated to the memory of Scott Conway – thanks for showing me a world outside the WWE.
There were a few attempts at getting professional wrestling going in Thailand before Pumy & SETUP originated from Gatoh Move all the way back in 2012. In fact, one of the earliest attempts was by a well-respected UK promoter that time has almost forgotten.
2025 was a monumental year for Thai professional wrestling, with SETUP running well-received, often livestreamed shows, partnering with TJPW and running their own show in Tokyo at the forefront. Behind this, PSE: Asia ran shows all over the country as well as Cambodia and China, while Top Dojo continued their ongoing mat shows. As a fan of Thai wrestling, you might think things started in 2012 with the first Gatoh Move show where Terry Diesel tagged with Emi Sakura in the main event, but you would be wrong. Thai wrestling’s origins come from far closer to home for SEA Wrestling’s editor than you might imagine.
The year was 2002. After attending a travel show of all places with my parents and walking out of the Bournemouth International Conference Centre, I noticed a small poster hung up, almost hidden from sight, as if embarrassed of what it was promoting. On it turned out to be the words WRESTLING. Screaming at my mum’s event at 16, I begged to be allowed to go and she relented, taking me for a night of wrestling action in a few weeks’ time, watching the now defunct “The Wrestling Alliance”. While the show’s impressive card is noteworthy, having hosted former WCW/WWE wrestler Dave Taylor, former TNA X Division Champion Doug Williams, and current NXT trainer Robbie Brookside, the key name in this story is one Mr Scott Conway, owner and promoter of TWA.
Scott was a pleasant wrestling promoter, known for his smiles, warmth and jokes with wrestlers and fans alike. At the BIC he would often help us have conversations with the wrestlers, as long as we were respectful. For a time, my live wrestling experience revolved around these shows, longing for the excitement they brought me and my friends on a quarterly basis. But it was in the spring of 2003 that Scott’s wife, Glenda, broke the news to us while trying to sell raffle tickets that this would be their last show. Scott had decided to do what I would do ten years later and leave the UK for the sunnier shores of Southeast Asia. His plan? Bring professional wrestling to Thailand.
After setting up home in the Land of Smiles, Scott went about securing venues and deals to make a positive first impression. Making contacts with a local businessman, a venue was found in Pattaya which could host the shows, and six British wrestlers were flown over, including recognisable names Jonny Storm, Charlie Rage and Greg Burridge, as well as former wrestlers Phil Lea, Dave Florida and Kenny King (not the former TNA star).
According to Phil Lea, things started well, with locals and tourists being interested in the regular shows which were being run on the extreme scale of three a night, almost every day. While local interest was soon piqued due to the nightly nature of the shows, it was believed this would attract a large number of visiting Japanese tourists willing to pay for tickets by the coach-load.
however, Lea takes note that when this didn’t happen, things between the businessman and Scott went sour after a month, leading to threats that caused the Thai Wrestling Federation roster to retreat to Bangkok for a week or two before they gave up. Scott did remain in Thailand and successfully ran a restaurant for around 20 years before returning to the UK. He had hoped to restart TWA, but unfortunately ill health got in the way, and he passed away in 2025.
While just a small part of the history of Southeast Asian wrestling, I feel it’s remarkable how far the impact of Scott Conway and The Wrestling Alliance has reached. His shows were vital in helping to train the first new generation of wrestlers in the UK, such as Doug Williams, Jonny Storm, Jody Fleisch and Alex Shane, and to give them the exposure and practice they needed to become big stars near and far. Those four names then helped to shape the British wrestling boom that came circa 2012–2018 and the far healthier industry you might see today.
SETUP Roundup
SETUP Thailand closed out 2025 with a run of shows that capped their busiest year to date by making a clear statement that the brand wants to be notable on a global stage. By the time the year ended, the promotion felt markedly different from where it began.
Almost immediately after the publication of the previous issue, SETUP travelled to Japan for A New Dawn at Tokyo Square. A sold-out crowd of 237 was vocal, engaged, and notably familiar with both wrestlers and storylines during the show. Combined with fan Q&A sessions and other fan-focused activities, the trip felt less like a novelty appearance and more like a promotion confidently exporting its identity.
In-ring, the show struck a careful balance between experimentation and clarity. Karuga versus Anot Alonso opened proceedings with an unsettling contrast of styles. Freed from his former pairing with P. Suachart, Alonso leaned further into a cocky, pretty-boy persona, gradually asserting more offence against Karuga’s aggressive, near-demonic presence. The match gave Alonso space to breathe, culminating in a spiraling slam that earned a great reaction and suggested his singles evolution is very much on track.
The Bangkok Deathmatch for the All Asia Women’s Championship followed, with Matcha defending against Ram Kaichow and Pom Harajuku. Rather than descending into outright brutality, the match leaned heavily into comedy—Pom’s obsession with Thai food, exaggerated “sleep” spots, pillows, surprise roll-ups, and playful chaos dominated early. When things escalated, trays, powder, and weapons entered the mix, ending with Matcha suplexing Pom to retain. The result was fun and memorable, though those expecting a more traditionally violent deathmatch may have left slightly puzzled.
Monomoth’s Openweight Championship defence against Daz Black and Shinno Hagane was short but effective, built around tight wrestling and a creative roll-up finish. Post-match, Hagane’s attack and Black’s save planted seeds for future tension.
Similarly, the SETUP Tag Team Championship match saw Team TJPW’s Toribam and Miyu Yamashita defeat Real Global Threat’s Jake De Leon and The Statement. While lively, the bout arguably short-changed RGT, who struggled to assert themselves before Toribam’s off-the-ropes moonsault sealed the titles’ unusual status as men’s belts held by a women’s team.
If any doubts that the show could be serious lingered, Shivam erased them next. His match with HARASHIMA was a hard-hitting, escalating war that stands as his best performance of the year. Starting deliberately, the match exploded into power exchanges and heavy strikes. The respect Shivam showed afterward spoke volumes—when SETUP’s top heel acknowledges a legend like HARASHIMA, it confirms the match delivered at the highest level.
The main event surpassed even that. El Phantasmo versus Jonathan Johnson for the IWA World Championship began respectfully, belts laid down, hands shaken. From there, the match evolved from crisp technical wrestling into a relentless sprint of counters, near-falls, and big moments. Johnson more than held his own against the veteran, and when ELP secured the win after reversing an AA into a top-rope splash, the crowd responded accordingly.
SETUP returned home just weeks later for A Hard Day’s Night at Circus Studio Bangkok. The show built patiently, opening with Alonso versus Nick Nolan in a functional, grounded bout that reflected Alonso’s gradual shift toward a more earnest babyface role. The following three-way leaned into chaos and comedy, with Thanomasak Toba’s entrance music setting the tone and Suachart stealing a roll-up win in crowd-pleasing fashion while the cocky Wonderboy attracted the most boos.
The six-man tag that followed showcased improving depth. Blick Drewz, Kevin Weng, and Kru Pol worked effectively against Naga Nai and the Kappa World Order, with Pol’s hot tag injecting real urgency. The babyfaces ultimately took control, with Pol hitting a frog splash and Weng scoring the pin. The uneasy chemistry between the winning team remains, but it’s slowly becoming an endearing trait rather than a flaw.
Monomoth’s Openweight Championship triple threat against Dr. Gore and Kouki positioned him as a resilient, almost reluctant babyface, surviving double submissions and outside interference before pinning Kouki with a sudden reversal. Despite limitations the match was entertaining. Matcha’s All Asia Women’s Championship defence against Marika Kobashi was smooth and technically sound, though brief while the IWA World Championship triple threat closed the show in emphatic fashion. Jonathan Johnson, Shivam, and Carlo Cannon brought contrasting styles into a chaotic, physical contest, with Shivam ultimately emerging victorious and declaring himself not the first, but the best, IWA World Champion.
The year concluded with SETUP joining forces with Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling for their second Southeast Asian collaboration. With both shows selling out, Shivam’s promise to referee all day proved prophetic. While the SETUP afternoon show remains unreleased, key moments—including Anot Alonso defeating P. Suachart and Monomoth retaining against Chelsea Marie—helped tidy lingering threads.
The evening belonged to TJPW, with a stacked card featuring Yuki Kamifuku, Arisu Endo, Suzume, Shoko Nakajima, Miyu Yamashita, and Miu Watanabe. Matcha’s challenge for the Princess of Princess Championship ultimately fell short, but by night’s end, she emerged as one of the weekend’s biggest winners, firmly established as a credible global competitor.
Taken together, these shows demonstrate why 2025 stands as a defining year for SETUP Thailand. Launching one of Asia’s most compelling storylines earlier in the year, selling out in Japan, strengthening mid-card narratives and international partnerships, the promotion ended the season with momentum firmly on its side. Perhaps most encouraging is how many threads remain open suggesting that when SETUP returns in 2026, they will do so with confidence, clarity, and unfinished business.
The Black Rooster & The Fallen Pillars of Pinoy Wrestling
Pinoy Wrestling might have run more shows that it has in years during 2025, however it appears the foundations have been well and truly shaken by a series of careers ending and an unrelenting conqueror taking advantage.
Last May’s Dakila feels a very, very long way in the past at this point. A show where two of the pillars of Pinoy Wrestling, Jake De Leon and Fabio Makisig, faced off with their international partners (Zack Sabre Jr. and El Phantasmo respectively) in a battle that received worldwide acclaim. Further down the card, Puso Champion Main Maxx overcame the odds to defeat the dangerous Shivam and wily Miles Karu in an international triple threat to retain his title. Then there was the unforgettable underground-style clash between Robin Sane and St. John Martin. The Pinoy scene was on top of the world, with those that carried it now on iPPV through TrillerTV and beginning to get the recognition they had long sought after.
however, less than a month later things wouldn’t seem as rosy. By June, the heart of Pinoy Wrestling Jake De Leon had joined international heel group Real Global Threat and promised to leave Pinoy wrestling, wreaking as much havoc as possible in the process. St John Martin was the next heartbreak when he announced his retirement Peks Man weekend. Then at Puso Alamat, a burnt out Main Maxx announced that 2026 would be his final year in wrestling even before he lost the championship to JDL. On the same show, The Ace Fabio Makisig, a long standing representative of the Pinoy style lost a Pinoy Wrestling match to Danny Zamora and confirmed he won’t be seen for some time. Leaving a statement online the decade plus veteran has clearly stated he needs a break. Luckily this break seems to have been cut short with a recent DEXCON Announcement.
With the top of the card being somewhat stripped of veterans, this left Jake De Leon and his new local Hy/Op crew of Nigel San Jose and Isaiah Valencia open to wreak havoc against the rest of the roster. Already aggressive and dangerous, the team previously known as Barangay Bagsakan have donned masks akin to De Leon’s Rooster (Valencia a Lion and San Jose a Pig) while De Leon’s mask is now that of a black Rooster.
The group has already shown themselves to be bullies and use the numbers game to take advantage of a desperate situation where the most experienced competitors are leaving or at least losing steam. So with the all the gold around the HY/OP leader’s waist, the questions begs, who can offer up an appropriate challenge to balance the scales of Pinoy wrestling justice.
The next challenger to DEXCON’s world championship is outsider, former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Brian Kendricks, a formidable opponent who may well take the newly minted strap back to the US. however, doing this doesn’t solve the critical issue of a group intent on wrecking the Pinoy scene.
Next in line for a title shot at the Puso belt is longstanding midcarder Ken Cifer after winning the relic rumble and getting an international win against Sage Matthews. Untested in main events, Cifer has never faced De Leon 1 on 1 and that may give him the edge needed to step ahead of the pack a realign Pinoy wrestling.
Our final suggestion is the remaining pillar from the origins of modern Pinoy Wrestling Robin Sane. The lightning quick veteran was tested more this year than many gone by and while often on the losing end more than held his own against the likes of Chris Brookes and Carlo Cannon. He undercard matches such as the previously mentioned battle with SJM and the Mooneater match have also been highlighted. No match however proved that the 35 year old still has what it takes to lead Pinoy wrestling than his battle with Main Maxx at Karera. The dramatic battle saw Sane come within split seconds of winning the title and if not for his own self doubt he may be holding onto that beautiful white leather right now. Interestingly enough, according to records on Cagematch Jake De Leon and Robin Sane have never had a singles match meaning if a confident inspired Sane, the one who used to travel the region and dazzle fans much like the current champion does can regain his full confidence then JDL may have met his match.
Whatever happens, unless someone steps up, Pinoy wrestling is heading into dark times under the rule of triple champion Jake De Leon, HY/OP and Real Global Threat. We’ll have to wait to see what 2026 brings.
Editor
Simon worden
photo credits
In Issue 7
CONTRIBUTORS
Aurelien Foucault IG: wrestlographer (All VPW Content)
watwatem/HanzelBee - dexcon/Puso/WUW
najywan & sgwrestlingsoC - Grapplemax
Grapplemax, spw, setup thailand, dxcn wrestling, fpw, mypw, Ring of Rebirth.
Keep Em’ separated Emmadkat Productions.
House of Glory wrestling
to have a photo credit added please email contact@seawrestling.net
Elias chang - The fallen rooster & The pillars of pinoy wrestling
Phil Lea - Thailand’s Genesis information
Alex Hickling - Wrestlestreams
published 1st february 2026
Press Time - January 10th 2026
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