Those of you interested in mixed martial arts may be familiar with big names like WWE, but did you know that the pro-wrestling scene is growing and expanding locally as well?
Efforts to build up this sport in Singapore can be mostly credited to Singapore Pro Wrestling (SPW), an independent promoter started by Andruew Tang and his Russian partner Vadim Koryagin.
Andruew Tang is a homegrown wrestling professional who started the organisation in 2012 in line with his budding career while Vadim Koryagin is an ex-professional who wanted to explore the possibilities of developing pro-wrestling culture in the Southeast Asian region.
Wrestling Matches
Shows take place at The Pavillion and one can choose from tickets ranging from Balcony ($35) to Ringside ($50).
SPW has a roster of about 15 performers and regularly performs to sold-out crowds of around 500 people. They have several series of matches such as SPW REpentless and SPW Triple Thrill Series.
During the matches, a local flavour is accorded to the overall atmosphere due to the usage of “Singlish” or Singapore-based chants to support wrestlers, such as “Referee kayu!”. Wrestlers also fight to retrieve an “hongbao” rather than the typical WWE flag.
Local Wrestlers
One may also be interested to know that SPW has several female pro-wrestlers as well! One prominent female wrestler would be Alexis Lee, who is reportedly Singapore’s first female professional in this area.
She had started off her career in this area after chancing upon WWE on television. In an old interview, she had highlighted that her parents had initially been disapproving but she had persisted in her efforts due to passion. You can watch one of her recent matches (against aspiring wrestler Jane Foo) here.
Other wrestlers under SPW include Kenneth Thexeira who is a professional writer by day. He aims to emulate Dwayne The Rock Johnson in his moves.
School
You can also sign up for courses under SPW, which are held at their base at Tannery Lane. Students from all walks of life train together, and the ages of students range from 17 – 37. Beginners will start with tricks like headstands and safe falls before moving on to the intermediate level.
SPW also offers trial classes for those seeking a taste of pro-wrestling!
For more information on SPW, visit their Facebook or Instagram page!
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