KUALA LUMPUR: Despite the presence of former WWE Champion Raj Dhesi, it was Malaysia’s very own wrestlers who stole the show at SlamFest 25 yesterday (Aug 30).
Dhesi, better known by his nickname The Maharaja, praised Malaysian fighters for their performances against wrestlers from the United States, Australia, Japan and Singapore during the APAC Wrestling showcase.
Dhesi headlined the fight card with a clash against Ayez Shaukat Fonseka Mohd Farid, who is known as the godfather of Malaysian wrestling.
The latter scored a memorable victory.
“Malaysian talent really did shine today. If there is a Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, it is for them,” said Dhesi.
“They are still early in their careers but the future is bright for them. I am excited to see what is next for Malaysian pro wrestling.”
For Shaukat, the win was the culmination of over a decade of hard work.
“When I started, our first show barely drew 15 people. Now we have international wrestlers in the ring with Malaysians, scouts watching worldwide, and fans chanting all night,” he said.
The event, streamed internationally, was described by organisers as a turning point for Malaysian wrestling.
Among the highlights include The Retis Double K pinning the Global Nomad Jordan Oasis and Tarlee (Australia) emerging victorious in a four-way contest against Crystal, the Queen of Philippine Wrestling, rising star Kira Summer and Japanese veteran Mio Shirai.
Australian Mikey Broderick defeated The Sigma Beast Serigala while Alfa Nazri impressed despite losing to Sean Legacy.
The opening tag team gauntlet saw Australia’s Damian Slater and Marcius Pitt (TMDK) claim the SlamFest Tag Team Cup.
The night also featured Malaysia’s first professional wrestling ladder match which saw “Dreamkiller” Azroy successfully defending his APAC Championship against WWE ID Champion Cappuccino Jones.
Malaysian star Nor “Phoenix” Diana Khamaruzaman retained her APAC Women’s Championship with a win over American Zayda Steel.
With WWE ID star Kylie Rae as special guest referee, the victory also earned Phoenix the No. 1 contender spot for Rae’s WWE ID Women’s title.
Hijab-clad Diana said it was a breakthrough achievement.
“I just hope this inspires more girls to chase their dreams. Growing up, there weren’t any hijab-wearing wrestlers to look up to. Now, I can be that role model,” she said, holding back tears.
Dhesi said competing in Malaysia left its mark on him.
“In WWE, I was always shown as one character. Here, I can just have fun, hear the fans chant ‘Maharaja’ and give back to the sport I love,” he said.
“Malaysia has something special — a scene that can really grow if fans keep supporting it.”
Shaukat added that he is keen to keep growing the sport despite the challenges they face.
“The reality is we run shows out of our own pockets. Sponsors cover maybe five per cent of the costs. Just breaking even feels like a victory. For me, it’s about investing in the next generation,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
