SHOWBIZ BEAT MEDIA

Calling itself “the Philippines’ prime, flag-bearing Pinoy wrestling promotion”, its tenacity might actually pay off finally in 2023. The country’s sole weekly episodic sports entertainment program, available on Gank for just $10/month (Php540), held its first live show with an audience post-pandemic last December 11 at the PETA Theater Center.

Just 2 days ago, its Instagram account was updated to showcase the matches with had the highest engagement in 2022. The ‘Danny Zamora & Razael vs. Migs Valdez vs. Kanto “Kilabot” Terror’ match from MWF Noche Buena 2022 garnered 1.9 million views, followed closely by the ‘Crystal vs. Chelsea Marie’ fight from the same major event worth 1.5 million views.

Isaiah Valencia (formerly known as “White Shirt”) finally redeemed himself after having lost 8 times, and will finally debut in the next major event. In MWF, trainees who have not debuted yet are just referred to by the color of their shirts during a fight.

Tarek El-Tayech manages to steal the SETUP Thailand 24/7 Championsip, but was unprepared for MWF President Veronica Shannon’s sneak attack, resulting in her becoming the new champion. Yes, like the World Wrestling Federation, the management are so hands-on with the promotion, that they are not immune to a player’s tirades. This is what happened to MWF Commissioner Sonny Go, who was on the receiving end of “Godkiller” Dabid Ravena’s diss, which could have gone on longer if chief of security Main Maxx hadn’t intervened.

CJ Serafin managed to beat his idol Robin Sane, who seemed to have had a change of heart by the end of the match and apologizes to the former.

There are other significant happenings during MWF Noche Buena 2022 but I would not dwell on them. Rather, based on the audience turnout and the unwavering support MWF gets from its slow but sure buildup over the years, 2023 will be a year of more live major events, as well as possibly welcoming back those who have been with the show from the beginning, like Rex Lawin, who was at the latest event as an audience member.

Cross-gender as well as cross-cultural matches are something to look forward to, especially since the former has not been done by any major wrestling promotion that I know of. People might wince at first when a female gets suplexed by a male, but that is the essence of gender equality.

Most likely, there will be more kayfabe storylines involving the leaders of the federation, and a possible match-up between Veronica Shannon and an actual fighter for SETUP Thailand 24/7 Championship Belt.

Personally, I would like Robin Sane to go from heel to face again, and for there to be another transgender athlete in the roster.

The tapings of MWF Aksyonovela TV happen at Brawl Pit Bulusan located at Banawe, Quezon City, Philippines.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from Showbiz Beat Media