New Pinoy wrestling stars take center stage alongside bona fide wrestling legend TAJIRI
MANILA, Philippines – The Manila Wrestling Federation (MWF), the country’s rapidly growing athletic entertainment brand, held its most successful show MWF: Republika 2023 last Sunday, April 30. The sold-out crowd at the Power Mac Center Spotlight PMCS Blackbox in Circuit Makati were taken on a thrilling ride of athletic feats as well as explosively entertaining stories and colorful, larger-than-life characters.
The event was centered on the return of multi-time WWE Cruiserweight and Tag Team Champion, the “Japanese Buzzsaw” TAJIRI, who faced MWF’s resident religious zealot Bro. Jomar Liwanag in a breath-taking back-and-forth bout. A three-way showcasing international all-Pinoy talents – featuring “Mr. Philippine Wrestling” Jake De Leon, “The Queen of Philippine Wrestling” Crystal and Yappy from Ice Ribbon Japan also wowed the packed house, with Crystal surviving the gruelling match.
The MWF: Republika 2023 main event between Nigel “Suplex” San Jose and current champion Fabio Makisig for the MWF Pinoy Wrestling Championship proved that the MWF in-ring talent can hold their own in an event of international calibre. Makisig retained his championship before being attacked by former MWF champion Robin Sane, setting up another potential fiery encounter between the two.
New up-and-coming Pinoy wrestling stars also had breakout moments, as Ken Cifer was named the next contender for the coveted “Jeepney Belt” after a hard-hitting, brutal match against St. John Martin. MWF’s controversy-magnet Migs Valdez also had one of the night’s most entertaining segments, sharing the ring with Pinoy Wrestling pioneer Macho Franco. Main Maxx, MWF’s current chief of security, is in for a dilemma with the return of his former manager, Mr. Sy.
MWF: Republika’s stacked and solid match card featured MWF favorites including El Katipunero with Super P, Aaron Liwanag with Bro. Benny Soriano, CJ Serafin, Danny Zamora, Dabid Ravena, Isaiah Valencia and Pink Shirt, Chelsea Marie and MWF newcomer Joya. The event will later be uploaded in episodic form in MWF’s fan-exclusive channel on Gank.
MWF’s next event will be held on June 4, Sunday, at the Quezon Memorial Circle Events Place in Quezon City, titled “MWF Aksyonovela TV Special: Lights, Kamera, Aksyon!” For more details, visit www.manilawrestling.com.
