Exclusive provider of English-language coverage
Front Page Fight Sports is delighted to confirm an ongoing partnership with SETUP Thailand Pro Wrestling.
As Thailand’s leading pro wrestling promotion continues to grow in scope and recognition, with a loyal fanbase at home complementing the company’s increasing involvement with foreign brands, SETUP understands the next step is to provide regular English-language media coverage.
Front Page Fights Sports is proud to have been selected to create this content and is excited by the prospect of growing together with one of wrestling’s most vibrant young outfits.
How fans became stars and pioneers
SETUP’s roots were planted a decade ago when a group of young Thai wrestling fans decided they no longer wished to watch their sport from afar – they wanted to create a scene of their own at home.
After crafting a respected reputation across Asia by providing Thai commentary for Japanese promotions, Pumi Boonyatud linked up with veteran competitor Emi Sakura to co-found Gatoh Move. Sakura had wanted to broaden wrestling’s reach in Asia and saw Thailand as the ideal market. Convinced by Pumi’s enthusiasm, she saw him as the ideal man to head up the country’s first ever pro wrestling company.
Soon, a Gatoh Move gym opened in Bangkok, occupying a small shophouse unit which drew fans-turned-trainees such as Paksa, EK Baki (now Terry Diesel) and Blue Lotus (now Matcha), who went on to become the shining lights of Thai wrestling and who are competing at championship level today.
A series of Gatoh Move shows proved a critical success and then, in 2019, Pumi and Paksa decided to take a chance on turning this experience and network into their very own promotion. Thus SETUP was born, and hasn’t looked back since.
Thailand’s first championships, and a regular event schedule
Coronavirus-enforced pauses aside, SETUP has established the first regular wrestling event and episode schedule in Thailand.
SETUP promotions are staged, on average, every three to six weeks in front of a live audience and recorded for broadcast on YouTube shortly afterwards.
As well as top quality in-ring action, SETUP episodes also feature high production standards and enthusiastic, knowledgeable commentary.
Adding to the prestige of the brand, SETUP boasts a suite of championships – again, the first of their kind in Thailand.
The flagship title is the SETUP Openweight Championship, bolstered by the AWGC Jr. Heavyweight belt inherited from the Hong Kong Pro Wrestling Federation. There is also the quirky 24/7 Championship, and the ultra-violent Hardcore Championship introduced in partnership with WrestleSquare.
All signs point to SETUP continuing to grow in terms of size, ambition and critical acclaim.
About the deal
As the exclusive English-language media partner of SETUP Thailand Pro Wrestling, Front Page Fight Sports will provide pre- and post-event coverage and other features to complement its existing Thai-language content. We are excited to team up with this exciting young brand and hope to grow together.
LINKS
SETUP Thailand Pro Wrestling company profile page
SETUP Ep.6: King of Wrestling event page
SETUP Ep.7: Central Ayutthaya event page
SETUP Champion Terry Diesel athlete bio page
Terry Diesel beats Shivam and Andruew Tang to reclaim belt
Ex-champ or next champ? Terry Diesel guns for revenge at SETUP Ep.6
Farewell to Blue Lotus, Thailand’s first female pro wrestler
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