Wikipedia

Andruew Tang

Andruew Tang You Liang (born 28 February 1989) is a Singaporean professional wrestler. He is the co-founder and head coach of Singapore Pro Wrestling, where he also performs as a wrestler under the ring name "The Statement" Andruew Tang.[2] He is the first Singaporean professional wrestler and the current SPW Southeast Asian Champion. Tang is a record five-time SPW SEA Champion and is also the championship's longest reigning with a record of 862 days in his fourth reign.[3] Tang frequents the Japanese wrestling scene, and has primarily performed for Gatoh Move Pro Wrestling while also appearing on multiple promotions including NJPW, Dragon Gate and Gleat.[4]

Andruew Tang
Andruew Tang in July 2017
Born
Andruew Tang You Liang

(1989-02-28) 28 February 1989 (age 35)
Singapore
Occupations
  • Professional wrestler
  • Professional wrestling promoter
  • Professional wrestling coach
Ring name(s)"The Statement" Andruew Tang

Andruew Tang

The Statement
Billed height5 ft 4 in (162 cm) [1]
Billed weight165 lb (75 kg) [1]
Billed fromSingapore

Early life

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Tang was born in Singapore on 28 February 1989.[5] At the age of 12, Tang watched pro wrestling for the first time and fell in love with it.[6] Tang would decide that he wanted to become a professional wrestler, however he struggled as professional wrestling was nonexistent in Singapore.[7] Tang would serve in the Singapore Armed Forces, where he would be selected for Officer Cadet School.[8]

Professional wrestling career

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Singapore Pro Wrestling

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Early career and Onslaught (2012–2015)

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In 2011, Tang, an aspiring professional wrestler, attended a talk by Vadim Koryagin, a Russian businessman and owner of Independent Wrestling Federation (IWF), a Russia-based promotion.[9] Together the two would form the nation's first pro wrestling promotion, Singapore Pro Wrestling in February of 2012.[10][11] They would begin to train the first generation of Singaporean professional wrestlers, including Tang, who would become "The Statement" Andruew Tang, Singapore's first professional wrestler along with, Kaiser Trexxus, Alexis Lee, Dr. Gore and The Eurasian Dragon.[12][13]

Tang debuted on 4 October 2012, losing to Steve Ultra.[14] In 2014 Tang teamed with Trexxus forming a tag team known as Onslaught. The duo would win the inaugural SPW Tag Team Championship, defeating MK & Affi at SPW: Breakthrough.[15] Tang defeated Bitman in December of 2014, winning the AWGC Junior Heavyweight Championship. Onslaught would defend their title against Bit Man and Ho Ho Lun at SPW Prove 3. On 10 May 2015, Onslaught was forced to relinquish their tag team championships due to Trexxus's national service commitments.

Championship reigns (2015–2020)

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Tang was the inaugural SPW Southeast Asian Champion, after beating Arsenal Affi in a match in October. Tang would lose his AWGC title to Jason Lee in December. Tang would hold the title until March 2016, where he would lose to Masa Takanashi.[16][17] In May 2016, Tang would defeat CIMA and Takanashi to win back his title, becoming the first two-time SEA champion. Eventually, Tang would become the head coach of SPW, while Koryagin would focus more towards the business side.[citation needed] Onslaught would be joined by Destroyer Dharma, who become an ally of Tang.[18]

In 2017, tensions would rise with his tag team partner, Trexxus. The two faced each other in January, and Tang lost his SEA title to Trexxus at SPW Unchained In Changi.[19] Following this, Tang would begin teaming with only Dharma to represent Onslaught.[20] In October of 2017, Tang lost to then NXT UK Champion Pete Dunne in the main event. After the match, Dunne stated that he would return for a rematch[21] Tang defeated Rene Dupree at SPW Relentless.[22] Dunne returned to SPW in 2018 to face Tang, however appearing with Wolfgang and Mark Davis. The trio would be defeated by Andruew Tang, Kaiser Trexxus and Aiden Rex in a 3 on 3 match.[23]

In 2019, Tang was invited as one of three Singaporean wrestlers, alongside Kaiser Trexxus and Alexis Lee, to take part in a WWE tryout. Only Trexxus was selected after the tryouts.[24] In May, Tang would win the SEA title for the third time, defeating Lokomotiv, Jake De Leon and Trexxus, at SPW Atonement.[25][26] Tang would lose to T-Hawk in July.[27] Later that year he would take part in a 6-man tag team match alongside Trexxus, and Da Butcherman where they would face Cima, Shaolin Monk and world-renowned wrestler, Kenny Omega at SPW Klash of Kings.[28][29]

In November, Tang lost to Tajiri in a singles match.[30] Tang held the belt until eventually losing to Shaukat in January 2020, in a winner-take-all match where Shaukat's MYPW World-To-Regional Title was also on the line.[31]

Longest reigning SEA champion (2020-present)

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After Shaukat was forced to relinquish his title due to a concussion, Tang would win the title for a fourth time in February 2020, defeating JY Eagle, holding it ever since.[32][33] At SPW Prove: Alive & Kicking #1, Dharma would turn on Onslaught, teaming with Aiden Rex to defeat Tang and Trexxus.[34]

In May 2021, Tang defeated Kaiser Trexxus, retiring him from SPW, and Trexxus would later debut on WWE NXT under the ring name Dante Chen.[35][36][37] Later that month, Tang would become the longest reigning SEA champion of all time, beating Lokomotiv's record of 462 days.[38] In May of 2022, Tang would later lose the belt to Aiden Rex, at SPW: Homecoming, after a record-breaking 862 day reign.[39] In July, Tang unsuccessfully attempted to win the G-Rex Championship, losing to El Lindaman at SPW Battlefront.[40] In November of 2022, Tang competed at SPW X, the promotion's 10th anniversary, where he teamed with Mei Suruga, losing to Riho and Tajiri. On Day 2 of the event, Tang unsuccessfully attempted to reclaim his SEA title in a four-way match against Rex, Tajiri and Takanashi. In January of 2023, Tang defeated Shivam in Thailand to win the AWGC Junior Heavyweight Championship for the second time in his career.[41] In September of 2023, Tang became the first Singaporeans along with Aiden Rex, to be included in the PWI 500.[42] In November of 2023, Tang faced former WWE wrestler Samuray Del Sol in the main event of SPW Viva La Lucha.[43] In May of 2024, with aid from the Midnight Bastards, Tang defeated Aiden Rex to win the SPW SEA Championship for the fifth time in his career. Tang lost the title to Da Butcherman in November.[44]

New Japan Pro Wrestling (2015)

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Tang made his New Japan Pro Wrestling debut on 20 June 2015, where he defeated Michael Nakazawa, retaining his AWGC Junior Heavyweight Championship at Day 1 of NJPW Wrestling World in Singapore. He is the first and only Singaporean to wrestle for NJPW. [3][45]

Gatoh Move Pro Wrestling (2017–2019, 2022–present)

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Tang made his Gatoh Move Pro Wrestling debut on 13 February 2017 losing to EK Baki. Later that year, Tang would lose a 3-man tag match to Dick Togo, Juken and Masahiro Takanashi.[46] Tang returned to Gatoh Move in May of 2018, losing two tag matches, teaming with Nyc and Chon Shiryu.[47] In March of 2019, Tang would lose two more tag matches, teaming with Emi Sakura, Takanashi and Baki.[48] Due to Covid-19, Tang would be absent from Gatoh Move until November of 2022 when he made his ChocoPro debut on #287, teaming with Da Butcherman and Dr. Gore, however, losing to Shivam, Takanashi and Chris Brookes.[49][50] Tang returned on ChocoPro #304, teaming with Miya Yotsuba, losing to the duo of Takanashi and Mochi Natsumi.[51] On ChocoPro #307, Tang teamed with Shivam to defeat Takanashi and Baliyan Akki.[52] The team of Tang and Mei Suruga lost to Emi Sakura and Hagane Shinnou on #308, and on #309 Tang would compete in Emi Sakura's farewell royal rumble, losing.[53][54]

Japanese promotions (2019, 2023–present)

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Tang teamed with Kyu Mogami, losing a tag match in his Kaientai Dojo debut.[55] In early 2023, Tang wrestled two matches for Dragon Gate in their collaborative event with Ring of Rebirth, defeating Big Boss Shimizu and DJ Kal in separate singles matches.[56][57] In March of 2023, Tang left Singapore to train under Tajiri and wrestle in Japan.[58] He wrestled multiple matches for Kyushu Pro Wrestling, defeating Aiden Rex and Batten Blabla in a three-way match and teaming with Tajiri and Genkai to win a 3-man tag match.[59] On the 8th of April, Tang made his Michinoku Pro Wrestling debut, losing a 3-man tag match.[60] Later that month, Tang made his GLEAT debut, teaming with Quiet Storm but ultimately losing to Action Jackson and Hartley Jackson.[61] Tang returned to Kyushu in May, competing in various singles and tag matches.[62]

Acting career

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Tang has acted in various web series' including The Straits Times's Backend Show[63] and Viddsee's Scene City.[64] Tang made his cinema debut in Jack Neo's 2022 film, Ah Girls Go Army Again, as a martial arts instructor named Sergeant Hulk Tan.[65]

Personal life

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To make ends meet as he began to train as a pro wrestler, Tang had a full-time marketing position at Bishan GYMMBOXX.[66] Aside from wrestling, Tang also works as a trainer for F45 Training.[67]

Tang's dream wrestling match is against Rey Mysterio, but he also wishes to partake in a singles match against Kenny Omega.[15]

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In 2019, Tang was charged with four counts of cheating [68] and sentenced to two weeks of jail in September 2021, after being found guilty of leading banks, OCBC and Maybank, to believe that he was the ultimate beneficial owners of three various firms in order to open accounts for these firms, when in reality he was a resident nominee director, abetting his SPW co-founder, the true beneficial owner, Vadim Koryagin, who himself would be sentenced to four weeks in jail.[69][70][71] In April 2022, Tang and the others involved in the case appealed against their conviction and sentences, however, it was denied.[72] Two Singaporean women, Phee Sim Gek and Seet Mei Siah were also involved in the scheme and thereby jailed for five days in 2020.[73]

Filmography

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Film
Year Title Role Notes
2022 Ah Girls Go Army Again Sergeant Hulk Tan
Web
Year Title Role Notes
2019 The Backend Show Himself Episode: Is Pro Wrestling Fake?
2021 Scene City Himself Episode: Dainta

Championships and accomplishments

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References

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  2. ^ "Andruew Tang, the pro-wrestler who is promoting wrestling culture in Singapore". Condé Nast Traveller India. 25 January 2019. Retrieved 6 March 2022.
  3. ^ a b Kurt, Johansson. "Interview With Singapore's First Pro Wrestler and Founder of Singapore Pro Wrestling, Andruew Tang".
  4. ^ "CAGEMATCH » Wrestlers Database » Andruew Tang".
  5. ^ "We would like to wish SPW Southeast Asia Champion, SPW's own, "The Statement" Andruew Tang a very Happy Birthday! Send your wishes by leaving a comment... | By SPW | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  6. ^ Migration (23 July 2013). "48 Singaporean Seconds: Small stature, big dreams | The Straits Times". www.straitstimes.com. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  7. ^ Luis, Ernest (24 September 2018). "Money FM podcast: The Hot Seat - Andruew Tang, founder of Singapore Pro Wrestling | The Straits Times". www.straitstimes.com. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  8. ^ A career that I couldn't tell my parents!, retrieved 17 November 2022
  9. ^ "Independent Wrestling Federation - CAGEMATCH".
  10. ^ "WWE talent scout visits Singapore in search of next wrestling 'superstar'". Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  11. ^ "Origin Stories: Where tales of superhuman feats are created in the Singapore Professional Wrestling scene". Esquire SG. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  12. ^ Trexxus, retrieved 3 December 2022
  13. ^ "More Than A Job - The Statement: Singapore pro wrestler declares his bold ambition". sg.news.yahoo.com. Retrieved 6 March 2022.
  14. ^ "CAGEMATCH » Events Database » SPW Open Class".
  15. ^ a b c "Metropolitant's Fitspiration – Andruew Tang". Metropolitant. 21 February 2018. Retrieved 26 April 2022.
  16. ^ Masa Takanashi vs The Statement for the SPW Championship, retrieved 28 April 2022
  17. ^ "SPW WRESTLING CITY ASIA - CAGEMATCH".
  18. ^ Destroyer Dharma Pro-Wrestling Debut, retrieved 28 April 2022
  19. ^ Unchained in Changi Main Event for Southeast Asian Championship: Statement (c) v Trexxus, retrieved 28 April 2022
  20. ^ "Andruew Tang - Matches - CAGEMATCH".
  21. ^ WrestlingCity.asia Reload main event:Statement vs Pete Dunne, retrieved 28 April 2022
  22. ^ Renee Dupree v The Statement, retrieved 28 April 2022
  23. ^ The Main Event Of SPW Triple Thrill: SPW VS The World, retrieved 31 October 2022
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  28. ^ "SPW Klash of Kings Review". The Worked Shoot. 7 October 2019. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
  29. ^ FULL MATCH Kenny Omega CIMA Shaolin Monk VS The Statement Trexxus Butcherman | SPW Klash Of Kings, retrieved 26 April 2022
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  31. ^ "MYPW Wrestle Nation - CAGEMATCH".
  32. ^ "SPW No Guts No Glory Review (Part VII)". The Worked Shoot. 15 April 2020. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
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  35. ^ "SPW Prove: Alive and Kicking #5 - Match Card - CAGEMATCH".
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  37. ^ "Dante Chen". WWE. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
  38. ^ a b "Andruew Tang - Titles - CAGEMATCH".
  39. ^ SPW Southeast Asia Championship Bout Aiden Rex vs "The Statement" Andruew Tang(C) | SPW Homecoming, retrieved 9 August 2022
  40. ^ G-REX Title Match El Lindaman vs Andruew Tang, retrieved 25 April 2023
  41. ^ "CAGEMATCH » Events Database » SETUP Episode 11".
  42. ^ a b "Complete 2023 PWI 500 List Revealed, Top NJPW Star Absent – TJR Wrestling". tjrwrestling.net. 14 September 2023. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  43. ^ ChengCorrespondent, Ian (16 November 2023). "Singapore's pro wrestlers punch above their weight, more than a decade on". The Straits Times. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 18 May 2024. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  44. ^ Kick To The Gut! Wrestling Podcast (3 November 2024). WWE Crown Jewel Review | SPW Crowning Glory Preview with Da Butcherman. Retrieved 17 November 2024 – via YouTube.
  45. ^ "CAGEMATCH » Events Database » NJPW Wrestling World 2015 In Singapore - Tag 1".
  46. ^ "CAGEMATCH » Wrestlers Database » Andruew Tang » Matches » Gatoh Move Pro Wrestling » 2017".
  47. ^ "CAGEMATCH » Wrestlers Database » Andruew Tang » Matches » Gatoh Move Pro Wrestling » 2018".
  48. ^ "CAGEMATCH » Wrestlers Database » Andruew Tang » Matches » Gatoh Move Pro Wrestling » 2019".
  49. ^ ChocoProLIVE! 287 in Singapore- CDK & Shivam vs Horrores & Andruew Tang, 2023/1/21, retrieved 25 April 2023
  50. ^ gtmv (16 January 2023). "1/21（土）S17スタート！ChocoPro287はシンガポール大会をプレミア公開！シーバム＆CDKvsアンドリュー＆ホラーズ！メイvsアレクシス！". プロレスリング我闘雲舞 / Pro Wrestling Gatoh Move - ChocoPro (in Japanese). Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  51. ^ gtmv (8 April 2023). "ChocoPro304 試合結果 / Results - 2023/4/7（金）". プロレスリング我闘雲舞 / Pro Wrestling Gatoh Move - ChocoPro (in Japanese). Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  52. ^ gtmv (28 April 2023). "4/29（土）ChocoPro307は帯広13周年記念大会！帯＆KOJIOvs桐原＆アントン！メイ＆さくらvsチエ＆沙也加！高梨＆アッキvsシーバム＆アンドリュー！". プロレスリング我闘雲舞 / Pro Wrestling Gatoh Move - ChocoPro (in Japanese). Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  53. ^ ChocoProLIVE! 308- Emi&Hagane v Mei&Andruew! Choun&KOJIO v Chie&Akki! Shin v Shivam! , 2023/4/30, retrieved 30 April 2023
  54. ^ gtmv (28 April 2023). "5/1（月）ChocoPro309はさくらえみ送別ランブル！". プロレスリング我闘雲舞 / Pro Wrestling Gatoh Move - ChocoPro (in Japanese). Retrieved 8 May 2023.
  55. ^ "CAGEMATCH » Events Database » K-DOJO ChiBattle 27".
  56. ^ "DRAGONGATE HEADS TO SINGAPORE – PWI Pro Wrestling Illustrated". Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  57. ^ "Dragon Gate Results: Live In Singapore Day 2 – Ceylon Road, Singapore (3/11)". www.wrestling-news.net. 12 March 2023. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  58. ^ "Statement made: Tang wins the title – and targets more". Front Page Fight Sports. 2 February 2023. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  59. ^ "CAGEMATCH » Events Database » Kyushu Pro".
  60. ^ "CAGEMATCH » Events Database » Michinoku Pro Aozora Festa".
  61. ^ "CAGEMATCH » Events Database » GLEAT Black Generation International Produce ~ Puro Negro".
  62. ^ "CAGEMATCH » Events Database » Kyushu Pro Onojo Ba Genki Ni Suru Bai".
  63. ^ Is Pro Wrestling Fake? | The Backend Show | ST, retrieved 25 April 2023
  64. ^ Dainta by Tawfik Daud - Singapore Drama Short Film | Viddsee, retrieved 25 April 2023
  65. ^ "I had low expectations for 'Ah Girls Go Army Again', but the movie was better than I thought". mothership.sg. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  66. ^ "This pro-wrestler is igniting a wrestling culture in Singapore". GQ India. 20 May 2019. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
  67. ^ We spent a day with SG's First Pro-Wrestler (SPW COMEBACK) | Documentary, retrieved 30 April 2023
  68. ^ "Dishonest Doings Discovered". www.cpib.gov.sg. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
  69. ^ Auto, Hermes (13 December 2019). "Four Singaporeans and a Russian charged with cheating multiple banks | The Straits Times". www.straitstimes.com. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
  70. ^ Auto, Hermes (8 September 2021). "Jail for duo who cheated two banks by concealing foreign interests behind S'pore firms | The Straits Times". www.straitstimes.com. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
  71. ^ Auto, Hermes (30 December 2021). "Man charged with engaging in conspiracy to cheat three banks in Singapore | The Straits Times". www.straitstimes.com. Retrieved 26 April 2022.
  72. ^ "Appeal dismissed for duo who cheated Singapore banks by concealing firms' foreign ownership". www.singaporelawwatch.sg. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
  73. ^ Hao, Zhi (9 September 2021). "Singaporean Wrestler Sentenced to Jail After Cheating OCBC & Maybank S'pore". Goody Feed. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
  74. ^ "Andruew Tang: Profile & Match Listing - Internet Wrestling Database (IWD)". www.profightdb.com. Retrieved 6 March 2022.
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