Draft:Pro Wrestling in South Africa

• Comment: Please do not write articles using AI chatbots. Qcne (talk) 14:46, 22 October 2024 (UTC)

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Pro Wrestling in South Africa

Pro wrestling, also known as wrestling, has become a niche sport in South Africa over the years. Although it hasn’t reached the same level of popularity as rugby or soccer, it has a dedicated following and a growing community of athletes and supporters. Pro wrestling combines athletic skills, performance art, and storytelling, known for its pre-planned matches that include dramatic intrigue and character development.

History of South African Pro Wrestling

Pro wrestling arrived in South Africa in the early 20th century, but it was only in the late 1990s and early 2000s that it began to gain popularity, influenced by international promotions such as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). This exposure led to a surge of local wrestling promotions developing their own talent.

South African Promotions

The South African pro wrestling scene consists of several independent promotions that have emerged over the decades. Some of the most notable promotions include:

• Africa Wrestling Alliance (AWA): One of the longest-standing wrestling promotions in the country, based in Cape Town. AWA has helped introduce local wrestlers to the world and has regularly hosted shows for fans.
• World Association of Wrestling - South Africa (WAW SA): Formerly known as World Wrestling Professionals (WWP), this promotion was known for its international TV broadcasts that introduced South African wrestling to a broader audience. WWP not only brought international stars to South Africa but also provided a platform for local talent to hone their skills. The promotion later rebranded to Champions Pro Wrestling (CPW) before becoming part of the World Association of Wrestling (WAW), a prominent British wrestling promotion. Today, it is known as WAW SA and continues to play an important role in the development of wrestling in the country.
• African Punishment Wrestling Association (APWA): APWA focuses on creating new storylines and promoting a fresh generation of wrestlers. It combines hard-hitting physical action with unique character development, making it an emerging force in local wrestling.
• Honour Wrestling Association (HWA): The most active wrestling promotion in South Africa, HWA regularly hosts shows at festivals and flea markets nationwide. HWA’s consistent presence in the community has made it one of the most visible promotions in South African wrestling.
• South African Pro Wrestling (SAPW): SAPW innovated the hardcore wrestling scene from the East Rand of Gauteng. It was previously owned by wrestler Gerrie Kuyper, known as The Jackal, but in 2022, Kuyper sold the promotion to Steve van Eeden (also known as "The Flying Springbok" Steve Eden), who is the owner of HWA.
• National Wrestling Federation (NWF): NWF is a relatively new promotion on the South African wrestling scene. It is owned by Jeat Sports, which acquired HWA and SAPW in late 2023. These three promotions (HWA, SAPW, and NWF) are now all under the Jeat Sports umbrella, creating a stronger infrastructure for local wrestling.
• New South African Wrestling (NSAW). Founded in 2024 by wrestler Matthew Hammar and his business partner Branden Loughton, NSAW takes a unique approach to wrestling. The promotion aims to move away from traditional wrestling norms and places a greater emphasis on the storytelling aspects of the sport. By focusing on extensive narratives and character development, NSAW creates a dynamic and entertaining experience for fans that relies not only on physical action but also on the emotional journeys of its wrestlers.

Local Stars and International Impact

South Africa has produced many talented wrestlers who have succeeded on an international level over the years. One of the most notable stars is Justin Gabriel (real name Paul Lloyd Jr.), who found success in WWE as a member of the Nexus faction. Gabriel has also participated in various other international promotions, paving the way for South African wrestlers to perform overseas.

Locally, wrestlers like Shaun Koen, Johnny Palazzio, and Angélico have made a lasting impact on the South African wrestling scene. Angélico, who began his career in South Africa, eventually found worldwide success in promotions like Lucha Underground and All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

The Future of Pro Wrestling in South Africa**

Pro wrestling in South Africa continues to grow, with increasing attention on independent promotions and the emergence of young talent. Local promotions are also increasingly adopting digital platforms and social media to promote their stars and reach fans. The rise in online content and collaborations with international promotions has helped build a larger fanbase and establish South African pro wrestling on the global stage.

Despite challenges such as limited funding and infrastructure, there is a passionate core of fans and professional wrestlers working hard to advance the sport.