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SPORTS

We Went to a Pro Wrestling Match in Beijing, But...

Why would people pay good money to watch scripted fights? Follow us as we dive deep into China’s rising pro wrestling scene.

    author Hayley Zhao
Hayley Zhao
July 31, 2025
截屏2025-07-28 下午3.27.03
Photo Credit: Jiayu Zhang
00:00
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Last year, a dim sum restaurant went viral in China—not for its food, but for the pro wrestling match taking place center stage. Diners were so captivated, they let their steaming lobster go cold.

While the flying elbows and body slams look brutal, it’s all part of a scripted performance, with the outcome decided in advance. So why are people still willing to pay good money to watch them? In the spirit of journalistic curiosity and our love for chaos, we went to check out the first-ever pro wrestling match in Beijing. Watch our latest mini-documentary to find out what the hype is all about.

Before the match began, we met up with some pro wrestlers. Honestly, they weren’t what we expected...in the best way!

TWOC’s editor Hayley Zhao in the first-ever pro wrestling match in Beijing
Pro wrestler Samuel Burgess, aka Big Sam, at a wrestling match in Beijing
TWOC’s editor Hayley Zhao in the first-ever pro wrestling match in Beijing
Pro wrestler Sunny Z
Pro wrestler Liu Xuanzheng, aka The Slam, holding his wrestling belt
First-ever pro wrestling match in Beijing
Pro wrestling commentator Xiaojiemen
Founder of Middle Kingdom Wrestling Adrian Gomez

However, pro wrestling remains a niche form of entertainment in China. Even after more than two decades of effort from dedicated performers, no league has reached the recognition level of WWE.

But that may be starting to change. Beijing recently hosted its first-ever pro wrestling match—a sold-out show packed with devoted fans, including a 92-year-old grandpa in a wheelchair!

Pro wrestling match in Beijing
TWOC’s editor Hayley Zhao in the first-ever pro wrestling match in Beijing
Pro wrestler The Slam and Ho Ho Lun
Pro wrestler The Slam
Pro wrestling enthusiasts
The 92-year-old pro wrestling fan
Pro wrestling enthusiast
A pro wrestling match in Beijing attracts international audiences

This was also TWOC’s first time attending a live pro wrestling event—and it turned out to be more entertaining than we expected, with over-the-top characters, dramatic storylines, and high-flying moves.

TWOC’s editor Hayley Zhao in the first-ever pro wrestling match in Beijing
Pro wrestler Wade Massen
Pro wrestler The Slam
Pro wrestler Big Sam in the match
Pro wrestler Wade Massen in the match
Pro wrestling match in Beijing
Pro wrestling match in Beijing
Pro wrestler Wang Tao

With each wrestler giving it their all in this once-in-a-decade showdown, who will have the last laugh? Find out in the video below!

Tags:
ENTERTAINMENT SOCIAL MEDIA SPORTS

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