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Striving for Recognition

When Wang Tao made the bold decision to run away from home at the tender age of 17 to pursue his dream of becoming a professional wrestler, he knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges in China’s nascent wrestling scene. Despite the fervent passion for the sport within the country, the industry has struggled for years to gain the recognition and financial stability that it deserves.

Years of dedication, family disapproval, and countless side gigs have shaped Wang’s journey to becoming China’s very own “Belt and Road Champion.” However, his battle for recognition is far from over. The domestic market shows promising potential, but the Chinese pro wrestling community continues to face an uphill struggle in gaining the attention it deserves.

“I have done all kinds of jobs on the side because it is very difficult to earn enough money to sustain a living solely through wrestling,” Wang, now 23, shared with AFP. “I have never wavered in my dream, which is to showcase to the world that China has a thriving wrestling scene.”

A Painful Journey

Sport and entertainment converge in the world of professional wrestling, best known globally as an American spectacle epitomized by the powerhouse World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It is a blend of athletic prowess and theatrical performance, captivating audiences worldwide.

Hooked on the sport from a young age after watching the Hollywood film “The Wrestler,” Wang abandoned high school and ventured north to train alongside fellow Chinese athletes who shared his passion. Despite facing familial disapproval initially, his family has since come around, even though they still harbor hopes of him pursuing a more conventional career.

In the rugged terrains of southern China, Wang and his fellow wrestler Chen Wenbin engage in grueling training sessions, often slamming each other against bamboo cages and mud pits as curious onlookers observe. Wang shared that the conditions have significantly improved, albeit still rudimentary, compared to their previous training environments.

Striving for Success

On fight nights, Wang typically earns around 1,000 yuan (US$140) and supplements his income through livestreaming. In a nearby town, he and Chen have set up a wrestling ring in an unfinished factory where they broadcast their practice sessions, showcasing moves with names like Backbreaker and Facebuster.

While the fights are staged with choreographed moves and predetermined outcomes, the physical toll is real. Wang, donning a “No pain, no gain” vest, and Chen reminisced about the days when their earnings came from performing in establishments such as bars, where the unforgiving ground made injuries commonplace.

Driven by an unwavering passion for the industry, Wang and his peers continue to push forward despite the risks. “I love this industry so much that it doesn’t matter if I get hurt; I will persevere,” Wang affirmed.

A Glimmer of Hope

At a recent event organized by Middle Kingdom Wrestling (MKW) in Shanghai, Wang’s transformation into a commanding presence in the ring was a sight to behold. Adorned in a sleek black-scaled waistcoat and exuding confidence, he defended his coveted “Belt and Road” title in a high-octane showdown that electrified the crowd.

Although the audience turnout was modest, with around 350 attendees, the fervor and enthusiasm were palpable. Adrian Gomez, the founder of MKW, emphasized the growing interest in Chinese pro wrestling, acknowledging the challenges faced during the pandemic years in maintaining momentum.

The potential for growth in the Chinese wrestling market is evident, with major players like WWE garnering millions of followers on platforms such as Douyin. Despite the setbacks, many remain optimistic about the industry’s future.

As the dream of a flourishing wrestling scene in China persists, Gomez reiterated the importance of providing opportunities for wrestlers to make a sustainable living from their craft. “I think they deserve to be able to make a living out of what they’re good at,” he affirmed.

In conclusion, the journey of Chinese pro wrestlers like Wang Tao is a testament to their unwavering dedication and resilience in the face of adversity. As they continue to strive for recognition and financial stability, the spotlight on the burgeoning wrestling scene in China grows brighter with each electrifying match and passionate performance.