THE winner of a gruelling, 16-round showcase wrestling tournament lost his belt in under five minutes – after he was challenged by a semi-final loser.
Mohammed Zubari (Great Zubari), who is Bahrain’s first professionally-trained wrestler, became the first-ever Kingdom Pro Wrestling (KPW) champion after defeating Madrex The Entertainer in the final.
However, Saudi wrestler Asaad Al Shareef (Razor Jaw Shareef) challenged him for the belt and won in a twist to end the two-hour show.
In the semi-finals, Shareef lost to Madrex, while Zubari overcame Khalid Kombat.
Hundreds of avid wrestling fans showed up to watch the event at LuLu Hypermarket in Hidd; all the seats were occupied in no time forcing many to stand up to watch the bouts. More than 1,100 fans attended the wrestling show.
KPW is the country’s only professional wrestling promotion set up in 2017.
KPW founder Bahraini Mohammed Talaq said the concept is evolving and with a major fan following, future shows could be structured.
“There are plans to introduce a tag team title and a mid-card title and depending on continuous assessment other titles could also be launched.”
Zubari, who was upset with the result, told the GDN that he would debate with the management whether a re-match clause could be invoked.
“I outlasted 15 other men to win the tournament, becoming the promotion’s first champion, but the end result is disappointing,” he added.
Shareef said challengers have been queuing up outside his locker room.
“Whenever I decide to accept any challenge, it will be on my own turf and time,” he told the GDN.
“I should have won the tournament, but things didn’t go as planned.
“However, the best – and that’s me – always have other plans, and eventually I am going back home with the belt.”
Saudi Arabia already hosts two World Wrestling Entertainment shows twice annually.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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