More than 20 of Bahrain’s top wrestlers are set to compete next month in the kingdom’s first-ever Royal Rumble match, taking place during a major live showcase at Al Dana Mall in Manama.
The headline attraction will be part of Kingdom Pro Wrestling’s (KPW) Bahrainmania event, scheduled for February 6 at 8pm.
The Royal Rumble format – popularised globally by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) – has evolved over the years but retains its high‑stakes, high‑drama appeal. In this match, wrestlers enter the ring at timed intervals, each aiming to eliminate opponents by throwing them over the top rope so that both feet touch the floor. As in the WWE counterpart, the last man standing secures a championship opportunity.
The winner here will earn a shot at the KPW Championship, currently held by Aldababa, who ended Razor Jaw Shareef’s historic 723‑day title reign last November.
KPW founder Mohammed Talaq told the GDN he is confident the event will be ‘one for the ages’, promising an unforgettable night for wrestling fans.
“It will be the biggest professional wrestling event ever held in Bahrain by the promotion,” said Mr Talaq.
“There will be a lot of matches in store for the fans, but the main event will be Royal Rumble itself.
“Not only will the show feature the local wrestlers that you know and love, we will also have plenty of surprises in store. This will surely be one of, if not the biggest shows we have ever done.”
The Royal Rumble match format was created by WWE Hall of Famer and professional wrestling legend, the late Pat Patterson.
In the match, each wrestler draws a number between one and 20 at random. The first two entrants begin the contest, with each remaining participant joining the ring at two‑minute intervals.
The first-ever televised Royal Rumble took place at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, Canada, on January 24, 1988, in front of 18,000 spectators, and was won by ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan.
The match has grown in scale and popularity over the years, and is now one of the most anticipated events on the professional wrestling calendar.
Bahrainmania will be held on February 6
This year’s WWE edition, scheduled for January 31, will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the first time a Royal Rumble event is being held outside North America. The winner will earn a spot in a championship match at WWE’s biggest annual show – WrestleMania, to be held in Las Vegas on April 18 and 19.
To capitalise on the unprecedented levels of excitement and passion for professional wrestling in the region, Mr Talaq said that KPW has an action‑packed year planned for fans in the kingdom.
“We will take a break for the holy month of Ramadan, but after that, we have a series of shows planned until May, with more details to be announced soon,” he said.
“Starting this summer, we are planning for things to be bigger and better than ever. We are also looking to utilise our academy more.
“We are probably the only promotion in the GCC with our own dedicated wrestling school, with professional coaches from the US. Our school has made a big contribution to the wrestling industry in the country.”
Mr Talaq heaped praise on to the KPW talent for the work they have put in, and also highlighted the role that the academy plays in developing the wrestlers.
“The KPW guys are some of the best wrestlers in the world, and that is not an exaggeration, that is the truth.
“Over the next year, I want all of you to keep upping your game and aiming for that title. Show the fans the best that you can be.”
n For more information, visit the promotion’s instagram @kpw.bh.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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