Professional wrestling in China has been a rarity since it became a republic in 1912.[1]
History
Professional wrestling originates from Japan has a long backstory with various organizations bickering back and forth, it is unclear how big the market is in China, and indeed, if there would even be enough to argue about.[2] Ashley Desilva is a local independent wrestler who has performed all over the country, and wrestles under the ring name Ash Silva. He says that China is a fertile ground for professional wrestling.[2]
Beginning in the mid-2010s, the United States-based WWE, expanded its market into China by performing several house shows in Shanghai and Beijing.[3][4] The WWE Network over the top streaming service, launched in 2014, is currently available in Hong Kong and Macau.
Notably one of the WWE's profile stars, John Cena, speaks Mandarin.[5]
Promotions
- Dragon Fighting Wrestling
- Middle Kingdom Wrestling
- Oriental Wrestling Entertainment
