IWA Thailand EP.02: WHIPLASH

A Night of Madness, Monsters & Matchups That Could Define Southeast Asian Wrestling History

On June 28th, Thai wrestling fans won’t just witness a show—they’ll be part of a seismic shift in the regional landscape. WHIPLASH promises chaos, emotion, and unrelenting violence in equal measure. With titles on the line, careers at stake, and supernatural forces looming, every match is dripping with consequences.

Here’s your full breakdown of what to expect when IWA Thailand and SETUP Pro Wrestling tear the roof off The Circus Studio.

IWA JAPAN / SETUP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – HARDCORE MATCH

The Great Kappa (representing Ultramantis Black) vs. Jonathan Johnson

The main event is unlike anything Thai fans have ever seen. Originally scheduled to face Ultramantis Black, tournament winner Jonathan Johnson now finds himself face-to-face with something more terrifying than politics or betrayal—a literal monster.

The Great Kappa is no man in a costume. He’s an ancient stone idol animated through incense-based possession rituals by a devoted cult of followers. Emotionless, speechless, and remorseless, Kappa exists for one reason: obliteration. In his only previous appearance in Thailand, he annihilated Kappa Kozo in seconds.

Ultramantis Black’s video proclamation made it clear—he’s not ducking the fight, he’s escalating it. He believes The Great Kappa is his equal in terror and strength, and will defend the IWA World Title in his place.

For Johnson, this isn’t just about winning gold—it’s about survival. He’s demanded to fight alone, swearing off SETUP backup. But if Real Global Threat (who have attacked him before) try to interfere, they’ll be met with the full wrath of the monster’s cult. This is not just a match—it’s a ritual sacrifice in the form of a hardcore bloodbath.

WINNER TAKES ALL – KING OF SOUTHEAST ASIA CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Da Butcherman (SPW SEA Champion) vs. Shivam (MYPW SEA Champion, Real Global Threat)

Two belts. Two nations. One victor.

This cross-promotional clash between Singapore’s Da Butcherman and Malaysia’s Shivam is the culmination of backroom politics, aggressive ambition, and dangerous alliances. Orchestrated by Emman Azman (MYPW) and Andruew Tang (SPW), this unification bout was greenlit despite heavy concerns from SETUP officials.

Shivam, the cunning leader of Real Global Threat, is not just chasing history—he’s trying to rewrite it. If he wins, both SEA Championships will be unified, making him the most decorated male champion in Southeast Asia's modern era.

But Da Butcherman is no pawn. He’s one of Singapore’s most feared champions—violent, unflinching, and proud. While Shivam may have political clout, Da Butcherman has earned every accolade with blood and brutality.

The match could be great for fans—but it could also be a carefully orchestrated power grab by RGT to overshadow Jonathan Johnson’s world title opportunity. Expect mind games, possible interference, and a fight to control the spotlight of Southeast Asian wrestling.

SETUP ALL ASIA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Matcha (Champion) vs. Poppy Shay (Malaysia)

This one is for the dream match archives.

Thailand’s own Matcha, now in her second reign, defends her title for the first time. After toppling Raku, she has already beaten the top female pioneers of Singapore and the Philippines. If she beats Poppy Shay, she’ll have conquered Malaysia as well, completing a symbolic sweep of Southeast Asia’s trailblazing women.

But Poppy Shay isn’t some token opponent. She’s a 10-year veteran, known as the “Queen of Romance” to fans across the region. Charismatic, strategic, and deadly, Shay is out to prove Matcha’s reign will be the shortest in title history.

Matcha is riding a high—but Poppy has the experience, the poise, and the hunger to crush it all in a single night.

UPRISING SERIES – BLOCK B FINAL

Pondhub (2 pts) vs. Gunn (1 pt)
Winner faces Kru Pol in the Finals

With Kru Pol already awaiting in the Uprising Series Finals, the Block B decider between Pondhub and Gunn promises to be short, sharp, and full of intensity.

Pondhub only needs a draw to advance, but he’s not playing for points—he’s playing to dominate. Known for explosive matches that end in seconds, he’s as unpredictable as they come.

Gunn, on the other hand, comes in hot after upsetting veteran Steve the Teacher and surviving a grueling draw against Flame Drake. He has the grit, but needs the win—nothing less will get him to the finals.

Both men are fighting for more than just a tournament slot. Winning the Uprising Series guarantees a future title shot, making this match a launchpad for future champions.

LOSER LEAVES TOWN – “TEACHER VS TEACHER” NO DQ MATCH

Steve the Teacher vs. Kru Pol

Two teachers. One will stay. One must leave Thailand.

Steve the Teacher has had enough. Despite 30+ years in the business, he feels disrespected—by fans, by peers, and especially by Kru Pol, a newer name who’s quickly stolen the crowd’s heart.

Claiming the stress of being overshadowed is hurting his performance, Steve demanded a match to settle the matter once and for all—with his very presence in Thailand on the line. If he loses, he’s gone. No rebrands. No sneak returns.

Kru Pol was quick to accept. Confident in his “Science Wrestling” and his own career security, he believes this will be a passing of the torch, or at worst, a side mission before he returns to regular life.

But No DQ means all bets are off—and with pride, identity, and legitimacy on the line, this could get ugly, fast.

TAG TEAM MATCH – GOOD DEAL (C) vs. FLAME DRAKE & GATEKEEPER

SETUP Tag Team Championship on the Line

This is where backstage tension bleeds into the ring.

Terry Diesel, now acting GM, made the controversial call to book this match despite internal resistance. He defended his actions by pointing to the so-called “Bangkok Screw Job,” which helped Anont Alonzo secure a title shot overseas. In his mind, the ends justify the means.

But Flame Drake and Gatekeeper are known affiliates of Alonzo—and have both allegedly taken money from him before. Their involvement raises serious red flags. Is this a genuine match? Or a power play?

Good Deal have fought hard to become fan favorites and champions. Now, they walk into what could be an ambush under the illusion of competition.

If Diesel’s motivations are exposed mid-match, this could spiral into chaos—and the promotion has stated it will not hesitate to remove him as GM if foul play is confirmed.

FATAL FOUR-WAY BEER DEATHMATCH – SPECIAL REFEREE: AI UEHARA

Jeney vs. Blick Drewz vs. Wonderboy (MYPW) vs. ??? (Ai Chan’s #1 Fan)
Special Referee: Japanese icon Ai Uehara

This is not a drill. This is not a parody. This is happening.

Four wildly different wrestlers will compete in the Beer Deathmatch, a bout where the action stops every 2 minutes for mandatory beer breaks. Any wrestler refusing or acting dangerously while drunk? Disqualified. Removed. Gone.

• Jeney is pure-hearted and temple-going—she’s never touched alcohol in her life.

• Blick Drewz was recently caught sneaking leftover beer backstage.

• Wonderboy, representing MYPW.

• The final competitor? A mystery wrestler known only as Ai Chan’s Biggest Fan.

Adding to the madness is special guest referee Ai Uehara, a legendary figure from Japanese adult entertainment, flying in just for this match.

It’s ridiculous. It’s dangerous. It’s unforgettable. Expect slurred promos, spilled beer, and absolute mayhem from bell to bell.

FINAL THOUGHTS

WHIPLASH is more than a show—it’s a stress test for the future of Thai wrestling. With international politics, championship unifications, supernatural monsters, beer-fueled chaos, and the possible end of careers, this event is stacked with unmatched storytelling and spectacle.