SEA Regulars in PWI 500 and Women’s 250 2025: Southeast Asia’s Rising Influence on the Global Stage

13th November 2025

Each year, Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s PWI 500 and Women’s 250 serve as both a celebration and a measuring stick — capturing the pulse of professional wrestling worldwide. The 2025 lists are no exception, featuring the industry’s most influential and active competitors from across the globe. But tucked within the rankings this year is something truly worth cheering about for fans in our region: the unmistakable and growing footprint of Southeast Asian wrestling.

While the likes of Cody Rhodes, Will Ospreay, and Mercedes Moné dominate the top spots, several names on this year’s list have laced up their boots in Southeast Asia, helping elevate its profile as one of the most exciting emerging regions in the sport. These are the wrestlers who’ve bled, brawled, and built bridges between the East and West — connecting the world’s eyes to the next great wrestling frontier.

Mei Suruga (#153)

A technical prodigy from Gatoh Move, Mei Suruga has wrestled in Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam and Singapore, where her agility and charisma won over fans instantly. Her matches against local standouts like The Super Friends showcased how SEA talent could mesh with Japan’s finest, creating the kind of hybrid wrestling that defines the region today.

Zack Sabre Jr. (#13)

While many see ZSJ as the face of British technical wrestling, fans here remember his appearances at at recent SPW, SETUP and DEXCON events, where he tested local stars and helped legitimize the region’s wrestling quality. His methodical, submission-heavy style made an impact on wrestlers across the area — many citing him as a technical inspiration long before his New Japan glory. His time-limit draw with Jake De Leon helped to reestablish Pinoy wrestling on the map.

Yuki Kamifuku (#180)

A star of Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling, Kamiyu has competed in all active SWA Wrestling regions bringing TJPW’s charm and style to SEA audiences. Famous across the region for winning major championships in Vietnam and Singapore, her feud with Alexis Lee drew large crowds in several different countries.

Chris Brookes (#88)

Known for his quirky charisma and sharp technical craft, Chris Brookes has been a crucial link between Japan’s DDT and the Southeast Asian scene. A regular in Southeast Asia, Brookes has shared the ring with Southeast Asia’s best, including Jonathon Johnson and Jake De Leon. His blend of wit, ring psychology, and unpredictable offense left a lasting impression on crowds in Singapore, Thailand and The Philippines — as a member of RGT you never know when he might return!

Kidd Bandit (#207)

While born in the Philippines, Kidd Bandit’s rise through the American indie circuit has reconnected them to the Southeast Asian wrestling community. Their outspoken pride in their roots and advocacy for Filipino representation have made them a regional icon, even as they continue to make waves in North America. Recently returning home she battled Jake De Leon at DEXCON Sari Sari Slam.

JC Mateo (#108)

Although only wrestling in his ethnic home briefly in 2024, then known as Jeff Cobb made quite the statement. Winning the FPW Championship and proudly wearing it in his last Wrestle Kingdom match in January, Mateo has helped to put the young company on the map as one to be noticed. Now plying his trade in WWF he continues to play a major role in Smackdown events.

Viva Van (#230)

Another proud Southeast Asian representative, Viva Van, of Vietnamese descent, has competed in the United States and recently announced her return tour for later this month. Her story — from indie star to international standout — resonates deeply with SEA fans eager for a true crossover star. She represents her country globally as the Vietnam Pro Wrestling Women’s Champion.

Shigehiro Irie (#369)

Shigehiro Irie, the hard-hitting powerhouse from Japan, brought his brand of brutality to SPW shows, where his raw strength and intensity pushed Da Butcherman to new levels. Their clashes this year are a reminder that Southeast Asia can hang with the world’s best when the bell rings.

Matcha (#231)

Representing SETUP Thailand, Matcha often gets mentioned by regional wrestlers as one of the best. An underrated gem she has held her own against some Japanese greats such as Ram Kaichow and Pom Harajuku who she will battle with this weekend in a deathmatch.

Dante Chen (#414)

Singapore’s own Dante Chen, the first Singaporean signed to WWE, represents the region on the global stage. Before that, he was an SPW cornerstone, battling the likes of The Statement in defining rivalries that carried SEA wrestling to international notice pre-covid. His inclusion in the PWI 500 is symbolic of how far the region has come.

Alexis Lee (#247)

Alexis Lee is the First Lady of Singaporean wrestling, and arguably one of Southeast Asia’s most accomplished women’s wrestlers. She’s gone from humble beginnings in SPW to international tours in Japan, Korea and China. Squaring off with a who’s who of Joshi wrestling opponents opponents including Emi Sakrua and Riho. She now looks to tackle some of her American based peers for even more competition. Her mix of grit and adaptability keeps her name among the top exports from the region. She is one of the founding women of SEA Wrestling who has helped to inspire more local female wrestlers in her matches with Crystal, Diana, Popp and Yuki Kamifuku.

Ho Ho Lun (#468)

A pioneer of modern Asian wrestling, Ho Ho Lun has worked in nearly every corner of the region — from his home base in Hong Kong to Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. As a founding figure in SPW and a mentor to many, his influence is undeniable. Ho Ho Lun’s bouts against local stars like Dante Chen, The Eurasian Dragon, and Da Butcherman helped shape the early identity of SEA wrestling and inspired the generation now being recognized on global rankings. Such a supporter of SEA Wrestling, Lun is already lined up for Bali Pro Wrestling’s debut card.

The Call for Recognition

Each of these wrestlers has either helped build Southeast Asia’s wrestling foundation or served as an international bridge to it. Yet, despite their influence and presence, the number of SEA-based or affiliated wrestlers on this year’s PWI rankings remains modest. The region has more to offer — from the training rings of Bangkok and Hanoi to the roaring crowds in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

It’s time for fans, promoters, and media across Southeast Asia to make noise. Celebrate these stars. Support your local promotions. Share their matches. Because every chant, every post, and every ticket sold brings SEA wrestling closer to where it belongs — not just part of the world conversation, but at the heart of it.

Next year’s PWI lists should reflect the reality we already know: Southeast Asia is no longer wrestling’s future. It’s wrestling’s best-kept secret — and the secret’s getting out.