SETUP Paranoid Results & Review

September 27th, 2025 – Circus Studio, Bangkok

SETUP Wrestling returned to the Circus Studio in Bangkok on September 27th for Paranoid, a show that leaned heavily on storyline progression rather than all-out in-ring action. With A New Dawn looming in November, this event served as a crucial bridge, putting the spotlight on rivalries, faction dominance, and shocking twists — capped off by the long-awaited return of Monomoth to dethrone RGT’s Andreuw Tang.

Three-Way Tag Team Match: Matcha & Kevin Weng vs. Kru Pol & Jeney vs. The Kappas

The night opened with Matcha taking the microphone, reminding fans of her unresolved business. She called out Ram Kaichow, referencing their previous clash that ended in disqualification, and also Pom Harajuku, who once took her first title. With fiery conviction, Matcha announced her intent to face them both in November in what she dubbed a Bangkok Death Match. That declaration alone set the tone — Paranoid would be less about isolated contests and more about pushing stories forward.

Her partner Kevin Weng, returning after time away from the spotlight, got a warm reception. The Kappas followed with their signature antics, while Jeney showed off a fresh hairstyle and Kru Pol entered with new music to a lively crowd reaction. From the start, it was curious to see Pol and Matcha — two of Thailand’s standout women — square off as they’ve rarely done so.

The action began chaotically, with all three teams scrambling for control. Weng and Pol traded crisp exchanges before the Kappas injected humor, tossing bodies around and trying for unorthodox pins. Jeney mixed slap-heavy offense with surprising resilience, while Matcha brought her trademark energy with a corner splash and near fall. The crowd got behind the faces, especially when Matcha and Weng combined for a slick double Canadian Destroyer that brought the Circus Studio to life.

In the end, it was Kru Pol’s athleticism that sealed the deal. After Jeney’s quick roll-ups and X-Factor nearly stole it, Pol soared with a frog splash looking for the pin but got pushed out the way so Jeney could take the victory for herself. A fun, energetic opener that balanced comedy, character development, and a standout performance from Matcha as she laid down the challenge for November.

SEA Wrestling Commentary: A lively opener, it made sense the Kappas were in the match for the following story addition but a 2 on 2 mixed tag would’ve been a better match. I’m hoping once A New Dawn is done that we can look towards a Jeney Vs Matcha title feud for something more local focussed.

The celebration didn’t last. As the Kappas tried to revive one another with their trademark chimes, the lights dimmed and Naga Nai entered with Terry Diesel — changing the atmosphere instantly. Before the next match took place Diesel took the mic and somewhat forced the Kappas to become the latest worshipers of Naga Nai.

Naga Nai w/ Terry Diesel vs. Blick Drewz & Pondhub

The debut of Naga Nai was one of the most anticipated elements of Paranoid. Flanked by Terry Diesel, Nai’s eerie presentation — monk-like gestures, deliberate pacing, and unsettling presence — made it clear SETUP was unveiling a major new force.

Pondhub, sporting a sharp new haircut, was first to answer the call, joined by the outspoken Blick Drewz. Both men tried to meet the moment, but from the start the story was about Nai’s presence rather than pure athleticism. Drewz briefly got the upper hand with a spinning heel kick and a big boot, but Nai no-sold much of the offense, reinforcing his aura as someone beyond normal pain thresholds.

Pondhub had flashes of fire, connecting with a Superman Punch and pushing the pace, but Diesel’s ringside involvement swung things back. A spinebuster cut off Pondhub’s rally, and distractions from the Kappas allowed Diesel to drop him across his knee. From there, Nai locked in a prayer-like Full Nelson submission that had Pondhub fading fast. Drewz was taken out off-camera, leaving Nai and Diesel standing tall.

Post-match, Drewz threw shade at his partner, keeping their feud simmering, but the real story was the arrival of SETUP’s newest villain.

SEA Wrestling Commentary: Short, sharp, and story-driven — exactly the kind of TV-style segment that sets up bigger moments later.

MYPW Southeast Asia Championship: Shivam (c) vs. Jack Alexander

The first title match of the night showcased MYPW’s Shivam defending against Jack Alexander in a clash that highlighted both men’s strengths. Shivam, seconded briefly by The Statement and Azman, carried himself with confidence, while Alexander entered determined to prove he could hang with the best in the region.

The early exchanges were mat-based, a pleasant surprise from Alexander who leaned into technical wrestling more than usual. He strung together smooth arm drags and takedowns, frustrating the champion. Shivam shifted momentum with a leg sweep on the apron, showing his willingness to bend the rules, and followed with a big boot to re-establish dominance.

Alexander rallied with a spinning plancha and a delayed Destroyer, bringing the crowd alive, but Shivam’s power game kept cutting him down. A sit-out powerbomb nearly ended it, only for Alexander to fire back with his “Secret Sauce” offense — though it didn’t fully land with the Bangkok crowd.

Ultimately, Shivam stayed one step ahead. After shrugging off Alexander’s comeback, he strung together a suplex, shoulder barge, and high-impact slam to retain.

SEA Wrestling Commentary: A solid match that elevated Alexander’s stock while reinforcing Shivam’s status as a credible champion heading into November.

IWA SETUP World Championship: Jonathan Johnson (c) vs. “Goldenboy” Emman Azman

Emman Azman entered brimming with confidence, dancing to his old theme and trying to out-technique Jonathan Johnson in the early going. Surprisingly, it worked, as Azman used hurricanranas and quick counters to take control. Johnson slowed things down with grounded strikes and steady offense, but Azman regained momentum with a low blow behind the referee’s back — leaning into his cockier heel tendencies.

The match built well, with both men trading near falls and escalating the drama. Johnson hit a coffin drop and a swanton that nearly sealed it, while Azman landed a spinning knee strike that came within a heartbeat of a new champion. Just as the tide seemed to swing Azman’s way, Shivam interfered, pulling out the referee and sparking miscommunication with his RGT stablemate.

That error cost them. Johnson capitalized with a roll-up to retain, giving Azman his first major singles stumble under the RGT banner. Post-match, Johnson cut a fiery promo declaring himself “X-Rated, the best in Asia,” and challenged El Phantasmo for A New Dawn — setting up one of the show’s marquee bouts.

SEA Wrestling Commentary: Probably my match of the night, these two are young and hungry. They could well be the backbone of Southeast Asian Wrestling for a decade to come.

IWA SETUP Tag Team Championship: Good Deal (c) vs. LOVE X FRDM

If the World Title bout was heated, the Tag Team clash was pure chaos. Good Deal’s Alonso and Suachart entered as champions still at odds, their lack of cohesion more obvious than ever. In contrast, challengers Love X FRDM (Fienic Rose & Syawal) leaned into fun-loving antics, dancing mid-match and playing with the crowd’s energy.

The match was a mix of comedy and sharp sequences. Rose pulled off a crisp flamingo rana, Syawal hit a twisting cutter, and together they nailed double-team sequences that showed real polish. Good Deal tried to rally, with Suachart hitting a bulldog off the top and Alonso powering through with suplex variations. Yet every time they found momentum, their inability to stay united cost them.

The finish came when Suachart’s mistimed clothesline wiped out Alonso, opening the door for Rose and Syawal to hit their big combination and claim the belts. The crowd popped big for the upset, enjoying the lighthearted payoff. But before the celebration could truly begin, RGT struck.

SEA Wrestling Commentary: Very entertaining match. LOVE X FRDM get the fans going wherever they go and are one of the hottest duos in the region right now. The highlight was them trying to push Good Deal to become friends again. Now the tag titles are off them I think they can both get back on singles track. I’d like to see P.Suachart facing JDL for the 24/7 title while Alonzo should mix up with some of the faces needing something to do.

IWA SETUP Tag Team Championship: LOVE X FRDM (c) vs. RGT (Shivam & Emman Azman)

Cashing in immediately, Shivam and Azman stormed the ring, dismantled the exhausted new champions, and claimed the titles for themselves. It was a ruthless move that drew heat instantly — the kind of opportunism that has defined RGT’s run.

The post-match angle added intrigue: Azman was openly referred to as Love X FRDM’s “boss,” hinting at a layered story beneath the betrayal. Shivam then announced that the titles would now be defended under Freebird rules, meaning any combination of RGT members could defend them. With this, RGT consolidated even more power heading into the main event.

SEA Wrestling Commentary: A purposeful switch of the titles, a sad ending for one of my favourite acts currently though.

SETUP Openweight Championship: The Statement Andreuw Tang (c) vs. Gunn

By the time Andreuw Tang defended the Openweight Title, RGT had already stacked gold. Gunn, stepping up as challenger, came in with heart and intensity, immediately brawling with Tang through the crowd and even wielding an umbrella as a weapon.

Inside the ring, Gunn landed flurries of strikes and came close with several near falls. Tang absorbed the punishment and answered with his patented uppercut, gradually reasserting control. Though shorter than it could have been, the match showed Gunn’s toughness and teased his potential as a future contender.

After the bell, the story escalated. RGT assembled in the ring with all their titles, holding them high above a fallen Gunn. It was a clear image of dominance — until the music hit.

SEA Wrestling Commentary: It felt like time was cut on this and I would’ve like a bit more of a dramatic climax to the advertised main event.

Surprise Main Event: The Statement Andreuw Tang (c) vs. Monomoth

The return of Monomoth was the night’s defining moment. Absent since Shivam’s attack in January, Monomoth charged the ring to a thunderous ovation. With Shivam and Azman brawling with the roster at ringside, the ring was left to Tang and his old rival.

The Statement tried to overpower him quickly, but Monomoth turned his momentum against him, catching him in a sudden roll-up. The referee counted three, and just like that, the unthinkable happened — RGT lost their first major title.

The Circus Studio erupted as the roster swarmed the ring to lift Monomoth on their shoulders. After months of RGT dominance, SETUP finally had a moment of triumph.

Final Thoughts

Paranoid won’t be remembered for five-star classics, but that wasn’t the purpose. Instead, SETUP delivered some of its sharpest storytelling to date. Matcha’s Bangkok Death Match challenge, Johnson’s El Phantasma call-out, RGT’s ruthless tag team heist, and the shock return of Monomoth all combined to create a show that felt like a genuine turning point.

With New Dawn in November, SETUP has positioned itself for one of its biggest events yet — and for the first time in months, the balance of power between RGT and the rest of the roster feels like it could shift dramatically.