SETUP in Japan: A New Dawn Begins, While Under Pressure Heats Up at Home

SETUP Thailand is about to take its biggest step yet: crossing into the Japanese wrestling scene on its own terms.

In collaboration with the original management team behind IWA Japan, SETUP will officially run their first Japan event — A NEW DAWN — on November 14, in partnership with IWA.

Rooted in the legacy of President Asano and paying tribute to the heart-work generation that inspired Thai wrestling — names like Emi Sakura and Masahiro Takanashi — this event marks a turning point. Thai talent will share the stage with original IWA Japan characters, international guests from partner promotions, and key players from across Southeast Asia. The result promises to be a blend of nostalgia, energy, and ambition.

SETUP isn’t just visiting Japan. It’s aiming to show Japanese audiences what Thai wrestling really is — fast, fierce, and unmistakably its own.

With IWA Thailand now established, and the lines between the Thai and Japanese scenes beginning to blur, this could be the start of a powerful new exchange. It’s a love letter to puroresu, but it’s also a challenge: Thai wrestling is ready to take its place on the global stage.

Sea Wrestlings Thoughts

This show promises to be a real stepping stone for the Thai wrestling scene and potentially a number of Southeast Asia wrestlers. A show that gains interest and traction in Japan could lead to further interest and investment from Japanese partners. Hopefully the show is what it should be, a showcase of the promotions best with a few Southeast Asia guests. Sometimes these overseas shows turn into a rebraded local show with a sprinkling of the import name's talent.

Meanwhile, Back in Bangkok…

While SETUP’s top talent prepares for international exposure, there’s plenty brewing at home. Under Pressure: Episode 23 is shaping up to be a key chapter in several ongoing storylines — with match announcements that hint at major shifts in the promotion.

Blick Drewz vs Pondhub

One fall. Fifteen-minute time limit.

They’re on opposite sides of the UPRISING SERIES 2025, but Blick Drewz and Pondhub once teamed up — and shocked everyone by winning in mere seconds. Now, fans finally get to see what happens when they’re across the ring from each other.

Drewz enters with momentum, having recently pinned Tag Champion P’ Suchart with his Scissors Kick. Though the overall match wasn’t a win, it was a huge personal statement. With his former tag partner Monomoth still sidelined, Blick is out to show he can stand on his own — and maybe earn a bigger opportunity.

Pondhub, meanwhile, brings unpredictability and charisma. He’s been quietly winning fans and could easily walk away with the upset. This has all the makings of a sleeper hit.

Gunn vs Kru Pol

Winner becomes No. 1 Contender to the SETUP Openweight Championship

Gunn has been part of the scene for over five years. But after a long hiatus, he’s playing catch-up. This match is his chance to remind everyone what he’s capable of.

Standing in his way is Kru Pol — a fan favorite who made the unlikely leap from influencer to legitimate in-ring threat. His progress has surprised many, but he’s earned this spot.

The winner of this match will earn a title shot against Andruew Tang’s Openweight Championship — the biggest prize in SETUP outside the world title. For Gunn, it’s redemption. For Kru Pol, it’s confirmation. One has experience; the other has momentum.

The Champion Waits

At the last show, Jonathan Johnson made history by becoming the first-ever Thai World Champion in singles competition. But he didn’t stop to celebrate. He called for a “true challenger.”

Andruew Tang, the Thai Wrestling Champion and long-standing rival, answered the call. Johnson has never beaten Tang clean — thanks in part to Shivam and Real Global Threat interference. Tang now wants to prove he’s still the top dog — and maybe unify both titles in the process.

But looming in the background is Chris Brookes — a former KO-D Champion and international standout. No Thai wrestler has ever beaten him. He hasn’t responded yet, but if he does, things could escalate quickly.

For Johnson, the work has only just begun. He may be champion now, but the challengers lining up are more dangerous than ever.

Jeney Appears at Cosplay World Thailand

Credit to Kavan for the update:

The world's cutest vampire made a popular appearance at Cosplay World Thailand this weekend selling gacha, merchandise and interacting with fans.

Keep your eyes peeled for her match announcement for Under Pressure.. No confirmation if she will compete for SETUP in Japan.

In breaking news, Jeney has also been involved in some public contention when SPW Tag Champion posted that she would be competing at Hearland Havoc. Since both SPW and SETUP have denied the rumor with Pumy (SETUP Promoter) even posting messages from BGJ stating he was just messing with Jeney. Where this is leading is uncertain at the moment and it could be a simple misunderstanding or part of bigger plans.