SETUP Wrestling Drama: Shivam Incident Sparks Industry Shake-Up

The Southeast Asian wrestling scene has been rocked to its core following a dramatic conflict between wrestler Shivam and SETUP Wrestling, an incident that sent shockwaves through the pro wrestling industry. The fallout has been severe: Monomoth sustained serious injuries, forcing him into a long recovery, while wrestlers like Jonathan Johnson lost their championship opportunities. The controversial SETUP Rumble saw unfair eliminations, with wrestlers exiting matches under questionable circumstances, creating an atmosphere of distrust and frustration.

At the center of this turmoil lies a breakdown in communication. Shivam, a passionate and dedicated wrestler, felt sidelined despite his years of commitment to the promotion. Feeling unheard, he clashed with SETUP management, leading to escalating tensions. Wrestlers were expected to follow decisions made in meetings — even when they weren’t present — amplifying feelings of being left out of key decisions. This lack of transparency, combined with personal disputes, fractured the locker room and left many wondering if SETUP’s internal politics were hurting the business.

SETUP, for its part, claimed its decisions were driven by the need to keep events running smoothly and sustain the promotion's growth. Management argued that constant changes and behind-the-scenes conflicts made it challenging to balance wrestler demands with the realities of event planning. Still, the wrestlers' frustrations boiled over, with many feeling that the business side was prioritized at the expense of their careers and well-being.

In a bid to heal the rift, SCWP and Charoen Broadcasting stepped in as neutral mediators, organizing a public dialogue to give both sides a voice. This culminated in a YouTube Premiere, where fans were encouraged to share their thoughts and provide feedback on the situation. The hope is that this feedback will guide future decisions and help shape a more inclusive and communicative promotion.

What makes this situation so complex is the intertwining of personal and professional issues. Wrestlers questioned whether Shivam’s actions stemmed from a genuine desire to improve the Southeast Asian wrestling scene or from personal frustrations and ego. Was he a victim of mismanagement, or had success made him too focused on himself? These questions linger, adding layers to an already intense situation.

Despite the bitterness, there is hope. Both Shivam and SETUP have expressed an interest in finding common ground. If the promotion can address its communication issues and wrestlers can rebuild trust, this conflict could become a turning point. The industry could emerge stronger, with lessons learned and a renewed commitment to balancing business growth with wrestler welfare.

This situation has captivated the wrestling community, highlighting the challenges wrestling promotions face when managing talent, expectations, and business realities. As the dust settles, fans and insiders alike will be watching closely to see if this painful chapter closes with resolution — or if it marks the start of an even deeper divide within Southeast Asian wrestling.

Philippino Wrestler Jake De Leon commented "It seems a lot is going on in SETUP Thailand Pro Wrestling before I arrive but right now my main focus will have to be on Dexcon Wrestle Storm 2 this weekend. However, I'll be keeping a close eye on this situation and I'll be ready for whatever comes my way in Thailand."

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