From local rings to WWE dreams: Local superstar Ayez Shaukat is on a mission to elevate Malaysian wrestling

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 8 — Ayez Shaukat Fonseka Farid, 37, is a dominant force in the world of Malaysian professional wrestling.

Since kicking off his career in 2014 and founding Apac Wrestling Ground Zero in 2020, his name has transcended South-east Asia, with notable appearances in major international promotions like Reality of Wrestling (ROW) and Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW).

What has changed in the Malaysian pro wrestling scene

In an exclusive interview with Malay Mail, Shaukat said Malaysians are showing more support for the local pro wrestling scene compared to ten years ago. Back then, the scene had only a small, dedicated following, with sparse crowds at events and wrestlers frequently subjected to online ridicule.

“We still get ridiculed today, but the ratio of support to criticism is much different now.

“We have a huge following, not just in Malaysia, but Apac wrestling is also being watched by people from the United States and Japan,” said Shaukat.

Malaysians are showing more support for the local pro wrestling scene compared to ten years ago. — Picture by Hari Anggara

How is Apac wrestling currently doing?

Since its start during the pandemic, the promotion has hosted more than 50 shows, in addition to Malaysians stepping forward for tryouts.

It’s currently the only promotion in South-east Asia offering a direct path to WWE, the global wrestling giant.

“A lot of people don’t know this, but if you are a graduate of Apac, you are given the opportunity to wrestle for Reality of Wrestling (ROW), part of WWE developmental programme.”

Is promoting a Malaysian pro wrestling show still a challenge today?

“Yes, it’s still a huge challenge,” Shaukat explained.

“We can never know the exact reason, but my theory is that there is still a lot of comparison between Malaysian and international pro wrestling.”

Many Malaysians, he added, feel ticket prices — which are typically under RM70 — too high for a local product.

Shaukat shared that since 2014, he has personally invested over RM500,000 in efforts to grow the local pro wrestling scene, relying on his own earnings from freelance work in the film industry. He has also sought support from local TV stations and corporate sponsors.

However, securing backing remains difficult, as many potential sponsors still have a negative perception of pro wrestling due to its past associations with violence, sex, and drugs.

TV stations may also question the value of airing Malaysian pro wrestling when they already broadcast international wrestling shows.

Recent videos shared by Shaukat on Instagram have helped boost visibility for Apac Wrestling, a strategy he’s been using since 2022 to attract more attention to the promotion.

“I think Malaysians should give us a chance, and sponsors should give us a chance as well because at the end of the day, it’s all about scaling up,” said Shaukat.

Ayez Shaukat conducting training at Apac Wrestling Ground Zero in Kota Damansara ,July 23, 2022. — Picture by Firdaus Latif

Although the wrestling scene in Malaysia still faces challenges, Shaukat continues to evolve as a professional wrestler, constantly refining his skills and incorporating new techniques — even as some older ones have been phased out over time.

“As pro wrestlers, we need to observe what the audience likes,” Shaukat explained.

“No matter what skills you add, if the audience can’t feel the emotion you’re trying to convey during a match, there’s no point.”

When it comes to his wrestling persona, he embodies the “Prophet of Pain”, a character wrestling with an aggressive and brutal style.

He added that he will continue to embody this persona, evolving it when the time is right.

“However, it must continue to represent the Malay Nusantara race, as there aren’t many representatives of Malay culture on the global stage,” said Shaukat.

Shaukat said that wrestling in WWE is still his dream, and he’s committed to making it a reality. — Picture by Hari Anggara

How is the next move into film industry?

Shaukat’s connection to the Malaysian film industry dates back to his childhood, but his current on-screen presence is largely driven by his popularity as a pro wrestler. Directors and producers often turn to him when they need a ‘big bad guy,’ a role he fits effortlessly due to his imposing presence.

To this day, many Malaysians recognise him as Shah, the memorable character from the Juvana films — Juvana 2: Terperangkap Dalam Kebebasan (2015) and Juvana 3: Perhitungan Terakhir (2016).

Ultimately, Shaukat said that wrestling in WWE is still his dream, and he’s committed to making it a reality. “Absolutely, 100 per cent,” he emphasised. “I think every wrestler should have WWE in their plans.

“If they don’t, I feel they’re not ambitious enough, because, at the end of the day, you want to be in a place with the most eyes on you.”

Having shared the ring with international wrestling stars like Tajiri and Shane “The Hurricane” Helms, Shaukat expressed his desire to face anyone from WWE. His dream match, however, would be against legends like Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura.

With a clear path ahead, he is determined to make his WWE debut eventually.

Until then, hard work and determination will continue.