Decline In Professional Wrestling Worries Ultimate Commander

The Africa Wrestling Heavyweight Champion, Ultimate Commander, has expressed concern over the decline of professional wrestling in Nigeria.

Commander told newsmen in Lagos that if measures were not taken to correct the situation, professional wrestling might die in Nigeria.

The heavyweight champion said that his title defence was staged in the country in order to revive interest in the sport among Nigerians.

He decried the lack of facilities for professional wrestling in the country, noting that the few available ones in some of the country’s stadia were obsolete.

Commander appealed to corporate organisations in the country to support professional wrestling by sponsoring wrestlers and tournaments for the sport to survive.

He said that with the active involvement of corporate organisations in the sport, promoters would be inclined to promote the sport.

According to him, such partnership will yield good returns for both parties.

He also urged professional wrestlers to use their experience and contacts to get sponsors for the sport, thereby encouraging young wrestlers to make a career of professional wrestling.

“I am so worried by the state of professional wrestling in the country today. In the past when we did not have these many multinationals in the country, they were seriously funding sports.

“I appeal to my colleagues to use their experience and connection to develop the sport,” he said.

He also solicited the support of Nigerians in his quest to defend his title which he said would help him take the sport to the next level.

Fifteen foreign and 13 African wrestlers are taking part in the championship being promoted by Universal Promotional Wrestling Federations (UPWF) in conjunction with The Ultimate Wrestling and Charity Organisation.