Former three-time WWE Cruiserweight Champion Tajiri will make his return to the Philippines in 2024 for the Manila Wrestling Federation.
Manila Wrestling Federation announced on their social media pages that Tajiri would be coming back to the country for the promotion’s April 14 Kasaysayan show. The announcement also stated that Tajiri would be bringing a surprise for the Filipino wrestling fans.
MWF and Kyushu Pro Wrestling
MWF then revealed a day after the initial announcement that the show would be co-promoted alongside Kyushu Pro Wrestling. Rising stars from the latter Japan-based promotion will appear on the event alongside Tajiri. However, no names from the promotion have been confirmed besides him.
Tajiri quoted the announcement on Twitter, saying, “I’m going to the Philippines again. At the same time, a big project is underway.” (translation via Google Translate) Reigning MWF Pinoy Wrestling Champion Jake De Leon also shared his sentiments on the announcement of Tajiri’s return to the Philippines. “Dear TAJIRI, Do you want an MWF Pinoy Wrestling Championship opportunity? Just let me know, and we can skip Rex Lawin [his next challenger] in the meantime,” he said on Twitter. (translated by Troy Gonzales)
Tajiri’s prior experience in Southeast Asian wrestling
The Japanese Buzzsaw previously competed in MWF for their Republika show in 2023 where he wrestled Jomar Liwanag in a singles match. Back in 2019, he also competed against former MWF Champion Fabio Makisig. Both matches are available for free viewership on Manila Wrestling Federation’s official YouTube channel.
Besides the Philippines, Tajiri has also wrestled all around Southeast Asia. Such countries include Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. Manila Wrestling Federation, on the other hand, has also been very open to welcoming foreign talent from neighboring Asian countries. Hong Kong’s Michael Su and Bitman recently competed against Filipino wrestler Joey Rosas in a Three-Way Match for the Hong Kong-Philippine Alliance Cup at the promotion’s Noche Buena show.
