PWS Korea wrestles its way into spotlight

A promotional image for PWS Korea's upcoming Wrestle Nation 2 event on May 9 at KBS Arena. Captured from PWS Korea's Instagram account

Pro Wrestling Society (PWS) Korea is aiming to build on a breakout year as it prepares to welcome thousands of fans for Wrestle Nation 2 on May 9.

The flagship event last May drew around 3,000 spectators, a milestone that Shiho, founder and director of PWS, said is rare across the global independent professional wrestling scene. Replicating that number would place PWS among a small group of promoters in Asia able to consistently attract crowds of that size, he added.

“We are trying to become the center of pro wrestling in the Asian region,” he told The Korea Times in an interview.

The growth follows a major overhaul in recent years, as PWS shifted toward a more systematic approach to pro wrestling. Shiho, who debuted as a pro wrestler in 2012, said the changes followed creative differences with earlier wrestlers, prompting a reset to rebuild the group’s roster around a more unified vision.

Narrative-driven storylines

Shiho describes pro wrestling as closer to film or theater, with tighter control over characters, storylines and presentation than a traditional sport.

“If you want to make a good show, you need centralized control,” he said. “Like a movie, there’s a director and a writer, and actors follow direction.”

Pro wrestlers grapple with each other during a three-on-three match at Jung-gu Residents Center in Seoul, Feb. 21. From top to bottom are Ppikku, Irang, Yeni and KA Kid. Courtesy of PWS Korea

That philosophy was partly shaped by his exposure to the U.S. industry, where he learned from WWE producers and performers such as Drake Maverick and Yoshihiro Tajiri. Shiho said that Maverick, who is currently a writer for the WWE, helped him learn how to develop a good business model and build PWS into a more successful pro wrestling organization.

Shiho said he applied those lessons in Korea by training a new generation of pro wrestlers from scratch.

“We focus on a consistent narrative story, a catchphrase — it is a very systematic approach to pro wrestling,” he said.

At the same time, PWS has also made efforts to become more accessible and family-friendly, inspired in part by the cartoonish tone of 1980s-style pro wrestling.

“I wanted pro wrestling to be part of mainstream culture,” Shiho said. “Like when you say, ‘How about we watch a movie tonight?’ — I wanted pro wrestling to be part of that conversation.”

That shift included an unconventional strategy to reach younger audiences. Shiho partnered with the popular Korean YouTuber SchoolFoodKing, who makes content for children, appearing as a villain in his videos and developing a new fan base of young viewers who couldn’t tell if the conflicts were real.

“People started hating me. The kids were so immersed by my villain work,” he said.

Growing popularity

Pro wrestler Shiho, right, poses with his belt and Kristen Pimley, his manager. Courtesy of PWS Korea

The approach helped expand PWS’ audience beyond its original base of pro wrestling enthusiasts. Monthly crowds have grown from roughly 50 people to about 800, while its YouTube channel has increased from around 10,000 subscribers to nearly 100,000 in two years.

Its Instagram account features a mix of slick photos, tongue-in-cheek promos and skits that lean into pro wrestling’s campy side, playing up over-the-top storylines, exaggerated characters and intense rivalries just as much as it showcases the action in the ring.

One recent post offers a tabloid-style graphic showing Shiho side by side with BTS member RM, overlayed with dramatic text about fans “going crazy” over the supposed resemblance. It has the playful feel of a headline that might catch your eye in a supermarket checkout line and matches PWS’ promotion style, which treats drama and silliness as part of the show.

“We focus on the romance, we focus on the friendship, the betrayal — all the relatable emotions that people experience in their own life,” Shiho said.

PWS is now looking to build on that momentum with its Wrestle Nation 2 event at KBS Arena on May 9. The event will also feature international talent, including former WWE champion Nic Nemeth. His presence is drawing attention across Asian and Western pro wrestling circles, Shiho said, as securing a wrestler of that stature is uncommon for an independent group like PWS.

Pro wrestlers Poison Rose, left, and Yeni train at the PWS Korea training gym in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, Sunday. Courtesy PWS Korea

Women’s division

As well as challenging high-profile wrestlers to step into the ring, PWS is also expanding its roster and training system. Trainees now face stricter standards with longer development timelines and more emphasis on professionalism.

The organization has also introduced a women’s division over the past two years, working to create a more inclusive training environment in a scene Shiho described as historically male-dominated. Several women have since joined the roster as wrestlers and trainees.

Shiho said PWS plans to continue on its current path, focusing on audience growth, improved production and deeper storytelling. He also wants to further solidify his working relationship with WWE as PWS grows.

“Our promotion grew about 10 times compared to two years ago,” he said. “If we keep repeating this cycle, we believe it will grow even more.”

Tickets for Wrestle Nation 2 range from 80,000 won to 120,000 won and can be purchased online.