New Japan Pro-Wrestling explores Middle East expansion with WrestleFest DXB

 New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) has held exploratory discussions in Tokyo on the future of professional wrestling in the Middle East, welcoming a delegation from Dubai-based promotion WrestleFest DXB to its headquarters to explore the region's potential as the sport's next major growth market.

The meeting brought together NJPW Chairman Naoki Sugabayashi and Terry Kamohara from the promotion's international business development team, alongside Mohammed Al Shehhi known as Shaheen, founder of WrestleFest DXB and the first Arab professional wrestler to train and compete for NJPW.

Over the course of his career, Shaheen has competed in more than 20 countries, serving as a leading ambassador for professional wrestling in the Middle East.

As Japan's largest and longest-running professional wrestling promotion, NJPW has steadily expanded its international footprint in recent years, introducing its renowned Strong Style to audiences across the Asia-Pacific region. The discussions in Tokyo underscore the company's growing interest in the Middle East—and Dubai in particular—as a strategic gateway for its continued global expansion.

Talks focused on the long-term potential of staging NJPW-sanctioned events in Dubai, establishing the Middle East as a permanent destination for world-class professional wrestling, and creating opportunities for talent development and knowledge exchange between Japan and the GCC.

Both parties expressed a shared commitment to continuing discussions, although no formal agreement has been reached at this stage.

"I've spent my career in rings around the world, but Japan is where professional wrestling truly lives and breathes," said Shaheen, Founder of WrestleFest DXB.

"On my most recent tour, I felt that again every single night. What I want is to bring that feeling—the respect, the discipline, and the unique bond between wrestler and audience—and create something the people of Dubai can truly call their own. The Middle East deserves a genuine home for professional wrestling, and there is no greater partner than New Japan Pro-Wrestling to help make that vision a reality."

Naoki Sugabayashi, Chairman of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, said: "Rapid economic development, combined with a growing passion for professional wrestling, makes the UAE and the wider Middle East a region of significant interest to New Japan Pro-Wrestling. We look forward to working with WrestleFest DXB and believe there is tremendous potential to build a strong partnership in this exciting and fast-growing market."

WrestleFest DXB is the UAE's first full-scale professional wrestling promotion and talent development platform. Through live events in Dubai and its Dubai Wrestling Dojo, the organisation is committed to developing local talent and establishing professional wrestling as a leading form of sports entertainment across the region.

Further announcements regarding the collaboration will be made in due course.