Vietnam Pro Wrestling star “The Unstoppable Force” Ares made his New Japan Pro-Wrestling debut on October 7, 2026, at Tokyo’s legendary Korakuen Hall, marking a major milestone for professional wrestling in Vietnam. Ares teamed with his mentor Yota Tsuji against 2026 G1 CLIMAX winner Ryohei Oiwa and former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Zack Sabre Jr., competing in front of supporters proudly waving the Vietnamese flag. After arriving in Japan on September 1 to train at NJPW’s Noge Dojo, Ares completed an intensive month of preparation before stepping into the ring alongside some of the world’s leading professional wrestlers. The match lasted 11 minutes and 30 seconds, ending when Sabre Jr. submitted Ares. Despite the result, the performance represented an unprecedented breakthrough for a wrestler trained and developed in Vietnam. A three-time VPW Openweight Champion who debuted in 2022, Ares has risen from Vietnam’s emerging wrestling scene to one of Japan’s most iconic venues in just four years. His NJPW debut also marks a new chapter in the growing relationship between Vietnam Pro Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Ares is scheduled to return to Vietnam and face Zack Sabre Jr. at VPW’s Brawl Hallows’ Eve on October 24 in Ho Chi Minh City. One step closer.

Vietnam Pro Wrestling is proud to announce that VIETSLAM – Squashing the Cultural Gap, the feature documentary executive produced by wrestling legend Chris Jericho, will premiere worldwide on July 14, 2026. The documentary tells the remarkable true story of how a small group of passionate Vietnamese wrestling fans set out to accomplish what many believed was impossible: building Vietnam's first professional wrestling promotion. From humble beginnings training in local parks and borrowed spaces to producing sold-out live events and welcoming internationally renowned wrestling stars to Vietnam, VIETSLAM chronicles the passion, perseverance, and resilience that have shaped Vietnam Pro Wrestling over the past decade. The film features exclusive behind-the-scenes access, never-before-seen footage, and personal interviews with the people who helped transform a dream into reality. More than a wrestling documentary, VIETSLAM is a story about believing in an unconventional vision, overcoming obstacles, and proving that world-class professional wrestling can thrive in Vietnam. The journey that led to this film began more than three years ago when VPW Founder Rocky Huynh and VPW promoter Carey "The X-Pat" Wass appeared on Chris Jericho's Talk Is Jericho podcast to share the story of Vietnam Pro Wrestling with audiences around the world. That conversation sparked a relationship that would ultimately lead to Jericho making his unforgettable surprise appearance in Vietnam before becoming an executive producer on the documentary. Directed by Nathan Mowery, with cinematography and co-direction by Robert Peake, VIETSLAM captures not only the excitement inside the wrestling ring but also the personal sacrifices, friendships, and determination that have defined VPW's journey. The documentary is being distributed worldwide by TriCoast Entertainment and will be available on major digital streaming platforms, including Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play, Tubi, Plex, Fandango at Home, and additional platforms worldwide. For everyone who has supported Vietnam Pro Wrestling over the years—our wrestlers, coaches, volunteers, staff, partners, sponsors, and fans—this documentary belongs to you as much as it belongs to us. Your belief has helped turn an impossible dream into an internationally recognized success story. As VPW continues preparing for its next chapter, including The Rumble on August 22, 2026, the worldwide release of VIETSLAM – Squashing the Cultural Gap represents the promotion's biggest milestone to date and an opportunity to introduce Vietnam Pro Wrestling to audiences across the globe. The story of Vietnam Pro Wrestling is only just beginning. VIETSLAM – Squashing the Cultural Gap premieres worldwide on July 14, 2026.