When one thinks of professional wrestling, images come to mind of big-muscled characters such as Hulk Hogan, John Cena and The Rock body slamming each other, jumping off the top rope of the ring, and hitting opponents with a steel chair.
In Hong Kong, pro wrestling is far smaller and more underground. But that does not mean those involved are any less passionate or intense in their pursuit of in-ring tussles.
Inside an industrial building in the city’s New Territories, members of the Hong Kong Wrestling Federation (HKWF) meet weekly to run drills, practise taking punches and falling, and refine their characters.
Most of the men – and it is mostly men – at the gatherings are relative newcomers who are still learning different holds, finishing moves and aerial tumbles.
Among the veterans is Sylvester, who prefers not to use his last name. In fact, he would like to be known just by his in-ring moniker, Getter. He also does not want to reveal the practice venue’s location, lest uninvited visitors turn up, as they have in the past.
