African professional wrestling took centre stage in Kinshasa as the International Gala Championship, held from September 11 to 13, 2026, brought together wrestling talents, officials, promoters and stakeholders in a celebration of the sport’s growing presence on the continent.
The three-day international wrestling spectacle provided a major platform for African wrestlers to showcase their skills while strengthening professional relationships across national borders.
For Olusesan Olukoya, Secretary General of Pro Wrestling Africa (PWA), the Kinshasa gathering represented more than another wrestling championship. He described it as a powerful demonstration of the strength, diversity and growing ambition of African professional wrestling. “The International Gala Championship in Kinshasa was more than a wrestling event. It was a meeting point for African wrestling, where talents, ideas, cultures and professional experiences came together,” Olukoya said.
Olukoya noted that the growing participation of African wrestling stakeholders in international events is helping to change the narrative about professional wrestling on the continent. According to him, Africa has talented wrestlers capable of competing on international platforms, but the sport requires stronger structures, regular international competitions, professional training and sustainable partnerships.
“Africa has wrestlers with tremendous potential. What is needed is stronger structure, more international exposure, professional training opportunities and sustainable partnerships,” he said. West African talents who were Marcus Spartacus of Togo, Jena Swift of Nigeria, Le Professor of Benin Republic and De Miser of Ghana represented West Africa at the international Gala championship.
Nsimba Bafuka “Shaolin Showman” veteran Congolese wrestler and organiser/participant in the gala, Six Bolit the Congolese champion, Anyata who teamed with Shegué in the opening day’s tag-team match while Caïman and Kong both Belgian wresters were incredible tag partners all participated in the event alongside other wrestlers from Angola, Congol DR and Congo Brazaville.
The Kinshasa championship provided an opportunity for wrestlers and administrators to interact, exchange ideas and explore new possibilities for the development of professional wrestling.
The event also underscored the importance of continental collaboration. Olukoya stressed that the future of African professional wrestling depends largely on the ability of promoters, wrestlers, federations, administrators and other stakeholders to work together.
He said international championships such as the Kinshasa Gala could become important avenues for discovering new talents and giving established wrestlers greater international exposure. Beyond the action in the ring, the event also served as a platform for cultural exchange, bringing together people from different backgrounds through the universal language of sport.
For Pro Wrestling Africa, the Kinshasa championship fits into its broader vision of promoting professional wrestling across Africa and connecting African wrestling organisations with international partners.
Olukoya said PWA remains committed to creating opportunities that will enable African wrestlers to gain wider exposure and participate in international competitions. “The future of African professional wrestling is in collaboration. Kinshasa has once again reminded us that when African wrestling stakeholders come together, we can create something that attracts the attention of the world,” Olukoya stated.
The September 11th–13th International Gala Championship has added another chapter to the continuing story of African professional wrestling. From Kinshasa to other wrestling centres across the continent, the growing movement is creating new opportunities for athletes, promoters and wrestling administrators.
For Olukoya, the message from Kinshasa is clear: African professional wrestling is ready for a bigger stage.