The Amazing True Story Behind AEW's Next Big Breakout Stars

by Andy H Murray
OWE Oriental Wrestling Entertainment
Twitter, @ORIENTIALWRESTL1

OWE's unique presentation attracted attention in the online Japanese wrestling bubble in 2018, with many an eyeball-popping, hyper-athletic gif gaining traction. In 2019, they have not only forged the AEW partnership but signed a global video-on-demand distribution deal, scored a TV contract in China, and held events in Taiwan, Japan, and Canada. Mid-September sees them hit the United Kingdom to continue their expansion with five shows in London and Liverpool.

Stylistically, OWE is unique. Combining junior heavyweight wrestling with Shaolin Kung Fu and showy dance numbers, it may yet explode, and while practitioners like Duan Yingnan, A-Ben, and Gao Jingjia, they have one hell of a mentor in CIMA.

Strong Hearts' busy schedules across the Pacific may prevent them from appearing as often as AEW's other potential stars. They remain active in WRESTLE-1 and OWE, with T-Hawk and El Lindaman wrestling semi-regularly in Europe as well, meaning they'd need to realign their priorities to take off fully.

For CIMA, AEW not only represents the chance to work with the likes of Kenny Omega (his Fyter Fest opponent) and get Lindaman, T-Hawk, and potentially others over with western audiences, but turn countless eyes back to his pet project in Shanghai. He wants to build: AEW's platform could help with that. This breeds hope that we'll see more of his talented group from 2 October onwards.

Until then, rewatch the Double Or Nothing six-man, indulge in OWE's free YouTube shows, check out T-Hawk's awesome Shotaro Ashino match, watch some classic CIMA, and let yourselves get excited.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.