Super Slam III professional wrestling superstars lining up for a group photo at the end of a press conference held on February 19, 2025. (LEFT TO RIGHT) Maharaja, Mike Foley, Nic Nemeth, QPW Chairman Ali Ahmad Al Marafi, QPW board member Bilal Taha, and Fallah Bah. Photo by Oussama Abbassi / The Peninsula.
Doha: Qatar Pro Wrestling (QPW) held a press conference today ahead of its highly anticipated Super Slam III event, bringing together international and local wrestling superstars for what promises to be the largest professional wrestling spectacle in the region’s history.
QPW Chairman Ali Ahmad Al Marafi opened the press conference by highlighting the event's remarkable growth: "This time it is going to be bigger than ever before because everybody is talking about it in different countries!"
QPW Chairman Ali Ahmad Al Marafi (SPEAKING) and QPW board member Bilal Taha during a press conference on the Super Slam III Professional Wresting Championship. Photo by Oussama Abbassi / The Peninsula.
He further emphasized what makes this edition unique: "This is the first time ever we have two different shows on different nights with different matches and different names. You can come to the first night, second night, or both together. Plus, we have a partnership with TNA, one of the biggest wrestling companies in the world, and for the first time ever, we have support from Qatar Calendar by Visit Qatar."
Set to take place at the Ladies Hall in Aspire Zone on February 21-22, 2025, the two-day extravaganza will feature 12 matches with over 30 international and local wrestlers, including six championship bouts split across both nights.
Bilal Taha, QPW board member, declared the organization's mission to establish a wrestling base in the Middle East: "We started from maybe 700 people attending one show. Now we had 5,000 people at our last show in 2020," Taha said, highlighting the growth.
QPW board member Bilal Taha (SPEAKING) and QPW Chairman Ali Ahmad Al Marafi during a press conference on the Super Slam III Professional Wresting Championship. Photo by Oussama Abbassi / The Peninsula.
"Before, we had zero local talents. Now we have more than 12 local talents who have had chances to be professionals in Mexico, the United States, Canada, and Australia."
Al Marafi also highlighted the significant local participation, with more than 12 local wrestlers competing against international stars. When asked if locals might win, he teased: "Maybe! Come and witness it yourself."
The press conference briefly took on the dramatic flair characteristic of professional wrestling when a local Qatari competitor known as "Classy Ali" stormed into the event.
The wrestler interrupted proceedings, demanding recognition and respect while reminding everyone that they were in "his territory" while holding a championship belt on his shoulders.
The unexpected intrusion showcased the theatrical elements fans can expect at the upcoming event.
Among the star-studded lineup at the press conference were wrestling legend Mick Foley, a WWE Hall of Famer making his first appearance at QPW; former world champion Nic Nemeth (formerly known as Dolph Ziggler), a two-time World Heavyweight Champion, six-time Intercontinental Champion and currently performing with TNA Wrestling; former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal, who made history in 2017 defeating Randy Orton at backlash to become the 50th recognized WWE Champion of Indian descent; and Filipino powerhouse Fallah Bah, holding multiple championships, including the RCW Championship and the PWS Heavyweight Championship, now making his Middle East debut with QPW.
Mahal, returning to Qatar after a decade, expressed amazement at the country's development.
Yuvraj "Raj" Dhesi, former WWE Champion known as 'Jinder Mahal' speaking during a press conference on the Super Slam III Professional Wrestling Championship. Photo by Oussama Abbassi / The Peninsula.
"I've been blown away by the development of Doha. Such a difference in 10 years, but more importantly, such a difference in QPW," Mahal noted.
"The whole QPW team has done an amazing job growing this brand, and I look forward to coming back year after year."
For Fallah Bah, this marks his Middle East debut. "It's awesome. Everybody's so lovely. It's really nice to be part of this," he said.
Francis Flores, PWS Heavyweight Championship known as 'Fallah Bah' during a press conference on the Super Slam III Professional Wrestling Championship. Photo by Oussama Abbassi / The Peninsula.
Bah also addressed his Kabayan fans and the expat community's excitement for his debut, mentioning his upcoming match against Chris Raaber, who claims to be "the face of Qatar wrestling."
Bah boldly declared, "You're looking at the new face, and it starts with this right here," challenging Raaber's status and setting the tone for an upcoming challenge.
Nic Nemeth, who last visited Qatar more than a decade ago, also expressed his awe at the infrastructure growth of the country, in general, and the wrestling community, in specific.
Nicholas Theodore Nemeth, former world champion known as 'Dolph Ziggler' speaking during a press conference on the Super Slam III Professional Wrestling Championship. Photo by Oussama Abbassi / The Peninsula.
He is scheduled to headline the second night in a championship match against his longtime friend Matt Cardona (formerly known as Zack Ryder).
"I'm excited to be here, but I'm playing for a championship," Nemeth said.
When asked about his expectations for his headliner with Ryder, he added: "We’ve beaten the hell out of each other and had many fights before, so I look forward to punching his face again and holding that QPW championship afterward!"
Halfway through the conference, Legend and three-time world champion Mick Foley shared advice for aspiring wrestlers, emphasizing immediate action over procrastination.
Michael Francis Foley, legend and three times world champion known as 'Mick Foley' speaking during a press conference on the Super Slam III Professional Wrestling Championship. Photo by Oussama Abbassi / The Peninsula.
"If you're looking to get into wrestling and you've been contemplating it for a few years, try it right now! Don't say 20 years down the line that you had thought about it before," Foley advised.
He added that wrestling is "a show business" where perseverance matters: "If you give everything you have, even if it doesn't work out, you'll be able to sleep at night knowing you gave everything!"
The event has secured significant partnerships, including Qatar Calendar by Visit Qatar as the official Events and Tourism Partner, TNA Wrestling as Supporting Partner, and Thriller TV as Broadcasting Partner.
The Peninsula, Marhaba, Qabayan Radio, and I Am Qatar will serve as Media Partners.
Super Slam III will feature completely different cards on each night — a rarity even in major wrestling promotions.
The first night will culminate in a headline match between Bobby Lashley and Alberto Del Rio, while night two will feature Nic Nemeth against Matt Cardona for the championship.
Tickets are available through Q-Tickets with VIP, Gold, and Silver seating categories prices starting from QR80 up to QR800.
The event will include a meet-and-greet session on Thursday February 20, 2025, in the Oasis Arena, Mall of Qatar, giving fans behind-the-scenes access to their favorite wrestling superstars.
For more information and tickets, fans can visit Q-Tickets website or contact +974 5506 1242.
