Belgium is the home to a wrestling scene that has been quiet thus far. It hasn’t produced as many international stars as other European countries like the U.K. and it isn’t home to any powerhouse independent promotions like Germany and the scene itself is still young and expanding. But, there are some interesting building blocks in place, set up by wrestlers with years of experience that have wrestled all around the world. With some younger, promising companies starting up and a very young talent pool in the country, that could all change. That is, depending upon that one company or one star stepping up and shining bright enough for the rest of the world to see.
We recently had a conversation with Thierry Rhoadan, who runs the Facebook group REVUE DU CATCH BELGE/ Africain and has covered the Belgian wrestling scene for years. He’s also been involved as a referee and announcer as well. Please check out his group, it’s really cool and it’s a great place to learn about and follow not only Belgian wrestling but also wrestling coming out of Africa and has some of the best coverage of the Democratic Republic of The Congo’s very interesting wrestling scene that I’ve encountered thus far. Thierry is a native French speaker so I have included his French answers in the interview as well for our French readers that are on a browser that doesn’t automatically translate.
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WrestleMap: Usually when doing research for the map and trying to track down wrestling promotions in a certain country, I come across a little bit about the history of pro wrestling in that area. But for whatever reason, that hasn’t really been the case with Belgium. The closest thing to historical information that I’ve found has been the tidbit that wrestling “returned” to Belgium in the early 2000’s with the formation of the Flemish Wrestling Force. Obviously, there had to be some pro wrestling taking place in Belgium prior to this if it “returned” in the early 2000’s. What can you tell us about pro wrestling in Belgium prior to the early 2000’s?
Thierry Rhodan: Yes, the FWF has long been the Belgian promotion at the top. Indeed, Rob RAW launched this federation. He himself has had a few roles in WWE. The second champion was Mr. Salvatore Bellomo, who was in the WWF (then), a secondary star during the days when the WWF often performed in New York. By his Italian origins, he was popular there.
He was on the opposing team in the first "Demolition" fight, we saw him with Jake The Snake, Snuka, Mister Wonderfull. He was also in the early days of ECW, and very present at WXW (USA). He will leave the FWF and found his own school, the BCWF. Rather curious, if there are so many federations in Belgium it is often by "split", so the PWA was born from the FWF. The WAC, CWA were born from the BCWF. Our country's motto is unity is strength. In the world of wrestling, it is often disunity. In reality, Mr. Bellomo, like others, performed at the fairs and fairs that are frequent in Belgium. As in France, fairground wrestling was popular. The FWF has created, if you will, more of an American-style federation.
en Français: Oui, la FWF, a longtemps été la promotion belge au sommet. En effet, Rob RAW a lancé cette fédération. Lui-même a eu quelques rôles à la WWE. Le second champion a été Monsieur Salvatore Bellomo , qui a été à la WWF ( alors), une star secondaire à l’époque où la WWF se produisait souvent à New York. Par ses origines Italiennes , il y était populaire.
Il était de l’équipe adversaire du premier combat de Demolition, on l’a vu avec Jake the snake, Snuka, Mister Wonderfull. Il a aussi été dans les débuts de la ECW, et très présent à la WXW ( USA). Il va quitter la FWF et fonder sa propre école la BCWF. Assez curieux, si il existe autant de fédérations en Belgique s’est souvent par « split », ainsi la PWA est née de la FWF. La WAC, CWA sont nées de la BCWF. Notre devise du pays est l’union fait la force. Dans le monde du catch c’est souvent des désunions. En réalité Monsieur Bellomo, comme d’autres se produisait dans les foires et kermesses qui sont fréquentes en Belgique. Comme en France, le catch de foire était populaire. La FWF a créé si l’on veut, plus une fédération à l’américaine.
“Wildman” Salvatore Bellomo in action against Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart from the early days of ECW. Bellomo was a mainstay and main eventer in the company’s early years.
WrestleMap: Was there really no wrestling taking place at all for a period of time in Belgium to your knowledge?
Thierry Rhodan: So, back home, in Brussels, there was a big fair, and wrestlers provoked the public, the loyal gentleman said he was offering a sum to anyone who could beat one of his strong men. Already it's theater, and the audience paid a small fee to see wrestling in tents. These same wrestlers practiced this all over Belgium, in public places. They were tough men who practiced pretty hard wrestling. Nowadays, Belgian wrestling is more about young boys and girls. But the coaches remain from that time and they are very hard on young people.
en Français: Donc, chez nous, à Bruxelles, il y avait une grande foire, et des catcheurs provoquait le public, le monsieur loyal disait offrir une somme à qui pouvait battre un de ses hommes forts. Déjà , c’est du théâtre, et le public payait une petite somme pour voir du catch sous tente. Ces mêmes catcheurs pratiquaient cela dans toute la Belgique, sur des places publiques. C’était des hommes rudes qui pratiquaient un catch assez dur. De nos jours, le catch belge est plus une histoire de jeunes garçons et de jeunes filles. Mais les entraîneurs restent de cette époque et ils sont très durs avec les jeunes.
Karl Gotch or “The God of Wrestling,” as he’s known as in Japan for his technical prowess and the influence he had on the Japanese pro wrestling style was born in Antwerp, Belgium.
WrestleMap: What do you think helped bring pro wrestling back to Belgium?
Thierry Rhodan: These are the WWE shows, for young people, via the influence of John Cena, Rey Mysterio, Randy Orton. Young people have this crazy hope of one day being a WWE star, before they get there: he already dreams of being a local star. Alas, the Belgian public does not follow. The popular sport here is European football. Unfortunately, the public also has this American model, and the wrestling here is very far from the quality of WWE. There are few tall or very muscular wrestlers. Here, 1.85m (6 feet) is very tall, few go over 100kg (220 lbs.), or 1.90m (6’2"). And those who do, make fun of others quite easily. The atmosphere is quite awful.
en Français: Ce sont les shows de la WWE, pour les jeunes, via l’influence de John Cena, Rey Mysterio, Randy Orton. Les jeunes ont cet espoir un peu fou d’être un jour une star de la WWE, avant d’y arriver : il rêve déjà d’être une star locale. Hélas, le public belge ne suit pas. Ici, le sport populaire est le football à l’européenne. Hélas, le public a justement lui aussi ce modèle américain, et le catch ici est très loin de la qualité de la WWE. Il y a peu de catcheurs grands ou très musclés. Ici, 1 m 85 c’est très grand, peu vont à plus de 100 kg , ou à 1 m 90. Et ceux qui le font, se moquent assez facilement des autres. L’ambiance est assez détestable.
WrestleMap: How do you think that return is going? It appears as if Belgium has a pretty active pro wrestling scene at this point with fifteen promotions currently running there and each area of the country accounted for, for the most part.
Thierry Rhodan: It's a big problem, precisely, there is a small elite who are very present, because they have a more impressive physique and which tour all over the country. Then lots of wrestlers, from wrestling schools, whom sooner or later the trainer throws into the Ring. The courses are paying, and inevitably, the young people are in the Ring, unfortunately often in a supporting role.
en Français: C’est un grand problème, justement, il y a une petite élite qui est très présentes, car ils ont un physique plus impressionnant et qui tournent dans tout le pays. Puis des tas de catcheurs, d’école de catch, que tôt ou tard le formateur lance dans le Ring. Les cours sont payants, et fatalement, les jeunes sont dans le Ring, hélas souvent dans un second rôle.
WrestleMap: How popular is pro wrestling in Belgium right now?
Thierry Rhodan: The Catch is not at all successful. There is very little audience. And only a few fanatics, which I have been traveling around the country, have a very small chance to attend the show. In the villages, some people come for a small evening, inevitably, they compare with the wrestling they see on television.
en Français: Le Catch ne fait pas du tout recette. Il y a très peu de public. Et seul quelques fanatiques, dont j’ai été se déplace dans tout le pays, une chance très petit pour assister au show. Dans les villages, quelques personnes se déplacent pour une petite soirée, fatalement, ils comparent avec la télévision.
A news piece that takes a look at wrestling and wrestling training in Belgium. This is from 2009 but you do get an idea as to how young wrestling training can start for some of the students. It also takes a look at the growing wrestling scene, at that time, in 2009. Most of this video is not in English but the parts featuring Salvatore Bellomo are.
WrestleMap: Is there a big fan base for international promotions such as WWE, AEW, or Impact Wrestling coming out of North America?
Thierry Rhodan: There are very few fanatics at all, but there are still some. The problem is that wrestlers even disrespect a few fans, so there are Facebooks where wrestlers have relationships with fans, but without a magic distance. And the same for wrestlers who are very unprofessional. They look like friends shooting at each other, that's pretty pitiful.
en Français: Du tout, les fanatiques sont très peu, mais il en existe quand même. Le problème est que les catcheurs manquent même de respect aux quelques fans, ainsi, on trouve des Facebook, où des catcheurs ont des relations avec les fans, mais sans une distance de magie. Et pareil pour les catcheurs qui se montrent très peu professionnels. On dirait des amis qui se tirent dans les pattes, c’est assez pitoyable.
WrestleMap: Or perhaps other independent wrestling that is coming out of different countries in Europe? Or from Japanese companies such as New Japan Pro Wrestling?
Thierry Rhodan: No, WWE does it, but even NXT doesn't. Nothing to do with England or Germany. Here, people expect a Randy Orton, a Big Show, and not much else.
en français: Non, la WWE fait recette, mais même la NXT ne le fait pas. Rien à voir avec l’Angleterre ou l’Allemagne. Ici, les personnes attendent un Randy Orton, un Big Show et pas grand-chose d’autre.
Relentless Alternative Pro Wrestling is a newer company based out of Antwerp that seems to have good crowd support, selling out their first show. With what appears to be an athletic brand of modern independent wrestling, Relentless Alternative could definitely be one to watch on the European independent scene moving forward. Their second show from December of 2019 is available on Independent Wrestling TV.
WrestleMap: Now on to some of the promotions themselves. Is there a top promotion in Belgium?
Thierry Rhodan: No, no, even the FWF is just a shadow of its past, there are loads of local promotions, often wrestling schools. As explained, as soon as a wrestler thinks he can open his school, he does so. Often with the discontent of others. We have lots of students, often young. For a few more qualified wrestlers who go from promotion to promotion. Students are very subservient to coaches. No one really stands out.
en Français: Non, non, même la FWF n’est que l’ombre de son passé, il y a des tas de promotions locales, souvent des écoles de catch. Comme expliqué, dès qu’un catcheur pense pouvoir ouvrir son école, il le fait. Souvent avec le mécontentement des autres. On a des tas d’étudiants, souvent jeunes. Pour quelques catcheurs plus qualifiés qui eux vont de promotions en promotions. Les étudiants sont très esclaves des entraîneurs. Personne ne se démarque vraiment.
A highlight package from FWF’s WrestleFest 5 from February 2020.
WrestleMap: Is there a promotion that’s kind of seen as the top dog or the national promotion that has the biggest fan base and wrestlers strive to compete for? Or is it more of a territory style system where promotions run out of and control a certain area and all of their fan support comes from their home region?
Thierry Rhodan: The country is divided in two, some are French-speaking, others Dutch-speaking. In general, Dutch speakers have better productions. They bring in wrestlers from Holland too. For the French-speaking people, they bring in the big names from France, who curiously like to come and wrestle in Belgium, I don't know why. In Brussels, the capital, it is even stranger, the BYWS federation is led by a Congolese wrestler (Shaolin), which results in a really strange, but quite rough wrestling. Shaolin stands out from DRC (Congolese) wrestling, which is very theatrical, but also a very sporty and quite rough wrestling.
en Français: Le pays est divisé en deux, certains sont francophones, d’autres néerlandophones. En général, les néerlandophones ont des meilleures productions. Ils font venir des catcheurs de Hollande aussi. Pour les francophones, ils font venir les gros noms de France, qui curieusement aiment venir catcher en Belgique, j’ignore pourquoi. A Bruxelles, capitale, c’est encore plus étrange, la fédération BYWS est dirigée par un congolais ( Shaolin ) , ce qui donne un catch vraiment étrange, mais assez rude. Shaolin se démarque du catch RDC, qui est très théâtral, par un catch très sportif et assez rude.
BodyZoi Wrestling is another newer Belgian promotion with a very promising future. They work with WXW out of Germany and currently have their events available on the WXW streaming service, wXwNOW.
A 2018 World Catch League poster that really emphasizes the World part of the promotion’s name, featuring wrestlers from Africa and around Europe. (photo courtesy of the World Catch League Facebook)
WrestleMap: Who are some of the promotions in Belgium right now that are worth keeping an eye on?
Thierry Rhodan: The WCL, tried to impose bigger shows, like in England, but it is not yet the top, but making a good effort. BODYZOI, a bodybuilding club, seems to put on great shows, learn from mistakes and move forward.
en Français: La WCL, a tenté d’imposer des shows plus grands, comme en Angleterre, mais ce n’est pas encore le sommet, mais un bel effort. BODYZOI, un club de musculation, semble produire de beaux spectacles, prendre les leçons des erreurs et aller de l’avant.
WrestleMap: Who are some of the promotions that are putting out the best product?
Thierry Rhodan: BYWS is very fortunate to be performing in a big city. In the summer, she presents three days of wrestling at a summer festival, which is the biggest stage. At one point, she had an agreement with a person organizing concerts in a very underground environment, close to the ECW vibe, where the easy going public devoured the shows, even the very quirky African wrestling was appreciated. THE BYWS gave me my first chance to do commentary and then referee a few matches.
en Français: La BYWS a la grande chance de se produire dans une grande ville. L’été elle présente trois journées de catch dans un festival d’été, c’est la plus grosse scène. A un moment, elle avait un accord avec une personne organisant des concerts dans un milieu très underground, proche de l’ambiance ECW, là le public facile dévorait les shows, même le catch africain très décalé était apprécié. LA BYWS m’a donné ma chance de commenter , puis d’arbitrer quelques combats.
WrestleMap: Are there any up and coming promotions that we should watch out for? Do you have a personal favorite?
Thierry Rhodan: The CWA, (COBRA), is my favorite promotion, wrestlers are young, dynamic, not always impressive in size or bodybuilding. But it's real indy, with a heavy metal vibe, it's young, fresh and vibrant and doesn't try to emulate '90s wrestling.
en Français: La CWA, (COBRA) est ma promotion favorite, les catcheurs sont jeunes, dynamiques, pas toujours impressionnants en taille ou en musculation. Mais c’est du vrai indy, avec une ambiance « heavy metal », c’est jeune, frais et dynamique et ne tente pas d’imiter le catch des années 90.
A highlights package from a 2018 Cobra show. Mr. Rhodan’s assessment that YouTube is underutilized by the Belgian wrestling scene seems to be correct as there isn’t exactly an abundance of Belgian wrestling clips available there.
WrestleMap: Is there wrestling on TV in Belgium that you’re aware of? Do any of the Belgian promotions have a weekly television show that you’re aware of?
Thierry Rhodan: No, nothing at all. Even YouTube is underutilized, there are a few careful wrestlers who have their fights filmed and have a YouTube channel, but the clubs use very little, so much so that the WKF I created, is better referenced than some clubs on Google, while the WKF is a very small club of friends who have fun on the theme of wrestling. But I use the media, some people worry about it.
en français: Non, rien du tout. Même « you tube » est sous-utilisés, il y a quelques catcheurs soigneux qui font filmer leurs combats et ont une chaîne « you tube » , mais les clubs n’utilisent que peu, au point que la WKF que j’ai créé , est mieux référencée que certains clubs sur « google », alors que la WKF est un tout petit club d’amis qui s’amusent sur le thème du catch. Mais j’utilise les médias, certains s’en inquiètent.
WrestleMap: Is it possible for someone to make a living as a pro wrestler in Belgium?
Thierry Rhodan: Not really at all. Most wrestlers do it with a meager reward, a few Euros. Only a few names dare to ask for a little more pay, which barely covers their travel expenses.
en français: Du tout, la plupart des catcheurs , le font avec une maigre récompense, quelques euros, seuls quelques noms osent demander une paie un peu plus importante, qui couvre à peine leurs frais de déplacements.
WrestleMap: Is there enough opportunity available for wrestlers within the country to be able to focus their life and career on pro wrestling?
Thierry Rhodan: No, Aleister Black, is a dream, but he's from Holland, and a hard worker. But, performing in France as well is a potential option.
en Français: Non, Aleister Black , est un rêve, mais il est de hollande, et un gros travailleur. Mais, une prestation en France est déjà pas mal.
WrestleMap: How about the wrestlers themselves? Are there any Belgian wrestlers that have had international success and competed in larger promotions overseas that you’re aware of?
Thierry Rhodan: The bravest try Canada or Mexico but these are exceptions.
en Français: Les plus courageux, tentent le Canada, ou le Mexique, ce sont des exceptions.
From top left, moving clockwise: Rob Raw (photo courtesy of his Facebook page), Legion Von Creed (photo courtesy of his Facebook page), Achilles (photo courtesy of his Instagram page) and Mike D Vecchio (photo courtesy of his Facebook page).
WrestleMap: What about wrestlers that haven’t had much breakout success yet? Who are some of the best wrestlers currently competing in Belgium?
Thierry Rhodan: It all depends. There are wrestlers who have a physique, like Legion Von Creed, Rob Raw, Mike D, Achilles. Others are acrobats, sometimes excellent, but they will remain known only to a small circle.
en Français: Tout dépend, il y a les catcheurs qui ont un physique, comme Légion Von Creed, Rob Raw, Mike D, Achilles . D’autres sont des voltigeurs, parfois excellents, mais ils resteront connus que d’un cercle restreint.
WrestleMap: Are there any local wrestling legends that have been around and have seen a high level of success in Belgium but never had the chance to really break out internationally or receive the international acclaim that they deserve?
Thierry Rhodan: No one, really. Mr. Bellomo had his name, but it was old school.
en Français: Personne, Monsieur BELLOMO, avait son renom, mais c’était de la vieille école.
WrestleMap: Are there any annual events (tournaments, super shows, etc.) that are must sees for potential fans that are interested in pro wrestling in Belgium?
Thierry Rhodan: Not really. The BYWS has this summer show, and in winter its BIG IMPACT, but if you compare it to Boxing or Kickboxing, the room is empty.
en Français: Pas vraiment, la BYWS a ce show d’été, et en hiver son BIG IMPACT, mais si l’on compare avec la Boxe ou le Kick Boxing, la salle est vide.
A fun look at a BYWS show from 2019. I’m pretty sure we can even see the subject of our interview ramp-side early on in this video!
WrestleMap: Is there one thing or maybe a couple things that make the wrestling scene in Belgium unique?
Thierry Rhodan: The BYWS offers something great fun. African Wrestling, in the heart of Belgium. This is the reason for my interest in African wrestling. It’s very quirky.
en Français: La BYWS , offre quelque chose de très amusant. Du Catch Africain, en pleine Belgique. C’est la raison de mon intérêt pour le catch africain .C’est très décalé.
A look at some of the Congolese wrestlers competing in Belgium for the BYWS including Shaolin and Dieu Edingwe, the son of perhaps the most famous Congolese wrestler and the first to use voodoo in matches, Edingwe.
WrestleMap: Thanks so much for your time. Your Facebook group and the coverage you do of the Belgian scene has been super helpful to me in my wrestling world map project and helped me to fill in a lot of blanks so I would like to thank you for that!
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Huge thank you to Thierry Rhodan for his help on this look into Belgian Pro Wrestling. Please check out his group REVUE DU CATCH BELGE/ Africain on Facebook!