Maszlee, a former education minister, had recently asked the communications and multimedia ministry to look into the matter as he believed wrestling was a sport with huge potential, although it is classified as entertainment.

Screen writer and pro wrestler Ayez Shaukat Fonseka Farid welcomed the suggestion. “The people in the industry may make a better living out of this, and the fans of professional wrestling will definitely enjoy it when we become accessible. Opportunities will grow,” he told FMT.

Ayez said professional wrestling was popular in Malaysia, as shown by satellite broadcaster Astro’s dedicated channel for wrestling.

“We have the talent, we have the expertise, and if we have the support, Malaysia might be the hub for professional wrestling in the Southeast Asian region,” he said, adding that Malaysia could give Japan’s flagship New Japan Pro Wrestling a run for its money.

Another Malaysian pro wrestler, Nor “Phoenix” Diana, said Malaysia is on its way to becoming the biggest professional wrestling centre in Southeast Asia. “Having the support as well as a TV deal would definitely put Malaysia on the map,” said “Phoenix”, the world’s first hijab-wearing pro wrestler.

She also said pro wrestlers from all around Asia Pacific would want to work in Malaysia, which would also help contribute to the country’s economy.

However wrestling fan Azman was worried about pro wrestling’s reception among people in the more conservative parts of Malaysia, and a possible backlash.

He suggested research be carried out into the number of Malaysians who actively watch wrestling shows such as WWE to determine the real demand for wrestling.

However, he believes wrestling has the potential to boom and make Malaysia more famous worldwide.