Ugandan Wrestling Promotion Soft Ground Wrestling Gains Global Popularity in 2024

Soft Ground Wrestling (SGW), a Ugandan wrestling promotion founded in 2023, has gained significant global popularity in 2024. Despite its humble beginnings with a dirt ring and bamboo posts, SGW has attracted praise and support from major wrestling stars like WWE's Mace and Mansoor, as well as AEW's Kenny Omega.

The promotion was started by local resident Daniel Bumba with the goal of training aspiring wrestlers. In just over a year, SGW has made noteworthy progress, training over 180 students and catching the attention of the international wrestling community. Video clips of the promotion have gone viral on social media, showcasing the passion and talent of the Ugandan wrestlers.

WWE superstars Mace and Mansoor recently visited SGW to support the promotion. "Many of those involved in the project were orphans, and there was a sense of family and community, allowing those without families to become a part of something larger," Mace and Mansoor said of their time at SGW. They helped put over rising star Cool Man and create a new stable called The White Boys.

AEW's Kenny Omega, a former World Champion, also expressed his admiration for SGW. "I admire the passion and heart of the athletes, even though they wrestle on a humble dirt ring with bamboo posts," Omega stated. Wrestlers like Will Ospreay and Jordynne Grace have even donated to help improve SGW's facilities through a GoFundMe campaign.

Why this matters: Soft Ground Wrestling's rise highlights the global appeal and impact of professional wrestling. The promotion is providing opportunities for aspiring wrestlers in Uganda and bringing attention to the passion and talent in the East African wrestling scene.

Mace and Mansoor are currently selling a special t-shirt and hosting a Twitch stream to raise additional funds for SGW. The money will go towards providing the wrestlers with beds, a bus to travel to different villages for shows, and potentially helping the promotion buy the land they currently wrestle on. With its rapid growth and international support, Soft Ground Wrestling is positioned to continue making waves in the wrestling world in 2024 and beyond.

Key Takeaways

• Soft Ground Wrestling (SGW), a Ugandan wrestling promotion, gained global popularity in 2024.
• SGW has trained over 180 students and attracted support from WWE and AEW stars.
• WWE's Mace and Mansoor visited SGW, helping train wrestlers and create a new stable.
• AEW's Kenny Omega praised SGW's passion and talent, and wrestlers donated to improve facilities.
• SGW is providing opportunities for aspiring wrestlers in Uganda and gaining international attention.