
DUBAI: Shaheen is an Emirati wrestling pioneer who became the first Arab wrestler to wrestle for Japan’s professional wrestling promotion, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), and has been thrilling audiences around the world through his passion for wrestling and beyond.
The wrestler loves sharing the tricks of the trade with up-and-coming wrestlers. Not only that but he also trains experienced wrestlers to take their skills to the next level at a wrestling festival in Dubai.
“I started watching wrestling in the early 2000s,” Shaheen told Arab News Japan. “While other kids my age were into programs like Captain Tsubasa, Detective Conan, and Hunter X Hunter, I was all about getting my hands on pro wrestling tapes to watch Junior Heavyweight and Cruiserweight matches.”
He was introduced to professional wrestling in 2018 through Irish World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) wrestler Finn Bálor, who found success in Japan prior to joining WWE. “I met him during a live show in the UAE, where we talked about the challenges of pursuing an offbeat career path like wrestling,” said the wrestler.
“That’s when things clicked for me. I laid out my options and traveled to the UK to dip my toes into the world of professional wrestling. Shortly after, a friend of mine back in Dubai was in the process of purchasing a wrestling ring and opening an academy. That’s when I partnered up with him to bring my experience to the table,” he added.
Not only did Shaheen wrestle in Japan and the UAE, he has also started competing abroad. “When performing overseas, every match is a chance to prove myself, a new audition for the world,” he reflected. “It’s easy to get caught up in the grind, the constant pressure to perform, to be better than your previous self. But amidst the chaos, I find peace in the simple joy of stepping into the ring, feeling the energy of the crowd, and letting loose. It’s a rush, a high that’s unlike anything else.”
The wrestler told Arab News Japan that wrestlers have to work twice as hard to gain worldwide recognition because it is not a popular career choice. “We have to constantly reach out for opportunities and have a good portfolio to back it up. Essentially, you become your own marketer, strategist, publicist, and many other things all at once. Being an independent worker is different from a regular job with all the perks. Your passion is your motivation, not the perks or the health insurance,” he said.
“We put our bodies on the line for people’s entertainment and work really hard to put ourselves out there. After stepping in the ring, there’s nothing more rewarding than fans around the world coming up to your merchandise table to chat and tell you how they reacted to your match or have been inspired by your journey. The best thing about this career by far is the people you meet, the friends you make and the places you see,” he added.
Shaheen visited Japan for the first time about 10 years ago with his family. “We fell head over heels for the place. Everything was super clean and easy,” he said. “There were vending machines everywhere, and getting around was a breeze with their advanced public transport. As a thrill-seeker, Disney and Fuj Q Highland were the highlights. We also went to Lake Kawaguchiko, where I swung through the trees on zip lines over the lavender fields.”
Japan debut
— Shaheen シャヒーン (@ShaheenWrestler) August 27, 2024
أول مباراة في اليابان 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/azqeJshb36
He told Arab News Japan that participating in NJPW was a challenge that helped improve as a wrestler. “There is no skipping out as everyone is watching and of course all eyes are on the foreign boy, especially as the only foreigner in that group to pass through,” he said.
“The good thing is that everyone was there for the same reason, and we all pushed each other to be our best. Towards the end, I was honored to face my coach in my first showcase match, meaning it was do or die, which brought out the best in me,” he added.
Regarding his upcoming projects in the near future, Shaheen said, “Performing on NJPW Strong is on top of that list. Until that happens, I want to perform overseas and help others when I am available back home. My experience with performing in different countries taught me that I need to focus on improving the connections, skills, and engagement of everyone involved at the academy to elevate our events and the wrestling scene as a whole. That’s why I’m passionate about enhancing the wrestling academy in Dubai and making it the top choice for aspiring wrestlers in the Middle East.”