All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star Chris Jericho has produced a documentary titled "Vietslam," which chronicles the emergence of Vietnam Pro Wrestling (VPW) and its journey to gaining government approval and building a dedicated fanbase. The film showcases how enthusiasts in Vietnam, initially only able to watch foreign promotions like WWE and AEW, successfully established their own wrestling company.
Jericho was initially contacted by a Vietnamese pro wrestling group through his podcast, "Talk is Jericho." He learned about the efforts of Rocky, a Vietnamese national, and Carrie, a Canadian who had moved to Vietnam, to create a wrestling scene in a country where the sport was virtually unknown and unestablished. Their endeavor involved navigating a strict government and obtaining permits, a process Jericho found compelling from both a human interest and a cultural perspective.
"Pro wrestling connects the cultures of the West and the East," Jericho told Fox News Digital. He noted that while many countries have a strong wrestling tradition, Vietnam's perception in the West was often tied to historical conflicts. The idea that pro wrestling could serve as a common ground between these cultures became a central theme for the documentary.
The formation of VPW, including the logistical challenge of building a wrestling ring from scratch, underscored the unifying power of the sport. Jericho contrasted the challenges in Vietnam with the relative ease of organizing wrestling events in countries like the United States, where regulations are less stringent.
To gain government approval, VPW representatives had to present pro wrestling not as a combat sport, but as a performance akin to a dance routine. This framing was crucial in convincing authorities that the activity was a staged show rather than a dangerous physical confrontation. Once the government understood this distinction, they granted permission for the wrestling shows to proceed.
Jericho expressed that having an influence on the pro wrestling scene in Vietnam was deeply meaningful. He recalled surprising the wrestlers and fans during a visit, an experience that underscored the global reach of professional wrestling. He likened the reaction to Mick Jagger visiting a small band, emphasizing how his presence represented a dream come true for those involved.
"It's not about a country. It's about a feeling and about a camaraderie that that we have as wrestling fans," Jericho stated. He believes that pro wrestling transcends borders, uniting people through a shared passion for the sport, whether it's performed in Africa, Vietnam, or the United States.
"Vietslam" is scheduled for release on Prime Video, Fandango, Hoopla, and Local Now on Tuesday, with an Aug. 6 release planned for Tubi.