All Elite Wrestling star Chris Jericho has taken on a new role as producer of a documentary that shines a spotlight on the emergence of professional wrestling in Vietnam. The film, titled «Vietslam,» chronicles the formation of Vietnam Pro Wrestling (VPW) and the efforts of passionate fans who worked to bring the sport to a country where it previously had no presence. Jericho explained that the project began after he received an unsolicited email from a wrestling group in Vietnam, which led him to explore how the sport could serve as a unifying force across cultures.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Jericho detailed the origins of the documentary. He said the email came from a Vietnamese man named Rocky and a Canadian named Carrie, who had moved to Vietnam and, against considerable odds, started a wrestling company. At the time, there was no wrestling infrastructure in the country, no wrestling rings, and the government had little understanding of what professional wrestling entailed. The group had to navigate a strict regulatory environment to obtain permits, a process that required convincing authorities that wrestling was a performance art rather than a combat sport like mixed martial arts.
Jericho noted that the documentary goes beyond wrestling to explore broader themes of human determination and cultural connection. He described how the VPW founders had to persuade the Vietnamese government that their shows were akin to dance routines, emphasizing that the performers were not actually harming each other but putting on a choreographed performance. Once the government accepted this framing, it allowed the group to proceed, though the process required significant time and effort. Jericho remarked that this struggle highlights the unifying aspect of professional wrestling, a sport that often faces criticism online but can bring people together across different backgrounds.
The documentary also sheds light on the challenges of building a wrestling organization from scratch in a country with no prior tradition of the sport. Jericho pointed out that while professional wrestling is widely popular in the United States, Japan, and parts of Europe, Vietnam had little exposure to it beyond what fans could watch on television through WWE or AEW broadcasts. The VPW founders had to source equipment, train performers, and create a fan base, all while operating under a government that required strict oversight of public events. Jericho emphasized that the effort required to put on a single show in Vietnam far exceeds what is typical in countries with established wrestling scenes.
Jericho also addressed the tribalistic nature of online wrestling fandom, noting that the negativity often seen on social media does not reflect the broader community. He argued that most fans appreciate the hard work that goes into wrestling, regardless of the promotion or country of origin. The documentary, he said, serves as a reminder of the passion and dedication that drives people to pursue their dreams, even when facing significant obstacles. Jericho expressed hope that «Vietslam» would help viewers understand the human stories behind professional wrestling, moving beyond the spectacle to highlight the resilience of those involved.
The formation of VPW represents a notable development in the global expansion of professional wrestling. While the sport has long been dominated by American and Japanese promotions, the emergence of a Vietnamese company demonstrates its growing appeal in new markets. Jericho's involvement as a producer brings additional visibility to the project, given his status as a veteran wrestler with a career spanning decades in WWE and AEW. The documentary is expected to reach audiences through streaming platforms and film festivals, offering a unique perspective on how wrestling can bridge cultural divides.
Jericho concluded by reflecting on the broader implications of the story, describing it as a testament to the human desire to create and connect. He noted that the VPW founders' journey against government bureaucracy and limited resources mirrors the challenges faced by many independent wrestling promotions worldwide. By focusing on the positive aspects of the sport, «Vietslam» aims to inspire viewers and showcase the unifying power of professional wrestling, a theme that Jericho believes is often overlooked in mainstream discussions.
