Ikpea set for induction into the AIWF Hall of Fame in the USA

26.8.2025
The Allied Independent Wrestling Federations (AIWF) Africa has nominated Rev. Samuel Ikpea to be inducted into the AIWF Hall of Fame in the March 2026.
According to Olusesan Olukoya who is the AIWF Africa president and also secretary-general of Pro Wrestling Africa, Rev Ikpea is being honoured as patron and a huge supporter of PWA wrestling activities in Africa. Rev Ikpea who is also the Nigeria Football Supporters Club national chairman
“Rev. Ikpea deserved to be celebrated and honoured to become an AIWF International Hall of Famer. To become a Hall of Famer, you must first achieve exceptional performance and recognition in your field, then meet the specific eligibility criteria of the relevant Hall of Fame, such as being retired as a practitioner in the sport for a certain number of years or you are a heavy supporter and then being nominated for consideration.
“Finally, you must be nominated by the selection committee or voting body, which requires a significant majority of approval votes, which has already been done and dusted as regards Rev. Samuel Ikpea” Olukoya explained.
AIWF is a global professional wrestling governing body that functions as a modern, international territory system, similar to the historical National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). Founded as a regional promotion in the United States, the AIWF evolved in 2008 into a sanctioning body that unites and promotes independent wrestling promotions worldwide, fostering talent exchange and creating a network of shared championships across numerous countries.
“The Hall of Fame was started in 2005. This is our 20th year. I would like to put associates and patrons who have gone extra miles to support us in the past in the Hall of Fame in 2026, which will be the anniversary show in March. Plaques would be presented to the nominees, and we will do a ceremony at the 2026 anniversary show, ” said Rick Deezel of AIWF.
AIWF unites over 150 independent promotions in 52 countries and has a growing presence in Africa, working with local organizations to promote international professional wrestling and discover new talent. The AIWF is active in regions like Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin, Togo, Zimbabwe and Botswana fostering events like the Mid-Year Pro Wrestling Championship in Lagos, Battleground championship in Cameroon and participating in continental tournaments to showcase African talent on the world stage.