By Francis Ajuonuma
Seasoned Sports Administrator and National Chairman, Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), Rev Samuel Ikpea will headline the Allied Independent Wrestling Federations (AIWF) Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Rev Ikpea, who is also patron of Pro Wrestling Africa (PWA) will be inducted during a ceremony that will hold in North Carolina, United States in March 2026 as part of AIWF’s activities for the year.
The Allied Independent Wrestling Federations (AIWF), based in the United States, 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.
In a statement by AIWF owner and founder, Rick Deezel, explained that the induction into its Hall of Fame which started in 2025 is performed for people who have immensely supported and contributed immensely to the growth of professional wrestling and AIWF expansion across the globe.
“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, ” Rick Deezel said.
Earlier, president, AIWF Africa, who also doubles as, Secretary General, Pro Wrestling Africa (PWA), Olusesan Olukoya, said Ikpea was nominated for induction due to his huge support to PWA and professional wrestling in Africa.
“Reverend 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 unites over 150 independent promotions in 52 countries and has a growing presence in Africa, working with local organisations 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.
