{
  "id": 17295759,
  "title": "'Making history is a huge honour': Singapore's first WWE wrestler Dante Chen on his journey and what comes next",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/30/making-history-is-a-huge-honour-singapores-first-wwe-wrestler-dante",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-30T22:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Channel News Asia",
    "slug": "channel-news-asia",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/dante-chen-singapore-wwe-wrestler-japan-6502211"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Singapore's inaugural WWE wrestler, Dante Chen (real name Sean Tan), reflects on his five-year tenure with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and the next phase of his wrestling career. Chen became the first Southeast Asian to wrestle for WWE in 2021, marking a historic milestone for the sport in the region.\n\nChen joined WWE after being scouted at a tryout in Shanghai in 2019, embarking on a journey that began at Singapore Pro Wrestling (SPW) under the ring name Trexxus in 2012. He trained at WWE's Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, under the guidance of veteran wrestlers and coaches. Chen's breakthrough moment came in September 2021 when he made history by winning a match on WWE programming, defeating his opponent in under a minute on NXT.\n\nDespite his short five-year run with the company, Chen competed in 147 matches and faced several wrestlers who later achieved success in WWE. He credits coaching from Terry Taylor for shaping his approach to wrestling. Chen's time with WWE was initially intended as a three-year commitment, but he remains proud of his historical achievement, hoping it will inspire future wrestlers from Singapore and the Southeast Asian region.",
  "summary": "Nearly 14 years after beginning his wrestling career in Singapore, Dante Chen is returning to where it all started. He tells CNA about his five years with WWE, his departure from the company and the next chapter of his career.",
  "key_points": [
    "Dante Chen becomes Singapore's first WWE wrestler in 2021.",
    "Chen trained at WWE's Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.",
    "Chen's five-year WWE tenure inspires future Southeast Asian wrestlers."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}