The outfit that grabbed the attention of the American. Photos: Ayez Shaukat/Instagram
Pro-wrestler Ayez Shaukat-Fonseka Farid, better known as Ayez Shaukat, is set to go to the United States next year to embark on a new chapter in his career.
The 37-year-old Malaysian has signed a five-year contract with a major entertainment company in the US as one of its talents.
“I have been a pro wrestler for 10 years now. In 2022 I managed to penetrate the US market on the American channel, The CW Network.
“Then this year that video that was shown on CW went viral, perhaps due to my costume – I wore kain songket and tanjak (a traditional Malay headgear). I think maybe the Americans were attracted to my performance because of that
“Then a bigger entertainment company in the US proposed a five-year contract with quite a good sum of money. And I signed on as a talent with the company," shared Shaukat at the premiere screening of the local film Takluk: Lahad Datu in which he stars alongside Syafiq Kyle, Eman Manan and Fikry Ibrahim.
Besides wrestling and acting, Shaukat is also an action director. His credits include the American-British production Strike Back, as well as local productions Sangkar and Gila Gusti.
The founder of pro-wrestling in Malaysia added: “If you convert what the US company is offering, it comes to more than six figures. So, it is an offer that I can’t turn down really.
“Also, when am I going to get another offer like that?
“An opportunity like this is something that I have been chasing for some time already. I am thankful to get this.”
According to Shaukat, it has been a rough road ever since he started the pro wrestling industry in Malaysia when there wasn't any.
“Although I get a lot of views on social media, sometimes close to 2 million, I get a lot of haters (too).
“But I have become immune to these types of comments nowadays as I have been hearing this for 10 years now.
“At first I was frustrated, because for me, I am chasing my dream, so I don't understand why they are so angry at what I do,” said Shaukat, explaining that detractors mainly focus on the fact he’s behaving in a way that a Malay man should not be behaving.
Good news is, when his video went viral, Shaukat had won more supporters.
“One Malay American wrote that he had no connection with Malay culture as he was born in the United States. But when he saw my costume, he felt proud.
“In that sense, I think it’s important to have a Malay representation in the US.”
When asked if he thinks he has a chance to break into Hollywood, Shaukat said “it is not impossible”.
“I have appeared a couple of times as a wrestler on American TV. And after an appearance, I do get inquiries from different production houses to act in TV series.
“But it is a little complicated because of the visa requirements. I can only work on a project basis according to the visa.
“If a production house wants to hire me they have to apply for a separate visa so that is extra expenses and time for them.
“Since I have gotten offers like that, I think my chances are better when I am based there. The card I get would allow me to work with other companies as well.
“I am just waiting for the opportunity. When I do receive it, I will immediately take the offer.”
At the same time, Shaukat admitted that he has no plans to move to the US permanently as he’s still “true blue Malaysian”.
“Although the payment and the opportunity are good, my heart is still here.
“Working in the United States is something I need to do as part of my legacy. I want my children to see me on the global screens.”
Once he returns to Malaysia, he hopes to be able to start his own studio here.
