Michael Oku Reflects On PWG BOLA 2023, Says He’s Increasing His Footprint In America

Micheal Oku reflects on competing in the Battle Of Los Angeles tournament.

Despite losing in the first round of the 2023 PWG BOLA tournament to Konosuke Takeshita, Michael Oku has often talked fondly about his first stint with the legendary independent promotion.

In a new interview with Fightful’s Grapsody podcast, Oku reflected on getting to compete in PWG and talked about expanding his footprint in the world of wrestling.

“If we’re just talking matches that I had this year in America, talk about increasing my footprint. It did that, for sure. More people got to find out who I was. My year started with PWG B.O.L.A. That was my first match of the year. I’m wrestling Takeshita in a singles match. I would probably say that’s the match that, out of every one, I’d put that as number one in terms of me being happy with my performance and how matches were received.”

Oku then reflected on getting to face Chris Jericho and the Jericho Appreciation Society in PWG after being eliminated from the tournament.

“In terms of moments, the night after, obviously, with the Jericho Appreciation Society, will be unmatched. But that’s just the start of the year. That’s crazy.”

After competing in the tournament, Oku saw a spike in popularity, as he returned to America to wrestle for four different independent promotions during WrestleMania weekend in March/April.

“I was really happy with it, with the excursion in general. Going to LA and what my idea was, what my plan was, I knew I had people who wanted to put me in L.A. But I had heard, I think last year and maybe even when the New York year of Mania, people were really recommending, ‘Hey, try and see if you can stay the week before or the week after or even both. Because loads of people around the shows the week after Mania as well.’ So, that’s why I made sure to set up my flight to be that way. That’s how I got hooked up with West Coast Pro and then that’s how I got hooked up with Defy. Everybody treated me so, so well. I really don’t have complaints. I mean, yes, it’s English speaking, but it’s a foreign country and it’s just me with my bag and my gear. These aren’t just any Mickey Mouse promotions as well. These are the top ones that America has to offer. So my goal is to try and hit America one more time this year. I don’t want it to be I’m just a Mania week kind of guy. So hopefully by the end of this year, you’ll see me somewhere in the United States of America.”

Fans can see Fightful’s full interview with Michael Oku in the video linked above.

Oku regularly mainly competes in the Revolution Pro promotion in England. Fans can find results from all Rev Pro shows, as well as other independent promotions, by visiting our results section.