KUALA LUMPUR – Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has revealed plans to bring global wrestling powerhouse World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to Johor, marking the latest step in his vision to make the southern state a premier international sports destination.
The regent, better known as TMJ, announced after attending WWE Crown Jewel 2025 with his wife and children at Perth’s RAC Arena on Saturday night.
The event, headlined by the long-awaited John Cena-AJ Styles clash and the showdown between Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins, drew a sellout crowd and global streaming audience.
Sharing photos from backstage with wrestling legends, including Triple H, John Cena, Cody Rhodes, and The Usos, Tunku Ismail wrote on social media:
“We are in talks with UFC and WWE to bring them to Johor in the future. Hopefully in 2027. Sultan Ibrahim Stadium. Backstage with the OG himself, Triple H, John Cena, American Nightmare Cody Rhodes, The Usos and the rest of the WWE family.”
Tunku Ismail’s latest announcement comes months after he appointed New Zealand rugby icon Sonny Bill Williams as Johor’s sports ambassador in April.
At the time, he said the collaboration would help elevate Johor’s sporting infrastructure and talent pipeline, with Williams expected to contribute to athlete mentorship and sports diplomacy.
The regent, known for his hands-on involvement in sports through Johor Darul Ta’zim FC and the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium project, has consistently pushed to align Johor’s development with international standards. — October 13, 2025