THURSDAY VETERAN SPOTLIGHT 4/24/25 - WildMan Kongo
Bankie Bruce- Apr 24
- 2 min read
Welcome back to this edition of THURSDAY VETERAN SPOTLIGHT for Hardway HQ. In this edition, I wanted to format this a little differently this week and talk about someone who has made an impact in the New England independent wrestling scene. Someone who is double-tough and has battled through adversity to remain tall and a mentor in the game and in life.
This week, I am spotlighting WILDMAN KONGO.
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I first saw Kongo on an episode of Ring of Honor television in early 2016, wrestling a short but fun match with Moose. He was physical and genuinely looked like an intimidating bad-ass.
I began researching his stuff and came to quickly realize that he was a staple in the New England area. In Chaotic Wrestling, he had a combined 308 days in two reigns as Tag Team Champions with Fala (better known as Fallah Bahh nowadays).
He also performed for countless companies, including Monster Factory Pro Wrestling, IWC in Pennsylvania, Top Rope Pro, EWF, IWS in Quebec, and PWF in North Carolina.
But I never got to see him live until April 21, 2018 for Project: Diverge.
“I remember wanting to use him for this show,” said Jon Harder, founder of Hardway HQ. “I went to Tough Tim Hughes and asked who he’d want to have with his “Old School” fashion. Without a hesitation, he said Kongo. He mentioned how much of a “good brother” he was to him, as well as to Brutal Bob Evans. Plus, he made clear he’d be a good influence in the locker room.”
Kongo did not disappoint one iota. His impact on Tim’s matches against Ricky Richards and Tom O’Malley were impactful. Then, in the Styles Clash, he absolutely stole the show with his power and agility. I, as a fan, was blown away.
Kongo had and has the ability to make that impact on people.
A few years ago, Kongo suffered a serious stroke. For others, it might have put a damper on their lives and it would lead to massive depression and defeat. However, Kongo, coming from a family of toughness and fighters, has come all the way back, getting stronger every day and relatively getting back to everyday life.
“I remember seeing Kongo at an AXW show a few months after everything had happened. Not only was it great to see him; it was incredible to see him wanting and trying to help wherever he was needed,” Harder stated. “That is the epitome of a real man. Positive attitude and tough-as-nails, while being empathetic to others.”
I have heard countless stories of Kongo having other people’s backs in various situations and not backing down a single bit. That is the strength of the term “good brother”.
This THURSDAY VETERAN SPOTLIGHT is long overdue and seemingly not enough. We continue to wish Kongo the best and we know that he will make an impact in whatever he does.
In fact, he already has.
Bankie Bruce
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