TREИDNG PROFILES: Malachi – The Man Bringing Deathmatch Wrestling to Derby with Kumite Combat Wrestling

When you think of Derby, world-class Deathmatch wrestling might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But thanks to Malachi, one of the driving forces behind Kumite Combat Wrestling (KCW), the East Midlands is now firmly on the UK wrestling map.

“I moved here twenty-five years ago as part of a band,” Malachi explains. “Derby is pretty much the middle of the country, so it was easy for travelling and touring.” Music may have brought him to the city, but wrestling soon became his calling.

Around nine years ago, Malachi entered the British wrestling scene with H.O.P.E Wrestling, initially as a ring announcer and commentator. His voice and energy carried him across the UK, but it was the over-18 shows and Deathmatch wrestling that truly captured his passion. When health reasons forced him to cut back on constant travel, he and his good friend Fletch decided to create something different in their hometown.

That was the birth of Kumite Combat Wrestling.

“People say nothing ever happens in Derby, but that’s obviously not true. If you book them, they will come.”

A Hybrid Wrestling Experience Like No Other

Malachi describes Kumite as “a hybrid wrestling promotion that specialises in Deathmatch” — a niche within a niche that attracts a fiercely loyal community of fans. Growing up, he was captivated by the spectacle of WCW and WWF in the late ’80s and early ’90s, later discovering the raw chaos of ECW, CZW, and Japanese Deathmatch wrestling.

At KCW, it’s not just about the violence — it’s about variety and atmosphere. “A lot of people describe what we do as an adults-only variety show, and I’m pretty happy with that description,” he says. Shows are carefully structured to build toward an unforgettable climax. Expect blood, yes, but also comedy, crowd interaction, and a sense of theatre that keeps fans hooked.

Their reputation has even led to memorable moments: “We actually had two people faint during our last show’s main event, and you can’t pay for that kind of endorsement — mission accomplished.”

Recognition in a Divisive Scene

Deathmatch wrestling isn’t for everyone — even within the British wrestling community. But KCW has carved out a respected space. “Being recognised for what we do has been pretty good,” Malachi admits. “There isn’t much Deathmatch wrestling in this country, and to be accepted into the scene is great.”

His ethos comes from his DIY punk background. “Myself and Fletch pretty much do everything ourselves, but all of the other people that work with us share our DIY ethic. That’s really important to us. People can spot a fake a mile off.”

The Big One: KCW // FIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD

All roads now lead to KCW’s final show of 2025, and it’s shaping up to be their biggest yet.

📅 Sunday 19th October, 2pm
📍 The Hairy Dog, Derby

Because it’s the season finale, the card is stacked with hardcore action and international star power:

The return of Big F’n Joe – the first ever KCW Deathwolf Champion.
The debut of Mickie Knuckles – an American Deathmatch legend who has competed worldwide.
Main Event Deathmatch Championship – Alton Thorne vs. Antonio Gonzalez in the culmination of their year-long war.
KCW World Champion BlueShe vs. Mickie Knuckles in a high-stakes Deathmatch showdown.
Plus appearances from BTT and a roster of Kumite’s wildest talents.

As Malachi puts it: “It really is a stacked card. A fantastic way to end the season.”

Wrestling as Escape and Community

For Malachi, the heart of KCW is the audience. “The main thing I want to do is provide an escape for people. I want people to come to the show and not have to think about the real-life things that stress them out.”

KCW fans aren’t passive spectators — they’re part of the show’s lifeblood. Ticket sales, merch, and streaming support through IWTV keep the company alive. And along the way, fans who once came alone have found community and friendship. “It’s all over a love of wrestling, and we couldn’t ask for more than that.”

Where to Watch and Follow

🎥 Stream all KCW events on Independent Wrestling TV
💿 Grab DVDs from Deathmatch Outlaws
📲 Follow @officialkumite on all social media

Malachi’s Advice

For those chasing their own creative paths, Malachi keeps it simple but powerful:

“Just keep doing it. You only get out what you put into things like this, and art is important. Don’t just work and sleep… Anyone can create something, so have a go at it.”

With that ethos, it’s no surprise Kumite Combat Wrestling has built something truly unique in Derby. And with Fight of the Living Dead just around the corner, the madness is only just beginning.