In the wrestling ring he is known as The Law but to his family he is Muhammed Valiallah.
The 38-year-old is one of the most respected wrestling referees in South Africa.
Valiallah first started wrestling professionally but it was in 2008, after his club asked him to officiate in a match.
Now he is officiating not only for Roodepoort based Honour Wrestling Association (HWA) but for Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment (XWE) and the South African Pro-Wrestling (SAPW)
“I started training in floor wrestling when I was four-years-old so coming into professional wrestling I already had a solid background. Being a referee I have to be just as fit as the wrestlers in the ring so I train just as hard,” he said.
Valiallah will be heading to Cape Town next weekend to officiate in the XWE event Rise of Champions Part 3 alongside Steve van Eden, the founder of HWA and Xterminator.
Due to his experience as a wrestler, Valiallah does not feel intimidated when he officiates in matches where physically big wrestlers are involved and will never back down.
“Wrestling is just like any other sport and as a referee that is how I approach it. As a former wrestler I understand what is happening in the ring which allows me to judge the match fairly. Nobody cheats and I have to be in control of the match,” said Valiallah.
He said all the matches he has ever officiated are special to him as he has a deep understanding of what it takes to be a wrestler.
“Each and every match is different, since I’m a former wrestler I know the blood, sweat and tears that have gone into training just for that one match. So for me, every match I officiate in is special,” he said.
Van Eden was passionate as he described the influence Valiallah has had on local wrestling.
“Fans know him for the passion he shows as a referee and he is well liked by everyone. That is why so many federations approach him to officiate in their matches. That is a definite first in our country. He is the best at what he does,” said van Eden.
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