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Dante Chen, WWE’s groundbreaking first Singaporean Superstar, has just been released by the company after a landmark 5-year career. The news came just hours ago, ending an extraordinary journey that began in September 2021, when the wrestler made history as the first Southeast Asian born talent to sign with the world’s largest wrestling promotion.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Release Date: April 24, 2026, ending a historic 5-year WWE tenure
- Historical Achievement: First Singaporean-born WWE Superstar and first Southeast Asian performer
- Ring Career Span: Competed in 147 matches across NXT, NXT Level Up, and other brands
- Real Name: Sean Tan Li Hao, born January 20, 1996, age 30
Breaking: Historic WWE Journey Ends
The wrestling world was stunned earlier today when Dante Chen announced his release from WWE NXT through social media. The departure marks the conclusion of a five-year chapter that began in September 2021 with his groundbreaking debut at an NXT 2.0 televised event. Throughout his tenure, Chen represented Singapore with pride, opening doors for future Southeast Asian wrestlers in the global wrestling landscape.
In his official statement, Chen expressed gratitude for the opportunity to make wrestling history. He wrote, “I am proud to be the first Singaporean-born WWE Superstar, and I hope that inspires everyone that anything can be achieved.” The announcement included his signature phrase, #ChenNowForeverTogether, reflecting the connection he built with wrestling fans worldwide.
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A Pioneering Career Highlighted by 147 Matches
Chen’s WWE career spanned nearly five years of continuous development and performance across multiple brands. Starting on NXT, the 6-foot-tall, 215-pound wrestler from Singapore quickly made an impression on NXT 2.0, facing notable competitors in his early matches. His visibility increased over time as he appeared regularly on WWE’s developmental programming, including the previously-filmed NXT Level Up series.
Throughout his tenure, Chen became known for his competitive spirit and technical in-ring work. In 2024 and 2025, wrestling analysts noted his significant contribution to developmental programming, appearing on approximately 30 percent of NXT Level Up shows produced. His match record of 147 total matches demonstrates his active participation in WWE’s wrestling ecosystem.
The Singaporean Wrestling Pioneer in Numbers
| Career Detail | Information |
| Total Matches | 147 |
| WWE Tenure | September 2021 to April 2026, Nearly 5 years |
| Height and Weight | 6’0″,215 lbs |
| Brands Represented | NXT, NXT Level Up, WWE 205 Live |
“I am proud to be the first Singaporean-born WWE Superstar, and I hope that inspires everyone that anything can be achieved. Stay tuned.”
— Dante Chen, Official Statement
Impact on Asian Wrestling Representation
Chen’s time in WWE represented a watershed moment for Asian wrestling talent in North America’s largest promotion. Before Dante Chen, no Singapore-born wrestler had achieved WWE recognition. His mere presence on programming signaled the company’s commitment to discovering and developing talent from underrepresented wrestling markets. The Southeast Asian Standout inspired many aspiring wrestlers across Singapore, Malaysia, and neighboring regions.
Beyond wrestling,Chen’s journey demonstrated the power of individual persistence and cross-cultural impact in sports entertainment. His social media accounts @dantechenwwe attracted 19.9K+ followers who celebrated his contributions. The wrestler’s departure may open conversations about the next generation of Southeast Asian talent seeking WWE opportunities in the coming years.
What’s Next for Dante Chen and the Wrestling World?
While Chen’s immediate future remains unclear, his release comes at an active time in professional wrestling. Various wrestling promotions operate across the globe, offering potential pathways for a performer of his credential as the former WWE’s first Singaporean Superstar. Many wrestling observers expect Chen to continue his in-ring career elsewhere or pursue endeavors outside professional wrestling.
The wrestling community has taken to social media to celebrate Chen’s accomplishments and wish him well. His legacy as a barrier-breaker will endure regardless of his next chapter. The question now remains: how will Asian wrestling representation evolve following Dante Chen’s pioneering yet brief tenure with WWE?
