Kayfabe Diary Celebrates 15 Years in 2026 With the Launch of a Bold Pro Wrestling T-Shirt Collection
Finland, 15th Jan 2026 — Acclaimed Finnish photographer, videographer, and graphic designer Marko Simonen marks 15 years of contribution to professional wrestling culture by unveiling a major new collection of pro wrestling t-shirts under his renowned creative platform, Kayfabe Diary. The launch celebrates both Simonen’s enduring presence in Nordic wrestling and the evolution of Kayfabe Diary from a documentary project into a multifaceted creative archive and brand.
Kayfabe Diary began as a long-running Instagram project dedicated to documenting the vibrant professional wrestling scenes of Finland, Estonia, and Sweden. Over time, it grew into one of the most respected visual archives of Nordic wrestling, offering fans and industry professionals a rare behind-the-scenes look at performers, promotions, and events that often exist outside the global spotlight. Some followers may recognize familiar talent featured on the platform who have since appeared in internationally known promotions such as WWE NXT UK, TNA Wrestling, and NWA Powerrr.
The project reached a new milestone when Simonen launched the official website, www.kayfabediary.com, expanding the archive and providing a dedicated home for his extensive body of work. The platform deepened fan engagement by curating photographs, videos, and stories that reveal the human side of professional wrestling — the dedication, discipline, and emotion behind the spectacle. A detailed feature on the cultural importance of Kayfabe Diary and its role in documenting Nordic wrestling can also be found here:
https://medium.com/@mikaelniemiblogs/kayfabe-diary-documents-nordic-pro-wrestling-6441b652b706
Simonen’s journey in wrestling began in 2010, when he started photographing local events. What began as passion quickly developed into a career that would see him build the most extensive photographic archive of professional wrestling in Northern Europe. His work is now widely recognized for its authenticity, emotional depth, and artistic quality, earning him a reputation as one of Europe’s leading wrestling photographers.
Beyond photography, Kayfabe Diary has always encompassed more than still images. The project has included graphic design, video production, television work, and the organization of live wrestling events, reflecting Simonen’s wide-ranging creative skills. The introduction of a dedicated pro wrestling t-shirt line is therefore a natural extension of the brand. The collection brings together visual storytelling, wrestling culture, and wearable design, offering fans and wrestlers a way to express their identity and passion through original apparel.
Since 2020, Simonen has also collaborated closely with SLAM! Wrestling Entertainment, contributing across multiple areas including photography, graphics, marketing, and video production. His involvement has helped strengthen the visual identity and promotional reach of Nordic wrestling, further cementing his influence within the industry.
Earlier in his career, Simonen produced a powerful fine art portrait series titled Scarred (2012–2013), which documented Finnish professional wrestlers in intimate and emotionally charged imagery. The series was widely praised for capturing the grit, vulnerability, and humanity of performers, and it played a key role in establishing his artistic reputation. In addition to his creative work, Simonen is also recognized as a historian of Finnish professional wrestling and has recently published a detailed article exploring the sport’s national history and cultural significance.
“Kayfabe Diary has always been about much more than just wrestling photos – it’s about preserving moments, telling stories, and showing the authentic people behind the spectacle,” says Simonen. “This new t-shirt collection continues that same mission in a new form.”
The launch of Kayfabe Diary’s pro wrestling t-shirts represents the latest chapter in a career defined by passion, consistency, and deep respect for the wrestling community. By blending artistry, historical documentation, and industry collaboration, Marko Simonen continues to shape how Nordic professional wrestling is recorded, shared, and remembered.
About Marko Simonen
Born in Jyväskylä and based in Helsinki, Marko Simonen has been active in creative media since 2010, working across photography, video, and graphic design. He is widely regarded as one of Europe’s foremost professional wrestling photographers and is a driving force in documenting and promoting the Nordic wrestling scene through his Kayfabe Diary project.
Company Details
Organization: Marko Simonen
Contact Person: Marko Simonen
Website: https://kayfabediary.com/
Email: Send Email
Country: Finland
Release Id: 15012640196