LOS ANGELES—Veteran director Ivan has been named Wrestling Photographer of the Year by pro wrestling products retailer Deathmatch Elite.
Over a dozen wrestlers use Ivan’s images on their branded merchandise, Ivan said.
Having used his real name of Slava during his photography work in independent pro wrestling over the last two years, Ivan has gained the attention of fans who often chant “Slava, Slava” at wrestling matches he attends.
The new honor comes after he became involved in former porn director Rob Black’s Xtreme Pro Wrestling company in 2021, where he caught the eye of wrestlers who began using his photos for their promotional content.
“Rob Black has given me two of my biggest breaks in my career, first with Adult Movie directing and now wrestling,” Ivan said. “I owe so much to this infamous man and I always do the best I can for him and the amazing wrestlers in XPW. I love capturing the dramatic stories told by these wrestlers. I am incredibly honored to grow so fast in this amazingly insanely perfect art form of violence!”
Besides his images and wrestling video promos, Ivan also has crossed over many porn performers into the world of independent wrestling.
“Alt Erotic models are perfect fit for this Outlaw style promotion as the last two Los Angeles events have resulted in Wrestling VIRAL moments,” Ivan said. “In October Evilyn Ink’s first appearance garnered over a million views across social media for her light tube attack by “Pornstar Kill” J-Love and this past weekend Taylor Nicole’s appearance is quickly exploding online as the light tubes did over Taylor’s vagina!”
More recently, Ivan has attracted Darcy Diamond, Marica Hase, Brandie Graves, Nikki Sexx, Ivee Loks, and others for promotional appearances on the XPW ring and pay-per-view matches.
Industry members interested in participating in XPW events, text Ivan at (323) 397-5856 or email [email protected].
For more information, follow Ivan on Instagram where his wrestling images are featured, or visit TheXPWwrestling.com.
