WrestleHer: Women’s down-under wrestling report
Welcome to the first instalment of WrestleHer
Welcome to the very first edition of WrestleHer, a feature where we shine a spotlight on the powerful, dynamic women trailblazers of Australian wrestling. Each month, we’ll bring you all the latest news, highlights, and heat from the Aussie wrestling scene. From rising stars to locker room veterans, expect to hear about all the matches, moments, and moves from one of the most impressive women’s divisions in the world. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or heading to your first show, WrestleHer is a front-row seat to the action of our favourite women’s wrestling.
Let’s start this month’s coverage off with the stunning display of talent out of Adelaide’s RCW last week by Miki Fortune, who went head-to-head with the Grand Title holder Chris Basso at ReAnimated XX. Following an unfortunate loss to the Old Guard’s fury in December, Fortune scored herself a re-match with Basso which saw an intense and emotional match-up between the two. Things were going well for Fortune despite getting a beat-down from Basso until the Old Guard had to once again get themselves involved. This led to a win by DQ for Fortune, which saw Basso walk out with the belt on-shoulder despite one hell of a fight from Fortune. Things between the Old Guard and the Kings of Ruin are set to continue though at this year’s Fringemania next month.
Over in PWA, Charli Evans has been on a bit of a winning streak this year since her heel turn with the North Shore Wrestling team. Last week saw Evans, along with Sam Osborne and Will Kiedis defeat Jimmy Townsend and The Dropouts team of Scott Green and The Tuckman. Evans, as always, brought the heat in this match with some great teamwork within North Shore. A mishap with Evans and the ref gave her team just enough time to turn things around and snatch the win. Last month also saw Evans, along with Rita Stone, defeat The Backlide Girlz team of Kingsley and Shay Kassidy in what was a devastating match. Evan’s defeat cemented the future for The Backslide Girlz and forced them to break up in IWA due to their loss.
Thankfully things went a little better for the Girlz over in PWA when they defeated Aaron Jake and Bel Pierce for the Tag Team Titles at Black Label Tag Race last month. Both teams got some impressive hits in (despite some confusing decisions from Jake?), but the intense match saw its end with Kassidy capitalising on Pierce’s betrayal with a backslide for the win.
The Tag Race night did not go so well for the Aussie queen Nikki Van Blair, who saw an unfortunate loss to Jack J. Bonza. Things started strong for Blair, who quickly got the upper-hand with some quick-thinking diva moves. Maybe it was her sheer talent or birthday kick, but Blair really brought the heat to this match despite a nasty submission seeing a win for Bonza.
Legend Lena Kross also saw a defeat on the night against Ben Braxton. The match started with a show of strength between Braxton and the powerhouse before Kross quickly dominated the match. The match heated up quickly when Kross took things out of the ring and showed the audience how hard the women hit. Things were going well for Kross until Braxton was able to roll her up for a quick three-count.
PWA will be back at the Factory Theatre on the road to the King of The Metro Rumble in April with a highly anticipated matchup between best friends turned bitter enemies Evans and current champion Jessica Troy. If their last feud was anything to go by, this match will be an easy contestant for the match of the year.
IPW’s Billie Mac also saw an exciting matchup with Eugenie last month for the Women’s Championship belt. Eugenie came into the match as the challenger, and was able to keep her cool throughout the match despite Mac’s antics, and landed some clever moves that quickly dominated the first half of the match. Mac didn’t give things up easily though, and used a wide range of sneaky tricks to try and out-smart her opponent. Despite Mac’s best efforts, Eugenie fought tough and hard to eventually pick up the win by submission.
Back in Adelaide, Aussie legend Miss Fortune and Maddie James took part in PWSA’s huge Col Dervany Summer Rumble last month. Despite not picking up the win, both women showed determination and impressed local audiences. Also in Adelaide, ACW recently saw Riley put up one hell of a fight against Anti-Virus in the ACW Evolve Title #1 Contendership Tournament Final. South Aussie powerhouse Axe Massacre made her WRESTLEWROCK debut in a fiery match against Aysha.
– Till next month! In the meantime, make sure to also check out Aussies Abroad, a weekly feature following the latest news from the Aussies making it big in the overseas world of pro wrestling.
News Writer + Aussies Abroad. Based in Adelaide and winner of the 2023 CPA Young Journo of the year, has been a news and arts journalist for a number of years working across radio and print, but has decided to take her wrestling addiction to PWDU. You can find her at any local wrestling night across the state with a beer in-hand and a front-row ticket to the action.
