Former WWE Talent Announced For Starrcast Downunder
Over the last week and a half, Starrcast and Oceania Pro Wrestling have been hard at work setting the stage for Starrcast Downunder in Ballarat this coming April. With two live shows featuring WWE Hall of Famer Bret “Hitman” Hart and former WWE Women’s Champion Mickie James, as well as Chris Masters being announced, several other names have since been unveiled:
Shelton Benjamin: One of the recent WWE talent released in September 2023, Benjamin has a storied wrestling career of over two decades, which includes two stints with WWE, a run in ROH as well as New Japan Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling NOAH, and a number of championship belts both singles and tag team to his name.
Mike Rallis: Known previously as “Riddick Moss” and “Madcap Moss” Rallis was a product of the WWE developmental system and worked for the promotion for 9 years before his release in September 2023. Rallis’ only championship was a single reign with the WWE 24/7 Championship, however his biggest achievement is winning the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal in 2022 at WrestleMania 38.
Tenille Dashwood: The final individual on this list that was released in September 2023, Tenille Dashwood was trained by Lance Storm at the defunct Storm Wrestling Academy in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. A well known Aussie stalwart of WWE and TNA, Dashwood will make her return to the ring for the first time since her WWE release. Dashwood is a former TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champion.
Gangrel: If you haven’t seen Gangrel since the Attitude Era, you’ll be surprised to know that wrestling’s resident vampire has been killing it on the independent scene consistently for years, including the Hulkamania Australian Tour in 2009. Gangrel’s presence on Australian soil isn’t uncommon as he has made several appearances over the years, working for the likes of New Horizons Pro Wrestling and the defunct promotions Outback Championship Wrestling and All Action Wrestling.
Lisa Marie Varon: And finally, a true gem of women’s wrestling, a former 2 time WWE Women’s Champion and 5 time TNA Knockout’s Champion. Whether as Victoria in WWE or Tara in TNA, Lisa Marie Varon paved the way for many young women to get into wrestling, either as fans or as wrestlers themselves.
News Writer. Based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Lifelong fan, admirer of the old school, born in the new age. Storytelling is a big passion of mine and professional wrestling itself is just one giant book. Naturally, it drew me in and has kept me close since before I could walk, talk and drop an elbow on my teddy bear!
