Pinning Down Our Future: The Women Of WA. By Layla Divine
Dear Pro-wrestling enthusiasts.
My name is Layla Divine, and I am from Perth, Western Australia.
As International Women’s Day is celebrated this week, PWDownUnder approached me to write an article. To honor this day, the article features women from the Western Australia wrestling scene who are at various stages of their pro-wrestling careers/involvement within the wrestling industry. Contributors to this article share their inspirations and hopes in the industry. Perth is the most isolated city in the world and I can only hope that this article sheds some light on some of the individuals we have on our local scene here.
Harli Hyde
IG: @harli_hyde_pw
I see it from my perspective. For the longest time, women have been seen as just a pretty face, and someone on the outside for people to look at and admire. I wanted to start wrestling to be able to bring something different to the table. I don’t fit the classic stereotype of a female wrestler. I’m not thin, I’m not dainty, but I hit hard, I have a kick it attitude, I work my ass off and I give it everything I’ve got.
I think for the new girls coming through and training are getting a much different view on what they need to be. We have the ability to be the next Marcius Pitt, we have the ability to be the next Davis Storm, we have the ability to be the next Hayden Zenith, Don or Felix Young, given the chance.
The rest of the boys better watch out because as these legends begin to take a step back to make way for the next generation, there are plenty of girls hungry and wanting to fill that spot.
We don’t all love each other and sing kumbaya every day, but we all understand that we can’t be what female wrestling was ten years ago. We can hit just as hard as any of the boys, we work just as hard as any of the boys and given the opportunity we will be just as good as any of the boys, if not better. Anyone who wants to try and stand in our way is welcome to try, because they’re going to get a very rude wake up call.
Chili
Being a woman in professional wrestling in Australia is not just empowering– it’s a testament to strength, passion, and the drive to break the norms. Our journeys are fueled by a love for a sport and the thrill of the match, but it goes beyond the physicality of wrestling. It’s about paving the way for future generations of female wrestlers, showing them that they, too, can step up into the ring and command respect. Our dedicated Women’s Title is a battle I cannot wait to join. I’ll never be the next Charlotte or Rhea, but I am the first Chili.
Lizzie Maximus
IG: lizziemaximus_pw
Something that inspires me about being a professional wrestler is the growing representation of women’s sports within media, both in a wrestling and non-wrestling context. Attending stadium events where women can showcase their skills and talents to over 50,000 fans has truly been a proud moment for me as a woman, and personally feeling the impact, it has had on young girls whilst watching me perform in ring.
I enjoy professional wrestling as a sport because it is in a constant state of evolution. Seeing the growth in myself and my peers within the Australian, local, and international scenes is truly astounding and having a strong, powerful group of women to look up to throughout my professional wrestling journey has been a privilege and only hope it continues for others.
Everlyn Faye
IG: @realeverlynfae
Growing up, dance was my world. Jazz and tap filled my childhood, and a little later down the track artistic roller skating. I was viewed as being delicate, dainty, maybe even fragile. I only now realise how often I was placed in a box: the girly performer, the one who could twirl but not tackle.
My love for professional wrestling stemmed from a work colleague dragging me to a free local show. It was just like she had said to me “once you’re in, it’s hard to get out”. She couldn’t have been more right. Becoming Everlyn Faye and getting to learn the ropes has been an amazing journey and experience for myself. However, dreams aren’t always met with support. “You’ll injure yourself.” “You’re not strong enough.” “You should quit while you’re ahead.” I’ve heard it all. People look at me and assume I don’t belong, that I can’t possibly succeed in a world dominated by power and physicality. When my time comes to step into the ring, it won’t just be for me. It’ll be for every little girl in the crowd who’s been told she isn’t strong enough, tough enough, or capable enough to chase her dreams. I want to be proof that strength comes in many forms and that no one gets to decide what we can or cannot do.
Kori Beck
IG: koribeck_pw
Growing up, my brother got me into wrestling. What really hooked me was when I first saw Chyna and Lita wrestling the guys. Lita is most definitely my biggest idol, from her daredevil attitude to her punk style. As a kid, I switched what I wanted to do when I grew up from wanting to be a singer or an actress, but wrestling was something I’d always come back to. For a while, I gave up on the idea but continued to watch it. It wasn’t until I went back to Tasmania to visit a friend that he introduced me to his other friend, Liam Lacey, who wrestles for Tasmania Championship Wrestling. Liam showed me his matches, and the way he spoke about wrestling made me want to be a part of it. A week later, I made a trip to New Zealand and met Lita at the Armageddon Expo. It was honestly one of the best days of my life. She was one of the nicest people.
After meeting Liam and Lita, I decided to pursue a dream of becoming a pro wrestler. I joined Explosive Pro Wrestling School and haven’t looked back since. Wrestling has helped me grow in many ways. I hope that Australian wrestling continues to grow and inspire new wrestlers.
Michelle K Hasluck (read from Michelle here)
IG: @m.k.hasluck
I watched wrestling growing up, with my mum. WWE on TV. I remember watching Alundra Blaze, Bull Nakano and then Chyna and thinking I want to be that tough and badass. I just wanted to wrestle and be good at it.
After 23 years here in Perth, all I want is for the women who are here when I leave support and help each other to be the best they can be with each other, and they get support and love from the community of wrestlers, staff and fans. Every step that has been taken has to be built on for each generation after us.
Layla Divine
IG: ldivine.pw_
As for me? I started wrestling to prove myself and silence my doubts. I was weary of the constant chorus of ‘you can’t,’ and wrestling a sport that demands both physical and mental fortitude, was my defiant answer. It was a way to carve my own path, to rewrite the story that I felt that had been dictated to me.
But what began as a personal quest for validation quickly transformed into something far more meaningful: a profound connection to a community.
The journey has been a tapestry woven with threads of unwavering support. My coaches, with their relentless dedication and belief in my potential, pushed me beyond my perceived boundaries. My fellow wrestlers, sharing the “blood, sweat, and tears”, became my family, forging bonds that exceed the sport itself. To the fans, their cheers echoing at shows, provided the fuel that ignited my spirit. I am eternally grateful this shared passion that has shaped me into the person I am today.
My hope is that the Australian wrestling scene continues to flourish, to expand its reach, and to cultivate a culture of inclusivity and empowerment. I want it to become a beacon of inspiration, igniting the dreams of the next generation, both within the squared circle and beyond. Our collective efforts should enable any individual to pursue their interests with determination, regardless of the challenges they may encounter.
For every woman who has graced the Australian wrestling scene even beyond the squared circle – past, present, and future: you are a force to be reckoned with. We may be a smaller demographic within the broader landscape of Australian wrestling, but our impact is undeniable. We are a testament to resilience, strength, and unwavering determination. It is through our united front—through support, our constructive challenges, and our mutual inspiration—that we will truly elevate the women’s wrestling scene in Australia. By working together, we can achieve remarkable triumphs and pave the way for a brighter future for generations to come.
Layla Divine xo
(PWdownunder.com acknowledges there are more women wrestlers in the WA scene not listed above, please look up Explosive Pro Wrestling, Southern Territory Wrestling, New Horizons Pro Wrestling and Dude Where’s My Ring)
