Aussie Profile: Indi Hartwell

Humble Beginnings (2016)

Indi Hartwell made her professional wrestling debut in 2016 after training at the Professional Championship Wrestling (PCW) Academy in Melbourne, Australia. Her first match took place on 15 October 2016, where she competed in a four-way contest against Bianka, Aysha, and Natasha Webb. Just a week later, she achieved her first singles victory, defeating Bianka in an impressive showing that hinted at her potential.

From the outset, Hartwell’s charisma, athleticism, and dedication set her apart, quickly earning her attention and respect across the Australian wrestling scene.

The Breakout Year (2017)

2017 marked a turning point in Hartwell’s career as she began making waves internationally. She made her international debut at WrestleCon’s Women SuperShow in Orlando, Florida, facing none other than global wrestling star Thunder Rosa. Her talent and tenacity continued to shine as she debuted for renowned promotions SHIMMER Women Athletes and RISE Wrestling, squaring off against some of the best women wrestlers in the world.

Back home in Australia, Hartwell became a regular feature for World Series Wrestling (WSW). In a landmark moment, she became the first Australian wrestler to win the WSW Women’s Championship, showcasing her ability to compete at the highest level and cementing her status as one of the country’s top talents.

A Rising Star Goes Global

As Hartwell’s career progressed, she became known for her relentless drive and an ever-expanding list of accomplishments. She travelled across Australia and internationally, competing against top-tier talent and adding to her impressive resume. Her work ethic and undeniable star power continued to turn heads, setting the stage for her biggest career milestone yet.

Signing with WWE (2019)

On 6 November 2019, it was officially announced that Hartwell had signed with WWE, marking the next chapter in her career. Just days later, she made her debut at an NXT live event, and her first televised match followed in January 2020 in a battle royal on NXT.

Shining in NXT & WWE main roster

Hartwell quickly became a standout on NXT, earning her place as a promising star within WWE. She gained prominence as part of the faction The Way, aligning with Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae, and Dexter Lumis. Her comedic timing, character work, and in-ring performances endeared her to fans, and she played a major role in some of NXT’s most memorable storylines.

One of her most notable moments came when she headlined the final episode of NXT’s “black and gold” era, in a storyline-driven segment where she married Dexter Lumis. She also achieved a major career milestone by becoming the NXT Women’s Champion, making her only the second Australian woman to hold the prestigious title, after Rhea Ripley.

In 2021, Hartwell joined WWE’s main roster alongside her tag team partner Candice LeRae, bringing their chemistry from NXT to the SmackDown Women’s Tag Team Division. The duo’s hard work and dynamic teamwork culminated in a career milestone when they captured the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship, further solidifying Hartwell’s reputation as a top-tier competitor.

Their reign as champions showcased Hartwell’s ability to thrive on the main stage, earning her praise from fans and peers alike. While her main roster tenure allowed her to connect with a broader audience and display her talents on a global platform, her time with WWE ultimately came to an end in 2024 following her release from the company.

A New Chapter: Life Beyond WWE

Following her release, Hartwell has transitioned her focus to new ventures. She launched a YouTube channel, which has quickly gained traction, with her videos regularly surpassing 20,000 views per upload. While her in-ring future remains uncertain, her ability to connect with fans and her enduring passion for professional wrestling ensure her legacy in the industry remains strong.

Championships and accomplishments: BCW Women’s Championship, Newy Pro Women’s Championship, RCW Women’s Championship, WSW Women’s championship, WWE NXT Women’s Championship, WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship, 2020 PWI Top 100 females (ranked 83), 2021 PWI Top 100 females (ranked 96), 2023 PWI Women’s 250 (ranked 46)