Canberra's Unlikely Wrestling Scene: From Office to Ring
By day, they're public servants and car dealers. By night, they transform into pro wrestlers. This is the story of the burgeoning professional wrestling scene in Canberra, where ordinary people are embracing the pain and performance of this unique sport. The Slam! Pro Wrestling League and a local academy have fostered a passionate community of wrestlers and fans alike.
The Allure of the Ring
For Del Goncalves, a public servant, wrestling offers a stark contrast to her daytime routine. Donning a bunny costume, she becomes "Moshpit Bunny," a confident and boisterous alter ego. "During the day, I'm quite an introverted person… but once I get into the ring… All of a sudden, [I'm] loud, I'm larger than life," she said. This transformation is a key draw for many participants.
Dan Dwyer, academy co-founder and car salesman, known as 'Dan Archer' in the ring, echoes this sentiment. Inspired by video games and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), he sought to create a local championship, reducing the need for wrestlers to travel interstate. The popularity of the sport in Canberra, which has surprised Dwyer, is evident in the crowd sizes of up to 2400 for local events.
The Performance and the Pain
Pro wrestling, popularised by figures like Hulk Hogan, John Cena, and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, involves rehearsed, choreographed stunts performed for live audiences. While the performances are carefully planned, injuries are still a significant risk. Mia Fisher, a childhood educator who wrestles as 'Kitten Mask', experienced this firsthand when she broke her arm during a match.
"Adrenaline is a wonderful thing... The match got called, I grabbed my arm, I straightened it out and I went out the back, and I said, 'I broke my arm'." - Mia Fisher
Despite the injury and subsequent surgery, Fisher remains committed to wrestling, emphasizing the thrill of entertaining an audience and inspiring future generations. The dedication of these wrestlers is evident in their willingness to put their bodies on the line for their passion.
Canberra: A Wrestling Hotbed
Canberra has become a wrestling "hotbed," attracting talent from around the country. The appeal lies in the unique atmosphere of the live performances. "You've got hundreds of people cheering for you or booing for you, wanting to see you get hurt or see you succeed," Dwyer explained, "There's no other feeling you can get from other sports or hobbies."
From public servants to car dealers, the wrestlers of Canberra are united by their love for the sport, the thrill of performance, and the camaraderie of the wrestling community. This unlikely scene continues to grow, offering an exciting and unique form of entertainment.
