Eugenie
The world of wrestling is often regarded as a selfish business with performers striving for their moment of glory. For some Australian independent wrestlers, the art form provides them with an opportunity to shine a spotlight on their cultural heritage. One such person is Queensland's Eugenie, a rising star whose journey from the world of science to the world of pro wrestling is equal parts fascinating, inspiring & heartwarming.
BUILDING THE FOUNDATION
Speaking to Pario Eugenie recalled the cherished memories of watching WWE SmackDown & Raw with her family, "I have very strong memories as a kid, sitting around the TV with my cousins & brothers... thinking this is the coolest thing ever." Moments like these saw Eugenie develop a deep love for wrestling. A love that would linger, even when she was pursuing career goals to establish a foundation for her life.
"I am an agricultural & biotechnology scientist in real life," Eugenie revealed, before explaining why she didn't initially pursue wrestling. "It was pushed on me that you need to study & get educated. So I did that, knowing that eventually when the time was right I was going to make my way into pro wrestling."
How then does someone transition from the rigid world of science to the wacky world of wrestling? For Eugenie, it came down to a nagging passion that never subsided.
"Before I started wrestling I tried boxing & Thai boxing for 5 years, but the itch for pro wrestling wouldn't go away," she explained. "Eventually I thought, I just have to go there & give it a shot. I've got nothing to lose."
LEARNING TO WALK BEFORE YOU RUN
Little did Eugenie know that the decision to wrestle would lead her to confront one of her greatest challenges - a debilitating knee injury that sidelined her for two years.
"When I got injured that was probably the hardest part of my wrestling journey. I was training as a rookie, had my singles debut, then I tore my ACL, MCL, & meniscus."
Not only was this setback physically draining but according to Eugenie it was "a constant mental battle" as well.
"Injuries in sport are normal, but going through an ACL is quite a process & journey. There's the surgery, rehab, learning how to walk again, & then you're going through the emotions of, are you even ever going to get a chance to get back in the ring?"
What made this entire process even more daunting was how Eugenie got injured. Wrestling is filled with high-risk spots involving tables, chairs, ladders & cages but her injury came about on a simple manoeuvre used every single match.
"I've done the craziest stuff inside the ring, so for an up & over to be the one that got me tangled up was just a shocking, shocking moment," Eugenie told Pario.
FOR THE KULTURE
Beyond her remarkable journey to simply be in the ring, Eugenie also draws upon her heritage to shape her wrestling identity. As a proud Fijian, she draws inspiration from her cultural roots, infusing her character with elements of strength & tradition, with a dash of Beyoncé.
"I feel very privileged to be able to represent my culture," she expressed. "Growing up, especially as a female, there wasn't too much in my area of interest that I got to look up to. So I hope that through everything that I do, I can be that for other Pacific Islander girls."
Embracing her culture & heritage has led Eugenie to form a group, known as Kulture, alongside Toa & Moko. Together this formidable unit has been making waves throughout Queensland wrestling, while also elevating each of the individual members.
"Kulture has been easily one of the best additions to wrestling in my portfolio," Eugenie said proudly. "I can't put it into words enough how much it's just been a lot of joy & fun for the three of us to help lift each other, push each other, & share the wrestling world. We've found a way for us to stay true to who we are individually as characters, but then at the same time enhance our characters as a group so naturally."
Looking ahead to the future, Eugenie remains focused on her goals, both as an individual & as part of Kulture. With titles & accolades within reach, she has set her sights on conquering new territories to "bring power & presence" to wherever she pops up next.
Follow Eugenie's creative journey on social media at: @E.Ugenie
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