Rita Stone
Rita Stone wins Newy Pro Middleweight Championship. Photo: JIWC
Rita Stone never intended to become a professional wrestler. In fact, she once aspired to act, but a childhood fascination with wrestling reshaped her path. Today, as the reigning Slam Pro Wrestling League Women’s Champion, she stands as one of the most dynamic figures in Australian wrestling.
The story behind Rita’s high-flying wrestling style and championship titles is a journey of self-discovery, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of fun.
“My approach going forward has always been to make wrestling fun!”
From Fan to Champion
For Stone, the transition from fan to wrestler wasn’t about chasing a dream — it was about trying something she believed she could excel at.
Initially aspiring to be an actor, she quickly realised that wrestling offered the perfect blend of physicality and performance. “I watched wrestling and thought, actually, I could probably do that. It’s similar to acting, but it’s physical, and that’s what I love to do.”
Her transition from fan to wrestler wasn’t without its challenges. Stone’s first tryout at Newcastle Pro Wrestling (Newy) was a baptism by fire. “Every tryout I’ve seen has always been pretty physical,” she said. “Someone will almost always throw up because they’re not prepared.” Determined to succeed though, Rita threw herself into training, hitting the gym and preparing rigorously.
While Rita was prepared physically it was another aspect of wrestling that has proven to be her biggest hurdle.
The Creative Hurdle: Promos and Character Development
While Stone’s athleticism and in-ring prowess have earned her accolades, she admits that one aspect of wrestling has always been a challenge: promos.
“I hate promos and acting,” she confessed with a laugh. “I much prefer just being in the ring.”
Despite this, Stone recognises the importance of developing her mic skills. “It’s something I need to develop and get better at. Everyone goes on different journeys and gets better at different things.”
Finding Identity in Wrestling
As Stone developed her in-ring presence, she wrestled with defining her character. Initially, she felt pressured to adopt a persona, but eventually, she embraced a more natural approach. “At first, I thought I had to have a gimmick,” she said. “But once I wasn’t with the Blue Nation anymore, I realised I could just be myself and do what I want to do.”
This self-acceptance has allowed her to grow as a performer. She credits her experiences in tag team wrestling, particularly working alongside Adam Hoffman and Ben Braxton, for shaping her in-ring confidence. “Tagging with Hoff helped me become Rita Stone,” she said. “Having that mentor there allowed me to flourish.” Stone’s partnership with Braxton, a fellow wrestler who also struggled with promos, offered a different dynamic. “We both kind of feed off each other and help each other with that,” she noted. These experiences shaped her into a well-rounded performer, even if promos remain a work in progress.
Her fearless attitude in the ring is another defining trait. Known for her high-flying maneuvers, Stone recounted an unexpected discovery that added to her arsenal. “I accidentally did the 450 off the top,” she recalled. “And then my trainer was like, ‘Oh my God, you have to start using that.’”
The Joy of Wrestling
Stone’s career reached new heights in 2024, a year she described as her most successful and enjoyable.
“Last year was probably my most successful year, and also the year I enjoyed wrestling the most,” she reflected. This joy translated into tangible success, as she captured three singles titles, including the Newy Pro Women’s Championship and the Middleweight Title. “It meant a lot to me,” she said of her historic achievements. “Being the first woman to hold the Middleweight Title is something that will last forever.”
Stone’s approach to wrestling is refreshingly simple: prioritise enjoyment. “I think that’s what made the difference between other years I’ve had,” she explained. “I had a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed it. That’s the most important part at the end of the day.” This philosophy extends to her training and matches, where she focuses on creating moments that resonate with both herself and the audience.
Looking ahead, Stone has her sights set on new challenges. “My main goal is to be on a PWA Black Label show,” she revealed. Beyond that, she dreams of wrestling more interstate and expanding her horizons.
Follow Rita’s creative journey on social media at: @ritastonepro
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