Stella Nyx
Photo: Shotweiler
In the modern world, life can feel like it's rushing by as we go from event to event, completing small goals as we go. Before you even know it suddenly you're a veteran in your industry & perhaps haven't taken a moment to soak in everything that you've achieved. This is exactly the experience that Stella Nyx, a standout of the Perth pro wrestling scene, has had in her almost decade-long career.
After recently returning from her first international wrestling booking Pario sat down with Stella. During our conversation, we reflected on Stella's journey & contemplated what it means to her to now be considered a veteran of the Perth wrestling scene.
"It kind of blows my mind how long I've been around wrestling for now," explained Stella. "October will be 8 years. In that time I don't think I've done a lot, but then I also think I've done some absolutely crazy insane things."
Before diving into Stella's wrestling journey we must first acknowledge her most recent career milestone, performing in Malaysia.
Speaking about the experience Stella revealed that the opportunity presented itself very suddenly, at a very difficult time for her professionally.
"Before it [Malaysia], I was in a bit of a slump with wrestling because there were no real goals directly ahead of me. I was kind of just plodding along. Then this came up & I was like, woah, this is super cool... I think there were about 10 days between when I confirmed that I was going & when I got on the flight, but I just knew I couldn't pass up the opportunity to wrestle internationally for the first time."
Upon returning home to Perth, after a sudden 2 day trip, Stella says she was "so much more confident" in her wrestling & reinvigorated to continue her journey."
IN DARKNESS, A STAR SHINES BRIGHTEST
Since discovering that wrestling not only existed in Australia but was something she could try Stella has been one of the country's most dedicated performers. In her 8-year career, Stella's character has evolved significantly.
Photo: Pix Photography
Away from the wrestling ring Stella has always blended athleticism with performance as a competitive dancer. However, as she matured & her competitive dance career began to wind down Stella was on the lookout for a new challenge. That’s when a tweet from Shane Haste, a pro wrestler from Perth who has performed for WWE & New Japan Pro Wrestling, caught Stella's eye.
"It was through Shane's Twitter that I discovered EPW & went to my first local show... Then when I saw that they had a training school I asked if I could go to an open day, rocked up & I've never left," Stella told Pario. "Part of me always wanted to give wrestling a go. I just didn't realise at the time that it was something I could do here in Perth. So when I found out, I knew I had to give it a go. If I failed, I failed, but I knew that I couldn't sit around & have that 'what if' in my mind. Thankfully, it's been one of the best decisions of my life."
Breaking into the industry Stella began life as a member of the creepy heel faction known as 'The Children'. When Stella looks back on those early days as one of The Children she describes it as one of her biggest challenges but also important for her development.
"When I first started training, I used to smile & laugh a lot. It was one of my biggest downfalls. My trainers used to always say to me, 'stop laughing', 'stop smiling', 'you need to be more serious', but that's just my natural personality. I knew I was never going to be this mean, aggressive style brawler."
So as Stella's career has progressed she has naturally evolved into one of EPW's most beloved characters as 'The Star Child' Stella Nyx. Now that she is free to embrace her naturally bright, bubbly & fun personality Stella has been able to incorporate & blend influences from her dancing & her favourite childhood wrestler.
"One of my favourite wrestlers growing up was Rey Mysterio, so a lot of his quickness & movement around the ring was something that I wanted to do," beamed Stella. "A lot of my other inspiration comes from the dance world & thinking about how I can use those movements & translate them into the wrestling ring, rather than trying to emulate another wrestler."
It's this character growth & mindset that has seen Stella rocket to respected veteran status in Perth.
ELEVATING EVERYONE
During the interview, Stella told Pario that she's, "Always wanted to be a good Perth pro wrestler." A mindset that sets the bar very high for herself, because some of the top talent to come out of Australia emanates from Perth. To achieve this goal Stella hasn't just focused on building her strength, fitness, in-ring technique & character presentation. She has also sought to build up her skills in all aspects of the wrestling business, from producing shows/matches to mentoring younger talent.
"I can very proudly say that I have done every job there is to do within wrestling," Stella said with a large smile. "I've reffed, I've filmed, I've done production, I've done booking, I've done wrestling. I've done everything... I'm now at a point where I want to help other female wrestlers & help make this scene the best it can be."
Follow Stella's creative journey on social media at: @StellaNyx_
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