WRESTLER STEFFANIE FLIES THE FLAG FOR WALES
WHEN it comes to making a name as a professional wrestler, the WWE is the highest you can go.
It’s a billion-dollar company with millions of viewers all around the world – and making it in the business can even be a passport to Hollywood stardom.
Just ask ex-WWE star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who’s just become the highest paid actor in history.
And now, a 23-year-old woman from the South Wales Valleys is starting her own climb to the top off the WWE mountain.
Steffanie Newell – better know by her wrestling name Tegan Nox – is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the brightest young prospects in wrestling.
Appearing in the ring draped in the Welsh flag Steffanie, from Bargoed, recently took part in the brand’s Mae Young Classic tournament and also appeared on episodes of the companies third brand NXT.
Unlike many wrestlers, Steffanie was not always aiming to be a sports entertainer when she was growing up, despite being a big fan.
She played football for local teams and had trials for both Cardiff City and the Welsh national team. She also played tag rugby and netball.
But when she was 13 a knee injury ended up costing her a place on the Wales Under-16 team.
When she finally turned 16, she gave up football, with the aim of taking a long break from all sports.
But this proved to be the beginning of her WWE journey.
After joining a professional wrestling school in Port Talbot, she began training under Dave Stewart and “Wild Boar” Mike Hitchman.
Within a few short years, the Welsh ace began to make a name for herself, performing all over the UK for promotions such as Attack! Pro Wrestling, Fight Club: Pro, Progress and What Culture Pro Wrestling.
According to the Cagematch, an online wrestling database that tracks the performance of athletes, she has an average rating of more than 8/10.
And as well as listing her previous exotic range of performance names – Nixon, Nixon Newell, Steffanie Newell, Miss Ruby, Luchadora The Explorer – the site also allows fans to leave reviews... and they are absolutely glowing.
Billy Fox said: “One of the best UK female talents ever produced in my opinion, and she’s only 22. Her and Toni Storm are probably my two favorite British Commonwealth wrestlers active right now.”
Another, “The MIB”, added: “It’s ridiculous how much potential Nixon Newell has. She’s one of the most versatile wrestlers around today, and at such a young age, she still has plenty to go.
“She’s equally comfortable wrestling big men as she is with female wrestlers, and she’s both a great seller, and someone who can pick up the pace and amaze crowds with her agile moves.
“She can go anywhere she wants to and make an impact.”
Her talent didn’t go unnoticed – she quickly came to the attention of the WWE.
Anyone who thinks wrestlers are not real fighters needs to take a look at Steffanie. Since her WWE debut, her main battle has been outside the ring – with her recurrent knee issues.
In April 2017, it was reported that she had signed a contract with WWE with plans to take part in the 2017 Mae Young Classic (a women-only tournament run by the company).
Devastatingly, she was forced to withdraw before the tournament had even begun after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament.
Unperturbed, she took on the gruelling year-long rehabilitation, returning to the ring on April 13, 2018, at an NXT live event.
It seemed like she hadn’t missed a beat during her time off and she put in some incredible displays during this year’s Mae Young Classic.
This good form was derailed in August when she suffered yet another knee injury after advancing to the quarterfinals.
After this latest setback she said: “This is not how I planned to finish the Mae Young Classic in any shape or form but the last two days have been the best experience of my life, despite the obvious!
“My match with Rhea was something I’ve wanted for a while because, damn that girl is talented (even if she is very moody).
“Freak accidents happen, it’s part of the job.”
Steffanie, whose in-ring character is know as “The Girl with the Shiniest Wizard”, added that she had received incredible support following the injury.
“This is more mentally draining than it is physically but you can guarantee that this isn’t going to keep me down!”