By day, Del Goncalves is a typical public servant, clad in office attire and working diligently behind a desk in Canberra. However, as night falls, she transforms into a professional wrestler, donning a bunny costume and stepping into the ring. Goncalves is part of a burgeoning community in Canberra that has embraced the world of professional wrestling—a sport synonymous with pain and injury.
“I always get asked if it hurts—it does,” Goncalves candidly admits. Popularized by wrestling icons like Hulk Hogan, John Cena, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, professional wrestling involves choreographed stunts and matches performed before live audiences. Despite its modest following in Australia, the sport has gained a cult status in Canberra, fueled by the establishment of a local wrestling academy and the Slam! Pro Wrestling league.
The Rise of Wrestling in Canberra
Goncalves joined the wrestling academy after attending a local show in 2022, captivated by the challenge of testing her limits and the thrill of adopting an alter ego. “All of a sudden, I’m loud, larger than life, and I’ve got confidence that daytime me doesn’t have,” she explains.
The unexpected popularity of wrestling in Canberra has been a pleasant surprise for Dan Dwyer, a car salesman by day and wrestler by night. Known in the ring as Dan Archer, Dwyer began wrestling at 16, inspired by video games and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). His vision was to create a local championship to nurture both local and national talent.
“I’d often find myself traveling up and down the highways to Sydney and parts of New South Wales to wrestle in front of audiences,” Dwyer recounts. “But now [Canberra] has become quite a hotbed where we’ve got people traveling from all around the country.”
A Growing Spectacle
The wrestling events in Canberra have attracted crowds of up to 2,400, marking the largest attendance Dwyer has witnessed for an all-Australian wrestling event. He attributes the sport’s allure to the electrifying atmosphere created by the crowd. “There’s no other feeling you can get from other sports or hobbies,” he asserts.
The Physical Toll of the Sport
Despite the rehearsed nature of wrestling, injuries are an inevitable aspect of the sport. This harsh reality hit home for childhood educator Mia Fisher during a match 18 months ago. “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’,” Fisher recalls.
After nine months of recovery, which included two titanium plates and 13 screws, Fisher returned to the ring as her character “Kitten Mask.” Despite the injury, her passion for wrestling remains undeterred. “I’m so grateful that I get to perform in front of all these people,” she says, expressing her hope to inspire future generations to embrace the sport.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Wrestling in Canberra
The rise of professional wrestling in Canberra reflects a broader trend of individuals seeking unique outlets for expression and community. As the sport continues to gain traction, the local wrestling scene is poised to grow, drawing in more enthusiasts eager to step into the ring.
For Goncalves, Dwyer, and Fisher, wrestling is more than just a pastime—it’s a passion that allows them to explore different facets of their personalities and connect with others who share their enthusiasm. As Canberra’s wrestling community expands, these nighttime warriors are paving the way for a new era of entertainment in the capital.
