By day, Del Goncalves is a public servant in Canberra, navigating the corridors of bureaucracy in typical office attire. But when night falls, she transforms into a pro wrestler, donning a bunny costume and stepping into the ring. Goncalves is part of a burgeoning group of Canberrans captivated by the world of professional wrestling—a sport where pain and injury are not just possible, but expected.
“I always get asked if it hurts—it does,” Goncalves candidly admits. Her journey into wrestling began after witnessing a local show in 2022, leading her to join a wrestling academy. For Goncalves, the sport is about testing limits, performing, and adopting a larger-than-life persona. “All of a sudden, I’m loud, I’m larger than life, I’ve got confidence that daytime me doesn’t have,” she explains.
The Rise of Wrestling in Canberra
Professional wrestling, popularized by icons like Hulk Hogan, John Cena, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, involves choreographed stunts performed in front of live audiences. While its following in Australia is relatively modest, Canberra has witnessed a wrestling renaissance, spurred by the establishment of a local wrestling academy and the Slam! Pro Wrestling league.
Dan Dwyer, a car salesman by day and a wrestler by night, co-founded the academy. 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 that would nurture both local and national talent. “I’d often find myself travelling up and down the highways to Sydney and parts of New South Wales to be able to wrestle in front of an audience,” he recalls. “But now [Canberra] has become quite a hotbed where we’ve got people travelling from all around the country.”
The wrestling performances have drawn crowds of up to 2,400, which Mr. Dwyer said was the largest he’s experienced for an all-Australian event.
Inside the Ring: The Reality of Wrestling
Despite the allure and excitement, wrestling is not without its risks. Athletes practice moves countless times before entering the performance stage, yet injuries remain a constant threat. Mia Fisher, a childhood educator and wrestler, learned this firsthand 18 months ago during a match. “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 recounts.
After nine months of recovery, including two titanium plates and 13 screws, Fisher returned to the ring as her character “Kitten Mask.” Her passion for wrestling remains undiminished, and she hopes to inspire future generations to embrace the sport. “I’m so grateful that I get to perform in front of all these people,” she says.
The Cultural Impact and Future of Wrestling in Canberra
The rise of wrestling in Canberra reflects a broader cultural shift, where traditional sports are being complemented by more theatrical and performance-based activities. The local wrestling scene not only provides entertainment but also fosters a sense of community among participants and fans alike.
Looking ahead, the future of wrestling in Canberra seems promising. With increasing attendance and growing interest, the sport is poised to become a staple of the city’s cultural landscape. As more individuals like Goncalves and Dwyer continue to push boundaries and inspire others, Canberra’s wrestling community is set to thrive.
The next steps for the local wrestling scene involve expanding its reach and influence, potentially attracting international talent and audiences. As the sport continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on Canberra’s cultural fabric.
