Nor makes dream USA pro-wrestling debut
National wrestler Nor ‘Phoenix’ Diana is set to be world’s first hijabi female to make a pro-wrestling debut in the United States (USA).
The 25-year-old trailblazer will be making her inaugural USA appearance in Reality of Wrestling (ROW) on Feb 8 at the Walker Texas Lawyer Arena in Texas City.
In a sport dominated by males, the superwoman has broken norms and barriers since her debut in 2016 at the Kuash Theatre in Kuala Lumpur.
In a Facebook statement, Phoenix said “After nine years chasing this dream, it is finally happening – I am making my USA debut with ROW!”
Reflecting on the setback and hardships she endured, it was merely a reminder to show the world the heights she can reach and the fire that she brings to the table.
“Every doubt and hate – I turned them into fuel, this was not just a milestone; it was a reminder that no dream is out of reach when you keep fighting for it.
“I have always been ready for the world. The question is… is the world ready for me?” Phoenix said with determination.
Phoenix began her journey as a wrestler-in-training at age 16 under the tutelage and guidance of national pro-wrestler Ayez Shaukat Fonseka Farid (or Shaukat per stage name).
For the female wrestler, he was more than a coach – he was a mentor, a leader and the founder of pro wrestling in Malaysia.
“Without him, there wouldn’t be a scene for us to grown in.
“If he had not given me the chance, I would have not be where I am here today,” Phoenix said, attributing her gratitude to Shaukat.
Although stricken by a wave of breakthroughs in her career, Phoenix had always held doubts on herself – namely, deriving from stereotypes, societal disapproval, and lack of mainstream female representatives in the local scene.
“When I first stepped into wrestling – I knew the road was not going to be easy, as there was little to none Muslim or hijab-wearing wrestlers in the local scene”
“This (The achievement) isn’t just for me — This is for every woman who dares to dream big and break the barriers others placed before us,” she concluded.
