At Super Show-Down on October 6th, WWE returns to Australia for their first PPV level event there since 2002’s Global Warning. With PROGRESS Wresting, New Japan Pro Wrestling, and now WWE all running shows Down Under this year, not to mention the Australian and New Zealand independent scenes blossoming, Oceanic talent is becoming increasingly popular. For Super Show-Down, WWE is featuring three Australian performers: Peyton Royce, Billie Kay, and Melbourne’s own Buddy Murphy. But those are not the only Oceanic wrestlers they have. While not announced, there’s a few performers WWE could use for a dark match or two to appeal to the hometown crowd. Let’s take a look at some of the wrestlers from Australia and New Zealand that could show up on Saturday:
Toni Storm
Featured in both Mae Young Classics and this year’s NXT UK tapings, Toni Storm’s an Australian that’s made her name in the UK. One of the best female wrestlers today, Storm has performed all over the world, but in recent years has based out of the UK, working mainly for PROGRESS Wrestling. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, but raised in Australia, Storm has also made her impression on Japan, working for the all women’s organization Stardom. Currently, she is signed to WWE’s NXT UK.
Rhea Ripley
Born and raised in Adelaide, South Australia, Ripley is the former women’s champion at one of the local Adelaide promotions, Riot City Wrestling. Also competing in both Mae Young Classics, Ripley is being featured much more heavily in WWE’s NXT UK Women’s division. Ripley recently won the NXT UK Women’s title at their most recent tapings, defeating Toni Storm in the finals of the tournament to crown the inaugural champion. While there’s no immediate plans on airing the tapings, its possible WWE could showcase Ripley and Storm in a one on one situation for the title, either in a dark match, or on a Kick-Off Show.
The Mighty (Shane Thorne & Nick Miller)
The Aussie boys Thorne and Miller were formerly members of The Mighty Don’t Kneel in Explosive Pro Wrestling (EPW) in Perth, Western Australia and in Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan. Currently working in NXT, The Mighty have been with the company wince 2016, where they were originally known as TM-61. Since turning heel earlier this year, Thorne and Miller have adjusted their style accordingly, toning down the high flying a bit, and finding shortcuts to win.
Dakota Kai
The New Zealand native debuted for WWE last year at the Mae Young Classic, following her time wrestling in New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and the American indies. Following the MYC, she joined the NXT women’s division, and even got a chance to wrestle on the WrestleMania Kick-Off Show, participating in the Women’s Battle Royal. In recent months, she’s been featured often on NXT television, and was also a part of the NXT UK Women’s Championship tournament this summer.
Honorable Mention: Travis Banks
Banks, the New Zealander who cut his teeth in Southern Pro Wrestling NZ, but made himself famous wrestling for PROGRESS in the UK, is sadly on the shelf with injury. He’s currently signed to WWE’s NXT UK division, but would be a welcome sight in the first row, showing his support. His work speaks for itself, as his PROGRESS World Title reign was the second longest in the company’s history.
