Back in May, SHINE Wrestling – WWN‘s all-female promotion – announced plans for a 16-woman tournament to crown a new champion, the first ever SHINE Nova Champion. Presumably, this will be a second tier singles title to the SHINE Championship (currently held by LuFisto), similar to the Intercontinental Championship in the WWE or IWGP. Originally it was slated for July 13 and 14, but considering those two dates are when tapings for WWE’s Mae Young Classic will unfold, the dates are now July 14 and 16 in Ybor City, Florida. The entire two day tournament will be aired live on FloSlam.
With the dates closing in, SHINE has been announcing their entrants to crown the first SHINE Nova Champion, with the first ten names of the 16 now confirmed by WWN.
ACR
Amanda Carolina Rodriguez – better known as ACR – has been a SHINE regular for a while now; also competes in Queens of Combat and Women Superstars Uncensored (WCU); former member of Ivelisse’ La Sicarias stable until she turned on her earlier this year.
SHOTZI BLACKHEART
One of the top young stars emerging from the indie scenes the past few years; isn’t a regular anywhere (yet) outside of Hoodslam, but has had solid outings for SHIMMER, Glory Pro, RISE, AIW and others; this tournament will be a huge boost for her for the rest of 2017; current Phoenix of RISE Champion.
CANDY CARTWRIGHT
Another SHINE regular the past few years as well as a mainstay in New York’s Fight The World (FTW) Wrestling, where she’s the current FTW Women’s Champion.
DYNAMITE DIDI
Didi Cruz – aka Dynamite DiDi – made her SHINE debut earlier this year; product of the Samoan’s World Xtreme Wrestling (WXW) where she’s a former 2-time WXW Women’s Champion.
KIERA HOGAN
Only in the game for a few years but becoming one of the indie’s fastest rising stars; made her SHINE debut last year, but has also competed with WSU, Queens of Combat, AIW, SHIMMER, the Hardy’s OMEGA, and Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling (ROW); current WSU Spirit Champion.
HOLIDEAD
Another emerging star, she’s already a veteran of Japan’s Stardom since 2015; wrestled Bayley on Monday Night Raw last year as Cami Fields in an enhancement match; former NWA International Tag Team Champion with Thunder Rosa.
IVELISSE
Arguably odds on favourite to win (based on names announced), a veteran of SHINE (2-time SHINE Champion, current SHINE Tag Team Champion), Lucha Underground (2-time Trios Champion), as well as WCPW, AAA, PWX, SHIMMER and more.
PRISCILLA KELLY
Made her SHINE debut last year, but becoming a force in WWN, with appearances for EVOLVE and Full Impact Pro as well; 2017 will be a big year for “Hell’s Favourite Harlot”; potential underdog winner of the tournament.
AJA PERERA
Recently made her SHINE debut, following stints with Queens of Combat, Anarchy and Beyond.
ROBYN REID
Not much known of this new wrestler, but she’s making her SHINE debut at the tournament; has competed for VIP Wrestling in Dallas.
