The coronavirus epidemic has brought independent wrestling to a screeching halt. Promotions across the world have been brought to a temporary close; unable to incorporate the self-protective measures of mega companies like WWE and All Elite Wrestling. When the epidemic comes to an end and sports are able to resume, however, independent wrestling could potentially enter something of a boom period. People are going to be desperate to return to things they enjoyed doing before the epidemic. Wrestling, for many people, is a perfect release and something to look forward to. With a boom period comes the potential for young stars to prosper. With Women’s History month coming to a close, it made sense to make this article about some of the excellent women currently occupying the independent circuit. Join us as we take a look at some of the women to watch out for in 2020.
Watch Out For: Leyla Hirsch
One of the first women to come to mind is Leyla Hirsch. We wrote about Leyla Hirsch in October 2019 as part of our Indie Watch series. Hirsch – a Russian born US citizen – is just four years into her pro-wrestling career. Since making her debut for CZW in 2017, her stock has only risen. In that time, she has established herself as one of the most solid female prospects on the independent circuit. Possessing an impressive amateur wrestling background, she has incorporated a solid arsenal of amateur maneuvers. To put into perspective how much of a prospect Hirsch is, she was deemed worthy to beat Mercedes Martinez in just her third professional bout. As recently as three weeks ago, she had an excellent match with mentor, David Starr. Leyla Hirsch is a bonified future star, which is why she had to be named one of the women to watch out for in 2020.
Watch Out For: Aleah James
Hailing from Romford in Essex, UK, Aleah James is one to watch out for in 2020. We covered Aleah James’ rise to indie stardom just last week – citing her exciting move-set as something which makes her stand out. A high-flying graduate from the London School of Lucha Libre, James currently has less than forty matches to her name. Yes, less than forty. Aleah James clearly possesses a natural, athletic talent which has allowed her to develop into a fine prospect so soon. Though a high-flyer, she doesn’t fly around the ring for the sake of it; she works safe. Like Hirsch, it is only a matter of time before Aleah James gets to showcase her ability on a larger scale. Does a career in Japan beckon? Only time will tell. Regardless of whether she continues working on the UK scene or not, this young lady has a very bright future ahead.
Watch Out For: Elayna Black
Hailing from Chicago Illinois, the young Elayna Black is the next woman to watch out for. The Sorceress of Sin might not be the most recognizable name on this list, but she is not to be overlooked. At just 19 years of age, the young American has already established herself as a solid heel. Black has a deadly arsenal of sorcery at her disposal – not least her double underhook DDT; which she has used to put away a number of opponents in Zelo Pro since making her pro-wrestling debut. Whereas it is easy to make comparisons between Black and a young Paige, Black is her own woman with a very bright future. Be ready to here more about the Sorceress of Sin in 2020.
Watch Out For: Laynie Luck
Since making her pro-wrestling debut in 2015, Laynie Luck has been on a constant rise. The current Zelo Pro Women’s Champion has become something of an indie hit; even managing to score a successful Impact Wrestling debut towards the end of 2019. She has also featured for NOVA Pro Wrestling, RISE Wrestling and Booker T‘s Reality of Wrestling. Just four years into what is going to be an exciting and hopefully successful career, Laynie Luck is exhibiting all the signs of potential stardom. Like the other ladies in this article – not to mention Zelo Pro rival, Elayna Black – it is only a matter of time before you hear her name more within wrestling circles.
Watch Out For: Priscilla Kelly
Easily the most recognizable name, Priscilla Kelly completes this article. Since making her debut in 2015, Kelly has been very busy; featuring in promotions all over the world. Kelly has recently performed on an episode of AEW Dynamite; she was a participant in the second WWE Mae Young Classic. She has wins over current Impact Heavyweight Champion, Tessa Blanchard, to her name. Basically, Priscilla has already done a lot. However, she is merely scratching the surface; this is a young lady with a very bright future. Like real-life partner Darby Allin, Priscilla Kelly is someone who can go far in this industry. At just 22 years of age, 2020 could be a massive year Priscilla Kelly.
All five of these young women are just a few years into their careers. All of them have already built enough of a name to be noticed for articles like these. It is testament to their ability as performers to have established such glowing reputations so quickly. Though they may not be wrestling currently due to lockdowns sweeping the world, it is certain that all five will bounce back when restrictions are lifted. You’ll be hearing more about them in the very near future.
Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. Subscribe to Riptide, EVE, ATTACK!, and any other places mentioned to capture a glimpse of these talented young women and witness a star in the making.
