IN late 2018, Malaysian professional wrestler Nor ‘Phoenix’ Diana was unmasked at MyPW Wrestlenation. During an emotional match, she revealed herself as one of the only two female wrestlers on the roster of the Malaysia Pro Wrestling (MyPW) stable.
Back when theSun interviewed her in April 2019, Diana said: “Some people thought I was a boy”, referring to the masked wrestling portion of her career. Back then, only three of her closest friends knew she was a wrestler at MyPW.
Her story was published on July 2, 2019, and it caught the world’s attention. She is Malaysia’s – and probably the world’s – first hijabi wrestler. Pictures and videos of her in her modest wrestling attire (made from pieces she bought at a bundle shop) were everywhere.
We recently caught up with the 20-year-old for one last chat before she embarks for what could be the next, most significant step in her career.
This was soon after she wrestled in the Philippines alongside her coach, Ayez Shaukat Fonseka, at a Philippine Wrestling Revolution event; and had three matches in a single day at MyPW Endgame, the final wrestling event of last year.
“I have little time for family and friends now,” says Diana. Most of her days is spent either working out, training, or recovering.
“Coach (Ayez) pushed me hard. So much so that I can squat and deadlift my own body weight now (about 46kg),” she added.
Ever since her story went viral, more girls have begun to attend the MyPW tryouts. “They say they wanted to join because they saw my story. I never thought I would be an inspiration,” says Diana.
According to Ayez, Diana’s story has inspired a whole generation of young girls. However, although many attended the MyPW tryouts, only two remained after realising how difficult and physical pro wrestling actually is.
“That’s a 100% increase,” laughed Diana.
MyPW does not treat its female wrestlers differently from male wrestlers and respects them as talents, she explains.
Despite her fame, “everyone at MyPW still treats me the same. Although they tease me every training session,” she jokes.
For all her message of positivity for girls, Diana says that the number of her detractors has increased as well. Sadly, most of them are local fans.
Her coach advised her to ignore the naysayers, and to focus on fans who would make her better instead.
“It is encouraging to read all the positive feedback I get on social media. They push me to try harder, and they make me want to do more,” says Diana.
“When I went to the Philippines for the first time, everyone was so respectful and humble. It feels different. They are more open and excited about the match”.
In a text message to theSun, coach Ayez wrote: “She is very inspirational. Although I am her coach, she inspires me as well.
“In a sense it validates all my hard work. To know that one of my students is going to be big in the pro wrestling industry.”
Ayez developed MyPW a few years ago as a platform for those who dream of becoming a pro wrestler. To see Diana go so far has reinvigorated his drive to be a better coach and leader.
“I hope that Nor ‘Phoenix’ Diana will become a household name in the pro wrestling industry – people already know her and are talking about her,” wrote Ayez.
“But, it is a matter of time before she gets signed to one of the big companies. As for MyPW, I am still hopeful that it will pick up in momentum, land sponsors, and grow to be one of the biggest pro-wrestling hubs in Southeast Asia.”
Where is Diana heading to next? As you are reading this, she is in London, training in order to participate in a Pro-Wrestling: EVE event.
Pro-Wrestling: EVE is an independent women’s professional wrestling promotion based in the United Kingdom.
Diana says: “For a wrestler, travelling is normal, and I am still a wrestler at heart. I want to keep it low key and manage expectations. I don’t feel I have made it yet. I am going to be there for a month or two.”
“I quit my job. I am still young, there will be other opportunities,” she added confidently.
