Welcome to Diva Dirt’s Five to Watch 2013! This annual list compiles five rising talents in the world of women’s wrestling that we think have what it takes to be the next big thing.
RELATED: Diva Dirt’s Five to Watch Class of 2012
From their in-ring abilities to their unique personalities, we aim to spotlight some of the upcoming female talent that you may not yet know about. Over the next five days, we will unveil the names that the Diva Dirt staff have handpicked.
ONE TO WATCH: SANTANA GARRETT
Who is she?: Santana Garrett isn’t just a firey young indy star with a “headband of power” – she’s a second generation wrestler too. Her father, TNT Keny G, wrestled in St. Louis and the surrounding territories and inspired her to enter the business. She burst onto the scene at the tender age of 21, gradually making a name for herself in smaller promotions before debuting in a short-lived role for TNA in 2010. She currently resides in Ocala, Florida, where she rooms with Larry Zbyszko – yes, that Larry Zbyszko.
Her story so far: Since Santana made her SHIMMER debut in 2012, it’s seemed as though she’s been everywhere we turn, from newspaper articles to SHINE to OVW to TNA’s Knockout Knockdown Pay-Per-View to an episode of WWE NXT. The latter appearance had the internet buzzing that Santana was close to being signed by the WWE. Though a deal with WWE or TNA has yet to come to fruition, we think it’s only a matter of time before one of the “big two” nab her. Until then, she seems content to dazzle the indy circuit, charming audiences with Amber O’Neal as America’s Sweethearts. Though a loss forced the duo to split at SHINE 15, it won’t be the last that young promotion has seen of her. On top of all that, Santana made history this year, becoming the first female to win the SCW Florida Cruiserweight Championship in its 13 year history.
Why we chose her: When it comes to female indy wrestlers, no name has had more buzz in 2013 than Santana. Who else has appeared for the two big all-female promotions, TNA and the WWE this year? She’s helped stoke the flames on her Twitter account, too, adding to speculation that she’s on the WWE’s radar. The fact that she made her PWI Female 50 debut this year isn’t a coincidence: this was her breakout year. At this rate, by this time next year, she’ll be on everyone’s radar.
Follow Santana on Twitter: @Santana_Garrett.
PREVIOUSLY: Candice LeRae | Lana
