Australian Wrestling’s Global Impact: Grayson Waller Credits Path-Breaking Stars

One Big Thing

WWE SmackDown star Grayson Waller highlights how Australian wrestlers like The IIconics and Rhea Ripley opened doors for talent from Down Under to succeed in global wrestling.

Key Details

• Waller competed in Australian promotions PWA and EPW before joining WWE in 2021
• He held four championships under his previous ring name, Matty Wahlberg
• Initially believed WWE was out of reach for Australian talents

Inspiring Figures

Waller credits several Australian stars for making WWE seem achievable:

• The IIconics (Peyton Royce and Billie Kay)
• Rhea Ripley
• Bronson Reed
• The Mighty Don’t Kneel (Nick Miller and Shane Thorne)
• Tenille Dashwood (former WWE star Emma)
• Buddy Matthews (now in AEW)

Direct Quote

“I rarely saw Australians [in WWE]… But then when I saw Peyton and Billie get on ‘NXT’ — they’re from the same school as me — then I was like, ‘Oh wow,'” Waller said during his “Insight” interview.

Why It Matters

This shift represents a significant change in WWE’s global talent recruitment, opening doors for wrestlers from markets previously considered peripheral to mainstream wrestling.

By The Numbers

• 4 championships held by Waller in Australian indies
• 2021: Year Waller signed with WWE
• 6+ successful Australian wrestlers mentioned who made it to major promotions

What Australian wrestler do you think will be the next breakout star in global professional wrestling? Share your thoughts in the comments below.