SHE CALLS HERSELF “The Renaissance Woman” … and, as 2024 draws to a close, no one is questioning that moniker. Hyan has remained one of the highest-ranking indie wrestlers on the annual “PWI Women’s 250,” ranking at #35 in 2024 after coming in at #45 last year. Not holding a full-time wrestling contract is no problem for the Texas native, whose in-ring abilities and proven drawing power continue to garner her bookings worldwide.
Hyan had plenty to share with PWI’s Kristen Ashly regarding her 2024 global wrestling campaign.
ASHLY: This has been a big year for you when it comes to PWI lists. You made the “PWI 500″ for the first time and are back in the 30s at #35 on the “Women’s 250.” What made this a pillar year for you?
HYAN: I think taking a chance on myself by going on long excursions overseas, as well as making wrestling my full-time job, (contributed) to my success this year. I’ve been putting in the work for a long time and it’s very cool to see it pay off.
ASHLY: You, as I wrote in your bio, really had a fantastic global campaign. You returned to Europe, this time in Germany, competing for the wXw Women’s title. Now, outside of the “W250” evaluation period, you’re spending time in Japan (at Marvelous and Pro Wrestling NOAH). Does traveling step you outside your comfort zone?
HYAN: Going overseas, especially for the first time, 1,000% takes me out of my comfort zone. New culture, new opponents, new languages (at times). It’s all a learning experience and really puts your skills to the test.
ASHLY: What do you feel wrestling internationally does for your style?
HYAN: I try to add something from every place I’ve wrestled into my style. The U.K. has a fast and explosive style that’s been molded by Will Ospreay, and that is something that I’ve definitely taken with me to the States.
ASHLY: You faced Giulia for the NJPW STRONG Women’s title at Fighting Spirit Unleashed. How did that opportunity come about?
HYAN: I’d been very vocal about wanting to wrestle for NJPW. And I feel like I just kept putting it out there in the universe for it to come to fruition! It definitely helps to network and meet people. I don’t think I would have gotten that opportunity without Andy Quildan and RevPro.
ASHLY: Fighting Spirit Unleashed was an incredible card. What was your experience working side-by-side with joshi talent, luchadoras, and NJPW legends?
HYAN: It’s a crazy thing to say, “I was on the same card as Tanahashi.” His match was before mine, and when he came through the back I did a little air guitar gesture at him and he did it back. It was a cool li’l moment for me. I have a cool life [laughs].
ASHLY: You won this year’s Queen of the Indies by defeating Masha Slamovich. You lost to Masha in the first round of the 2023 tournament. How did it feel defeating Masha this year? Did you use anything that you perhaps learned from last year’s match? How did you prepare for it?
HYAN: It’s hard to prepare for something like Queen of Indies, because you don’t know who you will end up wrestling past the first round. It’s a literal marathon of wrestling. I thought it was a cool, full-circle moment to wrestle Masha in the finals. I genuinely believe she is the best woman on the indies, and one of the best wrestlers, period. It’s always an honor to get in the ring with her.
ASHLY: Finally, any goals for your upcoming year? How does the 2025 “Renaissance Woman” campaign look?
HYAN: My hope is to wrestle in more countries next year! Australia, Canada, and Mexico are on my lists for sure. My family is Mexican, and I still have family that live there. It’s one of my dreams to have my mom watch me wrestle in Mexico.
