Welcome to Starter For 10. We ask professional wrestlers 10 questions so that you can find out a bit more about your favourite real life superheroes.

On this edition, Ayesha Raymond answers our questions.

Please note that this Starter for 10 was completed in October 2019 for a project that never got off the ground.

What drew you into professional wrestling?

I am the middle child with two older brothers, I was the human test dummy for every suplex and powerslam and wanted to learn so I could fight back! I was drawn to the combination of athleticism and the performance. My wrestling idol has always been Chris Jericho, I was attracted to his combination of rock and wrestling.

Who were your favourite wrestlers growing up and who are your favourites now?

My all time favourite wrestler from my childhood has been Chris Jericho, Shawn Michaels and Chyna. Jericho’s ability to always reinvent himself. Now, I’m still a fan of the Alpha and one of my favourite current wrestlers is Arisa Nakajima and I’m honoured to consider her a mentor and a friend now, and when I work with SEAdLINNNG.

What made you decide to start training to be a wrestler and where did you start?

I wanted to start training, to be honest as soon as possible, but an education was very important to me and my family. I started training straight after I finished secondary school and balanced college and wrestling training and travelling for wrestling. I can remember driving from seminars and training weekends straight to my house to grab books and jumping on the bus asap to get to class, while trying to hide the bruises from the weekend.

Who are your biggest influences in professional wrestling, as a fan and as a wrestler?

Chris Jericho and Chyna, my motto in life has always been LIVE TO BE DIFFERENT and they always personified my life motto for me.

Who has been your favourite opponent(s) and do you have a favourite match?

• Arisa Nakajima
• Erin Angel
• Jamie Hayter
• Mercedes Blaze
• Livvi Grace
• Little Miss Roxxy

My favourite match to date was me and Arisa for the World War Wrestling Women’s Championship in Osaka in a 20 minute draw.

What has been your career highlight(s) so far?

• WWE Mae Young Classic
• Various tours of Japan working for every major Joshi Promotion
• German Wrestling Federation Women’s Champion
• ROH
• World Of Sport
• SEAdLINNNGs only contracted gaikokujin.

Who would be your dream opponent, past or present?

I would love to face Jamie Hayter again, one of my favourite opponents and best friends. I was lucky to spend time with her on our tours of Japan, her with STARDOM and me with SEAdLINNNG.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Alive I hope, just continuing to inspire others to accomplish their dreams. You never know, there maybe a surprise in store.

Where can we find you on social media?

• Twitter @bigfemvader
• Instagram @bigfemvader
• Facebook Amazon Ayesha Raymond

And finally, why do you do what you do?

Because I’m awesome at it and there is no other like me.

Thank you to Ayesha for answering our questions.

Photo credit The Wilsons