For those unaware, the New England and Boston area is a hot pot of talent when it comes to pro wrestling. There’s lots of “top stars” from this area that may already be on your radar such as Channing Thomas and JT Dunn. Today though, i’d like to highlight three “under the radar” talents that you need to tune into!
“The NÜ Thing” Elle Valentine
Elle started her pro wrestling journey in 2019 under the name “Valentine, The Demonatrix”, wrestling on gym mats and sticky floors of dive bars. The company, Boston League of Wicked Wrestlers, focuses on queer and marginalized wrestlers and people. Elle transitioned into training for in-ring wrestling that year, debuting on the indies in December of 2021. Elle went through a persona change as well; she believes gimmicks should be the person you’ve always wanted to be, amplified. A girl who loved Nu metal, baggy clothes, and Monster energy drinks became “The Nu Thing Elle Valentine”. Although she’s billed from “Nu England” Elle wants to travel all over to spread her image across America and beyond. Three years on the indies, multiple time champion, and a perfect persona to match, Elle is a forced to be reckoned with both in and out of the ring. It’s only up from here, Elle! You can support Elle Valentine by following her on Instagram here
SALEM
photo credit: A Curious Production
The current B.E.A.S.T Champion for BLOWW, SALEM debuted at a show in Fenway Park in June 2023. Wrestling for countless shows in Massachusetts, SALEM has her eyes set on national fame as she has wrestled for A.W.F.U.L Wrestling in Philadelphia and will be making her debut in Brooklyn very soon. Inspired by wrestlers like Jon Moxley and Bull Nakano, her style is unpredictiable and dangerous in the ring. SALEM has true untapped potential as a new and popular female badass for any company lucky to have her. Trained by Beau Douglas of the Bell Time Club, she is simply undeniable both in and out of the ring! SALEM can be followed and supported online here
Rat King
Rat King is the true definition of confidence and cockiness, you never know what he’ll pull out of his trusty garabge can next. For those unaware a “rat king” is a real life term used to describe a cluster of rats tangled together by the tail. Rat King is that but personified! Making his debut at 19, he’s evolved over time and truly come into his own. He owns the “Trash Belt” for BLOWW, which is their weapons match championship. Rat King loves to fight dirty, but also share a good laugh with his opponents. His next live match is against our friend SALEM in a casket match in Somerville for BLOWW at Gays Against The Machine and aims to take the belt. If you wish to join Rat Kings cult, you can follow him here
While this is obviously only scratching the surface of talent in Boston, I feel these unsung queer wrestlers deserved a spotlight! While BLOWW is mentioned alot in this article (rightfully so!) you can also check out other promotions they have fought/will be fighting for such as, Green Mountain Wrestling, Beantown Wrestling Alliance and The Proving Ground! I urge you all to not only support these three queer wrestlers, but also to support queer wrestlers in your area as well!
