She’s the pocket rocket and resilient go-getter pursuing her pro wrestling American dream. Yes, meet awesome Aussie SUSIE CRAWFORD…
Amazing MAXIM photo shoot, Susie, congrats! How do you feel?
It has been a dream of mine for a long time to shoot for MAXIM and now it has finally happened! I’m very happy with how it all turned out.
Well, you look gorgeous. When do you feel sexy?
I always feel my sexiest when I’m just being myself. Growing up, I was very insecure and not very sure of myself, but as I’ve gotten older I feel like once you own who you are as a person, that’s when you feel you’re at your sexiest.
What is your best asset?
I like that my personality wins everyone over. I love to make people laugh and just try to see the positives in life rather than the negatives.
Tell us a bit more about yourself.
I was born in Canberra in the ACT and not too long after, my family and I moved overseas as my father was working for the Australian Government. I’ve been fortunate to live in other countries and visit places I never thought I’d be able to go. I have an older sister and younger brother and it’s very fortunate that we are very close to each other. They are my best friends and I can go to them about any problem. We were a sporty family growing up — our parents enrolled us in sports at the age of two and since then I’ve kept staying active. My go-to sports were athletics, cross country and my first love, hockey. Nothing made me happier when I was playing as anything I was going through off the field I’d put it into sports. Growing up and being the shortest, I was always bullied and put down — this was a tough time in my life. I don’t think I fully accepted myself until I realised people’s opinion of me is just them projecting how they feel about themselves. These days anybody who says anything negative just fuels me to succeed and do better.
When did you first know you wanted to be a wrestler?
I always loved watching it, with my youngest brother, growing up. We would fight all the time, to the point my mum put steel chairs and objects in the backyard for us to use! The big pay-per-view events would also be on Monday’s in Australia, so my brother and I would take the day off to stay at home just to watch it live instead of going to school. I would constantly mention I always wanted to do it, but didn’t know how to get into it or if I’d be any good. So after doing my research and looking up schools, I found KnokX Pro and looked at all the track records for students who’d been there, then emailed them and signed up. And here I am today!
What’s it like being part of the KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy?
KnokX Pro is not only where I train but it is my family and home base. I remember stepping in the ring and not even knowing how to properly do a front roll and kept going home upset at myself. Anybody who knows me knows that I’m my own worst enemy and the most critical on myself. The boys Rikishi and Reno not only helped me come out of my shell, but being in the ring has given me more confidence and pushed me to my limit. Every week we grind and push each other to be our best.
From here, what does it take for you to get into the WWE?
You apply for their open tryouts and wait to hear if they want you to go try out for them. For me, right now I’ve put school on hold so I can focus full-time in the ring so when I do eventually tryout for the WWE I not only know I worked my butt off to be there, but I will also get the job done. With the guidance and support from my trainers I know they have my best interest.
What’s been your career highlight to date?
Ever since I debuted at a TeleMundo event we hosted in 2019 I’ve felt the energy and adrenaline. This event made me realise I have what it takes to make it and ever since I’ve been hitting the gym hard to get my body ready as well in-ring skills. Another highlight has definitely been our Powerbomb Tuesday Night Live shows on Twitch. Since the pandemic, my trainers found a way for us to still wrestle for the crowds but via Twitch. Not only is it fun but it’s a great way to interact with the fans online.
What is the best advice you can give our readers on how to get and stay fit?
The key to staying fit is you have to stay consistent. We all have off days but you need to find a time during the day which suits you and that you can stick with. I prefer working out first thing in the morning so I stay focused for the rest of the day. Nothing beats feeling good and being in a good mood throughout the day.
Do men find you intimidating?
I would hope not but then again I think because I carry myself a certain way, maybe? I’m only five foot two but my personality can make me a foot taller than this!
Describe your ideal man?
Someone who stays active and can handle me doing my own thing. I want him to be encouraging and be my best friend. I have goals I want to achieve and I want someone who supports me with whatever I’m doing.
What’s the best way for a man to win his way to your heart?
By staying loyal to me and showing me that he cares. Below my tough exterior is a sensitive girl who hopes that one day I will find this.
What’s one thing men should always remember about women?
We find out everything! Nothing is ever hidden from us. So please don’t lie, we always find out.
You moved to L.A. from Australia 10 years ago. Besides family, what do you miss most about Oz?
I miss the people and how laid back it is. Los Angeles can be a cutthroat city to live in and finding genuine people is not easy. I also miss the beaches as nothing compares to Australian beaches. The sun is so golden and water is clear – I’d give anything to have a full summer back there!
What’s next for you? Do you have any exciting projects on the horizon you can share with us?
Since the pandemic has lifted restrictions, I feel like the world is finally opening up again and I can finally focus on the things that matter to me. Like I said, I’ve put my school on hold to pursue my passion and so I’m putting my all in to the ring as I really want this.
Finally, it’s our 10th birthday this month. Where would you like to be in 10 years?
Wow! Congratulations! How amazing! Hopefully in 10 years I’ll maybe have settled down with some kids — if they are in my future. I just hope I have things going on and ultimately just happy with how my life is. ■
Status Update
NAME: Susie Crawford
BORN: January 24
HOMETOWN: Sydney, NSW
LIVES: Los Angeles, California USA
FIVE-WORD SELF-DESCRIPTION: “Ambitious, entertaining, independent, loyal and motivated.”
FAVOURITE WWE STARS: “Trish Stratus and Charlotte Flair. Both these ladies are amazing to watch in the ring and tell a great story.”
PHOBIAS: “Claustrophobia and driving on the freeway between trucks.”
LIFE MOTTO: “Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.”
INSTAGRAM: @suuuussssiieeee
Photographed by ARTHUR ST JOHN (@ARTHURSTJOHN)
Interview by SANTI PINTADO (IG: @SPINTADO)
Hair & make-up by TAYLOR JAZZ (IG: @TAYLOR_JAZZ)
Location SEROP PAPAZYAN
For the full article grab the August 2021 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
