Santana Garrett has spent her career jumping from promotion to promotion, and she has finally settled into a role she believes she deserves. The Women of Wrestling (WOW) champion spoke with OutKick Dropkick about her path from backyard matches in Ocala, Florida, to holding the WOW World Championship twice — a feat matched by no other wrestler in the promotion’s history.
Garrett, a second-generation pro wrestler whose father competed on the independent circuit, faced a fork in the road early on. As a young girl, she knew she wanted to be a weather girl, a professional wrestler or an elementary art teacher. She chose wrestling, and she has never looked back.
Garrett’s Early Days in the Ring
Garrett grew up watching wrestling icons like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Trish Stratus and Lita. Her father was a wrestler on the independent scene, and she followed him to the shows he performed at.
Her training began in her grandfather’s backyard in Ocala, Florida. The first real workout came in St. Louis, and after that session, Garrett knew she could make a career out of it.
From Title to Title
Garrett’s first title came in 2016, when she defeated Jungle Grrrl and The Beverley Hills Babe in a triple-threat match. She pinned The Beverley Hills Babe to win the championship.
The title was vacated more than 740 days later after Garrett and Jungle Grrrl both pinned Tessa Blanchard. Garrett then lost the title before regaining it years later against Penelope Pink.
Now, Garrett holds the title again. She said winning it this time feels different.
“It’s been a very long time and a lot has changed. You can imagine 18 years, you evolve and this time it just feels so different and I love it,” she said.
The Road to WOW
Garrett’s career has taken her through WWE, All Elite Wrestling and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). She has appeared in all three promotions during her career.
WOW gave her an early opportunity. Garrett said the company was one of the first major promotions to believe in her.
“I remember back then, it’s like, OK, you think you’re ready, you’ve done the training, you’ve got the gear but looking back, I’m like, oh my gosh, I was not ready whatsoever,” she said. “This was my dream but also my dad’s dream and so now I’m doing it for me and I am ready. There’s no doubt I am exactly where I’m supposed to be. I know I deserve it.”
Becoming the Face of WOW
Garrett is now ready to lead WOW into its next chapter. She said she is exactly where she is supposed to be.
“It feels incredible,” she told OutKick Dropkick. “There’s no doubt I am exactly where I’m supposed to be. I know I deserve it.”
The timing of her recent title win coincides with a new direction for the promotion. Los Angeles Lakers minority owner Jeanie Buss is expected to have an on-screen role in the next season of WOW, where she serves as co-owner.
Jeanie Buss Joins the Show
Buss is a legend in her own right. Garrett said she is an incredible woman who is smart, kind and easy to talk to.
“For her to have more of an on-screen presence, it’s well overdue. And I know all of the girls are very excited for this,” Garrett said.
Buss’s involvement is a significant moment for the promotion. Garrett said her presence was “way overdue.”
A Champion’s Perspective
Garrett’s journey has been full of obstacles, she said. But she wouldn’t change a thing.
“It has taken me all over the world. Along the way, there’s been obstacles, ups and downs, like anything, but I wouldn’t change a thing,” she said. “It’s been so nice.”
The WOW World Championship has sat vacant for over 740 days since Garrett and Jungle Grrrl both pinned Tessa Blanchard. Garrett regained it years later against Penelope Pink.
Key Facts Box
- Championship: WOW World Championship
- First title win: 2016
- Title vacated: More than 740 days after Garrett and Jungle Grrrl both pinned Tessa Blanchard
- Regained title: Against Penelope Pink
- Garrett’s record: One of five WOW superstars to hold the title twice; no wrestler has won it more often
Schedule Table
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Garrett’s first title win | 2016 |
| Title vacated | More than 740 days later |
| Garrett regains title | Against Penelope Pink |
Garrett admitted she wasn’t ready for the spotlight when WOW first gave her an opportunity. The difference now is that she is doing it for herself.
Garrett’s path from backyard matches to championship wins is a classic underdog story. She grew up watching wrestling with her father, trained in her grandfather’s backyard and eventually found her way to the top of the sport.
The fact that no wrestler has won the WOW World Championship more often than she has is a remarkable achievement. Her second win comes after a long gap, and she described the feeling as distinctly different from her first win.
Garrett’s excitement for Buss’s on-screen presence is genuine. She called her a legend and praised her intelligence and kindness.
The combination of Garrett’s championship run and Buss’s arrival is shaping up to be a notable season for WOW. Garrett is ready to lead the charge, and she believes she is exactly where she should be.
Source material: “WOW champion Santana Garrett talks choosing pro wrestling over teaching, Jeanie Buss in the ring and more,” Fox News.
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.