Billie Starkz on AEW, Wrestling in Japan and the Challenges of Indie Wrestling
All Guts No Glory Interview #5
If you watch indie wrestling at all, you’re familiar with Billie Starkz. The 18-year-old wrestler is a veritable prodigy and her future is bright; after wrestling a staggering number of matches in 2022 for promotions like Game Changer Wrestling, Tokyo Joshi Pro and Black Label Pro and even All Elite Wrestling, her 2023 schedule is even more loaded.
Starkz took time out of her schedule as a wrestler and student to tell us about how she balances everything, making it to Japan and what the future holds for her. This interview is a bonus to make up for inconsistent posting the last two months.
Twitter tells me you wrestled the fourth most matches of anyone in the US and Canada [in 2022]. You're also 18 and a student. How do you find the time for everything?
Being very structured with my schedule and planning ahead. I am lucky that my school fully supports my dreams.
Despite your age, you've already been wrestling for four years. Did you just always want to be a pro wrestler?
Yep. Ever since I first saw it that was what I wanted to do...
2022 was a pretty massive year for you: appearances in Tokyo Joshi Pro, matches with Britt Baker and Red Velvet for AEW Dark, Scenic City Invitational finals, the Black Label Pro Heavyweight Championship, etc. Is there one thing that stands out to you the most from last year?
The level of matches that I am having now compared to the prior few years, the trust others have in me and getting to go to Japan!
You got into the wrestling business as a very young woman. Do you feel that you had to work harder than others to be taken seriously?
I think my age and gender had an effect on how others looked and treated me. However, I tried to not let either of those define my wrestling. I'm a wrestler at the end of the day and I've always wanted to be treated the same as all other wrestlers. I just made sure to work hard and be knowledgeable so my passion could not be questioned.
You've wrestled a pretty wide variety of opponents with different styles. Who are your dream matchups?
I have been lucky to get a few of my dream matches like Matt Demorest, Kylie Rae, Ruby Soho. Next on the dream list is Millie McKenzie, Hook and Starlight Kid.
Do you have aspirations beyond the indies, like AEW or WWE?
Yes. I love the indies, at the end of the day I want to be happy wrestling and able to live a comfortable life by being a wrestling. I will end up where I am meant to be.
What's the hardest or toughest part of being an independent wrestler that may not be obvious to fans? Is it mental, physical or something else?
Wrestling definitely hurts you both physically and mentally. You are throwing your body around and getting beat up most weekends. Yoga and my chiropractor help with the physical part.
Mentally it’s rough because you miss important things with your friends and family. Holidays, birthdays, funerals and other things. I am lucky that I have very understanding family and best friend.
If someone isn't familiar with Billie Starkz, what match(es) should they watch to get familiar?
TJPW vs Yuka Sakazaki
AEW vs Emi Sakura
JCW vs Nick Wayne
GCW vs Kenzie Paige
GCW vs Tony Deppen