Another map dot closer to the goal for wrestler Gisele Mayordo
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- Published on Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Submitted photo. Wrestler Gisele Mayordo was born in Cebu City, Philippines and hopes to connect with fans who have shared a similar journey of coming to Canada to pursue their dreams.
Submitted by Vern May
The Neepawa Press
When we consider the opportunity to rise to the apex of professional sport, we can readily point to our community’s minor hockey program as a breeding ground for potential future NHL stars. But, do athletes in other disciplines have the same opportunities? Could the road to super stardom passing right through Neepawa?
Gisele Mayordo is hopeful that it does.
Mayordo was born in Cebu City, Philippines and immigrated to Canada with her family at age 12, first settling in the Northwest Territories. As a child, she grew up watching professional wrestling on TV with her family, a passion that was shared among three generations of her clan. However, after seeing Toronto’s Trish Stratus in action on screen, Gisele’s interest in wrestling changed from a passive hobby to a career pursuit.
Nine months ago, Gisele moved to Calgary for the opportunity to train at WWE alumnus Lance Storm’s wrestling school and after completing her training at that camp has launched an aggressive schedule with eyes on following in the footsteps of her idol. That path brings her through town later this month with matches in Gladstone and Minnedosa as part of the Canadian Wrestling’s Elite “Girls, Girls, Girls” tour.
The chance at an opportunity with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), the recognizing pinnacle of opportunity in the industry may not be that far out of reach. Fellow Storm Wrestling Academy graduate Tenille Dashwood is currently under contract with the Stamford, Connecticut-based conglomerate as are fellow Canadians Jasmin Areebi (Toronto), Natalya Neidhart (Calgary), and most recently signed Sarah Stock (Winnipeg). Another fellow Canadian, Chelsea Green of Victoria, was a recent participant in the WWE’s reality TV series “Tough Enough” vying for a contract. So in terms of visibility, there is awareness at the top of the talent being cultivated here and for Mayordo, she’s pounding the pavement and paying her dues with aspirations to climb that ladder.
In just five months touring as a pro, Gisele has appeared in all four western provinces and is working for a number of the most visible and active wrestling circuits in business today. While her schedule includes regular appearances in major centres including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Regina, her agenda is also filled with dates in Norway House, Waywayseecappo, Gladstone, Minnedosa, Yorkton, Virden and more. Her travel itinerary is representative of the advice shared often with aspiring wrestlers by former Winnipegger and wrestling star Chris Jericho: “Get into that ring as often as you can … wherever, whenever, pay no attention to the brand on the marquee.”
Given the area’s large population of new Canadians, Gisele is hopeful to connect with fans who have shared a similar journey of coming to Canada to pursue their dreams. She is also hopeful to serve as an inspiration for those thinking about pursuing a goal that all things are possible – even stardom in the sport of professional wrestling if you focus on your goal.
The tour stops in Gladstone on Sept. 27 and Minnedosa on Sept. 28.
