Bambi coming to Gladstone. Don't let here doe eyes fool you
- Details
- Published on Thursday, August 6, 2015
Submitted photo. Samantha Hall aka Bambi
By Vern May
Submitted article
At 23 years old, many of us are still discovering our path, trying on different hats until we find the one that best fits. It’s safe to say that few young adults are well established in their careers that age – which is what makes Samantha Hall’s story so intriguing. Hailing from Vancouver, Hall is headed for Manitoba this fall with appearances in Minnedosa and Gladstone as part of CWE Wrestling’s ‘Girls, Girls, Girls’ professional wrestling tour.
A second generation wrestler, Samantha debuted in 2011 at the age of 19 and hit the road within weeks of her first match. Her young career has included a starring role on the reality TV series “World of Hurt” alongside WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper (who dubbed her with the ring name “Bambi”), tours on Manitoba’s winter roads and the Atlantic Provinces, and even appearances in the United States. In 2012, she was selected as a finalist for the Rookie of the Year award by Pro Wrestling Illustrated magazine and in 2013, she was ranked #46 in the world by the same publication.
Women’s professional wrestling hasn’t always enjoyed the same spotlight as their male counterparts. Before the national syndication of wrestling in 1984, successful lady grapplers were booked as special attractions, spending a week or two at a time in each of about 30 wrestling territories across North America. Living out of a suitcase, they were never able to really set down roots anywhere, lest risk losing the appeal of their uniqueness and ability to draw the big crowds promoters expected when putting them on the marquee.
While women’s wrestling has been popular with audiences across the continent, it’s interesting to note that Manitoba was the last Province in the west to allow the ladies to compete. In 1948, a Calgary promoter proposed to bring the ladies matches to the city for the first time and was given permission to do so, with the condition imposed by the local fire chief that no seats would be permitted on the floor of the arena. While no such restriction had ever been in place for previous all male wrestling events or boxing shows, the media suggested that perhaps the restriction was to prevent close-up views of the performers, one of which was Helen Hild (mother of future WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase). Calgary finally opened work for the ladies in 1950. Manitoba didn’t change its stance until 1971.
For Samantha Hall, her life was destined to be spent on canvas – and not just the wrestling mat. As a teen, she was an avid painter, even studying at the Emily Carr Art Institute, specializing in both oil and acrylic on canvas. Her worked was even featured commercially in downtown venues in Vancouver. However, recognizing the struggles for artists to secure a suitable living, she is creating art on canvas through a different avenue as one of the most sought after performers in the country. In four years, she has already logged more than 160 professional matches. It’s safe to say, her art career is on hold for the time being.
There are eight ladies in all competing on this tour including talent from California, Oregon, British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. In assembling this diverse array of talent, CWE promoter Danny Warren has selected only the cream of the crop.
The tour stops in Gladstone on September 27 and in Minnedosa on September 28. For more information on the tour, contact the tour promoter at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
