Nor “Phoenix” Diana has built a name for herself in the Southeast Asian wrestling scene, and now the 4-foot-11, hijab-wearing grappler is setting her sights on the US.
Recently, the 24-year-old took the time to share her journey with SlamWrestling.net in an email interview.
“I started wrestling in 2015, but I’ve loved it since I was a kid watching WWE,” Nor Diana said. “People told me I couldn’t do it—I’m small, I wear a hijab, and I’m from Malaysia, but I wanted to prove them wrong.”
She started her wrestling career in 2015, training under Malaysian wrestling veteran Shaukat. Despite her diminutive size, she quickly proved herself as a fierce competitor. Her decision to wrestle while wearing a hijab also set her apart, making her a trailblazer for sports representation.
Nor Diana was already making waves as a hijab-wearing woman wrestler from Malaysia, but her recent arrival in the US has elevated her journey to a new level. She debuted at Reality of Wrestling (ROW), a promotion founded by WWE Hall of Famer Booker T and his wife Sharmell Huffman, in 2012.
“This is something I’ve always dreamed of, and now feels like the right time,” Nor Diana said. “I’ve grown so much as a wrestler, and thanks to my coach, Shaukat, I’m well-prepared for what to expect from the US wrestling scene.”
What made now the right time for her to head to the US? “Competing in the US has always been a goal, and I feel ready. The timing aligns with my growth, experience, and the preparation I’ve had under my coach.”
Preparing for her American debut has also been a different experience from her past in wrestling. “The wrestling industry in Southeast Asia is still developing, and most wrestlers here work in independent promotions or follow the Japanese wrestling style. At APAC Wrestling, we train specifically for TV wrestling, which is a key aspect of the American scene. While Americans may not see ROW as a major promotion, for us in this region, it’s a huge opportunity.”
Adjusting to the US wrestling scene has required some changes. “Back home, I rely more on technical wrestling, but in the US, where opponents tend to be larger, I incorporate more cruiserweight-style offence. Fans will see a more dynamic and fast-paced side of me.”
Of course, the transition comes with challenges. “The biggest challenge is logistical—travelling and competing in the US is expensive due to the currency exchange. Even getting around can be a struggle.”
Still, she feels ready. “Thanks to APAC Wrestling, I feel well-prepared for the American style. Our coach, Shaukat, bases his training on what he learned from mentors like Booker T, Dr. Tom Prichard, and Sinn Bodhi, so the transition feels natural.”
One of the biggest surprises so far has been the scale of ROW. “Reality of Wrestling operates on a much bigger scale than what I’m used to in Malaysia. Working with TV cameras and producers is new for me, but I’m excited to learn and adapt.”
She made her first appearance on February 17 at ROW’s event in Texas, a significant milestone as she showcases her skills to a new audience.
Nor Diana shares the experience of her ROW debut. “I went to ROW to tape an episode with them, and it is also my American debut. To someone who is born and raised in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, it is a big deal because pro wrestling is pretty much in its infancy, and you can count with less than a hand the amount of us who have made it to the American scene, especially on a high-level promotion like ROW. I’ve yet to wrestle elsewhere, but I will be making more appearances in ROW, and at the same time looking forward for other promotions to reach out to me.”
Looking ahead, Nor Diana has big aspirations beyond ROW. “If you’re going to dream, dream big—I want to work for WWE. I’d love to share the ring with Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, and Roxanne Perez.”
She also plans to wrestle in Japan. “I’d love to wrestle there, gain experience in the Japanese style, and be part of a scene where women’s wrestling thrives.”
Nor Diana continues to push boundaries as the first hijabi professional wrestler. “I aim to represent not just Malaysians and hijabis worldwide but anyone who’s ever been told what they can or cannot do. I want to show that we can succeed in any field we choose.”
Her USA debut marks an important milestone. “I may be small in size, but don’t mistake me for an underdog. I’m at the top of my game, the best in my region, and I don’t back down from challenges.”
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