When the second-generation German wrestler Bozilla promised the Marigold audience she was bringing a tag partner for the Marigold First Dream 2025 show on January 3, people did not expect “The Iron Lady” TANK.
The Dutch powerhouse TANK is the only two-times Pro Wrestling Holland (PWH) Women’s champion, while only being in her second year as a professional wrestler. Having participated in multiple shows in central Europe (PWH, wXw, WrestlingKULT, and more), she is gradually building a name for herself as one of the few real powerhouse women in Europe. Those following that scene have witnessed TANK’s imposing physique but also her fast rise to main event status. However, for many fans, she is still a mystery.
SlamWrestling.net got a chance to talk to her a few days before she got into a plane for Japan and Marigold’s big January show, where TANK and Bozilla team up to challenge the Marigold Twin Star tag team champions Dark Wolf Army (Nagisa Nozaki and Chiaki).
The goal was simple — get to know Kristel Grond, aka TANK.
Q: Not many fans know that, but, before wrestling, you were already quite active in bodybuilding and fitness. How did you carry that lifestyle into the very busy life of pro wrestling?
A: It’s not always easy, especially with travelling and my own job. I try to work out at least three times per week, sometimes even five. It is my Zen moment, my therapy session. The advantage of having done bodybuilding is that I have a good posture and not many women are built like me. I can flex.
Q: How did you get into wrestling and made that transition from bodybuilding?
A: That would be my husband, KāFa. He started professional wrestling before me. At first, we wanted to keep our careers separate, but I kept being asked, “When are you going to step into the ring?” Eventually, the wrestling bug got me.
Q: What is your training regime like?
A: I train once per week at Pro Wrestling Holland. Most of us train twice per week, but we can’t always make it because of work. We go from in-ring training to repetition of the basics, trying out new moves, ring awareness, promos, everything.
Q: You had your debut in 2023 in a battle royal just with men. Then, your singles match debut was also against a man. You even defended your women’s championship against male opponents. How is it doing intergender matches for you?
A: For me it is the same. It doesn’t matter whether wrestling a guy or a woman; I just love wrestling. If men want to come for my title, I will happily defend it. Intergender matches mean that everything is possible in wrestling, and I can make it work.
On wrestling in Europe and women’s wrestling
Q: After PWH, you have also wrestled in a few more European promotions in various countries. How is the difference between shows in various countries?
A: Wrestling is universal, so the layout is more or less the same everywhere. However, there can be some differences: one promotion might have a briefing before a show, while another might just tell you “OK, that’s your opponent.” I do notice some differences in audiences though. In the Netherlands, where the scene is growing, the crowd is more festival-like. You might see a lot of one-timers. In wXw or WrestlingKULT, you have people who keep coming to every show and know all the stories or wrestlers.
Q: How do you see the overall scene for women’s wrestling in Europe?
A: It is growing as well luckily, but we don’t have that many women yet. In the Netherlands we are only two women who are active right now, and you can see that in other places as well. There are a lot of intergender matches, so we have to work wherever we are needed. I like to see examples such as WrestlingKULT, where our women’s gauntlet match was the main event. That was awesome.
Q: Do you see differences wrestling in mixed cards as opposed to women-exclusive shows, such as the wXw Femmes Fatales event?
A: Not really. These shows also attract a lot of people. It is great to see them supporting women’s wrestling.
Q: You are one of those rare wrestlers that instantly got a title match, a little after your debut. How did that happen?
A: I am big and strong. That was easy (laughs). Title matches, of course, are a reward for your effort. Being one of the faces of a company, I see that as a big compliment.
Character and inspiration
Q: I see you are very active on social media and use the hashtag #MarchWithMe. What does that stand for?
A: My character is based on Furiosa from the Mad Max movies. I am creating my army. It implies that you are either with me or against me.
Q: Is that also what your gear is based on?
A: No, my gear is a tribute to Chyna. When I first showed up as an enforcer for a group and ragdolled Julia at PWH, I did it the exact same way Chyna was introduced. She is a big inspiration to me.
Q: What other inspirations do you have?
A: Powerhouses, not only women, but men as well. I like old school wrestling from the ’80s and ’90s. You can see that I move a bit slower because I want to be a brute force.
Q: Many women wrestlers favor a fast, agile wrestling style over brute force. How is that working for you?
A: We have to adjust sometimes. When we have two opposing styles, we can be more versatile. You can see that in guys too.
Japan and Marigold
Q: Japan is a dream destination for countless wrestlers, yet you got booked there less than two years into your career. How did the Marigold opportunity come to be?
A: It came through wXw. They were looking for a partner for Bozilla, and they asked me. I still don’t know how it happened and if I did anything differently than others. I believe everyone deserves a chance. But I am absolutely honored that they thought of me.
Q: The “joshi puroresu” scene is known to be tough as nails: brutal training and hard-hitting action. Were you already familiar with that scene? Is there anything there that impresses you?
A: I have looked up to Bull Nakano, of course. But even now, I follow the scene and watch it to study it. I’ve also met some Japanese wrestlers. I am looking forward to seeing how far I can push my body there.
Q: After Japan, what other countries do you want to wrestle in?
A: Spain, because it is warm there (laughs). But I like the country as well. I want an American debut too. Moreover, I love being in Germany. They are passionate about wrestling there. Wrestling is a great way to travel to new places, and I want to visit more countries.
Q: Are there any wrestlers in the Marigold roster that stand out who you would like to face after?
A: Not any specific ones. I am open to anyone.
Q: Any message for the Marigold wrestlers and fans?
A: I am coming for the gold.
Marigold First Dream 2025 takes place on January 3, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan at the Ota City General Gymnasium. It airs globally on CyberFight’s video-on-demand service Wrestle Universe. These are the scheduled matches:
- Marigold World Championship: Sareee (c) vs. Utami Hayashishita
- Marigold United National Championship: Miku Aono (c) vs. Mai Sakurai
- GHC Women’s Championship: Kouki Amarei (c) vs. Chika Goto
- Marigold Twin Star Championship: Dark Wolf Army (Nagisa Nozaki and Chiaki) (c) vs. Bozilla and Tank
- Nanae Takahashi and Nao Ishikawa vs. Meiko Satomura and Yuna
- Marigold Super Fly Championship: Natsumi Showzuki (c) vs. Victoria Yuzuki
- Seri Yamaoka vs. Mirai
- New Year’s Dream Rumble match
TOP PHOTO: TANK at PWH in March 2024.
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