Whether opponents are covered in tattoos, wearing sinister masks, flexing huge muscles or towering high on ropes baring teeth and a perma-scowl, none of that seems to faze Nanaimo pro wrestler Dash Dauntless.
Although standing at only 5-foot-5 and weighing a mere 111 pounds, this non-binary/female pro wrestler’s response to any of these behemoth’s threats and intimidating personas is ‘bring it on.’
With a snap of a pair of signature colourful suspenders, Dauntless willingly leaps into any ring ready to use various moves to take down anyone, male or female.
“I wanted to live up to the challenge of being face-to-face with an opponent in front of a crowd,” they said. “You’ve got to trust you’re trained and ready for it.”
Trained by B.J. Laredo, owner of the Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling training centre in Nanaimo, Dauntless was made ready for anything, even matches involving tables, ladders and chairs. Starting at age 29, the petite powerhouse has continued to improve in form and speed and has adopted signature moves to bring the opponent to their knees, so as to be more on the same level. Dashed on the Rocks, a version of the Stratusphere, is one of these moves, involving a handstand on the bottom turnbuckle to flip an opponent off the top. The Fearlesser, also known as the Famouser, is another signature move, involving a jumping leg drop to the back of the head.
Performing solo or with tag-team partner Garth Wayne, Dauntless has taken part in approximately 100 matches, not only with the VIPW, but also with Canadian Apex Wrestling out of Vancouver, Thrash Wrestling in the Okanagan, Big West Wrestling in Powell River and 365 Pro Wrestling on the Island.
Although successfully battling Goliaths with such a small frame, Dauntless has had their share of bumps and bruises, as well as a broken tailbone. But that comes with the territory. Pro wrestling is a sport requiring proper precision, timing, flexibility and co-ordination, or else injuries can and do occur. Considering Dauntless is half the size and weight of most of their opponents, they’re still in one piece.
“That’s the power of the suspenders,” they said. “Suspender disbelief, because a dash of Dauntless goes a long way.”
Dauntless and other VIPW wrestlers will compete at the last show of the year, Headlocks 4 Hunger, supporting Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank, on Nov. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Beban Park Centennial Building. Tickets are $15-25 in advance at www.viprowrestling.ca, or $20-30 at the door.
