Indie Wrestler of the Week No. 001: Big Swole

FanSided’s new series “Indie Wrestler of the Week” starts off with a bang with an interview with Big Swole about the state of the indie scene and her experience at All Out.

Big Swole, formerly known as Aerial Monroe, is one of the fastest rising stars on the American indie scene currently. The Clearwater, Florida native has been wrestling since 2015 and first gained fans’ attention when she became a mainstay in the WWN-associated promotion Shine.

FanSided: What inspired you to undergo your name change from Aerial Monroe to Big Swole?

Big Swole: This change has been on my heart for quite some time. Everyone calls me Big Swole or some variation of the name. Plus when I’m performing the crowd is chanting Big Swole not Aerial Monroe … so I knew it was time for the change.

Monroe is a mainstay of the indie scene but has already wrestled for both WWE and AEW in her burgeoning career. A participant in the second edition of WWE’s women’s tournament, The Mae Young Classic, Monroe gained a plethora of new fans even though she was eliminated in the first round by Zeuxis.

FS: How has indie wrestling changed since you first started out in the business?

BS: This business has been depleted, when I first started training most people were still unsigned and the indies were flourishing. Now we have fewer people than we realize working circuits.

Swole was also a participant in AEW’s all female Casino Battle Royale at All Out where she was able to debut her new name and persona on a bigger stage. Swole looked great in the outing even if she wasn’t able to pick up the win.

FS: How was your experience at All Out?

BS: I throughly enjoyed myself at All Out, just being able to work beside legends and up and comers alike was humbling. It felt amazing to put on a great showing and being validated by icons … so inspiring, it fueled my hunger that’s for sure.

Swole is on the way to breaking out as an international star with companies from all around the world vying for her to be on their shows. Swole will land in the UK soon as she debuts for Riptide Wrestling where she will take on Chakara, in what UK fans are calling a dream match.

FS: What are your goals for the rest of the year?

BS: Honestly, I just want to help the women I came up with get more exposure. My career really isn’t about me, it’s about making this business better for those around me. But personally I would like to bulk up a bit more, a little more Swole if you will.

FS: Who is on your bucket list to face off against in the near future?

BS: Jake freaking Atlas! I love that dude. AQA, Sophie King, Dezmond Xavier and JAZZ. I want all the smoke in 2020!

Expect Big Swole — who just won the Shine Tag Team Championship with her partner Aja Perera — to be a household name very soon. You can follow her on Twitter @swoleworld and on Instagram @dabigswole.