Star Blanket Cree Nation’s Wavell Starr achieved the ultimate dream as a pro wrestler, getting a shot to step into a WWE ring several years ago.
Starr took part in a number of matches that made it to television. As a kid, Starr says his grandparents played a role in his love of wrestling.
“I started watching it on TV with them and one day they were in Regina while we were there,” said Starr. “There was a whole group of us that went down to the Exhibition Auditorium and right from the start, I was just absolutely enthralled by professional wrestling, and I knew right away that it was something that I really wanted to be involved in.”
Starr played five seasons with the Regina Rams junior football team. Following his time on the gridiron, he joined a local independent wresting promotion. After paying his dues, he was able to get his shot in the ring. Eventually, he made his way down to America with Ohio Valley Wrestling, which was a developmental promotion for the WWE.
These days, Starr is wrestling part-time. His regular job is with SaskPower, working as a human resources specialist.
“I have slowed down over the last little bit, and that has been purposely because it takes a little longer to recover from every time I go on the road,” said Starr.
“I’ve got other commitments in my life. My career outside of professional wrestling, which has to take precedence in my life. I’ve got a son that’s 13 years old right now, and he’s quite busy playing hockey and playing baseball, and he’s also a powwow singer.”
Starr says over the past few years, he’s been coaching hockey. He says that experience has been rewarding.
“That experience to me has been a really great opportunity to kind of give back,” said Starr. “I’ve identified a few athletes, including my own son, that have the potential to make it, maybe not necessarily in hockey, but certainly in competitive sports.”
“When I see these types of youth that have that type of potential, I really want to do whatever I can to ensure that they can utilize those gifts and those strengths.”
Meanwhile, Starr says he has plans to bring a wrestling show to La Ronge in the near future.
(PHOTO: Wavell Starr in Saskatoon. Photo by Braden Malsbury.)