Blair Davenport
Bea Priestley | |
---|---|
Birth name | Beatrice St Clere Priestley[1] |
Born | Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England[2] | 22 March 1996
Professional wrestling career | |
Ring name(s) | Amy St. Clere Bea Priestley Beatrice Priestley Tammy Leigh |
Billed height | 170 cm (5 ft 7 in)[3] |
Billed weight | 68 kg (150 lb)[4] |
Billed from | Wellington, New Zealand[4] |
Trained by | Travis Banks[2] |
Debut | 2012[5] |
Beatrice St Clere Priestley[1] (born 22 March 1996) is an English-New Zealand professional wrestler, best known by the ring name Bea Priestley. From 2017 until 2021, she wrestled for World Wonder Ring Stardom and she also made appearances in New Japan Pro-Wrestling serving as Will Ospreay’s Valet.
She is also known for her appearances in All Elite Wrestling, World of Sport Wrestling, Defiant Wrestling, and Progress Wrestling.
Professional wrestling career
Early career
Priestley began training at New Zealand Wide Pro Wrestling's developmental facility under Travis Banks, and debuted for the company as Amy St. Clere when she was 14 years old. After four years, during which time she also wrestled for Impact Pro Wrestling as Beatrice Priestley and the Hughes Academy as Tammy Leigh, Priestley moved to London, England, to further her career, training in Progress Wrestling's developmental program 'The Projo.'[6]
Progress Wrestling (2016–2019)
Priestley made her debut for Progress Wrestling on 13 March 2016, being defeated by Elizabeth.[7] In December 2016, Priestley participated in the tournament to crown the first ever Progress Women's Champion where Priestley lost to the eventual winner Toni Storm.[8] Throughout the year of 2017 and 2018, Priestley would mainly compete in six-man tag team matches and even feuding with Millie McKenzie.
What Culture Pro Wrestling / Defiant Wrestling (2016–2019)
Priestley debuted for What Culture Pro Wrestling (WCPW) on 27 July at Loaded #5, losing Nixon Newell,[9] but she defeated Newell the following day.[10] On 24 August Priestley and Newell faced off once again, this time in a last woman standing match to crown the first ever WCPW Women's Champion, won by Newell.[11] Priestley unsuccessfully challenged Newell once again at Loaded #19, this time by disqualification.[12] After the match Priestley's Pacitti Club stablemates The Swords of Essex, put Newell out of action and Priestley stole her title and declaring herself "the true Women's Champion". Priestley lost her stolen WCPW Women's Champion to Newell after she returned at WCPW True Destiny in February, by replacing Tessa Blanchard in the match. One day later Priestley won the WCPW Women's Championship defeating Nixon Newell in a No Disqualification match.[13][14] On 16 June 2017 Priestley was replaced by Viper after she was unable to compete and lost the title to Kay Lee Ray after pinning Viper to win.[15] After that Priestley would feud with Viper until the last episode of Loaded where Priestley defeated Viper thus ending the feud.[16] On 17 June 2018 Priestley defeated Millie McKenzie to regain Defiant Women's Championship.[17] On 3 December 2018 Priestley lost the title to Kanji in Gauntlet match involving Kay Lee Ray and Lana Austin and Little Miss Roxxy and Millie McKenzie.[18]
World Wonder Ring Stardom (2017–2021)
On 14 October 2017 Priestley made her debut for the World Wonder Ring Stardom promotion by entering the Goddesses of Stardom Tag League tournament.[19] Days before the final of the tournament Priestley unsuccessfully challenged Toni Storm for the SWA World and World of Stardom Championship in Stardom event in Taiwan.[20] She ended up winning the tournament along with Kelly Klein.[21] Following the tournament, Priestley and Klein unsuccessfully challenged Oedo Tai (Hana Kimura and Kagetsu) for the Goddess of Stardom Championship.[22] In her six month stay in Stardom, Priestley made it to the finals of the 2018 Cinderella Tournament, before losing to the eventual winner Momo Watanabe.
On 4 May 2019, at Golden Week Stars 2019 Queen's Quest Produce, Priestley defeated Kagetsu for the World of Stardom Championship.[23]
In January 2020, Priestley paired with Oedo Tai member Jamie Hayter to capture the Goddess of Stardom Championship, the first foreign tag team to hold the championships. She would later join the villainous Oedo Tai faction after betraying Queen's Quest stable-mate Momo Watanabe.[24] On 20 July 2020, Stardom stripped the tag titles from Priestley and Hatter due to being unable to defend them in Japan due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. She her return to the company on September 19, where she attacked Saya Iida in her match against Natsuko Tora and later attacked Momo Watanabe and Utami Hayashishita.[25] On October 3 at Yokohama Cinderella, Priestley defeated Watanabe to win the vacant SWA World Championship.
World of Sport (2018–2019)
At the 5 May 2018 tapings of the newly-revived World of Sport Wrestling, Priestley failed to win the vacant WOS Women's Championship in a three-way match against Kay Lee Ray and Viper.[26] She unsuccessfully challenged Ray for the title on subsequent episodes in a battle royal[27] and a singles match against Ray after being attacked by Viper.[28] On 19 January 2019, on a WOS house show tour, Priestley won the title in a singles match when she successfully pinned Viper.[29] On 2 February 2019 Priestley lost the title to Viper after that she left the promotion.
All Elite Wrestling (2019–2020)
On 22 January 2019 it was reported that Priestley was close to signing a contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) after turning down a WWE contract.[30] It was announced on the edition of 27 February 2019 of "Road To Double Or Nothing" that Priestley would be joining the company, and would be making her debut at Fight for the Fallen on 13 July 2019,[31] where she would team with Shoko Nakajima to defeat Britt Baker and Riho, and Priestley drew criticism when her first move in the match was giving Baker a stiff kick to the back of her head, giving Baker a concussion and temporarily blinding her in one eye. She entered an on-screen feud with Britt Baker, eventually losing a singles match to Baker at AEW Full Gear.[32] Priestley appeared on the 11 December 2019 edition of Dark, where she was defeated by "the Alien" Kris Statlander.[33]
On the 11 March 2020 episode of Dynamite, Priestley returned and teamed with AEW Women’s Champion Nyla Rose to defeat the team of Hikaru Shida and Kris Statlander. After the match she attacked Nyla Rose and called her shot at the AEW Women’s Championship.[34] Priestley was released from AEW on 13 August 2020 due to being unable to travel from her home in Japan due to restrictions from COVID-19.[35]
New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2020–2021)
On October 16, 2020, Priestley made her debut appearance in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where she interfered in her boyfriend's Will Ospreay match against Kazuchika Okada in the G1 Climax.[36]
Personal life
Priestley was diagnosed with a brain tumour when she was 14 years old. She underwent surgery to remove it at 18 years old.[37] Since 2017,[38] Priestley has been in a relationship with fellow professional wrestler Will Ospreay.[39][40][41] In 2019, the couple revealed they were planning on moving to Japan due to both of their wrestling schedules there.[30]
Championships and accomplishments
- What Culture Pro Wrestling / Defiant Wrestling
- WCPW/Defiant Women's Championship (2 times)[42]
- Fight Forever Wrestling
- Fight Forever Women's World Championship (1 time)
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Ranked No. 20 of the top 100 female singles wrestlers in the PWI Women's 100 in 2019[43]
- Ranked No. 37 of the top 100 female singles wrestlers in the PWI Women's 100 in 2020[44]
- Ranked No. 29 of the top 50 tag teams in the PWI Tag Team 50 in 2020 with Jamie Hayter[45]
- World of Sport Wrestling
- WOS Women's Championship (1 time)
- World Wonder Ring Stardom
- Artist of Stardom Championship (1 time) – with Natsuko Tora and Saki Kashima[46]
- Goddess of Stardom Championship (2 times) – with Jamie Hayter (1) and Konami (1)[47]
- Goddesses of Stardom Tag League (2017) – with Kelly Klein[21]
- SWA World Championship (1 time)[48]
- Trios Tag Team Tournament (2019) – with Utami Hayashishita and Viper
- World of Stardom Championship (1 time)
- Stardom Year-End Award (1 time)
- Special Merit Award (2020)[49]
References
- ^ a b "Search Results for Civil Births in Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records". findmypast.co.uk. England & Wales Births 1837–2006. Retrieved 16 June 2019.
- ^ a b "Bea Priestley « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database". Cagematch.net. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
- ^ reserved, Copyright (c) 2014株式会社スターダム, All rights. "ビー・プレストリー".
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ a b "BEA PRIESTLEY". Retrieved 2 April 2019.
- ^ "Bea Priestley". Retrieved 26 April 2019.
- ^ Knox, Caylon. "WNS Interview with Bea Priestley: Pro Wrestler/Brain Tumor Survivor". Wrestling News Source. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
- ^ "ENDVR:15". cagematch.net.
- ^ Boon, Alan (16 December 2016). "The Week In British Wrestling: Dunne shines for PROGRESS in Sheffield". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
- ^ "WCPW Loaded #5 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
- ^ "WCPW Loaded #7 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
- ^ "WCPW Stacked « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
- ^ "WCPW Loaded #18 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
- ^ "Title Reigns « Defiant Women's Championship « Titles Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
- ^ Boon, Alan (16 February 2017). "The Week in British Wrestling: WWE UK Heroes Go Home". Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
- ^ Boon, Alan (22 June 2017). "The Week in British Wrestling: CZW Champ Steals British Gold". Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
- ^ "WCPW Loaded #34 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
- ^ "Defiant Built To Destroy 2018 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
- ^ "Defiant Loaded #2 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
- ^ Angelita, Dark (19 October 2017). "Stardom: Resultados "Goddesses of Stardom Tag League 2017" 14/10/2017 Inicia la competencia". Superluchas (in Spanish). Retrieved 26 April 2019.
- ^ Angelita, Dark (25 October 2017). "Stardom: Resultados "Stardom in Taipei City" Toni Storm retuvo sus dos títulos". Superluchas (in Spanish). Retrieved 26 April 2019.
- ^ a b "Kelly Klein and Bea Priestly win Goddess of Stardom Tag Team Tournament". Ring of Honor. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
- ^ Wilson, Kevin (10 December 2017). "Stardom Best Of The Goddesses on 11/19/17 Review". 411MANIA.
- ^ Walsh, Shannon. "BEA PRIESTLY WINS STARDOM TITLE". PWInsider. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
- ^ Richards, Alex (19 January 2020). "Stardom 9th Anniversary: Title Change, Betrayal, Syuri & Sareee".
- ^ "9/19 STARDOM 5STAR GRAND PRIX report: The finals of the 9th Grand Prix tournament with a winner crowned and the return of a former world champ". 21 September 2020. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
- ^ "World of Sport episode two results: First Women's Champion crowned". WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, UFC News, UFC results. 8 August 2018. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
- ^ "WOS Wrestling #5 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
- ^ "WOS Wrestling Results (9/22/18): 16-Man Battle Royal, WOS Women's Championship Match, And Moose Debuts | Fightful Wrestling". www.fightful.com. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
- ^ "Viper Loses WOS Women's Championship To Bea Priestley At WOS Wrestling's Newport, Wales Show | Fightful Wrestling". www.fightful.com. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
- ^ a b Beltrán, William (26 January 2019). "Bea Priestley le dice no a WWE y firma con AEW". Superluchas (in Spanish). Retrieved 26 April 2019.
- ^ Currier, Joseph (27 February 2019). "Bea Priestley to make AEW debut at Fight for the Fallen". WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, UFC News, UFC results. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
- ^ "NoDQ.com - AEW Full Gear: Bea Priestley vs. Britt Baker". nodq.com. Archived from the original on 27 February 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
- ^ "List of Bea Priestley appearances in AEW".
- ^ AEW Staff (11 March 2020). "AEW DYNAMITE Results March 11, 2020". all elite wrestling.com. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
- ^ Middleton, Marc (13 August 2020). "AEW Releases Jimmy Havoc And Bea Priestley". WrestlingInc.com.
- ^ "411MANIA". Hamilton’s New Japan G1 Climax 30 – Night Seventeen (Block A Finals) 10.16.2020 Review. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
- ^ "Twitter". mobile.twitter.com. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
- ^ "The Week In British Wrestling: Lucha Forever overcomes a venue change". WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, UFC News, UFC results. 15 June 2017. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
- ^ "Will Ospreay And His Missus". Talk is Jericho. 14 February 2018. Archived from the original on 16 February 2018. Retrieved 16 February 2018.
- ^ "Piper Niven And Kay Lee Ray Expected To Sign With WWE; Offer Made To Bea Priestley | Fightful Wrestling". www.fightful.com. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
- ^ Walsh, Shannon (16 March 2020). "WRESTLETALK & WILL OSPREAY'S NO FANS MONDAY REPORT FROM LONDON". PWInsider. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
- ^ "Defiant Women's Championship". wearedefiant.com. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
- ^ "The PWI Top 100 Female Wrestlers 2019: Full List". Wrestling Travel. 1 November 2019. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
- ^ "The PWI 100 Female Wrestlers 2020: Full List". Wrestling travel. 15 October 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
- ^ Wilkinson, Nick (21 November 2020). "Nine Female Tag Teams land on PWI's Tag Team 50 list". Diva Dirt. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
- ^ Richards, Alex (14 November 2020). "Unagi Sayaka Debuts, New Champions Crowned At Stardom Show". Last Word on Pro Wrestling. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
- ^ Richards, Alex. "Stardom 9th Anniversary: Title Change, Betrayal, Syuri & Sareee". Last Word On Pro Wrestling. Retrieved 19 January 2020.
- ^ Richards, Alex (3 October 2020). "Stardom Yokohama Cinderella 2020 News Roundup". Last Word on Pro Wrestling. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
- ^ 『スターダムアワード2020』の受賞者発表!. World Wonder Ring Stardom (in Japanese). 31 January 2021. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
External links
- Blair Davenport on X
- Blair Davenport on Instagram
- World Wonder Ring Stardom profile (in Japanese)
- Blair Davenport's profile at Cagematch.net, Wrestlingdata.com, Internet Wrestling Database
- 1996 births
- All Elite Wrestling personnel
- English expatriate sportspeople in Japan
- English female professional wrestlers
- English people of New Zealand descent
- Expatriate professional wrestlers in Japan
- Living people
- New Zealand expatriate sportspeople in England
- New Zealand female professional wrestlers
- Professional wrestling managers and valets
- Sportspeople from Harrogate