For most high school students, prom is the definitive social milestone of the year. But for professional wrestler Scarlett Bordeaux, the allure of the squared circle outweighed the tradition of the dance. In a decision that would fundamentally alter her life’s trajectory, Bordeaux skipped her prom to attend an independent wrestling show, a choice that served as the catalyst for her Scarlett Bordeaux indie wrestling career.
The transition from a curious spectator to a professional performer was not a linear path through a traditional wrestling academy. Instead, it began with a first job at a movie theater and the influence of coworkers who were devoted fans of the independent scene. Bordeaux recounted how her peers would frequently attend events hosted by All American Wrestling (AAW), sparking a curiosity that eventually led her to trade a formal gown for a front-row seat at an indie show.
That initial exposure transformed a casual interest into a professional ambition. Within months of attending these events, Bordeaux found herself wanting to be part of the spectacle. Rather than seeking a formal scholarship or training camp, she began by volunteering for the unglamorous tasks of the business—setting up chairs and collecting trash—simply to remain in the orbit of the promoters and performers.
An unconventional initiation into the business
Bordeaux’s entry into the ring was as unconventional as her decision to skip prom. Her first actual “bump”—the wrestling term for falling or being thrown to the mat—came during a December show. A promoter asked if she possessed a “sexy Santa costume,” and upon her agreement, she was cast in a segment that ended with her receiving a piledriver.
At the time, Bordeaux admitted she did not even know what a piledriver was. The experience was punctuated by a bucket of snow being thrown over her as she returned backstage, a baptism by ice that she described as the moment she was officially welcomed into the industry. “I was hooked,” she said.
This grassroots beginning allowed her to build a reputation across various independent promotions, where she captured several championships and refined her character before catching the attention of the industry’s largest global entity.
The ascent to the global stage
The trajectory of Bordeaux’s career eventually led her to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). She first joined the organization in 2019, later returning for a second stint in 2022. During her time with the global leader in sports entertainment, she often performed alongside her husband, the wrestler known as Killer Kross.
The couple’s tenure in the corporate structure of wrestling eventually concluded when their contracts expired in 2025. This led to a strategic pivot back toward the independent spirit where her journey began, as both Bordeaux and Kross signed with Major League Wrestling (MLW), where they currently perform.
| Era | Organization/Stage | Key Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| Early Career | Independent Circuit (AAW) | Transitioned from volunteer to performer |
| 2019 | WWE | Initial signing with global promotion |
| 2022 | WWE | Second tenure with the organization |
| 2025 | MLW | Signed with Major League Wrestling |
The physical cost of the spectacle
While the glamour of the spotlight is evident, Bordeaux has been candid about the physical toll required to maintain a professional wrestling career. The industry is defined by “bumps,” and some are more punishing than others. Bordeaux recalled a particularly harrowing experience involving wrestler Keith Walker, a performer standing approximately 6-foot-5.
During a match, Walker delivered a chokeslam that Bordeaux described as one of the most severe impacts of her career. The force of the move was so great that she felt her knees hit her forehead as she was bent in half. Despite the intensity of the impact, the crowd’s positive reaction led to the move being repeated the following month.
The second occurrence resulted in a “stinger”—a sudden, sharp nerve pain—that left her briefly limping. It was after this second impact that the decision was made for her to never grab that specific move again, marking it as the worst bump of her professional life.
Navigating the modern wrestling landscape
Bordeaux’s journey reflects a broader shift in how professional wrestling talent is discovered. While the “traditional” route involves attending a dedicated wrestling school, the modern era has seen a rise in athletes coming from bodybuilding, other professional sports, or, in Bordeaux’s case, a combination of obsessive fandom and a willingness to do the groundwork.
The ability to pivot between the rigid structure of a major corporation like WWE and the more creative freedom of MLW is a hallmark of the modern “independent” spirit. By leveraging her brand and her partnership with Killer Kross, Bordeaux has maintained a high profile regardless of the promotion she represents.
As she continues her current run with MLW, Bordeaux remains a prominent figure in the women’s division, blending the theatricality she discovered at those early AAW shows with the polished experience of a veteran of the world’s largest stages. Her career serves as a testament to the idea that a single, unconventional choice—like skipping a high school dance—can occasionally pave the way to a global career.
Bordeaux and Killer Kross are expected to remain central figures in MLW’s upcoming programming as the promotion continues to expand its roster of former major-league talent.
Do you think unconventional paths lead to better careers in sports entertainment? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
