More women are taking up Mexican freestyle wrestling — and using makeup to take the sport's traditional costuming one step further.
"I started training when I was 15 years old," the Mexico City native tells. "I was the only woman [at these wrestling classes] and men underestimated me and tried to discourage me. That made me discover a part of myself that I didn't know I had, [something] that only the magic of wrestling could bring out. It taught me not to give up or let anyone stop my dreams." Lady Shani made her professional debut at 17.
Masks are a traditional part of lucha libre culture, dating back to the sport's origins in the early 20th century. While some luchadoras reveal their identities, Lady Shani has yet to be unmasked, with her true identity completely hidden from the public. We don't even know her real name. When a luchadora is unmasked in the ring it is considered the ultimate defeat: They must show their face and state their name, age, and birthplace.
"My mask was like my second skin, part of the magic. Now, makeup is an essential part of the character." Unmaskings are dramatic moments that can also signify a wrestler's retirement or that they’re moving on from their current branding, which only means that Lady Shani is here to stay — and so is"It is very important for me to give the public a beautiful image," she says. "Something that captivates and reflects that you care about your work, since it is something you do for people who pay for a ticket. It's important for the public to see me shining.
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