Ray Lyn began her career back in 2013 as part of Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). Over time, she has become a veteran of the independent scene in the United States while also taking her talents to Japan previously to train and compete as part of the Marvelous promotion back in 2019. You can catch Lyn as part of the Women Of Wrestling (WOW) roster where she competes under the name of Chantilly Chella as well!
Hart Editing was able to speak with Ray Lyn for an interview. Among the topics discussed in the interview were Lyn’s time spent in Japan, working for WOW, the Indies, and so much more.
Hart: Before the pandemic, Ray Lyn spent some time in Japan for Marvelous. As a big fan of Joshi wrestling, her experience with working for them was my first question.
Before the pandemic, you spent some time in Japan for Marvelous. Can you speak on that experience? Your favorite and least favorite experiences of working in another country, and what you learned from it!
Japan was super life-changing for me. I feel like I went there as one person and I came back as another. I grew up and learned so much about myself. I became a more confident performer. When I came back I knew I could face any challenge that was put in front of me. My favorite part is learning a different style and learning about a new culture. My least favorite part was coming back to the United States. They treat the wrestlers so well over there, coming back to the American Indies was very hard.
Hart: Rae Lyn also works for Women Of Wrestling under the name Chantilly Chella. I wanted to take some time to talk about her experience working for a family-friendly company that keeps a steady viewership of women, as well as working with AJ Mendez and Jeanie Buss.
You are also a part of the WOW roster under the name Chantilly Chella. How has that experience been so far? Do you take pride in being part of a company that has a key viewership of young women watching in the United States?
I’ve been a part of WOW since 2016. I’m very proud to be a part of a show that can inspire younger generations of women to follow their dreams. I think our product is different and very special. It appeals to families and women a demographic that most wrestling tv shows don’t hit. Also, the boss lady is Jeanie Buss like how cool is that?
AJ Mendez is a producer for the show. Have you been able to work directly with her on anything and if so, what was the experience like?
AJ is great! I went up to introduce myself and she was like “Chantilly Chella you’re so athletic. “ not only did she know who I was she complimented me, and I about died lol. I love having her wisdom backstage.
You’re in the position to inspire many young fans the way she did. One of the reasons I personally became a fan of yours is because of the way you interact directly with fans on Twitter and engage in the wrestling community. I personally love the way you hype up other wrestlers as well. Is that something you actively made a decision to work toward or does that kind of engagement and connection happen naturally for you?
I just naturally hype up my people. I always played sports growing up and you cheer for your whole team. We don’t succeed as individuals, we succeed as a team. Wrestling may seem like an individual sport but it takes two people to put on a match (sometimes more) and if my opponent looks good, so do I, and vice versa.
Hart: Rae Lyn stays busy as one of the most active women’s wrestlers on the indies, traveling from state to state wrestling for independent companies.
Do you keep up with most modern wrestling or are there specific wrestlers or companies you like to keep up with?
I watch a lot of wrestling on YouTube so what I watch varies. I am all over the place.
Who are your favorite wrestlers to watch right now?
My sister Queen Aminata is one to watch! She’s so good and we will be seeing big things from her.
You’re very active in the independent scene. How do you handle/deal with the constant traveling?
I’ve been doing this for about 10 years now, it’s weird when I’m not busy. During the pandemic, like many other people, I got a dog. He is my best friend and greatest travel companion. You can meet Starlord (my shih tzu) at a merch table near you.
Do you have any dream opponents?
I wouldn’t say I have dream opponents. I just want to wrestle people that care as much as I do! Also, people I can learn and grow from.
Thank you so much to Rae Lyn for taking the time to speak with me. You can follow her on Twitter @Ray_lyn.
You can catch her on April 15th for Capital Championship Wrestling: Dead Zone which is sponsored by the Five Star Network as she battles to win the Battle Of The Throne Tournament! You can watch the show here.
Tickets are available live at the door!
143 Broad Street Houston, Delaware 19954
Doors Open 5:00PM
Beelltime 6:00PM
Front Row: $25
General $20
Ages 5 & Under Free
Other upcoming shows:
4/22- MCW
4/29-IWC
Stay tuned to the Five Star Network for all updates on the world of Joshi, Puro, and more!