Australian wrestler Steph De Lander recently shared on the Fighter with Ben Vere Podcast the significant challenges she faces as a foreign-born professional wrestler trying to work legally in the United States. She revealed that over the past four years, she has spent approximately $25,000 to $30,000 just to maintain her visa status as an American athlete, without having secured a green card or citizenship.
De Lander described how being released from a major promotion like WWE can create an immediate and difficult situation for foreign wrestlers, who must rely heavily on personal connections and word of mouth to remain in the country. She expressed deep gratitude toward fellow wrestlers Chelsea Green and Matt Cardona, who helped guide her through the visa and career challenges after her WWE departure. Presently, De Lander is a prominent figure on TNA programming, shedding light on the often overlooked struggles that international wrestlers face while striving to build their careers in the US wrestling industry.
Fan Take: This insight into Steph De Lander’s visa struggles is a powerful reminder of the behind-the-scenes difficulties many wrestlers endure just to perform on our screens. For TNA Wrestling fans, it highlights the importance of supporting international talent who bring unique skills and stories to the sport, enriching the wrestling world and its global community.
