Asian Americans are making big moves and breaking barriers in diverse industries. Zeda Zhang is one of those figures. If you're a millennial, you definitely know about WWE and its impact on American sports entertainment. However, there was a huge lack of representation of minorities and underrepresented communities. Growing up, there weren't a lot of Asian Americans (especially female superstars) participating in matches or winning championships. Same goes for Black and HIspanic superstars. The world is slowly changing and Zeda Zhang is one of the pioneers of change, as she became WWE's first Asian American female superstar and Major League Wrestling's first ever female superstar. So what does it take to be a professional wrestler or even a professional athelete in today's day and age? This week, Zeda Zhang, professional wrestler and former MMA fighter, shared her week on today's "This Week" series.
The sports industry is extremely competitive and even harder to break into as a female minority. The sports industry has also changed in today's globalized digital age, where athletes are also celebrities, influencers and entrepreneurs. Many talented athletes rarely dream of going professional, especially as a female minority, because of the lack of opportunities and the marginalization. Breaking the barriers and norms, Zeda juggles her time between her pro-wrestling career, shows, training, self-care, social media management, entrepreneurships and stunts training. Take a look inside Zeda's week to see what it takes to become an athelete and sports entertainment superstar.
Zeda Zhang's Week
If you could describe your week (or day) in one phrase, what would it be?
" - organized chaos- I definitely have a routine, but the stuff in between is packed with everything that goes on behind the scenes of my business as well as fitting in life stuff."
What are some things that you really enjoy about your week (or day) here? Why?
"I love what I do. I am able to be creative everyday with my job as a professional wrestler, I get to see all my friends during training and I get to interact with all my fans online."
If you could change something about your week (or day), what would you like to change? What are some reasons?
"I honestly wouldn't have it any other way. I love the freedom of planning my own schedule and running my own business. I'd much rather work around the clock on what I am passionate about versus clocking in and out of a job I don't like."
How has this week that you shared changed from your week years ago?
"It has not changed too much. I've been back to back busy ever since high school. It is just a different type of busy, and I work smarter now and manage my time even better."
Growing up as a pro wrestling fan, I can see that the pro wrestling industry must be incredibly difficult to become a part of, especially as an Asian American. What was the process involved and obstacles you had to overcome to get yourself to where you are today?
"I'm thankful for going through all the hard time in my MMA career. MMA led me to pro wrestling. If it wasn't for all the countless hours of training, all the injuries i've endured and literally the blood, sweat and tears, I wouldn't be able to do what I do now."
What were some major changes you had to make in your weekly or daily routine in order to become the athlete you are today?
"Trying to limit my training. I've been overtraining ever since the beginning of my sports career and that leads me to injury. Trying to get myself to rest more and train less is a tough thing to do."
What would you say to the Asian American youth who are aspiring to be a professional athlete like you?
"Hard work is everything. Sports is very competitive and it takes a lot of physical hardships as well as mental & emotional hardships. With hard work, just showing up and putting in the time, while having a good, humble attitude about everything, is over half the battle, and this will lead to success."
How do you foresee your week changing in the next 5-10 years?
"Still being just as busy but in a different part of the entertainment industry. most likely in film."
Zeda's week demonstrates the hard work and passion that is required in order to make it in not just professional wrestling but also entrepreneurship, social media and entertainment. Whether it is working on her growing career as an actress or body slamming her opponents, Zeda spends every hour of her time intentionally on honing her craft or propelling her career to new heights. Through her immense work, Zeda has become a trailblazer for AAPI women, who aspire to be an athlete, actress, sports entertainer and influencer. During a time like this when racism and discrimination are hurting communities, hustlers like Zeda bring hope through representation and inspiration.
