WWE Superstar Indi Hartwell recently opened up about the moment she knew she wanted to become a professional wrestler—and it all goes back to a match that many fans still talk about today.
Sasha Banks vs. Bayley sparked Indi’s wrestling dream
In a new interview with SquareFamilyWrestling, Hartwell revealed that it was Sasha Banks vs. Bayley at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn on August 22, 2015, that lit the fire inside her to pursue wrestling seriously. The match, which has since been credited as one of the most pivotal in WWE’s Women’s Evolution, left a lasting impression on her.
“Well, it was my brothers. They got me into wrestling,” Hartwell shared. “But what really stuck with me was the larger-than-life characters and personas I saw on TV. Then, as I got older, Sasha Banks vs. Bayley at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn—that’s what made me want to become a wrestler.”
For many fans and aspiring wrestlers alike, that TakeOver event remains a defining moment in women’s wrestling, and Hartwell is one of many who found inspiration in it.
Early wrestling influences and family support
While the match played a big role in Indi’s decision to chase her dream, she also credited her brothers for introducing her to wrestling in the first place. Watching wrestling as a family helped her connect with the sport at a young age, and that love grew over the years.
It’s a common theme for many young athletes in wrestling—family influence paired with a life-changing match or superstar that pushes them to chase the dream. For Indi, it was seeing the emotion, storytelling, and impact of Banks vs. Bayley that made her want to step inside the squared circle.
Indi Hartwell’s wrestling journey so far
After being inspired by WWE’s women’s division, Hartwell began her wrestling journey in Australia before making her way to the U.S. indie scene. She later signed with WWE and became a key figure in NXT, joining the The Way alongside Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae, and Austin Theory.
Hartwell would go on to win the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship and eventually the NXT Women’s Championship, solidifying herself as one of the brand’s top stars.
Dream match with Mickie James still on her mind
In 2025, Indi shared in another interview that one of her dream matches would be against the legendary Mickie James. With James still occasionally competing and Hartwell now a regular on WWE’s main roster, the dream could still become reality one day.
Big year ahead for Indi Hartwell
Off the mat, 2025 was a big year for Hartwell personally as well—she announced her engagement in November, adding another highlight to a year full of growth both professionally and personally.
As she continues to evolve in WWE, Hartwell carries with her the same passion that was sparked by one unforgettable night in Brooklyn back in 2015.
