Hammerlock returns with another deep dive into the world of indie wrestling — and tonight we’re joined by the incredible SOS, one of the most compelling performers rising out of the Arizona Wrestling Federation. In this episode, SOS takes us through her journey from childhood fandom to becoming a decade‑long veteran of the independent scene, shaped by family, art, identity, and a multi‑persona character unlike anything else in wrestling today.
Growing up with a father who was an avid wrestling fan, SOS was introduced early to WWE, live events, and the spectacle of the Rumble and Raw. But it wasn’t until discovering the indie scene — the hidden world beyond mainstream wrestling — that she realised there was space for someone like her. As a bigger woman and a woman of colour, the divas era didn’t reflect her. The independents did. Seeing wrestlers who looked like her, moved like her, and fought like her opened the door to possibility.
SOS talks candidly about mental health, family struggles, and how wrestling became both escape and purpose. Art was her first outlet, but wrestling became the place where she could channel emotion, identity, and creativity. She explains how the NXT black‑and‑gold era and the Four Horsewomen reignited her ambition, eventually leading her to Arizona, where she found a school, a community, and her future.
One of the most fascinating parts of SOS’s story is the creation of her gimmick — a split‑personality character inspired by Split and grounded in real research into dissociative identity disorder. She breaks down the three personas: Skye, the aggressive protector; Olivia, the sweet inner child; and Storm, the quiet, explosive force. SOS explains how she built each personality with care, ensuring the portrayal was respectful, layered, and never offensive. Fans now recognise her switches through posture, facial expression, and subtle in‑ring cues — a testament to her craft.
We explore the physical and emotional demands of indie wrestling: training, gym work, travel, merch, production, and the constant grind that makes wrestling a second full‑time job. SOS shares how injury tested her resolve, how returning after six months proved her passion, and how she now trains new wrestlers while carving her own path.
We also dive into representation, inspiration, and the power of seeing yourself reflected in the ring. From Awesome Kong to Jazz and Jacqueline, SOS discusses how visibility shaped her journey — and how she now inspires trainees, fans, and kids who see her as proof that wrestling has room for everyone.
Finally, we talk about the wider world of wrestling as performance art — stunt work, improvisation, acting, storytelling, production, commentary, graphics, and community building. SOS echoes the ethos shared by many indie promoters: wrestling has a place for every skill, every background, every passion.
This is a powerful, honest, and inspiring conversation with a wrestler who embodies the heart of the indie scene. Whether you’re a long‑time fan or returning to wrestling after years away, SOS reminds us why this world matters — and why it continues to change lives.
Hammerlock. Indie wrestling. Identity. Representation. Craft. Passion. This is SOS.