Santana Garrett Reflects on Second WOW Championship Reign, Looks Ahead to Jeanie Buss's On-Screen Role

Santana Garrett, a two-time Women of Wrestling (WOW) World Champion, has spoken about her enduring career in professional wrestling, her recent championship victory, and the anticipated on-screen role of Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss in the upcoming season.

Garrett, who has competed in WWE, All Elite Wrestling, and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, has found significant success in WOW, becoming one of only five wrestlers to hold the WOW World Championship twice. The veteran performer recently shared her perspective on her nearly two-decade-long journey in the industry.

"I've been in the industry my entire life. I'm a second generation wrestler. My father was a wrestler on the independent scene. I grew up as a fan watching it with him, going to shows," Garrett told OutKick Dropkick. "When I was a little girl, I knew that I wanted to be a weather girl or a professional wrestler or an elementary art teacher. So, I took the route of professional wrestling and it's been an incredible journey."

Garrett detailed her path, which began with training in her grandfather's backyard in Ocala, Florida. She recalled watching wrestling icons like "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Trish Stratus, and Lita, and knowing from her first training session that she could forge a career in the sport. Her first reign as WOW World Champion began in 2016 when she won a triple-threat match. The title was eventually vacated over 740 days later, and Garrett later regained the championship against Penelope Pink.

Reflecting on her latest championship win, Garrett noted a sense of readiness and deservingness that differs from her earlier career. "It feels incredible," she said. "And like I said, it's just, it's different this time because you think about, let's say, 15 years ago when … WOW was one of the first companies, major companies, to give me an opportunity, that believed in me, that really made me believe in myself even more. I remember back then, it's like, OK, you think you're ready, you've done the training, you've got the gear but looking back, I'm like, oh my gosh, I was not ready whatsoever."

Garrett also expressed her excitement for Jeanie Buss, co-owner of WOW, to take on an on-screen role in the promotion's next season. "I am so excited. Jeanie Bus is a legend," Garrett stated. "She is an incredible woman. She's smart and just kind and so easy to talk to. I just I think the world of her. For her to have more of an on-screen presence, it's well overdue. And I know all of the girls are very excited for this."