This week, the inaugural batch of WWE ID prospects have begun to be announced. One of the best, yet most underrated names on the current list is none other than the ‘Petite Powerhouse’ herself, Zara Zakher. Hailing from San Jose, California and at just 22 years of age, Zakher is wise beyond her years, a thrilling mix of ferocious intensity and a superstar aura that makes her a complete joy to watch.
I am such a fan of Zakher’s that (and I promise this is true) I had already written a draft of this article before she was signed to this deal, and have subsequently had to amend it as a result. I want to use this article to highlight to a mainstream audience just what a gem WWE may have on their hands, someone who I genuinely believe to be one of wrestling’s biggest young prospects.
Zara Zakher’s Run In TJPW Tokyo Princess Cup
I first encountered Zara Zakher in this year’s TJPW Tokyo Princess Cup and was immediately blown away. Despite it not being her first time in TJPW, having wrestled company stalwart Mizuki back in February as well as several undercard tags, her participation in the prestigious tournament was undoubtedly her biggest exposure to the worldwide stage. Swaggering into the Shinjuku FACE Arena and up against the promotions world champion Miu Watanabe she looked entirely at home, stunning the champion in a shock upset and shattering Watanabe’s year long undefeated run.
It was an excellent match, possibly the best of the second round, and Zakhers combination of power, agility and charisma shocked me and put her immediately on my radar in a big way. She continued her strong momentum in the quarter final, a rematch with previous opponent Mizuki. Despite Mizuki being one of the best in the company, as well as the tag champion at the time, Zakher again put her away in another great showing, avenging her loss to Mizuki back in February.
Her run in the tournament came to an end at the Semi-Final stage, losing to eventual runner up Yuki Aino. It was a slight shame, given a final showdown with the transcendently charismatic Ryo Mizunami would’ve been a blowaway hit for Zakher, but she had nevertheless proved herself as a huge breakout star. The strength of her booking through the tournament, as well as the willingness of top stars to make her look strong and Zakher’s undeniable promise, firmly cemented her as one to watch in my eyes.
Translating To A Larger Audience
The driving force behind this article however was seeing her success in Japan begin to translate to a wider US fanbase. Appearing at GCW’s Monster Bash Event on Halloween night, Zara Zakher proved her acumen in a show-stealing match with current TNA Knockouts Champion Masha Slamovich. The match, a ferocious piece of strong style wrestling from two exquisite power athletes, saw some impressive development from Zakher, adding some hints of acrobatic flair as well as some strong bumping and selling as she fell at the sword of the champion. Slamovich is of course one of the very best in the world, but Zakher matched her brilliantly and her physical charisma has me already fantasy booking her against other top stars across the wrestling world.
Zaria, Athena, Jordynne Grace, Bianca Belair and Bozilla are all names I would love to see wrestle Zakher, a testament to her immediately impressive performances. I only hope that, under the ID program, Zakher is still provided the opportunity to wrestle a diverse list of opponents, as the exposure and experience she will get in continuing to diversify her portfolio is invaluable.
The Future Is Bright For Zara Zahker
Whether or not the WWE ID pathway works out for Zara in the long term, her talent is so undeniable that she will be a credit to any major wrestling organisation that acquires her services. Her combination of agility, pace and power is frightening, and her radiant charisma shines through the second she walks through the curtain. She has proven her skill against a diverse range of opponents, so I doubt she would have difficulty fitting into any company, country or style in the world. With this level of promise after less than 2 years experience on the independent wrestling scene, I truly believe that in the coming years, if her career trajectory continues to soar as I feel it can, we could be looking at a future megastar!
