Zayda Steel Says It Means a Lot To Be AEW’s First Arabian Women’s Wrestler

Zayda Steel is the first women on the AEW roster of Arab descent, and she says that’s something that means a lot to her. Steel spoke with MuscleMan Malcom in a recent interview, and during the conversation she was asked about what it means to be a trailblazer in that capacity.

Steel noted that many may not think of her as of Arabian descent because of her looks but said that she and her parents are from Morocco. She said that it’s important for her to represent and possibly inspire other girls to think they can make it too. She also named the TBS Title as her most wanted title so she can follow in the steps of Maya World, who won the title at AEW Redemption. You can see the highlights below:

On What It Means To Be AEW’s First Arabian Women’s Wrestler:

“It means a lot. I mean, I say all the time: representation matters. A lot of people might look at me and think I’m some white, blonde girl, right? I’m not. I’m from Morocco. Both my parents are from Morocco, I’m Arab. My family’s Muslim. Like, what you see is what you don’t get, actually because I’m not what I look like, and I try to say as much as possible. Because maybe there’s a little Arab girl out there that’s like, ‘Wow, Zayda’s champion, maybe I can be champion one day.’

“Because I’m going be honest: I didn’t really get that growing up. There wasn’t much representation on the woman’s side. Shout out to Leyla and Aliyah, and Jinny, but there really wasn’t many Arab girls or Middle Eastern girls out there. So I want to make it just to show them that they can.”

On What Title She Most Wants To Win Right Now:

“The TBS belt, actually. You want to know why? Because Maya — well, she is my bestie. But like, you know when you’re competitive with your friends? She got that Mercedes match first. She’s won gold first. So you know what, Maya? I’m right behind you. So, I’m coming for that TBS belt just like you did. But I love you, I love you. I just can’t let you have that over me, you know?”

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit MuscleMan Malcom with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.