If someone tells you that "wrestling" is only for men - introduce them to Medina Alina, or as the ring public knows her: Xena Phoenix. The girl of Albanian origin who is not only breaking the rules of the game, but also stereotypes.
In an interview with "Andale Sport", from Andale Media , Medina recounted her extraordinary journey from a girl who wasn't allowed to play basketball because she was "too aggressive", to the woman who today steps into the ring with the red and black flag on her heart and a nickname with history.
From “Dina” to “Xena Phoenix”
The nickname “Xena Phoenix” is not just a stage name – it is a spiritual legacy. Phoenix was the nickname her father gave her when she was still young and felt excluded from sports, because no one knew how to cope with her intensity. “You are my phoenix, my father told me. Your fire, your spirit, this is your character.” While “Xena” – like the warrior princess – was her mother’s choice. And together, they created an identity that inspires other girls today.
The first Albanian wrestler in the USA
“I never thought I would be the first,” she said modestly. But she knew what she wanted: to represent her identity with pride. “I wanted a red and black dress.”
And this explosion of energy and passion on social media made her path take a big turn. She began to inspire other girls who follow her, and who today see her as a figure who says with conviction: "If I did it, you can too."
From Film to the Ring – the Road Through Fire
Medina didn't start out as a classic athlete. She studied film at university, but was drawn to jiu-jitsu – a martial art that brought out her competitive and athletic side. Trainers immediately saw potential and told her she could become a world champion. WWE contacted her for an audition, but initially they saw her as a referee. "It wasn't what I wanted."
She returned to California, attended professional wrestling school , and in 2024, Paramount opened the door for her as Xena Phoenix. She signed the contract that same day. The rest? History.
Red and black in the ring and a voice for identity
“Being Albanian is a part of me. It was something that came from within me.” Medina is proud of her roots. Her grandfather, she said, was the singer Shaban Gjeka – and her mother and brother are also artists.
At home, they only speak Albanian, although she admits that the dialect from Montenegro is different from the one spoken in Albania. For this reason, she still feels insecure about giving interviews in Albanian, but promises that she is working hard to improve it.
"Wrestling also includes acting"
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It's no wonder that Medina, with an artistic background, found herself in a sport where the body is a stage and every movement is a performance.
"My family always supported me, even though there was resistance at first. Mom was afraid I would get hurt. The deal was that I would continue school with high grades and I could follow my passion."
With dreams of Albania and an Albanian crush
Yes, Medina plans to bring wrestling to Albania, because as she says: "There are a lot of fans there too."
And to close with patriotism: Medina adores Dua Lipa, Elvana Gjata, Dafina Zeqiri and... Ledri Vula, for whom he admits he had an early crush .
Full interview on "Adale Sport":
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