In 2020, the idea of communicating with a fanbase via streaming or vlogging is commonplace. But five years ago, Tenille Dashwood was a trailblazer.
Taste of Tenille was first uploaded to YouTube on September 15, 2015 and laid the groundwork for many of Dashwood’s peers.
“I was one of the first to, for starters, use my real name in the wrestling industry, and then I went and ventured out creating my own YouTube channel before this little craze that’s happening now,” Dashwood told NZPWI.
“I’ve been doing it for years for many reasons but I thought it was important to give back to the fans, to show my life outside of the wrestling ring because obviously so much more goes into what I do as a performer than just turning up in the ring.”
Dashwood’s online content has resonated with people. With a combined 3 million followers on Instagram (@tenilledashwood) and Twitter (@TenilleDashwood), the 31-year-old is one of Impact Wrestling’s most visible stars.
“I wanted to share my outlook on my health and my fitness and things I enjoy doing and – especially now more than ever – I think it’s really important to share my positive outlook on things like my quotes that I use,” she said.
“I love sharing those with people because I often get messages back saying, ‘That’s exactly what I needed to hear today’ or how much someone appreciates me sharing my journey … or even just kind of motivating people to go out and live their life to the fullest.
“Oftentimes people procrastinate, people talk about doing big things and don’t. Sometimes people just need a little kick in the butt to realise, ‘Hey, what’s holding me back? Why am I not doing the things that make me happy?’
“I think it’s really important to encourage people to go out and do those things and the mental health side of it, to talk about things openly, and to encourage people and be positive. All of that ties back into my YouTube and why I share what I do with my fans.”
Impact Wrestling Bound For Glory streams live Sunday, October 25, on FITE
