Starting her in-ring occupation in 2001, DARK Sheik ( known as Sam Khandaghabadi outside the circle ) built a reputation in the wrestling image for her radiant image and impressive in-ring shows, earning 11 finals through different promotions throughout the United States, Canada, England, Finland, and Japan. She champions wrestling fans beyond titles by being their true selves, displaying both her Trans pride and Iranian culture admirably.
DARK Sheik has gained a status for her innovative ways of combining the art of professional wrestlers with cannabis. The inventive meet rules in HOODSLAM, such as the Smoklahoma Iron Lung Challenge suit, where whichever team finishes bluntly wins, are a perfect case.
DARK Sheik believes that cannabis is more than just a personal choice. It is a fundamental part of her creativeness, helping to advance her goal of providing a space for performers and fans to practice professional wrestling while sometimes getting a blunt.
Cannabis &, Tech Now: You’re a popular figure in the wrestling business. You’ve opened gates for several excluded citizens, especially with the advertising you created, HOODSLAM. Talk to me about your objectives with HOODSLAM.
DARK Sheik: At second, I had already been wrestling for about ten times. I reached the point where I did n’t want to do it unless I was pleased with it. I traveled about, spent about a time in Florida, which was a blunder, trying to be in areas where wrestling was happening. I realized I’d much rather be back in California, doing something at home with people who were n’t getting opportunities. Wrestling can be a males ‘ club often, very exclusive. It’s gotten better, but we still have a long way to proceed. I really wanted to have fun, to love myself, not been focused on getting signed or impressing people. It was about enjoying wrestlers for the athletes and asking,” What’s enjoyment for you now”? That was my goal for HOODSLAM.
C&, T Nowadays: You certainly succeeded. And was that connection between HOODSLAM and hemp usually a part of the plan to make such a space?
DS: Yes, positively. I used to work at what we called a” cannabis team” back then, which would now be called a clinic. I thought,” Would n’t it be cool if we did a show where patients could medicate while watching”? The plan was conceived but not realized at the company I worked. But, I applied those thoughts to HOODSLAM, making it 420-friendly. I remember going to a music where people passed a sarcastic to the musician, and I thought,” We should do that for athletes”. It created a festive atmosphere, making it more like a musical than a recreational event.
C&, T Now: In an Instagram post, you mentioned that it’s want accomplishment when a lover hands you a harsh or shared before, during, or after your entry. How would you define that?
DS: It means whatever. That’s really great because people think that’s a great thing to do for me. It’s attractive, and it’s like breaking bread with someone—sharing a sarcastic is a method we tie and share an encounter. Even if I ca n’t always smoke with the person right away, when I do, I think of them, and there’s a little moment of communion between me, the person, and the universe.
C&, T Today: We’ve partaken up, and we’ve bonded over that, along with things like X-Men and Sandman. How do you think hemp improves your band performance?
DS: Maybe I fight without smoking for days, and it’s still pleasant, but thc helps me emotionally prepare more than anything. It helps me focus, particularly after traveling with small sleep. I do n’t want to take a pill or drink alcohol— I want to feel what’s happening while easing movement and clearing my thoughts. The process of disassembling, rolling, and smoking a nug is healing in its own right. It brings me to a position where I’m contemplating both what’s in front of me and what I’m going to be doing immediately.
C&, T Now: How did weed became part of your life?
DS: At first, I did n’t want to try it. I assumed it resembled filthy foliage. But when I came to California, it looked different—green and vibrant, like a plant. I gave it a chance, and it stuck with me. It’s one of the stuff that, unlike other points that can be physically or morally dangerous, has not given me a reason to stop.
C&, T Today: What was your first experience with it like?
DS: At first, I did n’t think I got high, but I did. I remember watching Resident Evil bootlegged on a friend’s computer and thinking,” Yeah, I guess this works”. Over time, I noticed how tense I had been, and cannabis helped me relax. It gave me the freedom to take a step back and evaluate things more objectively, which I really value.
C&, T Today: Do you feel like it gives you a sense of enlightenment?
Yes, I believe it gives me an objective view and allows me to step back from my emotions and see things clearly. It enables me to reevaluate and evaluate circumstances in a more objective manner.
C&, T Today: Do you only smoke, or do you also use edibles? What’s your preference—blunts, joints?
DS: I mostly smoke blunts. Sometimes joints, depending on the company. I have a pipe and a bong for when I’m too lazy to roll, and I’ll do dabs or whatever’s available. I prefer to have an edible for flights or when I need to sleep because they make me feel heavy.
C&, T Today: Does cannabis influence your ideas for gear?
DS: Maybe! Sometimes I get high and think of ideas I would n’t normally pursue, like,” Yeah, I can pull off the Madeline Pryor top”! When I’m sober, I might be more critical of wild ideas, but cannabis helps me embrace them.
C&, T Today: How has cannabis impacted the wrestling scene, especially in terms of mental health?
DS: It helps wrestlers avoid a lot of traps. Traveling, wrestling with aches, and being sleep-deprived are all part of the job. Cannabis helps you get through the day and ease those pains. Mentally, it allows me to step back and realize that one bad match is n’t the end of the world. Without cannabis, I’d probably hold onto things more, and that’s not healthy. Smoking helps me keep things in perspective.
C&, T Today: How does traveling affect you, and how do you manage it?
DS: It can be exhausting, but I love what I do. I keep reminding myself that I get to spend the rest of the week without having to set alarms or work a 9 to 5. The individuals who perform daily are the true heroes. Cannabis helps me deal with the stress and physical strains of traveling.
C&, T Today: What does world domination look like for DARK Sheik and HOODSLAM?
DS: World domination means stepping up, evolving, and letting others carry the torch. I’ve been at this for 14 years, and I’d love to see others bring new ideas to the table. More comics, zines, and shows outside California would be amazing. We’re already working with Fight TV, and I’d like to see HOODSLAM develop into a show business. I just need some help!
This article will soon be available on newsstands in the upcoming edition of Cannabis &, Tech Today!
