Jennifer Blake (wrestler)
A Canadian powerhouse who brought explosive athleticism to the lucha libre rings of Mexico and the independent circuits of the United States.
Born 1983 (age 43)·Canadian professional wrestler·Birthday: September 16·Millennials
Biography
Born Jennifer Ykema in 1983, she forged her path in the demanding world of professional wrestling under the moniker Jennifer Blake. Embracing the high-flying, acrobatic style of Mexican lucha libre, she became a standout in AAA, a promotion where her 'Girl Dynamite' nickname was a perfect fit for her energetic performances. Simultaneously, she built a formidable reputation in the U.S. with Shimmer Women Athletes, a premier promotion dedicated to showcasing female talent, where her technical skill and charisma earned her a dedicated following. Her career is a testament to the global journey of an independent wrestler, navigating different styles and cultures to leave her mark without the backing of a North American wrestling giant.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jennifer was born in 1983, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jennifer Was Born
The biggest hits of 1983
#1 Movie
Return of the Jedi
Best Picture
Terms of Endearment
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Jennifer's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1983Born
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1988Started school
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1996Became a teenager
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Could drive
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2001Could vote
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Turned 21
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2013Turned 30
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2023Turned 40
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 43 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became a featured performer in Mexico's premier lucha libre promotion, Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide.
- Built a significant career in the influential all-women's promotion Shimmer Women Athletes in the United States.
- Cultivated an international fanbase by performing in both the Mexican and American independent wrestling scenes.
Did You Know?
Her ring name, Jennifer Blake, is a homage to the actress Jennifer Jason Leigh and the character Blake from the film 'Glengarry Glen Ross'.
She is a trained opera singer, having studied vocal performance in university before pursuing wrestling.
She once worked as a stunt double for actress Kristen Stewart on a film set.
“In the ring, you show them what Girl Dynamite really means.”
