SG> What made you decide to train for professional wrestling?
MW> I was approached for Carmen Electra's women's wrestling league. It took me quite a while to accept the challenge because it does involve nudity. The biggest reason I did so, is that I thought about being 80 years old, looking back at my life and passing up a crazy opportunity to be trained and equipped as a Professional Wrestler. I grew up playing sports and competed in college. When that time period ended, there was a sadness in which wrestling now has filled. I loved the adrenaline rush of taking on this challenge. If something scares me, I try to go after it. I do not like fear to control me.
SG> Do you believe you can follow in the footsteps on Trish Stratus, who also trained under Ron Hutchinson?
MW> I have the utmost admiration for Trish Straus and Ron Hutchinson. Ron and I have had conversations regarding my abilities to be a successful wrestler and he feels I have what it takes. I am confident in my dedication, attitude, and athleticism. Therefore, I would be honored to have an outstanding career like Trish.
SG> How long have you been training?
MW> Since early December 2005. Every wrestler knows that it takes at least a good year of training to be well equipped. Due to the time crunch of my first match, I had to go through Ron's hurry it up, intense boot camp. On my first day, I started out with an hour cardio, hour lifting, hour kickboxing. Then I went to Ron for 2 hour group wrestling lessons and 2 more additional hours of private lessons with a partner. This training schedule is six days a week.
SG> Any major bruises yet?
MW> I've got bruises on the elbows. Growing up as a tomboy, it's nothing that I haven't seen before. My major injury was when I took a bump but didn't tuck my chin. The impact made me a bit loopy from the hit I took to the head. After the bump, I went outside to get fresh air and fainted for a moment. Thankfully, the trainer was with me and I had a big bump on the back of my head that I had to ice down the rest of the week.
SG> What do you want to accomplish in pro wrestling?
MW> One of my greatest memories as a child was that my dad would pretend to be hacksaw Jim Duggan. He would carry me like I was the Hacksaw, with his tongue stuck out and slam me down and tuck me into bed. I would love to accomplish the ultimate in wrestling, which is bringing great entertainment to the fans. I represent the playful, upbeat All-American gal who's not afraid to get her hands dirty and kick a little booty when necessary.
SG> How soon before you have your first match?
MW> My first match was Jan 16, 2006. I know that it is crazy how quick my first match was. Good thing I grew up watching wrestling, so it wasn't completely foreign. I absolutely loved performing in front of a huge crowd. First of all, having Carmen Electra announce me was pretty cool. On top of that, Jimmy Hart gave me some sound advice on how Hulk Hogan would win over the crowd. It is the closest I've ever felt to being a rock star. Feeding off the crowd's energy was unbelievable.
SG> Talk about your experience doing The Real Gilligan's Island 2.
MW> I got cast as the modern day version of Mary Ann. The network did not give us any indications on how hard core it was going to be once we were stranded. It actually was like the world's best vacation. I got to wake up and go fishing every morning, make life-long friendships, and have complete peace out on the island. The experience was amazing. If given the option to stay after the camera crew left, I would have done so.
SG> What are you currently doing besides training for pro wrestling?
MW> I am fortunate now that I get to work as an entertainer. Recently, I have shot two television pilots and several commercials. Right now, my mind and body is focused on being in excellent condition for wrestling.
SG> What have you learned most about wrestling thus far in your training?
MW> It is more intense on the body than what it looks like on television. I have also learned the importance of connecting with the audience; your fans are the most important aspect of wrestling. As a child, I remember feeling huge emotions as if I were right there in the ring. The battle between the baby face and the heel is a perfect representation of the age-old story of good vs. evil.
SG> Your opinion of WWE and TNA?
MW> Wrestling in general is like a man's soap opera. Of course, many women, including us southern tomboys love it too. I really love the story-driven aspect of the WWE. It doesn't get any bigger or better that the WWE. Now with TNA, it is amazing to watch the wrestling and how the wrestlers put their bodies on the line. I am happy to see more involvement with women wrestlers in the last decade as well. With regards to both leagues, I have to comment on how they appeal to the fans and give them what they want. Like Jimmy Hart has said, wrestling fans are the best. They are loyal and die hard.
