Since the, "About Me" section of this blog is limited to a specific amount of characters, I decided to write a post that discusses more about what I have done in the pro-wrestling industry, beginning with when I first started in it and leading up to now.
Technically, I started back in the 1990's, contributing to, "Pro Wrestling Illustrated" and then, "Pro Wrestling Torch". In 1997, I contributed to The Official Website of the NWO. That same year, I briefly published my own newsletter, "The Wrestling Express".
In 1998, I taught myself how to design websites, and served as a consultant for various independent promotions. That next year, I worked as a website designer/maintainer for Dylan Summers (Necro Butcher) who was running the Texas-based Power Pro Wrestling Federation, and later was involved with Texas Outlaw Promotions.
During the period of 2000-2002, I was involved in many different projects at once. I was working as a website designer/publicist for talent, contributing to WCW.com, writing columns for independent promotions and the website of former WCW star The Stro, and writing for a variety of pro-wrestling media sites (including WrestlingObserver.com and PWTorch.com). In 2003, I began running my own website, World Wrestling Optimum, which consisted of news, articles, and interviews.
In 2004, I sent my resume to Linda McMahon, expressing interest in working for WWE. It was forwarded to Human Resources, and they contacted me that same day. I hadn't specified a particular position of interest in my resume, since I wasn't sure as to what ways WWE would feel that I could be utilized by them. I was asked if I was interested in an on-the-road or in office writing position. At that point in time, an in office position was what I was interested in, but an on-the-road position was what they wanted to fill. In the end, it was for the best. As a writer, I want to contribute to a promotion in a way that makes it better. However, I have learned in time that WWE has a specific vision that it wants their writers to carry out, and it's a vision that I disagree with more often than not.
Later that year, I started working for the Michigan-based Ultimate Championship Wrestling as a publicist/columnist. They were an affiliate of AWA Wrestling Superstars Live, and I soon became the publicist/columnist of the main governing body of AWA Wrestling Superstars Live as well. During my time working for UCW, I played a major role in bringing in new talent, due to over the years my having had come into contact with many talents being underused and going unnoticed in the industry.
In 2005, I started doing a column for 3PW. With DVDs sold nationwide, they had the potential to become much bigger than they already were at the time, and were very open to my ideas. I pushed for many changes behind-the-scenes. I had encouraged management to improve the production quality of their DVDs, which led to them dealing with a different production company. 3PW management had planned on waiting for it's fan base to increase before getting TV for 3PW. I explained how getting TV for 3PW is what would increase it's fan base, and I was then given the green light to find networks that were interested. Two networks were very interested, and I encouraged 3PW management to meet with them as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the owner of the company instead opted to shut 3PW down, due to losing interest. Working for 3PW put me in connection with the UK-based 1PW, who I worked as a columnist for.
After 3PW shut down, I began working as a publicist for independent promotions, including CHIKARA. I also worked as a columnist for CZW. Interestingly though, it was 2006 at this point yet I still most recognized for the work that I had done for 3PW and AWA/UCW.
In 2007 I started working as a columnist for XCW, a promotion that was seen nationally on MAVTV, had a national DVD deal, and also had PPV events. Working for a promotion of national status was my biggest achievement at that point, and two years later I reached a bigger achievement- Big Japan Pro-Wrestling. Along with working for them as a columnist and an Administrator for their Facebook page, I helped bring Big Japan Pro Wrestling together with Combat Zone Wrestling to form a working relationship after a previous working relationship between the two promotions had fallen apart. This new working relationship has led to Big Japan Pro Wrestling having their first event in the United States.
In October 2009 I assisted publicity & promotions company MGM Management with the HULKAMANIA- Let the Battle Begin tour by distributing their press release to pro-wrestling news sites that are popular with Australian fans, and conducting an interview with Solofa Fatu Jr. (better known as, "Rikishi"). Also, in 2012 I wrote a number of columns for Women Superstars Uncensored.
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Saturday, January 2, 2100
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Roxy Astor (from GLOW) Interview
When Tina Ferrari left GLOW after season 2, a replacement for her was needed. That was when Roxy Astor came onto the scene, joining the GLOW roster and remaining with the company for the rest of GLOW's run. In this interview, Roxy discusses GLOW, the Roxy character, and her most recent involvement in the pro-wrestling industry.
Q: Why did you enter the pro-wrestling industry?
A: I entered the pro-wrestling industry because I needed a job at the time, not knowing what i was getting myself in to.
Q: What was the best part about working for GLOW?
A: The best part of working for GLOW, has to be the amazing true fans, when they love you, they love you, when they don't watch out!
Q: Currently, former GLOW director Matt Cimber is working on a new female wrestling promotion named Femme d’Action. Do you see it having a bright future?
A: Femme d'Action is going to take over where GLOW left off, empowering women again! I was actually a judge on the new show Femme d'Action and my daughter a contestant, let me tell you there is nothing like it out there, it will be an international hit! Another home run for Matt Cimber.
Q: What are your thoughts on the following former G.L.O.W. members:
A: BEASTIE - What an amazing character inside and outside of the ring, she could get more guys then any of us GLOW girls.
MAJOR TANYA - She hated to lose with a passion, especially to me.
WIDOW - Widow was actually played by the same girl who played Dementia, and with this character you get to hear her southern drawl.
DEMENTIA - Probably one of the funnest girls to wrestle, being that she didn't talk we had to come up with a lot of good stuff, and that axe, that thing was real!
ZELDA - Funny inside and outside of the ring, I wish she would reach out to us now though, we miss her.
LIGHTNING - What can I say, the girl has no rhythm which made her even more adorable, to this day I don't think she realizes how much rhythm she doesn't have, she is actually the trainer for the new show Femme D'Action.
DAVID MCLANE - Never knew him and never met him, I just know that he is doing POWW, my daughter Kayla tried out for it and didn't even get a response back. WELL IN YOUR FACE DAVID MCLANE, she is going to be in the new show Femme d'Action.
Q: Which do you feel was your best match in GLOW?
A: My matches with Godiva I felt were my best, because she got to me like no other could, with that mouth!
Q: Which was your favorite match in GLOW?
A: My favorite GLOW match was with Dementia when Big Bad Momma put a spell on us and I became Dementia and Dementia became Roxy Astor. Very funny!
Q: Have you done any wrestling since GLOW?
A: I did a small match about a year ago, c'mon Williams were getting up there in age, give me a break! lol
Q: Throughout the years, many female wrestling promotions have come and gone, but none of them made an impact like GLOW did. To this day, GLOW remains the all-time favorite of many women's wrestling fans. In your opinion, what was it about GLOW that has made it stand out from other female wrestling promotions?
A: The reason that I think GLOW has made such an impact is good timing, great writers, amazing director and quirky off the wall females, gotta love us!
Q: Were you a wrestling fan before you were involved with GLOW?
A: Here's a secret I was a GLOW wrestling fan, I use to watch Tina Ferrari and want to be her, c'mon what girl didn't, well who would have thought I would be the new replacement, Ms. Roxy Astor. Not me.
Q: Comparing the view of female wrestling during the existence of GLOW to the view of female wrestling in the year 2013, do you feel that female wrestling is more respected? Also, do you feel that the quality of female wrestling has improved?
A: To compare wrestling back then to the WWE Divas, you really can't, I think the Divas take a back seat to the men.
Q: Do you watch pro-wrestling currently?
A: I will find myself sometimes watching pro-wrestling its like a car wreck you can't look away even though it's sooo wrong. lol
Q: How much of you was a part of the character? Or do you feel that you and Roxy Astor are like night and day?
A: I am so much like Roxy Astor its funny, were strong, competitive and as we're kicking your ass we smile for the camera, now I don't have Roxy's red hair or her money, but I still love my girl Tiffany Million.
Q: Who would you have liked to wrestle, that you did not?
A: I would have loved to wrestle the Housewives and been called a whore through the whole match, they were my favorite in GLOW.
Q: What is your long-term goal?
A: My long-term goal is just staying true to myself, family and fans, and showing my daughter Kayla who had to follow in her mom's footsteps the ropes!
Q: Why did you enter the pro-wrestling industry?
A: I entered the pro-wrestling industry because I needed a job at the time, not knowing what i was getting myself in to.
Q: What was the best part about working for GLOW?
A: The best part of working for GLOW, has to be the amazing true fans, when they love you, they love you, when they don't watch out!
Q: Currently, former GLOW director Matt Cimber is working on a new female wrestling promotion named Femme d’Action. Do you see it having a bright future?
A: Femme d'Action is going to take over where GLOW left off, empowering women again! I was actually a judge on the new show Femme d'Action and my daughter a contestant, let me tell you there is nothing like it out there, it will be an international hit! Another home run for Matt Cimber.
Q: What are your thoughts on the following former G.L.O.W. members:
A: BEASTIE - What an amazing character inside and outside of the ring, she could get more guys then any of us GLOW girls.
MAJOR TANYA - She hated to lose with a passion, especially to me.
WIDOW - Widow was actually played by the same girl who played Dementia, and with this character you get to hear her southern drawl.
DEMENTIA - Probably one of the funnest girls to wrestle, being that she didn't talk we had to come up with a lot of good stuff, and that axe, that thing was real!
ZELDA - Funny inside and outside of the ring, I wish she would reach out to us now though, we miss her.
LIGHTNING - What can I say, the girl has no rhythm which made her even more adorable, to this day I don't think she realizes how much rhythm she doesn't have, she is actually the trainer for the new show Femme D'Action.
DAVID MCLANE - Never knew him and never met him, I just know that he is doing POWW, my daughter Kayla tried out for it and didn't even get a response back. WELL IN YOUR FACE DAVID MCLANE, she is going to be in the new show Femme d'Action.
Q: Which do you feel was your best match in GLOW?
A: My matches with Godiva I felt were my best, because she got to me like no other could, with that mouth!
Q: Which was your favorite match in GLOW?
A: My favorite GLOW match was with Dementia when Big Bad Momma put a spell on us and I became Dementia and Dementia became Roxy Astor. Very funny!
Q: Have you done any wrestling since GLOW?
A: I did a small match about a year ago, c'mon Williams were getting up there in age, give me a break! lol
Q: Throughout the years, many female wrestling promotions have come and gone, but none of them made an impact like GLOW did. To this day, GLOW remains the all-time favorite of many women's wrestling fans. In your opinion, what was it about GLOW that has made it stand out from other female wrestling promotions?
A: The reason that I think GLOW has made such an impact is good timing, great writers, amazing director and quirky off the wall females, gotta love us!
Q: Were you a wrestling fan before you were involved with GLOW?
A: Here's a secret I was a GLOW wrestling fan, I use to watch Tina Ferrari and want to be her, c'mon what girl didn't, well who would have thought I would be the new replacement, Ms. Roxy Astor. Not me.
Q: Comparing the view of female wrestling during the existence of GLOW to the view of female wrestling in the year 2013, do you feel that female wrestling is more respected? Also, do you feel that the quality of female wrestling has improved?
A: To compare wrestling back then to the WWE Divas, you really can't, I think the Divas take a back seat to the men.
Q: Do you watch pro-wrestling currently?
A: I will find myself sometimes watching pro-wrestling its like a car wreck you can't look away even though it's sooo wrong. lol
Q: How much of you was a part of the character? Or do you feel that you and Roxy Astor are like night and day?
A: I am so much like Roxy Astor its funny, were strong, competitive and as we're kicking your ass we smile for the camera, now I don't have Roxy's red hair or her money, but I still love my girl Tiffany Million.
Q: Who would you have liked to wrestle, that you did not?
A: I would have loved to wrestle the Housewives and been called a whore through the whole match, they were my favorite in GLOW.
Q: What is your long-term goal?
A: My long-term goal is just staying true to myself, family and fans, and showing my daughter Kayla who had to follow in her mom's footsteps the ropes!
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Ashley Cartier (from GLOW) Interview
Ashley Cartier was one of the most active members of the GLOW roster during her pro-wrestling career. She portrayed both a face (Ashley) and heel (Mabel) character, and was the host of her own segment ("Asking Ashley Cartier").
Q: Why did you enter the pro-wrestling industry?
A: It was by chance/luck. I auditioned for a, "children's show involving sports". This show was called, "The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling" in which I was cast to portray "Ashley Cartier" and "Mabel" (wore a black mask).
Q: What was the best part about working for GLOW?
A: The character creation opportunity & playing both a good & bad character. I also enjoyed the skits, raps and "G.L.O.W GAMES".
Q: What are your thoughts on the following former G.L.O.W. members:
A: ATTACHE' - Great wrestler, safe & easy to work with.
SPANISH RED - Talented and creative.
PALESTINA - Dependable and talented, very easy-going personality.
TINA FERRARI (known as Ivory in WWE) - My partner! Love her!
LITTLE FIJI - Shy and reserved, very pleasant to work with.
ANGEL - Easy to work with and talented.
DAVID MCLANE - Easy going, funny, creative.
Q: Which do you feel was your best match in GLOW?
A: Ashley vs Ninotchka.
Q: Which was your favorite match in GLOW?
A: Sara & Mabel vs Mt Fiji & Little Fiji.
Q: The, "Asking Ashley Cartier" segments were a favorite of GLOW fans. How much input did you have in those segments?
A: I was given a script.
Q: Have you done any wrestling since GLOW?
A: No.
Q: Throughout the years, many female wrestling promotions have come and gone, but none of them made an impact like GLOW did. To this day, GLOW remains the all-time favorite of many women's wrestling fans. In your opinion, what was it about GLOW that has made it stand out from other female wrestling promotions?
A: GLOW was filled with versatility and slapstick humor involving women of all shapes, sizes and color.
Q: Were you a wrestling fan before you were involved with GLOW?
A: Just watched periodically.
Q: Comparing the view of female wrestling during the existence of GLOW to the view of female wrestling in the year 2013, do you feel that female wrestling is more respected? Also, do you feel that the quality of female wrestling has improved?
A: I feel the athleticism has improved although the caliber of entertainment lacks versatility and is not as effective as offered in GLOW.
Q: Currently, former GLOW director Matt Cimber is working on a new female wrestling promotion named Femme d’Action. Do you see it having a bright future?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you watch pro-wrestling currently?
A: Sometimes.
Q: What did you like the most about being a pro-wrestler?
A: The sisterhood and theatrics.
Q: How much of you was a part of the Ashley Cartier character? Or do you feel that you and Ashley Cartier are like night and day?
A: We are very much the same as I was given the opportunity to create "her" persona with all suggestions being subject to approval by the Director, Cimber.
Q: Who would you have liked to wrestle, that you did not?
A: Seasons 3 & 4 heels.
Q: What is your long-term goal?
A: I am currently a business owner and continue to pursue an acting career.
Q: Why did you enter the pro-wrestling industry?
A: It was by chance/luck. I auditioned for a, "children's show involving sports". This show was called, "The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling" in which I was cast to portray "Ashley Cartier" and "Mabel" (wore a black mask).
Q: What was the best part about working for GLOW?
A: The character creation opportunity & playing both a good & bad character. I also enjoyed the skits, raps and "G.L.O.W GAMES".
Q: What are your thoughts on the following former G.L.O.W. members:
A: ATTACHE' - Great wrestler, safe & easy to work with.
SPANISH RED - Talented and creative.
PALESTINA - Dependable and talented, very easy-going personality.
TINA FERRARI (known as Ivory in WWE) - My partner! Love her!
LITTLE FIJI - Shy and reserved, very pleasant to work with.
ANGEL - Easy to work with and talented.
DAVID MCLANE - Easy going, funny, creative.
Q: Which do you feel was your best match in GLOW?
A: Ashley vs Ninotchka.
Q: Which was your favorite match in GLOW?
A: Sara & Mabel vs Mt Fiji & Little Fiji.
Q: The, "Asking Ashley Cartier" segments were a favorite of GLOW fans. How much input did you have in those segments?
A: I was given a script.
Q: Have you done any wrestling since GLOW?
A: No.
Q: Throughout the years, many female wrestling promotions have come and gone, but none of them made an impact like GLOW did. To this day, GLOW remains the all-time favorite of many women's wrestling fans. In your opinion, what was it about GLOW that has made it stand out from other female wrestling promotions?
A: GLOW was filled with versatility and slapstick humor involving women of all shapes, sizes and color.
Q: Were you a wrestling fan before you were involved with GLOW?
A: Just watched periodically.
Q: Comparing the view of female wrestling during the existence of GLOW to the view of female wrestling in the year 2013, do you feel that female wrestling is more respected? Also, do you feel that the quality of female wrestling has improved?
A: I feel the athleticism has improved although the caliber of entertainment lacks versatility and is not as effective as offered in GLOW.
Q: Currently, former GLOW director Matt Cimber is working on a new female wrestling promotion named Femme d’Action. Do you see it having a bright future?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you watch pro-wrestling currently?
A: Sometimes.
Q: What did you like the most about being a pro-wrestler?
A: The sisterhood and theatrics.
Q: How much of you was a part of the Ashley Cartier character? Or do you feel that you and Ashley Cartier are like night and day?
A: We are very much the same as I was given the opportunity to create "her" persona with all suggestions being subject to approval by the Director, Cimber.
Q: Who would you have liked to wrestle, that you did not?
A: Seasons 3 & 4 heels.
Q: What is your long-term goal?
A: I am currently a business owner and continue to pursue an acting career.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Little Feather (from GLOW) Interview
At age 18, Little Feather went from being a homeless teen to one of the stars of GLOW. She is currently an editor on the entertainment website NERDSociety, where she is better known as, "Kuno".
Q: Why did you enter the pro-wrestling industry?
A: When I was 18, I was invited to audition for GLOW by Debbie Debutante the Cheerleader. We were on the same gymnastics team together when we were younger.
Q: What was the best part about working for GLOW?
A:The overall experience which opened my eyes to a lot of things about life and people. I was pretty green back then and GLOW taught me a lot.
Q: What are your thoughts on the following former G.L.O.W. members:
A: ATTACHE- Very professional, nice lady.
EBONY – Old classmate from high school. She was only on the show for a short time but very nice also.
LITTLE FIJI – Nice girl. The youngest on the show next to me. I wonder where and how she’s doing.
SALLY THE FARMER'S DAUGHTER – One of my close friends on the show along with Tara the Southern Belle and Palestina. We had a lot of fun together hanging out in the room at the Riviera. Some of the best pillow fights ever!
Q: Which do you feel was your best match in GLOW?
A: The one with Attache. There were a lot of complicated wrestling moves in that which I’m proud we were actually able to pull off without any major injuries!
Q: Which was your favorite match in GLOW?
A: Either the one with Attache or Sally and Feather vs. the Soul Patrol, and anything vs. the Heavy Metal Sisters. They were a lot of fun.
Q: Have you done any wrestling since GLOW?
A: Not professionally, no. I was in a motorcycle accident some years back and injured my neck and spine. That pretty much sealed it that I’ll never wrestle again, at least not as vigorously as I once did.
Q: Throughout the years, many female wrestling promotions have come and gone, but none of them made an impact like GLOW did. To this day, GLOW remains the all-time favorite of many women's wrestling fans. In your opinion, what was it about GLOW that has made it stand out from other female wrestling promotions?
A: I think the fact that it was the first all-female pro-wrestling show to air on television. GLOW came along at a time where the audience was ready for something different, something a little edgy, a little over the top. We’re talking about the mid-to late 80’s when it first aired with shows like Full House and The Facts of Life. Women were just starting to be portrayed as having intellectual strength and prowess. GLOW showed that women could be physically strong as well.
Q: Were you a wrestling fan before you were involved with GLOW?
A: I knew about Hulk Hogan and Jerry Lawler’s whole “feud” with Andy Kaufman, which I really enjoyed. Andy sort of took wrestling to another level with Lawler. But I really didn’t know that much about it in the beginning.
Q: Comparing the view of female wrestling during the existence of GLOW to the view of female wrestling in the year 2013, do you feel that female wrestling is more respected? Also, do you feel that the quality of female wrestling has improved?
A: I think female wrestling today is still very male oriented. At least, the demographic being pandered to is still mostly male. I think more people are aware of it now and yes, it is more respected than it was. I remember having to explain to people that I wasn’t a mud wrestler as that was what people instantly thought female wrestling was about during the GLOW days.
Q: Currently, former GLOW director Matt Cimber is working on a new female wrestling promotion named Femme d’Action. Do you see it having a bright future?
A: I guess only time will tell. I certainly wish them luck with it.
Q: Do you watch pro-wrestling currently?
A: A little bit, when I can find the time. I’m pretty busy these days but if it happens to be on, I’ll take a look. I’m more into watching boxing or MMA.
Q: What did you like the most about being a pro-wrestler?
A: Being able to utilize my acrobatic skills in another arena.
Q: How much of KUNO was a part of the Little Feather character? Or do you feel that Little Feather and Kuno are like night and day?
A: When I say Little Feather was young (barely 18 when I joined GLOW), I’m not just referring to chronological age. Just a few months before GLOW, I was a homeless teen living in my car on the streets of Las Vegas. I grew up very sheltered and abused. I didn’t know much about anything, really. I’ve learned a lot since then and definitely have a better idea of who I am now. Kuno is like Little Feather all grown up.
Q: Who would you have liked to wrestle, that you did not?
A: Palestina. She was my roomie for a while and we had a lot of fun together outside of the ring. It would’ve been great to see what what sort of shenanigans we could pull off inside the ring.
Q: Although GLOW was a family-friendly product, it featured many characters with stereotypical cultural backgrounds. At the time, this was something that everyone overlooked, instead focusing on the entertainment value of GLOW. If a new promotion were created in today's era with a similar style, do you think it would be as accepted as GLOW is?
A: Society has definitely changed since GLOW. The 80’s in general was very un-politically correct. I doubt a similar show today would be able to pull off the same stereotypes that GLOW did. There would definitely have to be more censorship in that area, to avoid insulting the audience... or getting sued!
Q: What is your long-term goal?
A: I'm a writer so if I can continue writing I'll be happy. I also want to do more traveling. I'm an ESL teacher so one of my long-term plans is to teach English in different countries like Japan. Ultimately I want to open a shelter home for abused women and/or children.
Q: Why did you enter the pro-wrestling industry?
A: When I was 18, I was invited to audition for GLOW by Debbie Debutante the Cheerleader. We were on the same gymnastics team together when we were younger.
Q: What was the best part about working for GLOW?
A:The overall experience which opened my eyes to a lot of things about life and people. I was pretty green back then and GLOW taught me a lot.
Q: What are your thoughts on the following former G.L.O.W. members:
A: ATTACHE- Very professional, nice lady.
EBONY – Old classmate from high school. She was only on the show for a short time but very nice also.
LITTLE FIJI – Nice girl. The youngest on the show next to me. I wonder where and how she’s doing.
SALLY THE FARMER'S DAUGHTER – One of my close friends on the show along with Tara the Southern Belle and Palestina. We had a lot of fun together hanging out in the room at the Riviera. Some of the best pillow fights ever!
Q: Which do you feel was your best match in GLOW?
A: The one with Attache. There were a lot of complicated wrestling moves in that which I’m proud we were actually able to pull off without any major injuries!
Q: Which was your favorite match in GLOW?
A: Either the one with Attache or Sally and Feather vs. the Soul Patrol, and anything vs. the Heavy Metal Sisters. They were a lot of fun.
Q: Have you done any wrestling since GLOW?
A: Not professionally, no. I was in a motorcycle accident some years back and injured my neck and spine. That pretty much sealed it that I’ll never wrestle again, at least not as vigorously as I once did.
Q: Throughout the years, many female wrestling promotions have come and gone, but none of them made an impact like GLOW did. To this day, GLOW remains the all-time favorite of many women's wrestling fans. In your opinion, what was it about GLOW that has made it stand out from other female wrestling promotions?
A: I think the fact that it was the first all-female pro-wrestling show to air on television. GLOW came along at a time where the audience was ready for something different, something a little edgy, a little over the top. We’re talking about the mid-to late 80’s when it first aired with shows like Full House and The Facts of Life. Women were just starting to be portrayed as having intellectual strength and prowess. GLOW showed that women could be physically strong as well.
Q: Were you a wrestling fan before you were involved with GLOW?
A: I knew about Hulk Hogan and Jerry Lawler’s whole “feud” with Andy Kaufman, which I really enjoyed. Andy sort of took wrestling to another level with Lawler. But I really didn’t know that much about it in the beginning.
Q: Comparing the view of female wrestling during the existence of GLOW to the view of female wrestling in the year 2013, do you feel that female wrestling is more respected? Also, do you feel that the quality of female wrestling has improved?
A: I think female wrestling today is still very male oriented. At least, the demographic being pandered to is still mostly male. I think more people are aware of it now and yes, it is more respected than it was. I remember having to explain to people that I wasn’t a mud wrestler as that was what people instantly thought female wrestling was about during the GLOW days.
Q: Currently, former GLOW director Matt Cimber is working on a new female wrestling promotion named Femme d’Action. Do you see it having a bright future?
A: I guess only time will tell. I certainly wish them luck with it.
Q: Do you watch pro-wrestling currently?
A: A little bit, when I can find the time. I’m pretty busy these days but if it happens to be on, I’ll take a look. I’m more into watching boxing or MMA.
Q: What did you like the most about being a pro-wrestler?
A: Being able to utilize my acrobatic skills in another arena.
Q: How much of KUNO was a part of the Little Feather character? Or do you feel that Little Feather and Kuno are like night and day?
A: When I say Little Feather was young (barely 18 when I joined GLOW), I’m not just referring to chronological age. Just a few months before GLOW, I was a homeless teen living in my car on the streets of Las Vegas. I grew up very sheltered and abused. I didn’t know much about anything, really. I’ve learned a lot since then and definitely have a better idea of who I am now. Kuno is like Little Feather all grown up.
Q: Who would you have liked to wrestle, that you did not?
A: Palestina. She was my roomie for a while and we had a lot of fun together outside of the ring. It would’ve been great to see what what sort of shenanigans we could pull off inside the ring.
Q: Although GLOW was a family-friendly product, it featured many characters with stereotypical cultural backgrounds. At the time, this was something that everyone overlooked, instead focusing on the entertainment value of GLOW. If a new promotion were created in today's era with a similar style, do you think it would be as accepted as GLOW is?
A: Society has definitely changed since GLOW. The 80’s in general was very un-politically correct. I doubt a similar show today would be able to pull off the same stereotypes that GLOW did. There would definitely have to be more censorship in that area, to avoid insulting the audience... or getting sued!
Q: What is your long-term goal?
A: I'm a writer so if I can continue writing I'll be happy. I also want to do more traveling. I'm an ESL teacher so one of my long-term plans is to teach English in different countries like Japan. Ultimately I want to open a shelter home for abused women and/or children.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Aces and Eights/NWO Comparisons
I noticed that there have been a lot of comparisons between the NWO and the Aces and Eights as of late, especially now that AJ Styles is involved with the Aces and Eights storyline in a fashion similar to how Sting was involved in the NWO storyline. While it's true that there are similarities, what's odd to me is that sometimes these comparisons are being done in a complaining, "This is a knockoff, I've seen it" manner.
The NWO and Aces and Eights storylines were created by the same person- it's legally impossible to steal from yourself, so the Aces and Eights storyline is not a knockoff. It's not even a form of recycling, since the only similarity that both storylines share is the, "gang and peer pressure" theme, with a group of associates claiming territorial control while attempting to recruit a loner. The theme was very successful in WCW, and anyone who is successful in business knows that if an idea works, it should be used until it no longer works.
Another point that should be mentioned is that TNA's main target audience are viewers between the ages of 18 and 34. The youngest viewers (18 years of age in this case) are the most valuable because they have fewer financial responsibilities than the older viewers and therefore are more likely to spend more money on the TNA product. The NWO storyline was in it's prime in 1997, which was 16 years ago- TNA's youngest target fans were 2 years old at that time! They were too young to truly experience the NWO storyline back then, so the Aces and Eights storyline is a fresh and completely new style of storyline for them.
I'm sure that somewhere on an Internet forum right now there is an ongoing debate between NWO fans in their 30's and Aces and Eights fans in their teens/early 20's regarding which storyline is the best. In truth, they both are- the NWO storyline was the most-discussed WCW storyline during it's period of existence, just as the Aces and Eights storyline is the most-discussed TNA storyline currently.
The NWO and Aces and Eights storylines were created by the same person- it's legally impossible to steal from yourself, so the Aces and Eights storyline is not a knockoff. It's not even a form of recycling, since the only similarity that both storylines share is the, "gang and peer pressure" theme, with a group of associates claiming territorial control while attempting to recruit a loner. The theme was very successful in WCW, and anyone who is successful in business knows that if an idea works, it should be used until it no longer works.
Another point that should be mentioned is that TNA's main target audience are viewers between the ages of 18 and 34. The youngest viewers (18 years of age in this case) are the most valuable because they have fewer financial responsibilities than the older viewers and therefore are more likely to spend more money on the TNA product. The NWO storyline was in it's prime in 1997, which was 16 years ago- TNA's youngest target fans were 2 years old at that time! They were too young to truly experience the NWO storyline back then, so the Aces and Eights storyline is a fresh and completely new style of storyline for them.
I'm sure that somewhere on an Internet forum right now there is an ongoing debate between NWO fans in their 30's and Aces and Eights fans in their teens/early 20's regarding which storyline is the best. In truth, they both are- the NWO storyline was the most-discussed WCW storyline during it's period of existence, just as the Aces and Eights storyline is the most-discussed TNA storyline currently.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Gremlina (from GLOW) Interview
With a self-created character based on the creatures from the 1980's, "Gremlins" film, Gremlina made her GLOW debut in season 3. In this interview, Gremlina discusses GLOW, the pro-wrestling industry, and her current involvement in it.
Q: Why did you enter the pro-wrestling industry?
A: Because I love the sport and have been a fan since I was six.
Q: What was the best part about working for GLOW?
A: The friendships with all the ladies working with all these amazing strong intelligent empowered women.
Q: Which do you feel was your best match in GLOW?
A: My last match Daisy vs Zelda.
Q: Which was your favorite match in GLOW?
A: I loved all of them it is a great feeling entertaining the fans and doing something I love is a bonus.
Q: Since your time with GLOW, you have been involved in the independent scene. Did you gain the most valuable experience while you were in GLOW, or have you learned the most during the post-GLOW period of your career?
A: A bit of both.... I learned first by being a fan and yes I analyzed the matches, promos, and of my favorite wrestlers, I learned more from working with the ladies in GLOW and I learn every card I do in VCW from all the great talent they have heart talent and ability and are a valuable source of information.
Q: What is your opinion of the current state of the independent wrestling scene in general?
A: I think there are a lot of great independents and there is a lot of heart passion and talent in the independents that I find lacking in some of the larger promotions today.
Q: Throughout the years, many female wrestling promotions have come and gone, but none of them made an impact like GLOW did. To this day, GLOW remains the all-time favorite of many women's wrestling fans. In your opinion, what was it about GLOW that has made it stand out from other female wrestling promotions?
A: It was something that had never been done before, it was innovative fresh bold edgy and had the pulse of what was going on in the 80's at the time the characters were diverse and over the top it was campy and fun and the women had real talent and some were amazing athletes, it wasn't the same old same old and the women were from all different walks of life and all shapes colors ethnicity and sizes no cookie cutter barbie model types.
Q: Were you a wrestling fan before you were involved with GLOW?
A: Yes I was I was an avid fan of NWA Mid-Atlantic, Georgia, Florida, Texas, wrestling whatever I could watch here in VA then when I moved to NYC the WWF during the best days the 80's.
Q: Comparing the view of female wrestling during the existence of GLOW to the view of female wrestling in the year 2013, do you feel that female wrestling is more respected? Also, do you feel that the quality of female wrestling has improved?
A: I think it has gotten a bit more respect than it had back in the day, women are just as capable and talented and if properly trained can wrestle and do as well as the men, as far as the quality..... I am old school so I don't care for all the posing and cookie cutter model types, I think diversity in characters is best.
Q: Currently, former GLOW director Matt Cimber is working on a new female wrestling promotion named Femme d’Action. Do you see it having a bright future?
A: Yes the new Femmes are amazing and I am proud to be a part of it and see only great things for it when it takes off, what GLOW did for women's wrestling Femme is going to rock the new generations and embody Female strength wisdom and persevering over any adversity, it is a show for today.
Q: Who is your favorite wrestler?
A: Roddy Piper.
Q: What did you like the most about being a pro-wrestler?
A: The camaraderie the brotherhood and sisterhood and of course the fans without them I wouldn't be where I am today.
Q: Who would you have liked to wrestle, that you did not?
A: I would have loved to wrestle Zelda we were a good match in size and ability and I loved working with her.
Q: Along with your current involvement in the pro-wrestling industry, you also work for the State of Virginia. Do you have any interest in working in the pro-wrestling industry full-time, or are you satisfied with your current extent of involvement?
A: Well of course I would love to be able to do what I love full-time but I am realistic and the best advice I can give is have a fall-back career, it don't last forever injuries happen fan bases change be prepared have a backup. I am enjoying what I do and due to some physical limitations I am content not being in the ring the physical toll on the body can be brutal, and LOL I am not 20 something any more.
Q: What is your long-term goal?
A: Hopefully to continue with VCW and if Femm D Action takes off to continue being a part of it and to keep close to my GLOW and wrestling family and maybe a guest spot on one or all of my fave TV shows like, "Supernatural", "Grimm", "Once Upon a Time", or "True Blood".
Q: Why did you enter the pro-wrestling industry?
A: Because I love the sport and have been a fan since I was six.
Q: What was the best part about working for GLOW?
A: The friendships with all the ladies working with all these amazing strong intelligent empowered women.
Q: Which do you feel was your best match in GLOW?
A: My last match Daisy vs Zelda.
Q: Which was your favorite match in GLOW?
A: I loved all of them it is a great feeling entertaining the fans and doing something I love is a bonus.
Q: Since your time with GLOW, you have been involved in the independent scene. Did you gain the most valuable experience while you were in GLOW, or have you learned the most during the post-GLOW period of your career?
A: A bit of both.... I learned first by being a fan and yes I analyzed the matches, promos, and of my favorite wrestlers, I learned more from working with the ladies in GLOW and I learn every card I do in VCW from all the great talent they have heart talent and ability and are a valuable source of information.
Q: What is your opinion of the current state of the independent wrestling scene in general?
A: I think there are a lot of great independents and there is a lot of heart passion and talent in the independents that I find lacking in some of the larger promotions today.
Q: Throughout the years, many female wrestling promotions have come and gone, but none of them made an impact like GLOW did. To this day, GLOW remains the all-time favorite of many women's wrestling fans. In your opinion, what was it about GLOW that has made it stand out from other female wrestling promotions?
A: It was something that had never been done before, it was innovative fresh bold edgy and had the pulse of what was going on in the 80's at the time the characters were diverse and over the top it was campy and fun and the women had real talent and some were amazing athletes, it wasn't the same old same old and the women were from all different walks of life and all shapes colors ethnicity and sizes no cookie cutter barbie model types.
Q: Were you a wrestling fan before you were involved with GLOW?
A: Yes I was I was an avid fan of NWA Mid-Atlantic, Georgia, Florida, Texas, wrestling whatever I could watch here in VA then when I moved to NYC the WWF during the best days the 80's.
Q: Comparing the view of female wrestling during the existence of GLOW to the view of female wrestling in the year 2013, do you feel that female wrestling is more respected? Also, do you feel that the quality of female wrestling has improved?
A: I think it has gotten a bit more respect than it had back in the day, women are just as capable and talented and if properly trained can wrestle and do as well as the men, as far as the quality..... I am old school so I don't care for all the posing and cookie cutter model types, I think diversity in characters is best.
Q: Currently, former GLOW director Matt Cimber is working on a new female wrestling promotion named Femme d’Action. Do you see it having a bright future?
A: Yes the new Femmes are amazing and I am proud to be a part of it and see only great things for it when it takes off, what GLOW did for women's wrestling Femme is going to rock the new generations and embody Female strength wisdom and persevering over any adversity, it is a show for today.
Q: Who is your favorite wrestler?
A: Roddy Piper.
Q: What did you like the most about being a pro-wrestler?
A: The camaraderie the brotherhood and sisterhood and of course the fans without them I wouldn't be where I am today.
Q: Who would you have liked to wrestle, that you did not?
A: I would have loved to wrestle Zelda we were a good match in size and ability and I loved working with her.
Q: Along with your current involvement in the pro-wrestling industry, you also work for the State of Virginia. Do you have any interest in working in the pro-wrestling industry full-time, or are you satisfied with your current extent of involvement?
A: Well of course I would love to be able to do what I love full-time but I am realistic and the best advice I can give is have a fall-back career, it don't last forever injuries happen fan bases change be prepared have a backup. I am enjoying what I do and due to some physical limitations I am content not being in the ring the physical toll on the body can be brutal, and LOL I am not 20 something any more.
Q: What is your long-term goal?
A: Hopefully to continue with VCW and if Femm D Action takes off to continue being a part of it and to keep close to my GLOW and wrestling family and maybe a guest spot on one or all of my fave TV shows like, "Supernatural", "Grimm", "Once Upon a Time", or "True Blood".
Monday, April 1, 2013
Top 8 Ways to Get Fired in Pro-Wrestling
When a pro-wrestler makes it to WWE or TNA, they usually intend to remain there for the rest of their career. To maintain their spot on the roster, they put on their best performance every night, hoping to draw the loudest cheers and sell the most merchandise. Many times however, things do not go as planned, and the talent is eventually removed from the company. There are a number of ways that a talent can get fired, even though the reasons are not obvious until after they are no longer with the promotion. Just as with any other industry, having a job in pro-wrestling is a privilege- if a promotion feels that they are not benefiting from having a talent under their employ, they will find a way to part ways with that talent. To avoid getting fired, DON'T do the things listed below.
1. Don't Push Yourself
Sometimes when a talent is released from WWE or TNA, their complaint is, "They didn't push me". In many cases, their statement is true. However, in life in general, if you don't push yourself, no one else will. Being in a major pro-wrestling company does not mean that it's time to stop marketing yourself. In fact, it becomes more important to do so. On the independent scene, it can be very easy to become a big fish in a little pond. Yet in companies like WWE and TNA where the "pool" is much bigger, a talent can quickly become forgotten.
In today's world where almost everyone from 12 to 112 has some type of interest in social media, no wrestler has an excuse for not marketing themselves. Even wrestling icons like Hulk Hogan, main eventers like John Cena and Jeff Hardy, and executives like Stephanie McMahon, Triple H, Dixie Carter, and Eric Bischoff use social media on a regular basis, staying in the forefront of the minds of fans.
2. Don't Be a Team Player
It would be a fair statement to say that basically all wrestlers want to main event every show that they are on, become World Heavyweight Champion, and be the face of the company. But a wrestler's job is to do what's best for the company, which is not always what the wrestler may feel is best for themselves. That means that they may have to job in more matches than some other wrestlers, put over wrestlers who they personally feel don't "deserve" to be put over, and work the midcard as opposed to the main event.
While some wrestlers who are unhappy with this situation may keep it to themselves, others are vocal and refuse to do what the company has ordered. This interferes with company plans and creates a problem for everyone who works there, because an efficient and successful company benefits everyone, main eventers and midcarders alike.
3. Don't Be Grateful for What You Have
When a talent is employed by WWE or TNA, they are in a position where wrestlers all over the world would give anything to be. Yet over the years there have been cases of WWE/TNA talents complaining that they were not making the amount of money that they felt they should have been. It still continues today. When it's time for cutbacks, their name could be one of the first names to come up. In the end, they will wind up on the independent circuit, while a more eager and equally talented wrestler will happily replace them on the roster for less money.
4. Have an Attitude Problem
Many wrestlers have been fired due to being problematic backstage, having conflicts with other wrestlers, both physical and non-physical. A disruptive talent can have a negative affect on locker room morale. Some wrestlers have even carried their attitude problem into the ring, being uncooperative with the wrestler they are working with, which negatively affects the quality of a match. An employee with an attitude problem can potentially wear our their welcome very quickly.
5. Use Drugs
Just like any other company, a pro-wrestling company is held responsible in the eyes of others for their employee's actions. A wrestler with impaired judgement is a liability to themselves, whomever they work with in the ring, and the company that they work for.
6. Sleep on the Job
Yes, there are people in the pro-wrestling business who sleep on the job. And just like anyplace else, they may be fired. In Eric Bischoff's book "Controversy Creates Cash", Bischoff goes into detail about how he had to fire a WCW announcer due his being found sleeping on the job.
7. Show Up Late
A wrestler showing up late to an event is just as bad as an office worker showing up late to the office. Last minute booking changes can occur at any moment, and if a talent is not dependable enough to be available to work with any needed changes that night, they can become more more of a hindrance to the company than a benefit.
8. Get Arrested
No wrestling company wants the negative press that comes with one of their employees getting arrested for a a DUI or worse. If a wrestler brings a promotion that type of publicity their way, it's very likely that their days are numbered.
1. Don't Push Yourself
Sometimes when a talent is released from WWE or TNA, their complaint is, "They didn't push me". In many cases, their statement is true. However, in life in general, if you don't push yourself, no one else will. Being in a major pro-wrestling company does not mean that it's time to stop marketing yourself. In fact, it becomes more important to do so. On the independent scene, it can be very easy to become a big fish in a little pond. Yet in companies like WWE and TNA where the "pool" is much bigger, a talent can quickly become forgotten.
In today's world where almost everyone from 12 to 112 has some type of interest in social media, no wrestler has an excuse for not marketing themselves. Even wrestling icons like Hulk Hogan, main eventers like John Cena and Jeff Hardy, and executives like Stephanie McMahon, Triple H, Dixie Carter, and Eric Bischoff use social media on a regular basis, staying in the forefront of the minds of fans.
2. Don't Be a Team Player
It would be a fair statement to say that basically all wrestlers want to main event every show that they are on, become World Heavyweight Champion, and be the face of the company. But a wrestler's job is to do what's best for the company, which is not always what the wrestler may feel is best for themselves. That means that they may have to job in more matches than some other wrestlers, put over wrestlers who they personally feel don't "deserve" to be put over, and work the midcard as opposed to the main event.
While some wrestlers who are unhappy with this situation may keep it to themselves, others are vocal and refuse to do what the company has ordered. This interferes with company plans and creates a problem for everyone who works there, because an efficient and successful company benefits everyone, main eventers and midcarders alike.
3. Don't Be Grateful for What You Have
When a talent is employed by WWE or TNA, they are in a position where wrestlers all over the world would give anything to be. Yet over the years there have been cases of WWE/TNA talents complaining that they were not making the amount of money that they felt they should have been. It still continues today. When it's time for cutbacks, their name could be one of the first names to come up. In the end, they will wind up on the independent circuit, while a more eager and equally talented wrestler will happily replace them on the roster for less money.
4. Have an Attitude Problem
Many wrestlers have been fired due to being problematic backstage, having conflicts with other wrestlers, both physical and non-physical. A disruptive talent can have a negative affect on locker room morale. Some wrestlers have even carried their attitude problem into the ring, being uncooperative with the wrestler they are working with, which negatively affects the quality of a match. An employee with an attitude problem can potentially wear our their welcome very quickly.
5. Use Drugs
Just like any other company, a pro-wrestling company is held responsible in the eyes of others for their employee's actions. A wrestler with impaired judgement is a liability to themselves, whomever they work with in the ring, and the company that they work for.
6. Sleep on the Job
Yes, there are people in the pro-wrestling business who sleep on the job. And just like anyplace else, they may be fired. In Eric Bischoff's book "Controversy Creates Cash", Bischoff goes into detail about how he had to fire a WCW announcer due his being found sleeping on the job.
7. Show Up Late
A wrestler showing up late to an event is just as bad as an office worker showing up late to the office. Last minute booking changes can occur at any moment, and if a talent is not dependable enough to be available to work with any needed changes that night, they can become more more of a hindrance to the company than a benefit.
8. Get Arrested
No wrestling company wants the negative press that comes with one of their employees getting arrested for a a DUI or worse. If a wrestler brings a promotion that type of publicity their way, it's very likely that their days are numbered.
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