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From the Start By Steve Ashfield Editor of ‘Fighting Females’
Contents 2
From the Start/Contents/ 3
Welcome to edition five of ‘Fighting Females’ back a little bit earlier than usual due to the SHIMMER tapings taking place this weekend. We have a special preview of their biggest ever set of tapings and an interview with ‘The Portuguese Princess’ Ariel.
Roxie Cotton
4-5 Life after WWE/The WWE Draft 6-7 UK News Round-Up 8
DVD news/reviews 9
Website news
10-12 SHIMMER Preview An important aspect of the women’s wrestling scene is valets and managers. They don’t just provide some glamour for the fans to look at but their actions also have great influence at times on the matches they take part in. In this edition we take a look back at the career of Miss Elizabeth, interview Tammy ‘Sunny’ Sytch, Francine and Lizzy Valentine and pay tribute to recent WSU Hall of Fame inductee, Missy Hyatt. One of the best ongoing feuds at present is that between the Beatdown Betties in WSU. We have a two-page feature looking at this feud with comments from Annie Social, Roxie Cotton and Rick Cataldo. Not a pleasant word in sight there, believe me. The Diva’s Battle Royal at WrestleMania was previewed in our last edition and what a farce that turned out to be. We take an indepth look at that match as well as an article about the recent WWE draft.
12 Royal Kill 13-15 Ariel 16-19 Melissa Coates 20-22 WSU News Update 23 Wrestler’s Rescue 24-25 Miss Rachel 25 Wrestlicious 26 TNA 27 Indy News 28-29 Miss Elizabeth 30-31 Tammy Sytch 31 Lizzy Valentine 32-34 Francine 34 Legends of the Arena 35 Indy News 36-37 WWE 38-39 The Beatdown Betties
Throw in interviews with Miss Rachel, Melissa Coates and Roxie Cotton (who’s everywhere this month) and plenty of news and reviews and that’s another packed edition for you to enjoy. We’ll be back in late June, see you all then.
40-41 Parade of Champions 42-43 Lizzy Valentine 44 Indy News
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Roxie Cotton—This Valley Girl means Business It’s a good job that Roxie Cotton can’t throw punches as fast as this Californian Valley girl can speak. If she could, her opponents wouldn’t stand a chance. Time to find out more about one third (and soon to be one half) of the Beatdown Betties.
character 'Fever' can you tell me more about that? lol Well I thought if I had a problem in the match where I got sick then I could blame that gimmick, plus I was planning on puking on the crowd that would get people to hate me lol.
Just how important are clothes to you, you're even on record as saying you wanted to win a title belt that What was it about pro "totally matches my outfit." wrestling that so Well just watch the movie "Valley Girl" clothes mean excited you and when everything. did you decide to get in the ring and wrestle rather than Having seen your promo prior to the just be a fan? WSU Second Anniversary show, just I always liked, watching how many words can you say in a it with my dad growing minute? up, then I found out lol I have no idea, no one has counted. that Moolah had a either I'm too fast or they have no idea school so without what I said. Sometimes I'm too fast for thinking jumped on the myself. net to find it but found JAPW instead. You've also been a manager/valet for Jackyl and Christopher Robbins, what You were trained at are your memories of that time? the JAPW school and Managing Jackyl was so much fun. do it Roxie Cotton later in PWU and by Don Montoya, what was that training experience like? again in a sec. like he is a sweetie (to with the NEW me) Women’s title It was a lot harder than I thought but Montoya made it the belt most fun. How can my readers find out more about you and your career? What are your memories of your pro debut? t h e y c a n c h e c k m e o u t o n O wow nerve wracking, I managed first under a different www.myspace.com/roxiecotton1www.youtube.com/roxiecotto name then started to wrestle. Didn't do much the first n101 www.glorywrestling.com couple years being that there weren't as many girls in it as now. I have facebook and other things like that but don't go on them as much its too much like to figure out lol. Thanks It I read how you have to take motion sickness pills to was like a super cool time. check u later stop you being sick while wrestling, how much of a hindrance has that been to you? There’s plenty more from Roxie on pages of this edition as Well I wish I knew about them years ago. I'd get sick at least once a night sometimes three. I'm getting better as I we take a look at the problems in the Beatdown Betties camp go. Its worse when I'm already car sick before I even get at the moment on pages 38 and 39. Believe me, neither Roxie or Annie Social have a good thing to say about Rick there. Cataldo at the moment. Then again, his comments aren’t exactly going to guarantee their opinions changing anytime That problem was incorporated into your first soon.
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Life after WWE Be worried Torrie It’s a Jungle out there!
Torrie Wilson has faced some pretty tough opponents in her career but the former WWE Diva is about to face her hardest ever challenge when she takes part in ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” It’s not the jungle surroundings that pose the threat though, Torrie is soon to find out just what it’s like to live with Janice Dickinson. UK readers will know exactly what I mean because Dickinson appeared in the 2007 series and boy was she a pain in the neck. Always moaning about something and scared stiff of most of the bushtucker trials. The series starts on NBC on June 1st and Torrie could be spending four weeks in the Costa Rican jungle. Writing on her MySpace page, Torrie commented: “I will definitely be testing my survival skills but am feeling confident. I met the cast members this week and have to say I am looking forward to this most likely life changing experience of surviving in the Costa Rican jungle!” The show airs four times a week with some live coverage. If it’s like the UK series then Torrie might end up eating the kind of food only The Boogeyman would feel comfortable digesting. Also confirmed for the show are Heidi Montag, Spencer Pratt, Stephen Baldwin, Sanjaya Malakar and John Salley. The winner of the show will be announced on June 24th and the King or hopefully Queen of the Jungle wins a substantial cash prize for their favourite charity.
Amy and the Luchagors head back to Europe
Who’s that with Paris Hilton? Stacey Keibler has been in the gossip columns recently. Stacy, who’s due to be a celebrity host at the Preakness horse race in Baltimore on May 16th was seen hanging out with Paris Hilton no less in Hollywood.
Debra continues TNA Fan Movement Campaign On April 7th Debra took part in a US Satellite Radio tour to push her ‘Debra to TNA Fan Mov ement’ with consecutive ten-minute interviews on eight different radio stations. Debra will be talking about her life, including her past with former husband Stone Cold Steve Austin, her current status and her future plans and goals. Debra will explain why out of respect for her friends she will not use friendship to gain employment with TNA, and why it is important to her for the fans to be behind her return to television. Debra will be appearing at the Middletown Flea Market from 1pm to 3pm
Former WWE Diva Amy "Lita" Dumas and her band The It’s not Ashley Luchagors are due to return to Europe in September for a lengthy It seems someone out there has a Twitter account tour. and claiming to be former WWE Diva Ashley Massaro. On her real MySpace page, Massaro had to deny a statement made on that false account that Coming soon to Fighting Females she’d be back in WWE by ‘Summerslam’ stating that We look back at the careers of “I’m currently working on something that you will be able to view very shortly but I’m under contract and Fabulous Moolah cannot return to WWE just yet.” A future return is still a possibility though according to Massaro and Trish Stratus Johnny Ace has invited her to “come down to a taping.” And Ivory
FIGHTING FEMALES
Why Trish didn’t appear at WrestleMania but could yet make her return
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Will the WWE Draft change anything?
The WWE Draft took place during the week Perhaps she has a crystal ball and knew what was going to happen beginning April 13th but will the minor shake-up but former WWE Women’s Champion, Trish Stratus, was a noticeable actually change anything in WWE as far as the absentee in the disastrous Diva’s Battle Royal at WrestleMania 25. women’s division goes? So just why did Stratus not take part? In a recent interview Trish admitted that she had been invited to take part but did have misgivings about the match stating “I’ve always said to come out of retirement is a big deal to me, so if I was to come out it is for something special. To be honest, I feel Wrestlemania is a place to create memorable moments in one’s career, and frankly, with 25 women in the ring, I was just not sure how anyone could come out having their WrestleMania moment, maybe if it was a little clearer that could be accomplished for someone, I would have been part of it."
The main change is a swap of champions as Maryse heads to Raw and Melina goes to Smackdown, a move that came as a shock to her and left her in tears backstage. Melina’s no stranger to Smackdown though and faces better opposition there than on Raw. Gail Kim, Michelle McCool, Candice Michelle (also drafted there) and Maria should keep her busy. Look out too for Natalya and Katie Lea to hopefully get made more use of. Also on their way to Raw are the Bella Twins and already the under the ring switches have started. Maryse has always been on Smackdown so the likes of Beth Phoenix, Mickie James and even Jillian Hall and Kelly Kelly provide fresh matches for her.
Trish Stratus has also been critical of the number of women in WWE at present. In an interview with The Times and Transcript, the former WWE Women’s Champion commenting on the current state of women’s wrestling said “"It is disappointing... I think what it is, they have too many women. And I think they can't even see who's who because there's so many of them. I think they need someone maybe So the changes might actually help matters but while Santina is around, what effort will there be? that can focus on the women."
The Fighting Females Archive Edition One: Mercedes Martinez, Amanda Storm, WSU Company Report. Eden Black, Jetta, Terri Runnels, Bubbles, Vicky 'Hellbunny' Morton, Team Blossom, Wesna, Holly Hearse, Cheerleader Melissa and Stephanie Scope. Edition Two: LuFisto, MsChif, Discord, Kacee Carlisle, Awesome Kong, Klondyke Kate and a tribute to Penny Banner Edition Three: Danyah, Amy Lee, Dawn Marie, Faith Lehaine, Portia Perez, Jelena, Sarah Jones, Bacardi, Angel Orsini, Amber O'Neal and Rick Cataldo Edition Four: Sara Del Rey, Britani Knight, Malia Hosaka, Miss Mina, Britani Knight, Mitzi Mueller, Klondyke Kate, Madison Eagles, Jessie McKay and Pride Pro Wrestling plus tribute to Sensational Sherri Martel.
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UK and European News Round-Up WAWW cancel shows The all-women WAWW show due to take place on the afternoon of May 2nd has been cancelled due to last minute withdrawals. Earlier this year another WAWW show also suffered problems and became a joint show with WAW. Promoter Saraya Knight (aka Sweet Saraya) has reacted angrily to the fact she has had to cancel the show that was to have featured an eight-woman tournament and in the statement below has heavily criticised the current crop of female wrestlers in the UK and vowed to use WAWW as a “training ground for female wrestlers” with no more shows being held until members of that academy are sufficiently trained. The full statement reads: “Due to last minute withdrawals we have no alternative but to cancel the afternoon WAWW show. It saddens me as a lady wrestler of 19 years that it seems that some of the girls of today lack the drive, ambition and reliability that was paramount in the days that I started in the business. This is the second show I have had to cancel due to stupid excuses, double bookings and moody injuries. There will not be a third I have always tried throughout my career to not only push myself to the highest level but to push the talents of the female wrestlers in the UK. It upsets me that a large percentage of the UK girls today do not seem to share my passion. WAWW now will be the training ground for female wrestlers as far as I am concerned and I will not be running any more all ladies shows until I can pull a roster from the academy. I'm sorry to let the fans down who were going to come to the show, I will be back, but suggest till that time your get your female fix from the very successful WAW ladies division . If there are any females out there that feel that they would like to be part of my roster and have the commitment and passion I need to produce top quality wrestlers as well as top quality shows please send me your details and I will definitely look at them and get back to you.
The Angels of Hell arrive in WAW Sweet Saraya already had enough problems dealing with Jetta and rebellious daughter Britani Knight but matters have just got a lot worse for her.
On April 12th at The Talk in Norwich, Jetta and Britani teamed together as ‘The Angels of Hell’ to take on Sweet Saraya and Destiny. The Angels of Hell were victorious as Britani pinned Destiny but only after interference by Jetta. Destiny was ready to give Britani a tombstone piledriver only for Jetta to grab her legs. Britani landed on Destiny and with Jetta holding her opponents legs manage to get the pin.
Lucy Clayden gets a taste of her own medicine in NCW:UK At the Felixstowe Leisure Centre on April 4th, Skarlett beat submission specialist Lucy Clayden (who was very much the heel on this occasion) who submitted after being put in the STF by her opponent. Clayden suffered a nose injury during the match and told fans they definitely hadn’t seen the end of her.
Revenge is on its way for Izzy Stardust On May 16th at the White Road Community Centre in Chatham on a Riot Act Wrestling show, Izzy Stardust takes on Tad Trussell. Stardust will be looking for revenge after having the sides of her head shaved by Trussell in January. Also on the card, Jordan E faces Jane Beatrix Dunn and The Red Haired Loon in an intergender triple threat match. The Red Haired Loon has been helping an unknowing Dunn in recent matches. Doors open at 6pm for a 6.30pm start. Tickets can be prebooked at £4 each or £12 for a group of 4. On the night, tickets will be £5. To pre-book, call Ty Hope on 07923062194. For more information go to www.riotactwrestling.co.uk
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Intergender tag match set for SWA After Hours show
In GPW Ricky McKenzie has won the services of Miss Northwest as a valet after winning a four-way match at The next SWA After Hours show is on May 21st at the QMU – the Monaco Ballroom. IPW:UK held a women’s match University Gardens, Glasgow with tickets costing £7. In an Inter- on April 18th with Lucy Clayden defeating Janey B. gender match, Kid Fite and Carmel face The Butcher and Nicky Over in RDW, Bubbles teamed up with Casey Hanson to beat Britani Knight and Lance Lenihan while in Storm, SLAM, Faith Lehaine got a win over Jetta. BAWA The next show is at the Exeter Hall in Kidlington, Oxford on May 10th with Jetta facing Kelly Adams.
Bacardi faces the challenge of her life
UK wrestler, Bacardi, will be facing the toughest Doors open at 5.30pm for a 6pm start, tickets in advance cost £5 challenge of her career later this year. The current for adults, £4 for children and £15 for a family ticket and can be CIML Champion who recently successfully defended purchased from Top Sport Ltd in Kidlington High Street and her title against now has the DWA Women’s Comic Connections in Parsons Street, Banbury. title in her sights. However the opposition couldn’t be much tougher as she faces Sara, Wesna and LuFisto. Tickets on the door cost £6.50 for adults and £5 for children. The tournament takes place at Harley Night IX to be held in Germany on November 14th. There’s also a More information at www.bawa-online.co.uk Meet and Greet with Christy Hemme. Tickets can be booked via the DWA MySpace page or by emailing DWAtickets@aol.com EWW The feud between Skarlett and Jetta continues in EWW. At ‘Chaos in Coventry’ held on April 28th Skarlett and EWW World Champion The Dominator beat Jetta and Voodoo Prince when Skarlett pinned Jetta after a Widow’s Peak.
PTW At the Isle of Sheppey on April 12th Petey Staniforth wasn’t exactly making friends as usual in his opening promo and was interrupted by Tiffany Wantsmore only to be told she should be in front of a kitchen sink and go get him a drink leading her to challenge Staniforth to a match but instead he suggested she face Dan Edge.
Portia Perez and Serena Deeb had a series of matches on the recent American Wrestling Rampage tour. Perez managed to get wins in Paris and Rouen before Serena got revenge in Clermont Ferrand. Perez was soon back on top though getting wins in Dijon and Bordeaux. The tour then moved onto Switzerland with Serena getting the win in Basel, back in France though Perez got another win in Grenoble. At ‘International Impac VI’ held in Hessenhallen in Germany on April 25th Blue Nikita retained her GSW Ladies title when the champion defeated Wesna in a Sparta Death Match.
Dan Edge beat Tiffany Wantsmore in a match that saw Wantsmore whip Edge into the corner leading him to headbutt Nu-Wrestling Evolution Staniforth in "his favourite body part." Edge got the win after On March 25th in Toulon, Roxi and Maurice Le Staniforth hit Wantsmore with his clipboard. Peccature beat Sarah Jones and Annie Social, The tour moved onto Reims on the 29th and in front of 3000 fans, Sarah Jones won a three-way dance A fundraiser for the Icknield Primary School in Luton was held on against Annie Social and Roxi and Heddy Karaoui th April 24 . Dan Edge beat Tiffany Wantsmore but at least Petey beat Leroy Kincaide. Staniforth got headbutted and kicked in his favourite body part In St. Etienne on April 2nd, Annie Social won a bikini again. contest against Sarah Jones and Roxi. The following night in Montpellier, Annie Social repeated her victory in St. Etienne.
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DVD News and Reviews
Three more DVDs are now on sale from WSU featuring some great women’s action from both last year and just last month. ‘Best of WSU 2008’ is an unmissable DVD if you’re a fan of the company. Highlights include the formation of the Beatdown Betties, the J-Cup final as the feud between Mercedes Martinez and Angel Orsini erupts followed by their June 21st clash, Nikki Roxx winning the WSU title, the WSU debuts of Awesome Kong and Dawn Marie, Angelina Love v Portia Perez, the final of the tag team tournament and the formation of the Beatdown Betties. Bonus matches include a TLC match from NHPW as Mercedes Martinez takes on Nikki Roxx and Melissa Stripes. Quickly released by the company are the J-Cup and King and Queen of the Ring tournament that only took place over the first weekend of April. As well as the two tournaments the WSU title scene hots up as Angel Orsini and Rain chase the title and breakdown of the Beatdown Betties gathers speed. For
more
information
go
to
http://www.declarationofindependents.net/doistore/fullshows/WSU/bestof2008kaqj-
cuppackagedeal.html
WSU Second Anniversary Show One bonus that all WSU shows have is that there’s a great deal of forward planning when it comes to the storylines. It’s not just a case of throwing together a couple of wrestlers for an impromptu match time after time. Sure not every match has a storyline of great length attached to it but they are in the minority. Take this show for example and in particular the two biggest matches on the card, the WSU title match fought under Bullrope rules with the prospect of the challenger losing her hair if unsuccessful. The feud that has seen Mercedes Martinez trying to win the WSU title from Angel Orsini has been one of the hottest feuds in women’s wrestling in the past year or so. Then there’s the ongoing battles between Amy Lee and Awesome Kong in a Last Women Standing match. Both have storylines that the fans are really into and both matches here are highly impressive. Sadly there is a serious problem in that the ringside camera wasn’t able to be used which does take a bit away from these matches in particular. When the action goes out of the ring and even out of the arena in the case of Kong v Lee, there’s no coverage apart from commentary and photos. Those photos do at least let fans know what’s happening so it isn’t a complete disaster. Elsewhere the card gets off to a great start as Cindy Rogers continues her quest to win the title facing the UK’s Jetta who always puts on a good match. The problems in the Beatdown Betties continue as they try to win the tag belts and the break-up of the Soul Sisters sees Jana in an impressive match against Latasha. Add on Malia Hosaka v Rain and Team Wigwam in action and despite its camera problems this is a DVD you should definitely be adding to your collection.
WSU Hall of Fame 2009 Hall of Fame ceremonies are always an emotional occasion and this is no exception as Sherri Martel, Malia Hosaka and Missy Hyatt are the first inductees into the WSU Hall of Fame. Even Amy Lee gets all ‘girly’ as she inducts her late friend Sherri Martel into the Hall of Fame. It’s only half an hour but still has some highly emotional moments. Bonus features on the DVD see episodes one and two of WSU TV. This features the climax of the cage match between Angel Orsini and Mercedes Martinez, Orsini v Miss April, The Beatdown Betties defending their tag belts against Miss April and Brooke Carter and Jana is also in action plus there’s some backstage promos and incidents.
FIGHTING FEMALES
Great Offers at ClickWrestle
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Still time to get involved in the next Team Blondage Custom Shoot
Through to May 5th there’s a special offer with savings The next Team Blondage 2.0 Custom Shoot takes place on May of 50% on orders of $15 or more. To get the offer just 9th and 10th. Five minute matches with no script cost $150, ten enter the coupon code ‘luchalucha’ at checkout. minute no script matches are $200. All payments, orders and scripts have to be submitted by May 5th. ClickWrestler of the week is Roxie C o t t o n (interviewed on page three of this editi on) and matches available include a Barbed Wire match against Misty Heat, a Taipei Glass match with Mickie Knuckles, a Thumbtack triple threat bout against LuFisto and BB Walls and a not so violent but just as entertaining match with Little Jeanne.
F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n g o t o http://www.teamblondageproduction.com/index.php?p=1_9_Cu stoms-and-Media-Shoots.
PGWA Champion in action at Ladysports Also online now are PGWA Champion Tracy Taylor defending her title against Josianne, and Genni Right v Josianne For more info go to www.LadySports.com
Slammin’ Ladies
Recently added are two unreleased matches featuring Desiree Also new to the site is content from Lady Victoria’s Petersen as she takes on Diane Von Hoffman and Lexie Fyfe. World of Women Wrestlers (WOWW) with a “choice collection of her custom footage.”
Bad Girl Ring Lust now available A new addition to ClickWrestle is GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling). The 80’s/90’s promotion was known for its collection of crazy characters, comedy skits. music and even some wrestling. Currently available is MTV and Big Bad Mama v Zelda and Mr Fuji
The latest WEW DVD is now available and entitled ‘Bad Girl Ring Lust.’ Matches include Lucy Fur v Amber O’Neal and Klondyke from Team Canada against Amy Lee from Team USA. Also featured on the DVD are Annie Cruz who you see a great deal of if you know what I mean, Dia Zerva and pole dancer Bunny Luv. For more information about WEW take a The ChickFight match between Raisha Saeed and look at our interview with Francine in this edition. Christie Ricci is now available to buy. Also available in the ChickFight channel is Saeed v Rain. WSU fans can purchase the tag match between the teams of Angel Orsini and Little Jeanne and Amy Lee and Missy Sampson.
Would you like to write for ‘Fighting Females’?
In the WXW channel you can see Mercedes Martinez take on Amber in the opening round of the Elite 8 tournament and from WOWW there’s Lollipop v Lady Victoria. .
Contact the Editor by emailing mageditoruk@googlemail.com
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SHIMMER PREPARES FOR ITS BIGGEST EVER WEEKEND Last year saw Serena feud with Sara Del Rey losing to her twice on Volumes 20 and 21 but her efforts impressed champion MsChif who told her that if she were to beat Del Rey she’d get a title shot. That’s exactly what Serena did on Volume 22 taking on Del Rey after making the save when Del Rey attacked MsChif after her successful defence against Ariel. So now the woman who has so impressed the champion and saved her from possible injury when attacked by Del Rey, has the chance to win the title on May 2nd. Could MsChif regret making that offer to Serena?
Volumes 23.24, 25 and 26 will be filmed over the weekend of May 2nd and 3rd at the Berwyn Eagles Club in Berwyn, just outside Chicago. Four tapings will be taking place on The SHIMMER tag team titles will be on the line as Ashley what promises to be the biggest weekend in the history of Lane and Neveah defend their belts against The the company. International Home Wrecking Crew of Rain and Jetta in a best of three falls contest. Rain in particular will be looking for revenge on the champions. On Volume 18 she teamed up with Lacey as the Minnesota Home Wrecking Crew and went down in defeat to Lane and Neveah. With Lacey out of the business Rain joined forces with Jetta and beat Lane and Neveah on Volume 20 as Rain pinned Neveah while holding her tights. The next set of tapings saw the Gauntlet match to crown the first ever tag champions in SHIMMER and it was the eventual champions who ended Rain and Jetta’s title hopes. Now the challengers have the chance to claim what they believe is their “rightful spot” as tag Six matches have already been announced for May 2nd champions. and MsChif defends her SHIMMER title against Serena Deeb. The challenger made her debut for the company at the Volumes 5 and 6 tapings trading wins with Amber O’Neal In June 2007 Serena was entered into the tournament to crown a first ever SHIMMER Champion but was unable to make it to the venue on time due to be involved in a car accident. When she did finally arrive Mercedes Martinez faces one of her toughest ever challenges in SHIMMER as she takes on Amazing Kong. Serena vowed to one day win the title.
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The pair previously faced each other in a Four Corner stop Perez getting near Danger and it took several referees to Survival bout on Volume 21. Kong and Martinez ruined take her back to the dressing room. their chances of becoming number one contender to the SHIMMER title as they fought each other outside the Perez continued her threats against Danger in our interview ring all the way back to the locker room. with her, complaining about the fact that despite that win at Volume 20 “she continues to make her funny little jokes about me at any opportunity?” Perez added “My list of Allison Danger-related complaints could take up quite a bit of space, so I’ll leave her with my “message” for 2009: Danger, you better enjoy your little baby vacation, because when you get back, you’re not going to think I’m so funny any more.”
If Kong v Martinez is going to be a battle, then get ready for all-out war as Allison Danger makes her in-ring return in a No DQ Street Fight against Portia Perez. Ever since Perez made her SHIMMER debut, the young Canadian has had to endure a series of jokes about her very youthful appearance and Color Commentator Allison Danger just couldn’t stop telling jokes at her expense.
So the threats have been made from both sides. Allison went on to give birth to her daughter Kendall Grace but as soon as possible returned to the gym preparing herself for her return to the ring and the chance to get revenge on Portia Perez. On May 2nd there’s no rules at all and after months of pent-up anger for both women, all-out war will break out.
As Portia told ‘Fighting Females’ in edition three, that really got under her skin as we asked her just what her problem with Danger was. Perez told us" I don’t even know where to begin with my problems with her. Should I start with almost three years of her constant mockery throughout my matches?” The situation got even worse when at the tapings for Volume 19 Danger beat Jennifer Blake and declared her one of the best young Canadian athlete today. Perez and fellow ‘Canadian Ninja’ Nicole Matthews took great exception to those comments as Perez called Danger a “Diet Canadian’ and challenged Danger and Blake to a match on Volume 20. The Canadian Ninjas won the match when Perez made Danger tap-out as her opponent did her best to further re-injure Danger’s collarbone. Perez had to be pulled off her opponent but again managed to attack Danger putting her out of action for the rest of the summer of 2008. Months later Danger returned to SHIMMER unable to wrestle for a much more pleasant reason than an injured collarbone. Allison was pregnant with her first child but Perez was still very much on her mind. During an interview at the Volume 21 taping she warned Perez that when she returned to the ring she’d be looking for revenge against her. Perez came to the ring to confront Danger calling for a match right away and telling Danger “I'm not just going to end your career, I'm going to end something else.” Senior official Bryce Remsburg had to
Two women who are already used to facing each other for allout wars are Cheerleader Melissa and Wesna Busic. Edition one of ‘Fighting Females’ took a lengthy look at the feud between these two wrestlers but sadly their planned match didn’t take place due to Melissa being injured. Now the feud comes to SHIMMER There’s no love lost between the pair but a great deal of respect though. Wesna told this magazine “She (Melissa) is surely one of the best wrestlers in the world but she always gets into my business because she knows I’m better than her because I’m the best female wrestler in the world.” As for any future matches between the pair, Wesna told us “I will have no mercy anymore.” Cheerleader Melissa probably has a bruise somewhere from her titanic 45-minute draw against Wesna in Orpington. That match really got out of hand as the pair fought outside the ring and even outside the venue as one time. Here’s Melissa’s most memorable recollection of that match. “My personal favourite moment was when I took the video camera and put it right in her face as I was stepping on her.” Who knows what could happen when they meet on May 2nd but it’s bound to be a classic encounter.
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We interview Barbar Ahmed, Director of ‘Royal Kill’ starring Gail Kim Last year saw the SHIMMER debut of Australian wrestler Madison Eagles. With her tag partner, Jessie McKay, Eagles competed in the SHIMMER Tag Team Championship Gauntlet but were eliminated by the Canadian Ninjas. Now Eagles is back in the States and in singles action but the challenge she faces couldn’t get much more difficult as she faces former SHIMMER champion, Sara Del Rey. After a defeat by Serena Deeb at the last tapings, the former champion will be determined to get back on the winning track.
While Portia Perez battles Allison Danger, the other half of the Canadian Ninjas, Nicole Matthews, is also in singles action as she faces Daizee Haze. After initial success against Shark Girl and Lorelei Lee, Matthews came up short against Nikki Roxx on Volume 19 but as she returns to singles action she faces an immense challenge in the shape of SHIMMER veteran Daizee Haze. A member of the roster from day one, Haze knows that she needs to win this match to keep alive her dream of winning the SHIMMER title one day. Two unnamed individuals have been granted SHIMMER manager’s licenses for May 2nd. Throughout their history only Daffney has ever been given such a license and that was when she managed MsChif in 2007. Also due to appear are Nikki Roxx, Daffney, Jessie McKay, Malia Hosaka and Lexie Fyfe. There’s also the preshow SPARKLE matches starting at 1.30pm and confirmed for those are Kimberly Kash and Reyna Fire
Royal Kill is loosely inspired by actual historical events in Nepal, what was it about the movie that so attracted you to it? I took the 'Nepal events' as a basis and added a twist. The consequences of this twist w o u l d completely defy a n y ex pect ati ons the audience would hav e about the story. I t h a d something impactful and original. At that moment I knew it was time to make this into a movie. How did Gail Kim come to be chosen to play the part o f t h e assassin in the movie? Ranjan Chhiiber, the professional wrestling choreographer and a colleague of mine at George Washington University, made this happen. Gail hasn't got a great deal of acting experience so was it a risk giving her such a prominent role in the movie?
Making a movie is a big risk in itself so I don't like to add more risks to the equation. After I met with Gail and we went over In addition to SHIMMER AAW kick the weekend off with the script, story, character, and lines I was completely a show at the Berwyn Eagles Club on May 1st starting at confident in her performance. The fact that she did some 7.30pm Highlights include Jay Bradley defending his breathtaking stunts by herself was a bonus. AAW Heavyweight title against Colt Cabana, The Phoenix Twins put their tag belts on the line against Zero Gravity and Tyler Black takes on Arik Cannon in a How can my readers find out more about the movie? cont ender’s m at ch. More i nf orm ati on at www.aawrestling.comFor more information about On our website: www.royalkill.com and www.myspace.com/ SHIMMER go to www.freewebs.com/shimmerwomen/ royalkillmovie Thank you for the interview! index.htm
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The Portuguese Princess Ariel
You were born in Portugal but your family emigrated to the States when you were twelve, how big an upheaval was that for you? It was hard coming to the US at such a young age but that's honestly how it all worked for me. Because I was so young it was easier to adjust to the culture and to the language. I had to learn a whole new language and a whole new way of learning. It was a bit scary at first but I can honestly say I had some of the best teachers ever. What got you interested in pro wrestling and when did you decide you wanted to become a wrestler rather than just a fan? Watching WWE on Sky Sports back in the way was what made me fall in love with it. Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels, and the Bret vs. Yokozuna are a few I watched while I lived back in Portugal. Once I moved to the U.S. I loved Lita, and Chyna. And once I saw Molly for the first time, she gave me hope. I knew I wanted to do what she did. You trained at the Top Rope Academy and Yankee Pro Wrestling, how hard did you find the training process? Being an athlete it all just came together. I mean it wasn't anything like I had expected it. Being the only girl they treated me the same way as they did the guys. I learned so much in such a short period of time. At one point I was doing soccer five days a week from 230 till 530 then wrestling training three days a week from six till ten. Needless to say, add homework in there and I was one tired high school student. You made your debut in 2001 as a valet for Johnny Angel before finally getting in the ring to team up with him in a tag match, what are your memories of that match? I was a tiny girl wrestling two huuuugeee guys. Needless to say I was a lil' over my head but with the support of my partner Johnny Angel we pulled it off. It was great to step in there and not just be on the outside cheering him on. Your first singles match against a female opponent was with Amanda Storm, who we interviewed in edition one of this magazine, that ended with you getting injured, what happened? My first singles match was a learning experience. It was surreal to me. Honestly I don't even remember how I got hurt but it was probably my nerves if anything. You were still in High School when you began wrestling, what did your fellow students think of this? Most of them had no clue what to think of it, but for the most part, my closer friends all were proud of the fact I was following my dream. For a good year and a half I had been talking about when I turned 16 I wanted to start wrestling...and that's what I did.
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What was it like wrestling in Japan in 2004 and how did it differ from wrestling in the States? Wrestling in Japan is like wrestling in a whole new world. It is totally different. Wrestling is considered a serious sport and the fans are totally different..You don't see your typical fan with a sign and a t-shirt in the crowd. It's normally businessmen and barely any young people. You've also appeared in Mexico as Arianna, what was that experience like and what was it like wrestling under a mask? Arianna was a lot of fun... wrestling under a mask taught me how to come out of my shell a little more. Originally I had to rely on words or facial expressions for people to see what I was trying to say. With a mask I had to exaggerate everything I did so they could see what I was trying to do. I loved it. It was a great experience. As you originally come from Europe, are there any plans to ever return there to wrestle? I would love to go wrestle in Europe! Anyone interested in booking me...contact me! lol In SHIMMER, your entrance music is 'C'est La Vie' by B*witched. How did that come about as in the UK it's considered one of the cheesiest pop tunes of all time? It really is so cheesy. but that's what Ariel is all about. I'm all about the cheesiness and the big smiles and waving and blowing kisses. I am not your typical kind of girl... when I go out there I don't exude sex appeal. .I show cuteness and cheesiness .makes me different. And I always loved the song so it all just worked out. Who have been your toughest opponents in the ring? Nikki Roxx, Malia Hosaka, Amazing Kong just to name a few. What are the best and worst things about being a pro wrestler? Best. would have to be making someone's day. For example, wrestling in front of little kids and just seeing them smile when you point them out. Or being someone's role model. Little things like that make it all worth it for me. The travelling and meeting new people is great too... The Worst would have to be loss of privacy that sometimes comes with the territory. I mean we are not all at celebrity status or anything but when people go out of their way to know personal things about you to post it all over the place...that becomes kind of scary. and you have to be super thick skinned to be in wrestling. How did you become involved with Brendan Michael Thomas and how has he changed the way you wrestle and in particular your attitude towards your opponents? Well...my decision to align myself with Brendan Michael Thomas was all about business. We talked and he guaranteed me a way to get to the title. Normally I wouldn't fall for those sort of things, but we talked, and it all came together. I am now the reigning champion of WWW and you can't deny that we are a strong force in NECW considering he has been moving up in the ranks in NECW as I have continued to keep my belt as well. My attitude hasn't really changed. I do whatever it takes to win. Throughout 2008 you've feuded with Lexxus (now Alexxis Neveah). How difficult an opponent has she been and although she has to win ten matches to get another title shot (thanks to your agent), is it just a matter of time before the pair of you meet again in the ring with your title on the line? I have known and seen Alexxis Neveah grow as a wrestler over the past few years. She has grown a great deal but I still
FIGHTING FEMALES have a lot more experience under my belt compared to her. Will she beat the ten people? I don't know. but if she does, I will gladly keep my word and give her a title shot. You recently made a successful defence of your title against Malia Hosaka getting a win in pretty controversial circumstances. How difficult an opponent was Malia and what's your opinion on the way the match ended? Malia is one of the most amazing wrestlers out there. I have so much respect for her. I look up to her in so many ways. She was definitely one of my toughest opponents and one of my best matches as well. The way the match ended was interesting to say the least. I try to keep people guessing. In NECW, since I won that title, she was the first one to actually give me a run for my title, so I did what I had to do to win.
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So how much milk can you drink in an hour?? It seems Roxie Cotton
is everywhere this moment but on May 24th she faces a challenge that may well be the sickest she’ll face all year. Roxie will be taking part in the Milk Bowl which is part of the Cotton Kastle Party and starts at 8pm.
Can you drink a gallon of milk in an hour without being sick? Well that’s the challenge and already signed up alongside Roxie are Cory Kastle, the current Milk Bowl champion Rick Feinberg, Heather Feinberg, ‘Mr 300’ Will Kastle, Colin Ayres, Jumpin’ Joe, The Razz, Mat Bomboy, ‘Magnum PE’ Matty Flowers, Sami Callihan, Joey Bag O Donuts, How can my readers find out more about you and your Helter Skelter and Ryan the Douche. No sign of Rick career? Cataldo then, perhaps pink champagne is more to his They can go to my website...www.arielsworld.com, or my taste. Mind you, the way things are with the Beatdown Betties at present it’d probably be poisoned. myspace page www.myspace.com/arielville.
Get Ready for a Friday Night Fantasy in July
‘
Friday Night Fantasy’ is being presented by Heavy on Wrestling and F1rst Wrestling at the 1st Avenue Nightclub in Minneapolis on July 31st. Confirmed to appear so far are Christy Hemme, Sara Del Rey, Sunny, a, Rachel Summerlyn and Ann Brookstone (the last two most likely meeting in a hardcore match). Nora Greenwald (aka Molly Holly) will be a guest referee and commissioner and special enforcer for the night will be Victoria. Further names will be announced once the TNA schedule for that time is released. For more information email annbrookstone@gmail.com On November 19th at the Wessman Arena in Superior, WI. Daffney and MsChif take on Ann Brookstone and Sara Del Rey. That card also sees Terry Funk wrestling Arik Cannon with Ric Flair as special guest referee.
Coming soon to Fighting Females Annie Social Bacardi The History of the WWE Women’s Title And More!
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Melissa Coates—Jack of All Trades You were initially a Junior Tennis Champion, what made you decide to give that up and go into bodybuilding? I've always been into things that push the envelope, even as a child. I remember being in grade school and seeing in a Sports Illustrated Magazine a report on I think it may have been the first ever Ms Olympia contest. I was riveted by what I saw, it was amazing to see the women who were both beautiful and strong, posing on stage proud, muscular and ripped. I still can remember that magazine. As well I was also a wrestling fan as a kid, and I remember being so into the love triangle between Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth. Hogan had such a great physique, and that actually helped to increase my interest and admiration for muscle. So years later I got into weight training to improve my tennis game, I loved to be a power player, to be strong and dominant on the court. I developed and got strong so easily in the gym however, that people encouraged me to get into power-lifting, so I next did that. I could bench 250 while at a bodyweight of 130 lbs. Finally I decided to push myself harder and embark on the treacherous diets that bodybuilders put themselves through, and then I became a bodybuilder, which I've been fortunate enough to have a good deal of success at. Your family has a strong medical background and you have a college degree in science. How did your family feel when you chose a sports career rather than a medical one? LOL, they were none too happy. Its even worse now that I'm into pro wrestling because they are afraid I am going to get hurt badly. One of my brothers is fairly proud of me though, and comes to see me compete or wrestle when he can. My dad and my other brother and sister are pretty dismayed by the whole thing LOL. My mom passed away after my firs Ms Olympia content, the pinnacle or women's bodybuilder, the WrestleMania basically, but she had began to come around to supporting me in bodybuilding. A lot of people are often negative about women’s bodybuilding, what’s your reaction to such views? Well it's a free country and people are going to have their opinions, and it's their prerogative to think whatever they want, really. From my standpoint though, I think it is rather narrow-minded and limiting for people to be judgemental about women who want to build up their muscles. It is sad that some people in society get obsessed with stereotypes and want to label things or people as either "masculine" or "feminine". And its not just women athletes who suffer from the stereotype - for example a boy who wants to be a ballet dancer may be ridiculed as well. It's just so narrow-minded! The world isn't just black and white, there are many shades of grey. Just because a woman has muscles doesn't mean she looks like a man - she looks like a strong woman who has worked hard to build up her body. Its a beautiful thing, not something to be ashamed of. A woman who can be strong and build up some impressive muscle should not be discouraged from doing so by being told that it will make her ugly and masculine. It is encouraged and admired for a man to develop his physique, so why should things be any different for women? Its the lost potential that I think is the tragedy, and the fact that some people want to control others by trying to insult their femininity/masculinity. Not eveyone thinks how I do though LOL. I've heard it all! I keep on being true to myself, and I'm happy that way. I am lucky because I have been strong enough to stand up against the adversity. And to focus on the positive compliments over the negative comments. I know who I am, and what I am about, so at the end of the day, it's all good. I hope other women out there will get past the barriers, follow their hearts, and become all that they can be. If working out and developing muscle is part of that, so be it!!! All the power to them!
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What made you decide to leave bodybuilding and pursue a career in professional wrestling? First off I should point out, I've never really left bodybuilding. I still love the sport and am still a card-carrying member of the IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilders). I've just switched gears for awhile. I've always loved wrestling, thought it was so fun and entertaining, and I have always had a great admiration for the athletic skill of the men and women who compete in the squared circle. By the end of 1999, which was around the time I did my last pro contest, the women bodybuilders were getting pretty huge, much larger than I felt comfortable getting. It was about that time that I decided if I was going to give a career in pro wrestling a shot. As well, people from the fitness magazines for which I'd done so much work, ie articles, covers, training articles, swimsuit features, lingerie features, swimsuit videos and calendars, and more for Muscle&Fitness, Flex magazine, Muscular Development, Ironman, MuscleMag, etc, advised me that they still really wanted to use me but did not want me to get any more muscular than I already was. For me this mindset of not being able to really give it my all as I had done when preparing for competitions in the past, was not a conducive mindset. I knew I wasn't going to be able to focus properly, so getting ready for the contest with the idea of not placing well was the big roadblock. I live off challenges. Every step of my life has been me working hard at something difficult, then accomplishing what I set out to accomplish. Then I'd add a new twist to what I just accomplished and make an even harder goal to reach, LOL. For me pro wrestling with all the drama, creativity, passion, athleticism and on top of all that, maintaining a great physique, IS the ultimate challenge! I'm still working hard at it, getting it as close to perfection as possible! Your wrestling career has seen you be trained at Killer Kowalski’s school, UPW’s Ultimate University and in Ohio Valley Wrestling. How did each training centre differ from the others and what was the most difficult part of the training process for you? Yes I've been a few places, haven't I? When I first started training, Killer Kowalski's had the sterling reputation of having trained Triple H and Chyna among others, so I thought this would be a great place to start. Plus Walter was very into built girls as wrestlers, so he was always very wonderful to me. There were a few particular moves I associate with Walter's school, or as he liked to call it "Institute of Professional Wrestling". He had some interesting ways of working the leg and a move called the "Schmuky" which is kinda a jump-over-arm drag is the best way to describe it I suppose. Whenever I see someone on TV do that move, I know they spent some time at K.K's! I saw Frankie Kazarien (who trained at K.K.'s do a schmucky not too long ago on TNA. Brought back from good memories. UPW was more regimentated and drill orientated, and as well here we focused more on psychology, ie how to put a great match together that highlights the good guy versus the bad guy. We also learned how to put the moves together in the match, and WHERE to put those moves, to create the ultimate drama and excitement in the battle of good versus evil. Since it was California, as you can imagine, there was a cool laid back element to it all, but when we got down to work, we got down to work!!!
Shortly after I started at UPW, I got invited to train at Ohio Valley Wrestling, which was at the time the WWE's only developmental. Now THIS was TRAINING!! When I first got there, I think I was either training or doing shows for 21 days straight!!! The other schools had been 2-3 times a week, this was a totally different story. But it was also here that I really began to understand and REALLY respect the business of pro wrestling. How complicated, and yet uncomplicated, it all is. I know that sounds odd, but anyone in the pro wrestling business knows what I am talking about. It is truly an art, on top of being entertainment and a sport. OVW was where I consider that I REALLY started being trained in professional wrestling. I learned so many new moves here, and ways to put together interesting matches, how to do promos, plus we got visited regularly by agents and officials from the WWE, so it was very inspiring! There's a certain degree of competition between students there, but also a big family feeling as well. Training was rough, but this is where we learned how to put the magic together. We did a lot more shows in front of crowds, and had a weekly television show. This time in front of a crowd, and seeing what they reacted to, really helped us to tweak our characters.
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How did your diet change when you moved from bodybuilding to Pro wrestling? Wow, my diet trained drastically - no more low carb days! I also needed more fat in my diet. When I first started wrestling, I still had a bodybuilder physique, and the falls that I had to take really shook me up. I could feel my insides thumping whenever i took a fall, or "bump", as we call them. After about 2 years I had managed to train my body to not need food every 2 1/2 to 3 hours in order to function, so I was able to find the energy to perform when I needed it. Nowadays, the pure passion I have for pro wrestling, and the love that I have for entertaining the fans, keeps me going when I'm tired or hungry. That adrenaline rush!!!! How much does your muscular look help you get work in pro wrestling? My being muscular at times has been a positive thing for me, and at other times its been a drawback. I had no idea when I started training for pro wrestling that my developed physique would make it harder to get a job. You'd think it would be a bonus! I LOOK like a genuine asskicker, a real wrestler. Nowadays though there are so many smaller girls in the business that don't carry a lot of muscle, and it seems a lot of them are hesitant to wrestle someone my size because its going to be rougher than wrestling someone their own size. They should remember though, that when they beat a girl built like me, it makes them look that much better, to take down the muscle girl LOL. I got into the business to have fun doing something I enjoy doing, to travel, meet people, hopefully make some friends, and to entertain the fans with a match that keeps them on the edge of their seat. And a match that they BELIEVE in. The big girl/little scenario could be as popular as the big guy/little guy story. I've noticed a change in the past year where it is to my benefit that I am have muscles. I am getting a lot more bookings now - which is fantastic. Perhaps thanks to girls like Beth Phoenix of WWE and ODB at TNA being promoted by their respective federations, the fans and promoters are seeing the potential of using bigger built women on their shows. I have a lot of fans who tell me they'd love to see me and Beth Phoenix go at it, or me and ODB, or that they are waiting to see me take on Awesome Kong in TNA. I'd love the opportunity. You appeared on the WWE PPV ‘Backlash’ as part of the Masterlock Challenge, what was it like finally getting onto a major PPV? It was soooo exciting! Tommy Dreamer who's a good friend of mine called me up to tell me Michael Hayes was going to call me and fill me in on the deal. Soon after that I was packed up and on my way to Manchester New Hampshire for the 2005 WWE BACKLASH. Vince himself actually oversaw the Masterlock segment, and Arn Anderson was the main agent on the piece. All the other wrestlers were so welcoming to me at the show, and many of them congratulated me after for a job well done. Hulk Hogan even hugged me 4 times that night! He thought I'd got beat up a little too much! Here's to many more pay per views to come! While in OVW, you wrestled future WWE Women’s Champions Beth Phoenix, Mickie James and Melina. What was it like wrestling them at that stage in their career and why do you think WWE put them on the roster and never gave you the chance? A: It was great - I loved my time at OVW, and all of those girls are great people. I saw Mickie James not too long ago at a RAW in Toronto last December. She gave me a big hug and invited me across the street to get a drink with her. Same friendly girl, the way she was when I knew her at OVW. I still text with Melina once in awhile, I've known her since 2002 when we were both living in California. Beth came down to OVW a few months after I got there, and sometimes we would ride to shows together. I had actually met her in early 2002 when she had come to a show in Massachusetts that I also was booked on. I didn't even recognize her when she first came to OVW, though. She had obviously spent some time in the gym in the past year and a half or so, and put together the great look she has today. As for me, everything is on track and things are great! I'm just waiting on the right opportunity, timing is everything in this business. And it's just a matter of time before you'll see me on TV too! It will be good to be back with the girls.
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What was it like appearing in Extreme Dodgeball and how does that differ from ordinary Dodgeball? Extreme Dodgeball was fun! The only difference was we made it more entertaining than the regular dodgeball from your dreaded public school days! It was compared to the WWE with us having gimmick teams, and for the entertainment factor. For example I was on the "Barbell Mafia team", there was a bikini team with 4 girls and 1 guy, a team called Certified Public Assassins, who were really accountants, a team of players under 5 foot who were called the Jockeys, a team of overweight competitors went by the name "Sumo Storm"...lol it was all a lot of fun. Regular dodge ball rules applied except for a regeneration button that could be used to get players back in the game, and to keep things exciting and the games more entertaining. I played a couple of seasons of the game. We actually did pretty well, and the show got a lot of press. It also helped that the movie "Dodgeball" starring Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn had just come out in theaters as well. In Deep South Wrestling you appeared as ‘The Bag Lady’. Can you tell my readers more about that character? The Bag Lady was created to be the girlfriend of the pro wrestler called Festus, formerly known as the "Freakin' Deacon" at DSW. The Deacon was a homeless guy who lived in the sewer and listened to commands from his pet tarantula Willow. One day a bag lady was banging around in the dumpster looking for food, and she made so much noise it woke up the Deacon. He climbed out of the sewer screaming about the noise, and accosted the Bag Lady. The Deacon received a resounding slap in the face, and then it was all love after that! I had a great time doing this character, and we did some pretty memorable vignettes, with Deacon rummaging through the trash to give me gifts of thrown-away french fries, raw fish, and all kinds of other garbage. One day he set up a romantic table for the two of us behind the dumpsters. I would valet him to the ring, and entertain the fans by acting ridiculous. The crowd was really into the Deacon/Bag Lady story. It was just sooo different, and it worked! They'd put money and cigarettes into the little cup I shook in my hand, and throw more pop cans into my grocery cart. Eventually the Bag Lady had a makeover and became a diva, her original self before she hit hard times and ended up on the street. She was a mess, but I managed to make her sexy too - I wore a red nightie under my mumu! And still being a bit vain from her former fitness model days, the Bag Lady wore thick black eyeliner and red lipstick. And I had to add a fake beauty mark by her lips. Haha. What are your memories of the storyline you had with Don Williams who feuded with you and then fell in love with you before you became the girlfriend of Brodie Chase? The story line with Don Mathews and Brodie Chase happened at NWA: ANARCHY, which is where I've worked quite a bit the past year and a half. Basically the idea was that Don Matthews fell in love with me, and I broke up a stable of 4 wrestlers called the "Anger Alliance". Brodie Chase couldn't get Don to stay focused on the group or on his wrestling, so eventually Don and Brodie ended up fighting each other. It looked like I was going to go with the good guy Don, but I turned on him and ended up with Brodie after their big match. Crowd totally hated me for that LOL. The relationship between Brodie and I finally ended after he turned abusive with me, and then the owner of ANARCHY Jerry Palmer saved the day. Do you still hope to one day win Ms Olympia? For sure I'll be on that stage competing again one day! You better believe it! How can my readers find out more about you and your career? They can go to my website melissacoates.com. or find me in facebook as melissacoates Or they can just email me!, or on myspace as mmelissacoates1. Or my yahoo fan club at http://groups.yahoo.com/MelissaCoatesFanclub/ I love talking to new people - my email is melissacoates@yahoo.com. And various wrestling sites post information about me as well, so there's always googling, right? LOL. I hope you enjoyed my interview! Come out and see me at a show near you!
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WSU News Round-Up Angel Orsini wins J-Cup as her bid to regain the title hots up
Lethal and Miss April see off all challengers at the King and Queen of the Ring Tournament
The third annual Women's J-Cup tournament was held on April 10th with the winner getting a shot at the WSU title. In the first round, Rain beat Brooke Carter, Angel Orsini beat Annie Social (after the match Rick Cataldo revealed it was he who attacked Annie Social on February 7th), Trixxie Lynn defeated Jennifer Cruz and Miss April beat Roxxie Cotton. After the match Cataldo tried to attack Cotton but was stopped by Annie Social who threw Cataldo into the ring where he was attacked by both Social and Cotton. Social then challenged Cataldo to a match on June 6th. In the semi-finals, Rain beat Miss April and Angel Orsini defeated Trixxie Lynn. The final saw victory for Orsini over Rain giving the former WSU champion another chance to regain her title. Post match Orsini celebrated her victory with other members of the WSU roster which really cheesed off Rain who revealed how she was brought into WSU last year to protect Orsini and it wasn't her fault she lost the title to Martinez. Rain then demanded that she get the title shot and snatched the J-Cup trophy from Orsini. Mercedes Martinez (who successfully defended her title on the card against Jana) came out and said she wanted her revenge on Rain for slamming a steel cage door in her face three months ago and NWS Commissioner, Gino Moore, set up a three-way title match for the following night causing a brawl between the three competitors.
On April 11th WSU and NWS held the fourth annual 'King and Queen of The Ring' Tournament in Kearney. First round results saw Brooke Carter and Vicious Vinny beat Autumn Breeze and Nicky Oceans, Jana and Danny Demanto beat Jennifer Cruz and Travis Blake, Miss April and Jay Lethal defeated Trixie Lynn and Helter Skelter and the team of Annie Social and Bison Bravado beat Roxxie Cotton and JD Smoothie and Rick Cataldo and Sean Hanson (who were added to the match after threatening to sue NWS and WSU for sexual discrimination as they were the real King and Queen of WSU). Social won the match when she pinned fellow Beatdown Bettie, Roxxie Cotton. The tournament semi-finals saw wins for Jana and Demanto over Carter and Vinny and Miss April and Jay Lethal beat Annie Social and Bison Bravado. The final of the King and Queen of the Ring tournament saw victory for Miss April and Jay Lethal over Jana and Danny Demanto (pinned by Lethal).
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Martinez see off challengers as tensions rise between Orsini and Rain
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The title feud ends here! Martinez to defend against Orsini in 60minute IronWoman match
The ongoing feud between Martinez, Orsini and Rain continued on April 11th. Angel Orsini and Rain were interviewed by Missy Hyatt in 'Missy's Manor' and said they'd made a new pact to take the title from Mercedes Martinez and whichever of the two won the belt would make their first defence against the other. Martinez came to the ring and went after Orsini while Rain just walked away.
Mercedes Martinez beat Angel Orsini and Rain (pinned) to keep her WSU title with the challengers definitely not on the same page and they ended up brawling with each other. After the match Orsini told Martinez they still had unfinished business
Can Jana become Number One Contender? On May 1st Angel Orsini puts her number one contender spot up for grabs when she faces Jana on a Forgotten Championship Wrestling card at the Brooklyn Masonic Temple If Jana wins then she will get a title shot in the future and she’s determined to win the match saying “"If that bitch thinks she is just walking into Brooklyn and beating me, she has another thing coming. I'm sorry to disappoint WSU fans, actually wait I'm not, I could give two-shits less what they think, but it will be me proving to the world that not only am I more dominant than Orsini but that I should be WSU champion."
Confirmed for the ‘Uncensored Rumble II’ show at the Daress Theatre in Boonton on June 6th is a 60-minute IronWoman match for the WSU title as Mercedes Martinez defends her belt against Angel Orsini. This could well be the longest ever women’s wrestling match in the USA, if not the history of women’s wrestling. The champion has accepted the challenge on condition that this is the last time they face each other for the title and the rest of the WSU roster is banned from ringside. Orsini has accepted the conditions and said that “when I win my belt back, Martinez will have no rematch clause.”
The match will have no countouts, no DQ’s and if anyone does interfere they’ll be suspended from WSU for a year. If after 60 minutes the scores are level the match will go into sudden death. Angel Orsini has hired a former Army drill sergeant to help build up her endurance and is in no doubt she’ll be able to last the distance saying “It’s not a question of if I will go 60 minutes, This match means a lot to Angel Orsini "Jana came it’s a question of just how many so close to beating Mercedes Martinez at the J-Cup. I times will I beat Martinez in 60 excel under pressure and there is nothing more minutes!” stressful nor as rewarding than competing in a WSU title match. I have the biggest match of my life and my career on June 6th in the Ironwoman match. By putting The champion is confident of retaining her title declaring “This up my number 1 contender title shot, the pressure will is the biggest match of my life. When the match is over, win or lose, this match will make history. Not only are we ending this guarantee me that I will succeed." feud once and for all in this match, we will have one of the, if not the longest match in womens wrestling history. This is really an Meanwhile on May 9th Mercedes Martinez defends honor that WSU would allow us to showcase women's wrestling her WSU title against tag champion Brooke Carter on with this type of match. I do not want to give Orsini any type of an NWS show at St Catherine’s Church in North advantage. In fact, did you know I haven't driven my car ever Middleton since this match was announced? I've been riding the bike everywhere. Tell Orsini to be ready, cause I'll be more than
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ready to go 60 minutes on 6/6." Both champion and challenger will be speaking more about the match on a future episode of WSU Online TV.
Next title challenger to be determined in Uncensored Rumble The company will be presenting three separate cards on June 6th , the first show begins at 5pm with Brooke Carter and Miss April defending their tag titles against Jessika Havok and Hailey Hatred. Annie Social faces Rick Cataldo with the loser having to leave the Beatdown Betties and there’s an eight-woman elimination tag match that will have a huge influence on the Uncensored Rumble match. Whoever is eliminated first will have to enter the Rumble at number one and whoever gets the final fall for her team enters the Rumble last. Jana, Trixie Lynn, Kacee Carlisle and Lea Morrison face Latasha, Amy Lee, Missy Sampson and Lady Divine After an interval it’s then the Uncensored Rumble and once a new challenger for the WSU title is found there’ll be another break before the Martinez v Orsini title match takes place. Confirmed so far for the Rumble are last year’s winner Amy Lee, Missy Sampson, Miss April, Brooke Carter, Annie Social, Roxxie Cotton, Jana, Latasha, Jessika Havok, Hailey Hatred, Cindy Rogers, Kylie Pierce, Trixie Lynn, Lady Divine, Jennifer Cruz, Rick Cataldo, Sean Hanson and Lea Morrison. Another entrant to the Rumble has been partially revealed by Missy Hyatt. The WSU Hall of Famer has stated that a former WSU champion who hasn’t competed for the company in over a year will be taking part. The identity of this mystery wrestler will be revealed during ‘Missy’s Manor’ on June 6th. Given the clue it could be Alicia, Alexa Thatcher, Tammy ‘Sunny’ Sytch or Nikki Roxx. Doors open at 4.30pm for a 5pm start. Tickets cost $12 over the internet and $15 on the door, for more information email BULLSMC@aol.com The first ever WSU Women’s Six-Pack Challenge title match will take place on May 30th with Mercedes Martinez, Brooke Carter, Miss April, Angel Orsini Roxxie Cotton and Annie Social confirmed for the match that takes place on the NWS card at The American Legion Hall in Flemington. WSU also hope to be working with NWS again in August. For more information go to http://www.declarationofindependents.net/wsu/main.html
Editor: Steve Ashfield Contributors: Steve Ashfield and Brad Dykens (www.onlineworldofwrestling.com) Photographs: Wrestlin’ Wally (www.wrestlinwally.com), Mark Engel (front cover— www.fotomark.com) WSU, TNA, SHIMMER, Dawn Marie and thanks to all the wrestlers who have allowed us to use their photos to accompany articles Contact the Editor: email mageditoruk@googlemail.com
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Signed WWE Championship Belt to raise funds for Wrestler’s Rescue Wrestlers Rescue are continuing their campaign to raise $20,000 to buy Steve ’Dr Death’ Williams a ’hands-free’ voice box and have received a boost from a generous donation by WWE. The company have donated an encased replica World Title Championship belt and if that’s not enough it’s been signed by John Cena, Rey Mysterio, Chris Jericho, Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes (Letter of Authenticity supplied). The belt has been put on auction on eBay with a starting bid of $200 (plus Shipping and Handling) To bid for the belt go to http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/dr.deathcampaign. This is one of many pieces of sports entertainment/professional wrestling memorabilia that would be a great addition to fans and collectors alike all over the world. Proceeds (payment information will be available on the previously stated web site link) of the auctions running currently will be used in the campaign to purchase a “hands-free” voice box for cancer survivor and former WWE, WCW, and world renown wrestler, “Dr. Death” Steve Williams (http://www.myspace.com/drdeathsw). Former WWE/ECW Diva and Lead Organizer of Wrestlers Rescue, Dawn Marie, is facilitating fundraising efforts on behalf of Steve "Dr. Death" Williams via the Wrestler's Rescue organization. After his 2004 cancer diagnosis, Steve Williams endured a series of major surgeries that removed his vocal chords, larynx -- and a golf ball-sized tumor -- from his person, the 48-year-old survivor now uses his hands as a necessary means to communicate. “I have a stoma; it's a big hole about the size of my thumb that goes straight to my lungs,” Williams said. “When I take a deep breath into that hole, the air goes back … it brings up the voice where I vibrate the walls of my to get a voice out -- I don't have any vocal chords or thyroid or nerve to my deltoid, they reconstructed my whole vocal battery. To describe it better, it’s like a whistle. A whistle has two holes and a ball in it and when you blow, it makes noise.” Williams discussed his odyssey from the gridiron to the squared circle to the operating table in detail in his 2007 autobiography, “How Dr. Death Became Dr. Life.” He continues to wrestle sporadically on the independent circuit with a protective scarf around his neck, which ensures dirt doesn't fly into the device that allows him to breathe. Sadly the current economic climate in the USA has meant the planned July event has been cancelled but there are still many ways to help raise money for this great cause.If you don’t manage to get the belt then why not enter the raffle to win a cowboy hat donated by Jim Ross. The tickets can be bought on Wrestlersrescue.org $3 each or 4 for $10. For questions and latest news about Wrestlers Rescue and the “Dr. Death” Steve Williams Campaign, please visit http://www.wrestlersrescue.org or email at wrestlersrescue@aol.com.
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New Name Same Attitude Fighting Females interviews Miss Rachel
PAGE 24 really interesting combination You made an early start, being trained by Hammerlock and you were only 14. What was it like being not just the only girl there but the youngest person? I just wanted to learn so I didn't really care that I was the youngest or the only girl. WWE's Katie Lea joined the class a few months after me, so I eventually had a counterpart. It really was hard knock training though, physically and mentally What was the hardest part of the training process?
You're known to most fans as Pandora Boxx, but have recently changed your name to Miss Rachel, what was behind that decision? Really just a image change to keep things fresh, do a bit of spring cleaning, blow off some cobwebs. When I started doing it, the Goth gimmick was really fresh and original, but in this day and age everyone and their mum is doing it, so I thought I'd just be me. Like most wrestlers it was watching it on TV that initially grabbed your interest. What was it that so attracted you and when did you decide you wanted to get in the ring not just be a fan?
The bumps when you've never taken them before and the stretching if you get put through that ringer, not everyone appearance at the end of the ChickFight 9 card in Orpington does these days issuing a challenge for the title. Nothing came from that though, What memories do you have of your how disappointing was that? Not for ChickFight, but I did wrestle debut? Not many, believe it or not, a bit of a Amazing/Awesome Kong in Florida blur, but it was in Margate. Wow, I wish last year, so I got the match if not the title shot and it was a true pleasure to I could remember more! wrestle someone as unique and talented as Kong It's always a bit of a struggle being a female wrestler in the UK. Not that many companies have regular You're on record as saying that your favourite type of match is an women's matches, how hard did you intergender match, why is that? find it to get established in the There's no limit to how rough it can business? get, a lot of girls don't like to take the Pretty hard, once I got working in the US big moves that guys usually take I learned more about networking though You appeared for Chickfight at ChickFight 8 in Gloucester beating Bubbles and losing to Wesna, what was it like appearing on an all-women show and against such tough opposition?
On the same theme what was it like winning a title from a male opponent?
Its a pleasure to work such tough competition. Wesna is the bomb and I've got nothing but praise for Bubbles, she's so willing to learn and that will get her far
You're a big MMA fan, is that something that you'd like to get into in the future? I've dabbled, here and there, but I doubt I have a chance or doing it professionally
The athleticism and the drama, its a I
rememb er
yo u
maki ng
It was special, I realise now what a push I was getting!
an Was it a difficult decision to move
FIGHTING FEMALES to the States? Not at all, I love it here What do you miss most about being in the UK?
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Wrestlicious on its way thanks to Powerball
The food! and the sense of humour. Not really much Fox Network are to broadcast a new all-women’s promotion about the wrestling scene though called Wrestlicious later in the year and 13 half-hour episodes have already been filmed. Who have been your toughest opponents in the The company is being ran by 19-year old Jonathan Vargas and ring? he definitely has the money after winning $35.3m last year on Kong, April Hunter, the Powerball game and is using his winnings to pursue his Lexie Fyfe, Wesna, dream of being involved in the wrestling business. "It definitely Malia Hosaka, Candi always been a dream to be in the wrestling business. I grew up Divine watching Jimmy Hart, Greg "The Hammer" Valentine and Nasty Boy Brian Knobbs, and it seems surreal that they are all part of Wrestlicious now. We have assembled some of the best What are the best producers and talent in the business, I know in my heart and worst things Wrestlicious will be a home run" Vargas will appear in the show about being a pro as ‘JV Rich’, the laid back and affable Rapper/Owner of Wrestlicious. Regular features will include "JV's CRIB", a look at wrestler? the goings-on inside JV's mansion frequented by The The travel is the best, Wrestlicious Girls. the injuries are the worst Already confirmed for the show is Lacey Von Erich who’s been impressed by Vargas. “I thought he was very nice, and doesn't seem to be affected at all by his good fortune. He was totally How strong do you respectful to all the ladies on the set. He seemed to me to be think the women's wrestling scene is in the States involved in Wrestlicious solely because he genuinely loves at the moment? wrestling and not as a vehicle to meet young women" Its pretty much the same as its always been. I get steady enough work, but I don't think anyone is getting so many offers that they're turning work down The talent roster also includes Daizee Haze, Amber O’Neal, Lizzy Valentine, Mercedes Martinez, As well as appearing on regular shows you also do Daffney, Rain, Becky Bayless, Portia custom shoots, what are they like to take part in? Perez, Lexie Fyfe, Serena Deeb, Fun, easy. Its just like any other match only there's no Danyah, Roni Jonah, Christie Ricci and Trina Michaels. crowd to see your work Do you ever see yourself coming back to the UK to wrestle on a regular basis? Not really, I have a life here in the US. I have good work and when I'm not running my career, I'm supporting my boyfriend (son of 'The Legend" Tony Falk, LT Falk) in his career, so I've got everything I could want here
Lizzy Valentine (right) appears as ‘Candi Kisses’ and can’t wait for the show to launch telling us “I love Wrestlicious. All the girls got along, and the rest of the staff treated us so well. I have known Johnny Cafarella for a long time, and he is always a pleasure to work for. So far the reaction to Wrestlicious has been positive, so I am very excited for its TV debut!!
The Executive Producer and co-host of the show is Jimmy Hart How can my readers find out more about you and and he’s joined by former Diva Search contestant Leyla Milani. your career? Y o u c a n s e e a t r a i l e r a t http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei93yTpJSj0 Check out www.myspace.com/rocktasticrachey and my GLORY profile at www.glorywrestling.com
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TNA News Update Someone tell Angelina she’s the new Champion .Angelina Love is the new TNA Knockouts Champion after winning a three-way match against defending champion, Awesome Kong and Taylor Wilde at the ‘Lockdown’ PPV on April 19th. Love pinned Taylor Wilde to win the belt but has no memory of the victory. Writing on her MySpace page, the new champion confirmed “ I did receive a concussion from Taylor W ilde's top rope crossbody. Guess that’s her payback for us cutting her hair! I caught her hip-bone in my jaw and it knocked me clean out. Unfortunately, I don’t even remember winning! When I watch it back, I'll be able to try and put the pieces of my scrambled brains back together! And my jaw!” The new champion does have a few memories of the match though adding “It was a hell of a match and being inside a cage with those two was like nothing I can explain. Two former TNA Knockout Champions took it to me but somehow I made it out alive.” Love obviously faces some tough challenges ahead with Kong furious over losing her title without being pinned. However, Love has declared “It’s time to take this wonderful title to a whole new level................A BEAUTIFUL level! Angelina Love as TNA Knockout Champion will NEVER disappoint!! HOLLER!!!!”
Japanese Star heads for TNA but are Roxxi and Rhaka on their way out? Female Japanese star Ayako Hamada has announced she’ll be joining TNA in the near future. The daughter of Gran Harmada will leave for the States after the April 19th Ito Dojo Show. Hamada has wrestled a great deal in Mexico during her career. Meanwhile it looks as if Roxxi and Rhaka Khan could soon be leaving after being suspended for 60 days. The pair recently had a fight backstage.
Get Worried Angelina, Kong wants her title back! On the March 26th edition of Impact, Angelina Love declared that she wanted the Knockouts title. Later on the show, The Beautiful People (Love/Sky with Madison Rayne) beat Awesome Kong and Raisha Saeed. After the match all three Beautiful People tried to cut some off some of Kong’s hair (rather them than me) but the champion knocked them out of the ring. The following week on April 2nd the Beautiful People set their sights on cutting off some of Taylor Wilde’s hair. In the ring Wilde got a win over Madison Rayne but was attacked after the match by Love and Sky but they failed to get any hair as Wilde made her escape. Madison Rayne chased after her and we ended up with Wilde being attacked by Rayne in the shower and when Love and Sky arrived they finally managed to get some of her hair before security intervened. The Governor is no more thankfully. In a therapy session with Dr Stevie (Stevie Richards), Daffney discussed the Beautiful People cutting her hair and said that sometimes there are chemicals in the brain that can’t be fixed. On the 16th Awesome Kong, Taylor Wilde and Raisha Saeed beat The Beautiful People when Kong pinned Love. Kong tried to cut some of Love’s hair but Sky and Rayne made the save attacking all three of their opponents with Love spraying something into Kong’s eyes. hitting her with the title belt and then cutting her hair. The team of Abyss and Daffney beat Cody Deaner and ODB when Abyss pinned Deaner. At Lockdown as well as Angelina Love winning the Knockouts title, ODB won a four-way match against Sojourner Bolt (pinned), Daffney and Madison Rayne, On the 23rd New Knockouts champion Angelina Love was given a treat by Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne in the shape of some dancing boys. However the celebration was interrupted by Awesome Kong and Raisha Saeed. The Beautiful People made their escape so Kong gave one of the dancers an Awesome Bomb. For more i nf orm at i on go to www.tnawrestling.com
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Indy Update MsChif got a win over Mia Martinez on a Velocity Pro Daizee Haze beat LuFisto on a ROH card in Montrea held Impact Wrestling show in Evansville. For some great on April 17th, photos from the match then you need to go to http://bngaddis.com/fliesvipw41809.html On an ECPW card held at Clarkstown South High School on April 4th Liz Savage beat Teresa Lopez. Daizee Haze will be Action Packed Wrestling a p p e a r i n g a t t h e A n a r c h y Championship Wrestling event in Austin on April 26th. At 'Crowning Moment' takes place on May 16th with Daizee WPW’s ‘April Fool’s Mayhem’ held on April 3rd, Debbie Sue Haze taking on Sara Del Rey and Roxxi More information and Domanick Munroe beat Autumn Breeze and Dino at www.apwvt.com Devine. FCW Athena and Nobe Byrant lost a mixed handicap match to Aaron Eagle on a FEW card held in Tyler, Texas on April 4th. Rosa Mendez kept her Queen of FCW crown despite a In Top Rope Promotions on April 4th, Luscious Latasha and DQ loss to Angela after her opponent was attacked by a Barbie beat Mistress Belmont and Lea Morrison. masked man. After the match Rosa tried to attack Angela but she made her getaway so she attacked the masked man instead. In CHIKARA, Shark Girl beat Neveah in Easton on April 25th and the following night Sara Del Rey got a win over Shark Girl. BANG The next !BANG! TV Taping comes to the Funking Conservatory Sunday May 3rd Claudia "The Claw" Reiff will face Melissa Coats for the Women's Championship. T he chall enger is interviewed on pages 1619 of this edition and admits she faces a tough task telling us “Claudia's been trained by 2009 Hall of Famer Dory Funk Jr, so she's going to be a tough one! She's got Dory and Marti Funk on her side! But I know I'm resourceful, strong, and instintual, so hopefully I'll be on my game that day. “
Britanny Diamond and Rebecca Lynn face each other on a TCW card at Old Shoun’s School in Mountain City on May 2nd. In Canada, Traci Brooks appears on the BSE Pro Wrestling show at the Scugog Arena in Port Perry on May 10th. Team Blondage 2.0 and Daffney are booked to appear for Gulf Coast Wrestling at the Dothan Civic Center on May 29th while the following day ODB is on the Echo Wrestling card at the Bernick’s Pepsi Arena in Sartell.
Debbie Sue and Roxie Cotton (right) appear for WPW at the Riverside Beneficial Association in Reading on May 8th. Roxie Cotton The title match between Claudia 'The Claw' Reiff, Miss will be taking on Trixie Lynn at Charlotte and Miss Rachael is now online at www.dory- Wrestlefest at the Fraternal Order funk.com of Eagles in Fairless Hills on June 7th
Got a result from a show or want some free publicity? Send information to: mageditoruk@googlemail.com
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The world of professional wrestling has seen many of its stars pass away at early ages. It’s always a tragedy when that happens and sadly in Elizabeth Houlette, known to all wrestling fans as ‘Miss Elizabeth’ died. In the 1980s when being a valet didn’t mean showing as much flesh as possible, Miss Elizabeth was the best known female personality in WWE as we all followed her ups and downs with Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan. The day that Elizabeth died Brad Dykens from www.onlineworldofwrestling.com published this tribute to her. It can also be read at: http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/columns/obituaries/liztribute.html
My Tribute to Miss Elizabeth by Brad Dykens I don't make it a habit to pay tribute to fallen wrestling personalities with a big article or column. That would be a full time job. But when I heard about the shocking news of Elizabeth's passing, I felt compelled to say a few words in her honour. Liz had more class than all the divas in the WWE combined, and then some. Elizabeth broke into the wrestling business as a shy, soft-spoken, stand-by-your-man valet. Even Randy Savage, who treated her like crap, always came back for more of Elizabeth's sweet southern nature. I'm not afraid to admit it, I had Elizabeth's poster on my wall growing up. You know, that head shot with a ton of cleavage that made any man (or adolescent boy) drool with excitement. I even did my best to hand draw my version of the photograph (bare in mind I am not an artist). Elizabeth was the original diva. She, however, possessed a very important quality lost on divas who came later, class. You had to respect her. She was beautiful. She was classy and she stuck to her morals, no matter how badly she was treated in any storyline. She would never have gotten over in today's market. Vince McMahon would have laughed at her. That just goes to show how bad Vince's judgement has gotten over the years. She wasn't the best actress by any means, but she gave us some of the most memorable moments in the history of wrestling, and I am going to talk about a few of my favourite Liz moments: 1. While Elizabeth's debut character didn't exactly portray a great image of women, it eventually morphed into a great role. Early on, it was never acknowledged that Randy & Liz were married, but you could sense there was a relationship, and Randy Savage was very abusive towards her. Yet, she stuck by her man through it all and never was that so obvious when she through herself between Randy and Honky Tonk Man, to prevent her name from getting whacked with his guitar! 2. Sexuality had never been portrayed in WWF storylines, and Elizabeth didn't make a habit of it, but when she dropped her skirt at Summerslam 1988, it was enough to turn even Andre the Giant to stone (so to speak), helping the Mega Powers defeat Andre & Ted DiBiase! 3. When the Mega Powers exploded, the match that lit the fuse was definitely Elizabeth. Don't you just love the old days, when a storyline took a whole year to unfold, as opposed to the two weeks before a PPV like they do it now? The night
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that Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan finally broke up was all in the hands of Elizabeth, she got whacked (so to speak) and the drama went on from there. Hulk Hogan carried her backstage for urgent medical attention, leaving Randy Savage in the ring alone to fight the Twin Towers. When the Hulkster returned, he was met by a sharp slap to the face from Randy Savage. After Hulk finished the match, Randy Savage brutally attacked him in the backstage area! 4. Elizabeth and Randy went their separate ways for a while, Randy became a heel, and called himself the Macho King of Wrestling for a while. When he lost a retirement match to the Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania 7, Randy was left without a career. Queen Sherri was kicking him while he was down, and who should come his rescue? Miss Elizabeth! Randy Savage got to his feet, recuperated and embraced Elizabeth in one of the most emotionally charged moments in wrestling history! (I know I sound like Jim Ross but in this case, it was true!) 5. Shortly after their reunion, Randy Savage grew a set and asked Elizabeth to marry him in the middle of the ring. It all seemed a little cheesy until Elizabeth opened her mouth and said "Ohhhhh yeeaaahhhhhhhhhhhh" and then we KNEW it was A LOT cheesy. But it was great! 6. The wedding took place at Summerslam 1990, and went off without a hitch (really?) until the reception when Liz opened a gift and found a cobra snake inside! Jake Roberts & Undertaker appeared out of nowhere and harassed Liz with the deadly serpent! 7. Randy was still banned from wrestling, so he took up announcing, not a bad way to make a living, but Macho Madness had to run wild again soon. Randy was attacked on Television by Jake Roberts, who brought a venomous snake to the ring with him and allowed it to actually BITE Randy's arm! Out comes Liz to try to save her husband but to no avail, the damage has already been done. 8. When Randy & Liz met up in WCW a few years later, it was a different story. This time it was Liz screwing Randy! Liz managed to help Ric Flair defeat Randy Savage in a steel cage by slipping her shoe into the ring and Flair used it on Macho Man! Liz would then became one of three valet's for Ric Flair and the Four Horsemen. 9. If Elizabeth intended on staying a heel, she had to develop a mean streak to keep it believable. When she sided with her new real life boyfriend, Lex Luger, they had a short feud with Sting. Elizabeth took advantage of an opportunity to violently swing a baseball bat at Sting's head! This is an Elizabeth we have never seen before! 10. Unfortunately the final shocker came on May 1, 2003 when the world learned that Elizabeth had tragically died at the age of 42 as a result of an apparent overdose. I myself had no idea Elizabeth had been mixed up in such activity and find it unfortunate that such a beautiful lady was taken away from us in such an evil way. I always enjoyed Elizabeth, she was a true roll model for humanity and current wrestling Divas should get down and kiss the ground Liz walked on because she paved the way for all female wrestling personalities. Unfortunately somewhere along the way, they dropped the CL from CLASS.. Good Night Elizabeth, I love you just the same.. Rest in Peace...... Thank you for being you, Brad Dykens
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It’s always a Sunny Day when Tammy is around Fighting Females interviews Tammy Sytch The total package--looks, ringside ability, being photogenic for countless photo shoots, bring able to cut an interview and carry a storyline, charisma, and most importantly, understanding the psychology of a wrestling match. If you don't have that, all you are is a pretty cheerleader-- i.e. most girls in the business today.
He was fine with me getting more attention. The way he saw it was, he couldn't go out there and do my job, and I couldn't go out there and do his. He understood that, so he was fine with me getting over more
What was it like working with Jim Cornette in SMW? Jim Cornette was awesome--he referred to me as, " the female Jim Cornette". He is the perfect one to teach you how to do a promo. Would you have got into the wrestling business if you hadn't met Chris You also worked with Brian Lee in SMW, what was that like? Candido? Not likely. I was going to college to be a plastic surgeon, and it just so happened that I met Chris right before high school graduation. He was already wrestling, before he even graduated high school, so that was the only way I became involved.
Brian Lee was the first wrestler I ever managed, so it was an experience. he was dumber than a box of rocks, so most of the time it was a challenge. I had to carry him through matches and interviews even though I was green and really had no idea what to do.
. What was it like being a female member of the WWE roster at that time compared to the present day?
What are your memories of the early days of your career and did you find it On joining WWE what did you think For a while, I was the only girl on of the Bodydonna's gimmick that easy becoming a valet/manager? the road--which is how I like it. I'm a you were given? tomboy, and I've always gotten along better with men than women, Smoky Mountain Wrestling was an so I fit right in. I don't know if I could awesome place to learn my trade. I The BD's gimmick was OK. I loved my handle a locker room of 25 girls-actually found it very very easy to do what name, Chris hated his, but the that's a lot of drama and bullshit. I do--I don't know if it's easy for everyone, gimmick seemed to work. There are things I enjoyed more, but it was but I took to it like a duck in water. where I started, so I have to be Did you ever fancy becoming an grateful. actual wrestler? What in your opinion makes a good valet/manager? How did Chris feel when 'Sunny' No, I've never wanted to be a got more reaction than his wrestler. The few times I was forced character 'Skip'?
FIGHTING FEMALES to do it was fun, but I have long lasting nagging injuries from it today. I need back surgery within the next 2 years b/c I have 2 severely herniated discs in my lower back from taking bumps. It's not something I'd ever want to do full time. Do you regret the wrestlingvixxens website work that you did? I do regret doing the website. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but in hindsight, it's something I wouldn't do again. I was screwed out of a lot of money, and it's a decision I should have been wiser about. What for you were the highlights of working in ECW and WCW and how did the companies differ from WWE? ECW- working with my best friend Dawn Marie every night was a highlight. WCW--nothing was a highlight--it sucked balls there. The difference was neither company knew how to utilize my talents to the fullest extent like Vince and the WWF did, I think everyone was worried for you after the untimely death of Chris Candido, how difficult was it for you to get over that tragedy? When anyone experiences a death of a loved one, it's the toughest thing you could possibly go through. But I'm one of the strongest people I know, and for those who may have thought I was suicidal, well, you don't know me that well. Nothing and no one is worth killing yourself over. How much do you enjoy attending wrestling conventions and meeting the fans? One of my favourite things to do is wrestling conventions. I have so much fun meeting all my fans, and if anyone has ever met me at one, they would tell you how cool and friendly I am to EVERYONE! I make a point of making every single person I meet feel special, and I want them to walk away saying," wow, she was really awesome!" For m ore i nf orm ati on about Tamm y go to http://www.tammysytchonline.com and Tammy's MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/tammysytch where there's information about her career, future events and the chance to buy photos of the star.
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Lizzy Valentine At the age of 17 you were trained at ‘The Doghouse’ by the Long I s l a n d Wrestling Federation. You were taught the skills needed to become a valet and a manager, what was that like and what were the main skills that you feel are needed for that job? I learned the basics in the beginning, which is what your need to be a valet. It is very important to learn how to bump, and where to position yourself outside the ring. You have to make sure you are adding something to your partner, and not taking anything away from them. You obviously need to have some common sense too, haha. You’ve commented that Sunny was the reason you got into the wrestling business, what was it about her that so inspired you? I just always loved her. She was so pretty and confident, and I guess as a little girl that’s what I wanted to be. I looked up to her as a role model. You’ve managed wrestlers such as Dixie and Adam Pearce, what have been the highlights of your time working as a manager/valet and who have you enjoyed working with most? The highlight of my career as a manager was when I was on WSX working with Matt Sydal. We had good chemistry and my character was important. It was a great time. I’ve enjoyed being a manager for all of the guys I’ve worked with, because every experience is special in its own way and everyone brings something to the table More about Lizzy on pages 42 and 43.
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Extreme Memories from Francine There weren’t that many females in ECW (the real ECW of course) but those that were in the company were all memorable. None more so than the Queen of Extreme herself, Francine. It’s a busy time for her at present, not just organising the ECW Reunion event (more about that on page 21 of this edition), working for WEW and getting ready to give birth in the next few months. Here Francine looks back at her career and tells us more about the ECW Reunion and WEW. Thanks for the interview, firstly I have to ask how's the pregnancy going? Everything is going great. I'm 6 months pregnant now and couldn't be happier! You won a front row ticket for Monday Night Raw in a competition that also saw you shooting a commercial with Vince McMahon, what was that like and did that spark off your desire to get into the wrestling business? It was a lot of fun. I really wanted to get involved once I started watching ECW in 1993. That's when I called and started my training at the ECW Arena. December 1993 saw you join ECW and you were the first graduate at the ECW House of Hardcore training school, what was that training experience like? I was the only girl there, so it was hard at first. But I was determined to make it, so I kept at it and the rest is history. It wasn't until 1995 that you debuted as a fan of Stevie Richards, what are your memories of your first ECW appearance? Scared. I had to sit in the crowd with the fans and the Philly fans are really crazy. Plus I had to talk on the mic and that was pretty frightening as well. But fun nonetheless. How different do you think your career would have been if you'd taken up the offer to join WWE as 'Sister Love' and why did you turn that offer down? I'm sure it would of been completely different. But I am glad I stayed with ECW. I was just completely comfortable with the locker room and I was happy, so why leave and change anything? What was it about the company, both in and out of the ring that made it so memorable? That fact that we were a family. I love the boys and had a great 7 years there. What was Paul Heyman like to work with? Paul was great. So smart and talented. And willing to listen to our ideas.
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What are your memories of working with Beulah McGillicutty and was there any real rivalry between the women in ECW? Her and I had a great time together. We all got along for the most part. People fight sometimes and then you get over it. It's a job first and foremost, but it never really felt like work to me because I enjoyed it so much. What was the best feud you worked on in your time with the company? To many to mention! When you began with the company, did you imagine that your work would involve being power bombed through tables and being on the receiving end of moves such as piledrivers and 'Total Elimination'? No, because Tod Gordon said in my first meeting with him that I wouldn't have to take a bump lol. Thanks Tod! But I'm glad I did all that. It made me feel like I earned my spot. One such move saw you end up with a broken pelvic bone, what are your recollections of that injury and did it put you off taking bumps in the future? Not at all. Bam Bam didn't tell me what he was going to do to me, and accidents happens. I never blamed anyone for my injuries. You take a chance every time you get into the ring. I just wanted to work! How did the atmosphere change in the company as the financial problems grew and the future of ECW became more doubtful? We all became worried and depressed but as they say the show must go on. So we continued to work. Seeing there was still time left on your contract, what were your feelings when ECW finally closed down? It devastated me. It was my life for 7 years. I was so upset. 2002 saw you in TNA feuding with Elektra, Jasmine St Claire and Taylor Vaughn, those were the early days of TNA, what did you think of the company and why did you leave after the match with St Claire? I only signed a 4 night deal and they didn't know what to do with me anymore so that was pretty much it. I had fun while it lasted. In 2005 the Hardcore Homecoming and WWE's One Night Stand ECW reunion shows were held and you appeared on both. How did each show compare and how emotional was it for you being reunited with many of the original ECW roster? It was great to be involved with both shows and I loved seeing everyone again. I was happy to be on both shows. Following that appearance at One Night Stand, you signed a contract with WWE to appear on the new ECW brand working with Balls Mahoney in his feud with Kevin Thorn and Ariel. What did you think of this new version of ECW and was it disappointing you were released after only a few months? I wasn't happy there and asked for my release. I got it a month and a half later. I was relieved. I'm much happier now then I've ever been. It just wasn't my cup of tea.
FIGHTING FEMALES You're still very much working for WEW. They're not the average women's wrestling company with a mix of wrestling and adult content, how's the company progressing and will there always be that adult side to the company?
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Legends of the Arena set for June
I am the head booker and head writer for WEW so I am trying to focus more on the wrestlers rather then the adult content. But the PPV company wants that on there so my hands are tied with that. The company is doing well and we are having a great time. There are very few families that aren't affected by cancer and sadly last September saw former ECW Check us out at www.wextremew.com star Francine suffer double heartbreak. Both her father and her oldest sister passed away within a week of each other. More heartbreak followed a month later as her younger sister found out she had kidney cancer but thankfully an operation to remove one of her kidneys has helped her recover. To raise money for the American Cancer Society, Francine is organising an ECW reunion on June 27th at The Arena in Philadelphia With a portion of the ticket sales going to The American Cancer Society, June 27th 2009 will be a great night for all." Fans who purchase a superticket (limited to 240) costing $250. get a signed 8x10 of all the former ECW stars appearing at the fanfest (that begins at 1pm), a picture with your own camera and a Legends of the Arena Chair. Following the fanfest there's an "old school 'original' wrestling event.' with 750 general admission tickets available costing $50. In June, you're holding the 'Legends of the Arena' event in aid of the American Cancer Society. Can you tell my readers Confirmed to appear so far are recent WWE Hall of more about what they can expect on June 27th and the Fame inductee Terry Funk, Justin Credible, Joel Gertner, Chastity. Shane Douglas, Francine, The reasons for putting on the event? Sandman, Sabu, Al Snow (with Head), Bill Alfonso, My father and sister both died of cancer 4 days apart from each The Blue World Order (The Blue Meanie and Super other last September. My other sister had kidney cancer and beat Nova), FBI members Little Guido and Tracy it. So cancer has affected my family deeply. I know there is still a Smothers, Balls Mahoney, 'the artist formerly known desire for the original ECW product, so I wanted to have a as Spike Dudley', Justin Credible, Steve Corino, C W reunion using only former ECW talent at the former ECW arena Anderson, Tammy Lynn Sytch, Chris Hamrick, Tod and be able to make a donation to the American Cancer Society Gordon, Gary Wolfe, Jack Victory, Big Sal E. on behalf of my Dad and sister. The fans can expect a bit of the Graziano, Axl Rotten, Tony Devito, Jeff Jones, John past and a lot of fun. I can't wait! For more info, please go to Finnegan and Mike Kehner with more to be www.myspace.com/legendsofthearena announced. Ticket Prices for the event are "Legends Gold Circle" $250 includes all day all everything Fan Access, $50 General Admission seating is limited. General It's ok. People know what kind of show it is just by looking at the Admission is first come first serve as it where back in talent booked and where it is being held. Those letters don't have the day. The event is set to be produced to truly to be mentioned at all and you still know! taking you back to an era when things and life were simple, fun and just legendary. How frustrating is it that you can't use the ECW name?
How can my readers find out more about you, your career For more information go to www.myspace.com/ and all the ventures you're working on at present? legendsofthearena and to purchase tickets go to www.thearena.biz www.myspace.com/francinefournier
FIGHTING FEMALES Atomic Championship Wrestling (ACW) held its final show at Smokestown Fire Hall on April 25th. Their next show on May 30th will be at Manetas Park
PAGE 35 COMING SOON SHOOT INTERVIEW WITH DEBRA
Without a doubt, the biggest periods of pro wrestling in this generation were the late 1990s and early part of the decade. WWE and WCW were a part of popular culture as millions tuned in Monday night to see stars from both companies. Rarely did one superstar have the opportunity to make their An Indygurlz match has been confirmed for the New mark in both companies. One of those talents successfully Horizons Pro Wrestling show on June 20th at Boonton made her mark on both companies and her name is Debra Elk Lodge. Marshall. ACW Women's Champion Miss Dixe w/Emily Strange defended her title against Ashley Nicely w/Heavy D after IB Green hit a powerbomb on Nicely while the referee was distracted
Little Jeanne won the WWWA Women’s title on April 18th beating Trixie Lynn. The title had been declared Debra is one of only a handful of women to have successfully made the transition from one major company to another, in vacant due to Cindy Rogers being injured. the middle of the Monday Night Wars. Only few can give the perspective from both WCW in its prime and WWE in its prime. Debra Marshall can and does in the upcoming Hemme releases Digital EP exclusive RF Video, Inc. Shoot Interview. Christy Hemme may still be on the injured list but she has just released a digital EP on iTunes. "We are so excited to release a sound that continues to evolve as we strengthen and grow as a band," Hemme said. "This is just the beginning. It is so fitting that 'Don't Give Up' is the first song released, because it has been such a winding road up to this point. As a band, this was the song that we played and it kept us going, kept our heads up, and wouldn't let us stop believing in what we know we have to give from our hearts through our music." More info at http://www.myspace.com/hemmepowered
Debra first gained notoriety on screen walking legends like Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage to the ring. What did she learn from these legends? What did she learn from other veterans like Ric Flair and Arn Anderson? How hard was it to her gain acceptance from the locker room? What other WCW women were jealous and how did they attempt to break her into the business? The politics of WCW are discussed in length. What was it like for her marriage when she eclipsed her husband’s fame? How did Eric Bischoff and the others in management treat Debra as opposed to her husband? Was she clued in on all of the jokes made about her husband? What led to their divorce and how did it impact her future in WCW? Debra answers all of these questions and more.
Dangerous Women of Wrestling
Debra takes us through her first days in the WWE and the differences from her time in WCW. How did she adapt to being newly single in pro=2 0wrestling? How different was it to The DWOW archives will be available to the public later work in wrestling without her husband at her side? Who this year with over 150 shows currently being digitally opened their arms to her in the WWE locker room and who didn’t? remastered. In addition, an extremely large master website is being developed. One show at a time will be put online as the company aim to build the most complete website for DWOW ever with every show and appearance that they can get their hands on.
Debra pulls no punches when talking about her marriage to Steve Austin and the Chris Benoit tragedy. This was definitely a roller coaster of emotion for Debra Marshall. RF Video is there as we capture the laughs and the tears from one of the polarizing figures in sports entertainment. It becomes evident quickly how so many men This will include stories, write-ups, photos aplenty, were able to succumb to the charm of this sexy southern bell. screen caps, a blog and tons of video content with daily It is with great honor and pleasure that RF Video, Inc brings you the story of one of the most successful WWE Divas of the and weekly content planned decade, Debra Marshall. To order go to www.rfvideo.com
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WWE News and Views To Smackdown first and on March 27th The Colons and Brie Bella beat The Miz, John Morrison and Nikki Bella in a warm-up for the tag title match that got shoved off the WrestleMania card. Maryse retained her Diva’s title when her match against Michelle McCool ended in a no-contest after Gail Kim finally arrived back in WWE and attacked both wrestlers The March 30th edition of Raw saw an 18-Diva tag team match as Melina, Mickie James, Kelly Kelly, Gail Kim, Maria, Brie Bella, Eve Torres, Alicia Fox and Tiffany beat Maryse, Beth Phoenix, Rosa Mendez, Jillian Hall, Michelle McCool, Natalya, Nikki Bella, Katie Lea and Layla. Tiffany got the winning pin but after the match Santino Marella said he’d been in touch with WWE President Jack Tunney (who’s actually passed away a few years back) and said he was an equal rights pioneer. A swimsuit competition was suggested with Santino dancing around the ring in a mankini before the rest of the Diva’s kicked him out of the ring. Given that display we should have guessed what was going to happen at WrestleMania. That sorry event is discussed on the next page. April 3rd saw Gail Kim and Maria team up on Smackdown to beat Maryse and Michelle McCool The day after WrestleMania the ‘Santina’ storyline continued on Raw as ‘she’ explained how Santino was so upset about not being allowed to compete in the Diva’s Battle that it broke his heart but he’s delighted that his ‘sister’ won the match. The totally crazy Santina was even looking towards what the future held for his ‘sister’ dreaming of her posing for Sports Illustrated, meeting a nice man and having babies. Knowing WWE they’d probably film that! An increasingly irritated Beth Phoenix told Santino not to come into the Diva’s locker room again and challenged ‘Santina’ to a match but it was ‘Santina’ who got the win. The Smackdown show on April 10th saw The Great Khali get in on the great joke as he declared his love for ‘Santina’ and wanted to kiss her on his kiss-cam segment. Santino refused to get his ‘sister’ to have a hot date with him and got squashed by Khali. The draft began on the Raw episode filmed on April 13th. A win for the team of Maryse, Michelle McCool and Natalya over Melina, Mickie James and Kelly Kelly saw Women’s Champion Melina drafted to Smackdown. Maryse went the other way as a result of Matt Hardy beating CM Punk. The full draft sees Melina, Candice Michelle, Alicia Fox and Layla moving to Smackdown, Raw get The Bella Twins and Maryse while ECW get Natalya. On Smackdown on the 17th, Gail Kim got a non-title win over Maryse while Khali was still in love with Santina and can’t wait for his kiss. At the Raw taping on April 20th saw yet more ‘fun and games’ with Santino using a video to talk to his ‘sister’ to dispel the rumours that they were one and the same person but the tape went wrong. It all ended with Beth Phoenix revealing she’d spoken to Raw GM Vickie Guerrero and ‘Santina’ would have to kiss Khali at ‘Backlash.’ Phoenix may have got some revenge on Marella but she failed in her last attempt on Raw to take the women’s title from Melina who now moves to Smackdown. April 24th saw Maryse beat Gail Kim on Smackdown to retain her WWE Diva’s title before departing to Raw. Two women’s champions but no action for either of them as WWE concentrated on the Santina Marella storyline at ‘Backlash’ held on April 26th. Faced with the prospect of having to kiss The Great Khali he got little sympathy from Beth Phoenix. The former Women’s champion told Marella that he’d have to kiss Khali unless he admitted that he was ‘Santina’ but the deluded Italian told her that ‘Santina’ is a real woman and asked Phoenix to kiss Khali instead. That backfired as she refused not just to kiss Khali but Santino anymore. Finally ‘Santina’ made ‘her’ way to the ring and it seemed it wasn’t just women’s wrestling being taken for a ride but Jim Ross too. ‘Santina’ told Khali he couldn’t kiss him because ‘she’s’ in love with another man, namely JR (who apparently didn’t know this was going to happen). He definitely didn’t seem happy when Michael Cole came out with the line “Come on Mr. BBQ Man!” with JR responding “Mr. BBQ Man? Who fed you that line?” Out came Beth Phoenix who said she’d finally had enough and challenged ‘Santina’ for the Miss WrestleMania crown. An angry Khali chopped Phoenix allowing ‘Santina’ to get the win. However Khali then pushed ‘her’ into the corner and removed her bra causing ‘Santina’ to run away screaming. I guess Gail Kim looked on and thought she was a million miles from wrestling Awesome Kong on a PPV. Yet more farce on April 27th as ‘Santina’ Marella teamed up with Brie Bella, Kelly Kelly and Mickie James to beat Diva’s Champion Maryse, Jillian Hall, Rosa Mendez and Beth Phoenix. Only one Bella twin in the match? Of course not, Brie soon found herself going under the ring where Nikki was hiding and also Hornswoggle. ‘Santina’ got the win for ‘her’ team pinning Jillian but poor old Hornswoggle nearly died of a heart attack after looking up ‘her’ dress and finding out two meat and veg were on the menu.
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Candice Michelle on her way back and delighted to be on Smackdown Candice Michelle deserves a bit of good fortune in her career having missed far too much time due to injury. Her latest return is due to take place sometime in May and it’s on new pastures as she returns to Smackdown. It’s a move that has delighted her as she explained on her MySpace page in a recent blog. .“I am sooo excited! I was secretly wishing that I would be drafted this year to Smackdown! It has been a bumpy and unfortunate year for me with my injuries so I think Smackdown is the fresh start that I need to rev my engines! To top things off how exciting that the Woman's Championship also went to Smackdown! Ill be back soon and my eyes are back on the prize! It will be a fresh start mixing it up with these divas! I am sure that some will underestimate me, not mentioning any names...Michelle McCool...but its only to my advantage! It was so sweet of her to mention me in her blog it only shows that she has a bit of jealousy for me, it was kind of flattering! So, Thank-You! hehe... I feel welcome already and I haven't even been there yet!”
Just why did WWE have to disrespect the Women’s Division at WrestleMania?
Italian in drag. Santino Marella for some reason wanted to be part of the Diva’s Battle Royal but every effort to get himself included rightfully failed. However on the big day itself, his sister ‘Santina Marella’ took part in the Battle Royal and came out victorious.
I guess all the clues were well in place before WrestleMania 25 but on April 5th instead of celebrating the contribution female wrestlers had made to WrestleMania during its history, WWE turned the whole thing into a farce as Santina Marella became Miss WrestleMania.
The whole match was a shambles. No proper recognition of the returning Diva’s and notable absentees such as Lita, Trish Stratus and Alundra Blaze to name but three. It was just a brief card-filler that saw as many Diva’s and drag acts on screen as possible and a storyline that would give some WWE fans a few laughs for the next few weeks while everyone else just grimaces about the embarrassing storyline. Just why did WWE have to behave like this? Why not give proper recognition to former stars such as Sunny, Victoria and Molly Holly who have earned them plenty of dollars in the past? It’s the same with the tag division that saw its unification title match taken off the main card at late notice.
Women’s wrestling is just not being treated in the right way by WWE when they behave like this. Hasn’t the success of the Knockouts division in TNA taught them anything? I’m not asking for a twenty minute classic but surely the women’s title should be defended at WrestleMania? It had all started so promisingly as it seemed that perhaps we might be heading for a unification title match between Maryse and Melina. There was definitely tension building between them and the interference of Michelle McCool and the return of Gail Kim was giving hope to the women’s division. The ‘Playboy’ era had ended and there were no nude Diva’s to be seen but WWE all along weren’t planning for there to be a meaningful Diva’s match at WrestleMania.
As we report on page five of this edition, Trish Stratus, who surely one day must end up in the WWE Hall of Fame, didn’t feel the Battle Royal would be right for her to come out of retirement and take part in. Lisa Marie Varon (aka Victoriia) commented on her MySpace blog that “the Diva’s Battle Royal wasn’t exactly the tribute to 25 years of women’s wrestling that I was hoping it would be.” Another disappointment was the fact she didn’t get much camera time either but then again she’s not a man in drag. At a time when WWE needs to establish the new rosters after the draft, too much time is being wasted on this stupid storyline and that’s just not right.
A quick brawl between members of the Raw and Smackdown rosters led to a 25-Diva Battle Royal for the Miss WrestleMania title. The current crop of Diva’s would be joined by some faces from the past and a supposed
It seems Santino Marella isn’t the only guy who’s winning something you’d usually associate with women as Rick Cataldo is ‘Miss April’ on the WUW website (http://www.wuwonline.com)
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Three into Two won’t go So who’s Leaving the Beatdown Betties in June? They say that two’s company and three’s a crowd and boy is that the case in the Beatdown Betties. In just a months time though that won’t be the case anymore because someone is going to be thrown out of the group forever when Annie Social takes on Rick Cataldo in a Loser leaves the Beatdown Betties match at WSU’s ‘Uncensored Rumble’ card on June 6th. D-Day is approaching so time to take a look at the feud with quotes from Cataldo, Social and Roxie Cotton. As you’ll read there’s more than your fair share of animosity between the three and Rick Cataldo is so not going to get any Christmas cards from Roxie or Annie this year.
Cataldo that he had to pay to watch the show and was at ringside as Annie Social faced Traci Brooks. Cataldo was furious at what was happening telling ‘Fighting Females’ “You know I'm not going to lie; I was, and still am, very heartbroken. You know without me, there would be no Beatdown Betties, Without me, Annie Social, Roxie Cotton, and even Sean Hanson wouldn't have such status as they do in WSU. Without me, Annie Social and Roxie Cotton would not have all these chances working in other promotions such as JAPW. Hell, without my popularity if you want to call it that, there would be no WSU Tag Team Division. So I can not begin to describe to you how truly hard it is for me to not be part of "their team"
To become a member of the Beatdown Betties didn’t require the greatest of wrestling CV’s. Neither Rick Cataldo or Roxie Cotton had won a match in WSU so the pair decided to make a pact to watch each other’s backs but as Rick Cataldo told us “We had no idea nor did anyone else, what was in store for this tag team of ours that led into a stable but it has gained a lot of attention and I’m proud of it.”
It was perhaps inevitable that Cataldo would interfere in the Social v Brooks match and his actions cost Social the match. Enraged at what had just happened, Social told Cataldo he was no longer a member of the Beatdown Betties and they never wanted to see him again. Cataldo claimed his “intentions were good” and that he wanted Annie to win but her reaction totally shocked him. “I felt like I was in a circus when Annie said what she said. I felt like I was in the presence of a damn clown cracking jokes when Annie had the nerve to tell me I'm no longer apart of The Beatdown Betties, Annie Social was brought into that team because of ME! Then she wants to do me better, and throw me out of WSU all together? The truth is, Annie Social, simply and clearly stole my spotlight. She is carrying a title that represents the tag team division that I helped built, so now she is this High Goddess? My plans for the January show is to put that no good, selfish, ignorant, back stabbing The Beatdown Betties still BITCH in her place! Soon after I accomplish that, I will find found it difficult to win matches though that wasn’t myself on top of the WSU food chain, because that is surprising as their first opponent was Awesome Kong. where this Diva belongs!” However as the WSU tag team division gained momentum, the Beatdown Betties suddenly started winning matches January 10th came and Rick Cataldo still needed to be rewith wins over The Soul Sisters and Team Wigwam and instated to WSU. His close friend Sean Hanson even went with Annie Social now on board the team were starting to on strike until Cataldo was back in the company. Things gain momentum. began to go downhill for the Beatdown Betties as Annie and Roxie faced the challenge of Taylor Wilde and Amy That was definitely the case when they shocked the world Lee in a title defence. In less than three minutes the by winning three matches in one day to become the first challengers won the titles. Now the Beatdown Betties ever WSU tag team champions. But perhaps that was the weren’t just minus Rick Cataldo but the tag titles too. high point of their time together as the rivalry between the three began to cause problems. The day got better though as firstly Rick Cataldo was reth
On November 29
things had gotten so bad for Rick
instated to the company and the Beatdown Betties used their rematch clause to get a crack at the tag belts in a
FIGHTING FEMALES match that also included Team Wigwam and the pairing of Kylie Pierce and Lea Morrison. Again though the tensions in the Beatdown Betties erupted but this time with surprising results. During the title match Cataldo came to the ring and tried to hit Annie Social with one of the tag belts. However he missed Social and instead hit Amy Lee! Social, Cataldo and Cotton all pinned the stricken Lee and once again the Beatdown Betties were WSU tag team champions. But as the headline says, three into two won’t go and that was proved as Cataldo and Social rowed over ownership of the tag belts while Roxie Cotton looked on. Social challenged Cataldo to a Loser leaves the Betties match on March 7th but Social couldn’t have predicted what would happen next.
PAGE 39 The War of Words continues
Roxie Cotton has been pretty quiet on this subject until now. Winning the tag titles meant everything to her “OMG Like I so felt like the raddest chick alive, like ya know? But then the problems between the other two members of the Beatdown Betties began to erupt, how did Roxie feel about that? “O it was like so bogus. like I don't really know how it started n like at the time I totally didn't care because I was trying to find outfits that On an NWS card on February 7th Social and Cotton lost the tag belts match. But its like so bumming me out now.” to the rookie team of Miss April and Brooke Carter. Worse was to come as Annie Social was viciously attacked and the injuries inflicted by the mystery attacker meant she was unable Then at the Second Anniversary show, to face Cataldo on March 7th at the Cataldo turned on her, how shocked was Second Anniversary Show. Roxie after what happened? “OMG like so confused n like pissed off. like its a tag TEAM like its a team effort. you can't just like blame Instead of the loser leaves the Betties me he was there too. n after J-cup like what match, Rick Cataldo teamed up with the hell right like totally had nothing to do with Roxie Cotton in an attempt to become him that I lost so like why come after me n three-time champions by beating Miss mess up my hair?” April and Brooke Carter. They came up short and then Cataldo attacked his tag partner. That upset Amy Lee who had So now Annie Social isn’t the only one upset already complained bitterly about the with Rick Cataldo. I sent him the comments fact Cataldo was even allowed in the that Roxie had made and asked him for his company, she came to the ring and reaction. “"So I got wind of what Roxie attacked Cataldo. Cotton had to say to Fighting Females and I just want to personally make it clear that there has been problems from the start of Time for the war of words to go into overdrive. In the last edition of The Beatdown Betties. If Roxie had spent ‘Piledriver Online’ Rick Cataldo spoke out declaring “You see, I was more time focusing on the problems that supposed to face Annie Social, the loser would have to leave The Annie ALWAYS had, instead of worrying Beatdown Betties ... but she supposedly was jumped at a prior show and about her hair; then who knows perhaps the suffered concussions, forcing her not to compete. I personally think that’s three of us would be in harmony, but a load of bull and she is just too damn scared to fight me! But, unfortuently it has come to this... and this is nevertheless Roxie and I had the chance to regain my WSU Tag Team going to end June 6th when finally take those Championship belts. and ha well my former shopping buddy screwed that two air heads out once and for all!" up.” That of course led to Cataldo attacking Cotton or as he told ‘Piledriver Online’ “I already put Roxie in her place.” Now he’s after Annie There’s one person left to make some Social adding “I'm still waiting until I get my hands on Annie and give her unpleasant comments as the showdown gets the beating like the white trash filthy skank she is!” Just days after those ever and ever closer. Over to Annie Social. “If that pickle-kissing fruit cup Cataldo thinks comments were published online, the J-Cup tournament took place and the problems in the Beatdown Betties multiplied even further. The first him and his boyfriend are gonna beat me and round saw Annie Social lose to Angel Orsini and after the match Cataldo Roxie, he's out of his mind. On June 6th he revealed that it was he who attacked Annie Social on February 7th. Roxie will be hurt, embarassed and forced to leave Cotton lost her first round match to Miss April and after the match Rick the Betties once and for all. Once he's gone, Cataldo tried to attack Cotton only for Annie Social to intervene, throwing we'll be get our focus back and take back him into the ring to be attacked by both Social and Cotton. Social then what's ours, the WSU Tag belts. Just set up that Loser leaves the Betties match again, this time for the June 6th because this idiot has been monopolizing our time doesn't mean we forgot about everyone show. Three into two won’t go but just who’s leaving? else”
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Parade of Champions
USA NWA World Women’s Champion: MsChif SHIMMER SHIMMER Champion: MsChif Tag Champions: Ashley Lane and Navaeh TNA Knockouts Champion: Angelina Love WSU Champion: Mercedes Martinez Tag Champions: Miss April and Brooke Carter( top right) WWE WWE Champion: Melina Diva’s Champion: Maryse Miss WrestleMania: Santina Marella ACW Women’s Champion: Miss Dixie AIW Women’s Champion: To be decided in one-night tournament on May 15th BANG Women’s Champion: Claudia ‘The Claw’ Reiff Inter-Gender Tag Champions: Miss Charlotte and Jumbo Elvis DCW Women’s Champion: Brittany Force (aka XTC) (bottom right) DWF Women’s Champion: Amy Lee NEW Women’s Champion: Roxie Cotton NWA Impact Zone Wrestling Women’s Champion: Erica D’Erico (self proclaimed) OCW Women’s Champion: Sara Del Rey PGWA Women’s Champion: Tracy Taylor
FIGHTING FEMALES Powerhouse Wrestling Women’s Champion: Sammi Lane UCW Women’s Champion: Diane Von Hoffman WCEW ThunderGirls Champion: Fantasia WEW Women’s Champion: Simply Luscious WPW Women’s Champion: Debbie Sue WWWA Women’s Champion: Little Jeanne WXW Women’s Champion: Vacant Mid-Missouri Wrestling Alliance Women’s Champion: Alexis Lightfoot Canada ALF Women’s Champion: LuFisto (top right) ECCW SuperGirls Champion: Veronika Vice GCW W.I.L.D. Champion: Deanna Conda PWA Elite Women’s Champion: Nicole Matthews Europe: GSW: Blue Nikita CIL: Bacardi (bottom right) IWCA: Allison Danger ICW: Lisa Schianto EWA: Fuka Queens of Chaos World Champion: April Hunter European Champion: Sarah ‘Minx’ Jones UK RQW: Jetta HCW:UK: Roxi RDW: Sweet Saraya WAWW: Sweet Saraya W3L: Sara
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Lizzy Valentine is just one of the names used by the subject of this interview. Whatever name used though this young star has always put 100% effort into her career whether it be as a wrestler or a valet. Here Lizzy talks about her career as a wrestler performing all over the world. On page 25 Lizzy tells us about her next big venture and looks at her career as a valet/manager on page 31.
From the Performing Arts to Pro Wrestling The Story of Lizzy Valentine
You were initially a musician, what was life like at the Professional Performing Arts School in New York and performing a solo at the Carnegie Hall? the wrestling business, what was it about her that so inspired you? I love music, and had the best time during High School. Everyone was into their art, which is very motivating. I met a lot of determined and talented people which helped me become very focused and driven towards my own goals. I love to be in front of the crowd, so performing at Carnegie Hall was one of the biggest accomplishments in my life. It was definitely an honour. Was it a hard decision to instead get into the wrestling business rather than continue the musical career?
I just always loved her. She was so pretty and confident, and I guess as a little girl that’s what I wanted to be. I looked up to her as a role model. Your mother didn’t approve of your decision so you didn’t tell her you were going to wrestling school, how much did her v i e w s disappoint you?
Actually no. I al wa y s l ov ed wrestling, and just I don’t really care. To each is their own, and some started to grow people just aren’t fans of wrestling haha. out of music. What influence did Samu have on your career? At the age of 17 you were trained at ‘The Doghouse’ by the Long Island Wrestling Federation. You were taught the skills needed to become a valet and a manager, what was He is the one who got me to transition from manager to that like and what were the main skills that you feel are wrestler. He booked me on an overseas tour for the needed for that job? troops, and told me I had three months to learn how to wrestle, and that’s what I did. I trained my butt off and had some great matches against Malia Hosaka on that I learned the basics in the beginning, which is what your need tour. to be a valet. It is very important to learn how to bump, and where to position yourself outside the ring. You have to make sure you are adding something to your partner, and not taking You were trained as a wrestler by Homicide. What anything away from them. You obviously need to have some was he like as a trainer and what was the most common sense too, haha. difficult part of the training process? You’ve commented that Sunny was the reason you got into
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I LOVED working for WSX. I loved that they gave exposure to a lot of the workers on the indy scene. It was fresh and exciting with very interesting concepts. Unfortunately it wasn’t getting the ratings that MTV was hoping for, so that’s why it ended so quickly. You’ve also done some acting work and appeared in the series ‘Nip/Tuck' What was that like and is acting something you’d like to do more of in the future? Nip/Tuck is one of my favourite shows, so I was stoked to be there. Most people don’t realize that acting is not the most glamorous job though. You usually sit there for hours and hours bored out of your mind till your scene is ready. I am definitely into doing more acting in the future, and have some projects in the works but wrestling has always been my main dream. Who have been your toughest opponents? Malia Hosaka, Rain, ODB .Recently you’ve had a controversial stay in Mexico with Homicide is an awesome trainer. He was tough on me, AAA that ended after backstage problems that on your but in a good way. The hardest part was doing drills. MySpace page you said “absolutely disgusted me” How Rolling and bumping over and over is torture. One time disappointing was that experience? he even made me take 50 bodyslams in a row, that hurt! It was really disappointing because I was there for 8 months waiting for that opportunity to come along, and for it to end so What are your memories of your pro debut? poorly after just two shows really sucked!! The ring was really small, 10x10, and it was in a bar. I You’ve worked in the Middle East and Alaska, wrestling for remember winning with a tornado DDT. the troops, what are those shows like, I imagine they're extremely satisfying in providing some much needed relief You appeared in TNA as ‘Cheerleader Valentina’, for the troops? what was life like in the company and was it disappointing that your stay there was a relatively It was one of the best experiences of my life, and I would love to short one? do it again. Everyone was sooo happy to see the wrestlers, and it is something that I will never forget. Bless their hearts! I had a lot of friends there that I enjoyed seeing every week, so I was definitely disappointed that I was only How can my readers find out more about you and your there for a short time. I was looking for TNA to be a career? long term job for me. My website is www.LizzyValentine.com but I update my You also appeared in the MTV series ‘Wrestling myspace page and post bulletins regularly. The link is Society X’ working with Matt Sydal. What was that www.myspace.com/lizzyvalentine. Thanks to all the fans that show like to work on and why do you think it ended support me. I love you guys. so quickly?
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Indy News Brittany Forcer retained her DCW Women’s title beating Roxxi Laveaux on April 25th . but it looks as if the champion is going to have some serious problems with Lorelei Lee who came to the ring during the title match and her presence nearly cost Force the title. Earlier on the show Force had attacked Lee as she celebrated her win in a tag team match that had seen her partner Sassy Stephie and Sara Brooks to victory over Angel Dust, Morgan Rockafeller and Autumn Breeze. On April 11th in WXW Betsy Ruth beat Leva (dressed as 'Wolverine') after a powerslam.
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JAPW to hold Double Header on May 9th On May 9th JAPW hold their first ever Double Header with a Women’s Division show at 4pm followed by a main JAPW roster show at 8pm. Matches confirmed so far see Awesome Kong take on Sara Del Rey, Roxxi faces Daizee Haze and it’s Raisha Saeed v Jenifer Blake. The events take place at the Rec Center in Rahway, G&A Combo tickets for both events are $20.00. G&A for the 4pm Women's show only are $15.00. G&A for the 8PM Main show only are $12.00. Ringside combo tickets for both events are also available, for more info email Frank at fatfrkjap1@aol.com
Also confirmed for the show are Cheerleader Melissa, Amber, Annie Social (who recently beat Miss April in JAPW) Mickie Knuckles is having problems left, right and centre and Roxie Cotton with more to be confirmed. For more info at the moment in IWA-MS. At the ‘April Bloodshowers go to www.japw.net Part One’ show held on April 3rd Mickie lost to Rain in a First Blood match though it was actually tomato ketchup but the ref, who’d been thumbed in the eye by Rain, Lorelei Lee wins Ladies Nite tournament couldn’t tell the difference. Later on the card Mickie tried to make the save as The Hooligans attacked The Bad Breed only to be on the receiving end of several chair In OCW on April 18th the Ladies Nite tournament was held. shots. . The following day it was ‘April Bloodshowers Part In the first round, Hailey Hatred beat Mary Elizabeth Monroe, Two’ and the team of Mickie Knuckles and The Bad Breed beat Rain and The Hooligans in a Chicago Street Fight. Lorilei Lee beat Sassy Stephie and Jessika Havok beat The feud with the Hooligans was to be resolved on April Neveah. The three losers then competed in a triple threat 25th but the scheduled show was cancelled. match for a spot in the semi-finals and it was Stephie who In ECCW, Nicole Matthews and Kenny Lush beat Veronika Vice and Sid Sylum on April 24th at the Bridgeview Hall in Surrey. After the match Vice kicked Sylum in the groin. He then tried to reconcile with former girlfriend Matthews only to get a second kick where it really hurts. The following night at the Centennial Building in Nanaimo, Matthews teamed up with Kyle O’Reilly to get another win over Vice and Sylum.
got the win. In the semi-finals, Lee beat Hatred and Havok defeated Stephie. Lorilei Lee won the tournament beating Havok in the final. Also on the card, Sara Del Rey retained the OCW Women’s title with a victory over Rain.
On April 18th Sabrina Kyle beat Portia Perez on an EWLS Tracy Brooks takes on ‘Au Naturelle’ Kelly Couture on a show held at the Brooklin Community Centre BSE Pro Wrestling show at the Theriault High School Gym in Timmins, Ontario.
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