Wrestling Interview With ChaCha
Visit Our New Wrestling Forum WarnedForums.com
Interview Conducted By E L Farrell
Monday, November 13, 2006
Today we Interview Indy Wrestler ChaCha. ChaCha is from Miami, Florida. First off thanks for doing this interview ChaCha!
Thanks for having me!
How did you get into pro wrestling?
Well, I've always been a fan -- I think every wrestler starts out that way, loving the characters, the stories that unfold, etc. Anyhow, I followed wrestling for most of my life. It was something I really liked, but as I got older really didn't share with others. (I did a lot of dance and theater growing up, and most of my friends probably wouldn't have understood my appreciation for pro wrestling.) The thing is that as time went by, I really began to respect technique involved in pro wrestling as opposed to the sheer entertainment aspect that the average fan might. I saw wrestling as an extreme form of theater -- it spoke to me because it related closely to what I was already pursuing: these people were telling a story (like acting) and using their bodies in a way that often defied explanation (like dance). It also involved an elevated level of athleticism, which I saw as a challenge (I was always a performer, but while I was a bit of a tomboy I was admittedly NEVER an athlete beyond gym class!). In my mind, making the move to try it myself was really the next logical step. Once I was out of college I met people who followed the Northeast indy circuit and I got into it myself. Once I had this closer look at the drive that these workers possessed, I was inspired. Luck was on my side, and there turned out to be an amazing school right in the city where I live. I couldnt have planned it better if I tried -- things just seemed to fall together.
Who were trained by? What was your training like?
I trained under TNA's Jay Lethal at the American Wrestling Alliance (AWA-NJ) in Union City, NJ. (I also absolutely owe a mention to Azrieal and Alicia -- Ive learned a lot from them along the way as well!) Right from the start, training consisted of instruction in everything fro chain wrestling techniques, to maneuvers, to psychology, to proper physical fitness and cardio upkeep (drills, etc.). I was the only female training in a class of males, but I did my very best to keep up with the rest of the class on every step. My main goal going in (and even to this day) was to not learn the stereotypical "chick kicks" and hair pulling that (in my opinion) too many ladies over the years defaulted to in the ring.
Who was your favourite Wrestler or Wrestlers growing up?
Ricky Steamboat, Molly Holly and Jake Roberts are at the top of my list. Others that rank high are DiBiase, Savage, Regal, Sherri Martel and Owen Hart.
What was your first match like and who was it against?
Technically, my first match was a mixed tag which I worked alongside the team I've managed since I started (Joe Hardway and Brian Brass) and against Melissa Stripes and the team of Style and Finesse (Mike Donovan and Rob Vegas). I didn't get to do a terrible lot in the ring that night, because the build to the match had been huge, and my big moment was reserved more for the climax of the match. It was a lot of fun though, and I have to admit that nothing comes close to stepping into that ring and hearing the crowd chanting your name!
My first singles match was opposite Alicia. I really enjoyed that match (as well as every match that i've had the pleasure of working with her), because I think that she and I share a similar energy in the ring -- it's 110% every time. We pull no punches with one another, and I think that makes for excellent intensity!
Describe your wrestling Gimmick?
There's not too much to tell here -- I'm very much "what you see is that you get"! I'm high energy -- often described as spunky. I love interacting with the crowd and making sure they're having an amazing time. Fans *should* be loud and crazy -- after all, it's a wrestling show, not a library!! If I had to share something about what's behind it all, I'd say that I honestly believe that women's wrestling is far more than just prancing around and looking cute... and truth be told, I'm actually pretty averse to ladies who have nothing going on in the technical realm. I can back up my (often loud) mouth with my skill in the ring -- and in my eyes there's nothing more exciting than facing a competitor who's as personally invested and respectful of the art that is pro-wrestling as I am.
What are your favourite wrestling moves?
There's no attitude problem a nice, stiff, snap DDT can't fix. I'm also big on submissions -- my personal favorite is my "Cuban Deathlock" (aka Muta Lock).
Have you ever been seriously hurt in the ring?
Thankfully, no!
What is your most memorable professional moment so far in your career?
I'd have to say that stepping into the ring for my first match has been my most memorable thus far... the crowd was going nuts, as I'd been managing for the promotion for months ahead of my in-ring debut. It was amazing to finally feel the electricity of the crowd while stepping between the ropes as opposed to doing the bulk of my work from the outside looking in. Also, I was thrilled to be a part of the 2006 WXW Elite Eight Women's Tournament. I think the event holds a measure of prestige, and I appreciated the chance to be a competitor this year!
Who has been your toughest opponent to date?
Again, I'd give this to Alicia. Chop for chop, punch for punch I can always count on her to bring her "A" game.
Who would be your dream opponent?
Nora Greenwald (aka Molly Holly), hands down.
What promotions have you worked for? Which one was your favourite?
So far I've worked for AWA-NJ, WXW, WWWA, CRW, and EBW. I've also managed on shows for DWI and the PW Elite Diamond Division. I'm only now beginning to "spread my wings" so to speak as far as working outside my home promotion. I can say however, that every promotion has its quirks and strengths. Every crowd is different. I could never pink a single promotion as being my favorite, per se... but I can tell you that the AWA-NJ crowd is intense and always a lot of fun! Maybe I'm just sentimental because it's home... but the AWA crowd never disappoints!
What do you think has been your best match so far in your career?
I was recently a part of a four way for the women's title at AWA with Alexa Thatcher, Melissa Stripes and Alicia -- I think that match was extremely solid and definitely holds a distinct spot for me.
Are there any Wrestling Promotions you have not worked in that you would like to work in the future?
I'd love to get out there and work as many promotions as possible, to be honest. I think there's something to be learned from every experience, and I look forward to the opportunity to shows the most people possible what ChaCha's got to offer!
What is your opinion on WWE and TNA? Do you watch either?
I think that any exposure pro wrestling can get is a good thing... and that competition often breeds the best from every party. That's all I really have to say about that.
Do you have any Hobbies or interests outside wrestling?
Of course! I'm an avid reader and writer -- I've taken to blogging as of late, and have a pretty solid readership via my MySpace site (http://blog.myspace.com/melichacha). I also love to sing and perform on stage as well as the squared circle -- I'm a regular at my local karaoke spot! Aside from that, I'm keenly interested in politics, am a huge comedy fan, and (here's a random fact for you) my mind is a virtual treasure trove of random pop culture trivia.
Where do you hope to see yourself ten years from now?
I honestly couldn't tell you. Had you told me five years ago that I would now be pursuing pro wrestling I probably would have laughed at you... but I can say this: Wherever this road is set to take me, I'm prepared to pursue it with my eyes open and a hopeful (but realistic) mindset. The sky's the limit!
Any last comments you'd like to make?
Simply for everybody to keep an eye out -- 2007 is ChaCha's year! Please visit my sites for updates... My Calendar is regularly updated on MySpace -- http://www.myspace.com/melichacha and there's always something new on my official site (which is still a work in progress...) http://www.ChaChaOnline.com! I can be contacted for booking info or anything else at ChaCha@ChaChaOnline.com