Interview with Gail Kim
In March 2006 fans had the opportunity to send in questions for Gail Kim to answer as part of her RHD Interview. We took the best questions from the fans and mixed them in with some of our own and gave Gail the opportunity to pick which she'd like to answer… here is the interview.
What made you want to become a professional wrestler, knowing that it was and, to an extent, is a male-dominated sport?
I didn't think about that when I entered the wrestling world... all I thought about was that I loved wrestling and that I wanted to do it.
What did your friends and family think when you informed them of your desire to become a pro wrestler?
I was hesitant at first to tell many people because it sounds kind of wacky! "hey.... I'm thinking that I want a career in professional wrestling..." i don't think that's really a common career choice. :) But when I did tell friends and family , surprisingly, no one was really surprised by my choice and fully supported me.
What advice would you give to any readers that might be thinking about becoming a professional wrestler?
Well, first I would say if you are truly passionate about wrestling, you should definitely believe that it will happen and be patient. don't give up... because it can happen. To women out there, it is a frustrating experience sometimes. especially now, if you want to beome a "wrestler" it seems like there is not much out there right now. Hopefully, things will change again... I am hopeful for that.
Backyard wrestling? Good or bad
Dangerous...
Many fans argue that Sable and Sunny paved the way for a new generation of women in pro wrestling and gained the long-overdue attention of the public eye. Do you agree with this or, like other fans, do you feel that women's wrestling would've naturally evolved?
I definitely think that they paved the road for us gals... I do think however that it would have naturally evolved as well... there have been many women that have come through the wrestling world that have made their mark... and hopefully many more.
You debuted on an episode of RAW and won a Battle Royal to become the Women's Champion. What was going through your mind that night and did you feel that there was any resentment from the other ladies in regards to your title victory?
I have hear this question so many times and I still can't think of what was going through my mind that night.... you have to remember that it was my debut night so I was nervous. It was all a blur... if there was any resentment, I never felt it... the girls were great.
The current travel schedule for the WWE is pretty tough. Wrestlers are not only working the weekly television show but also several house shows and the WWE are increasing the number of overseas tours. Many wrestlers can handle the travel schedule but some, like Brock Lesnar, have found the schedule to be too demanding. How did you cope with life on the road, who were your road buddies and did you have any favourite cities that you loved to perform in?
It became such a routine that I didn't mind it... but I didn't have the heavy schedule like some of them. Some have appearances on their days off and never see home. I did at least normally have those days off to rest... but it can be gruelling for the busy individuals... too much though. I think they need to realize that it is a year long sport and that there is no off season and people need rest to stay healthy and give it their all. My road buddies were Victoria, Nidia and Stacy normally. We had so much fun.... that's what I miss. Favorite cities? Toronto of course, most Canadian cities were great. Chicago and Texas was great as well. I would have to say that my best matches were in Tucson Arizona though.
What kind of workout do you do? And how many hours per week on average do you spend working out?
I workout 5-6 days a week. just at the gym. I love to lift weights so working out is not a chore to me.
What would you call your best physical feature?
I guess people say they like my smile... I like my legs. I've worked so hard for them!
We'll put you on the spot right now. Of all your countless matches, which do you consider your best?
Vs. Nidia. Sunday Night Heat.... one of my last matches in WWE. Didn't have an angle with her, just worked our butts off for a great match.
In 2004 the WWE staged a $250, 000 Diva Search Contest and crowned Christy Hemme as the winner. They then went and hired many of the eliminated ladies alongside other models. What were your thoughts on the contest?
I thought, who else wouldn't enter this contest for $250 000?! So I don't blame them. As for hiring all the other girls, that was a business decision made by WWE. They wanted to change the face of the women's division which I was told and they have. Everything happens for a reason and I wouldn't be with TNA if it wasn't for that change.
Many of our readers, all of whom are big fans of women's wrestling, were shocked and outraged when the WWE suddenly released you, Nidia and Jazz. Fans were even more so puzzled as to why you had been released since you were apart of RAW earlier in the week. What was running through your mind when you got the call, did you have any idea prior to the call that it was coming or were you as shocked as we were?
No, I didn't have any idea... because yes, I was on raw that prior show starting an angle. Thoughts running through my mind? None... just kind of confused. But like I said before, I wouldn't be where I am now.
Talk to us about how you came to join TNA?
I got the phone call from them and we talked about what my role would be... I have also worked with many of the wrestlers from TNA previously and knew there was real talent there... it just went from there.
With the addition of Miss Jackie, would you like to see TNA possible launch its own women's division in 2006?
I have said this so many times before... I WOULD LOVE FOR TNA TO START A COMPETITIVE WOMEN'S DIVISION!
You've been working closely with Jeff Jarrett since joining TNA. What's it like working with one of the key players in TNA?
It's been great! I love working with Jeff and AMW. It's been a learning experience working with these guys and it's different for me now because I was used to wrestling all the time and now I'm being used in a different way now, so I'm happy for the experience.
TNA recently announced that it was going to release a Knockouts DVD featuring yourself and the other ladies of TNA. What can fans expect to see if they purchase the DVD this summer?
I don't know yet... but I hope that it gives the fans a look at a different side of us.
Leather or lace?
Both
Kiss on the first, second or third date?
I don't kiss and tell.
Favourite movie?
Gosh! There are so many.... I love The Notebook for romance and Wedding Crashers for comedy. I love Vince Vaughn.
Which Hollywood actress would you love to see play yourself in a bio-pic?
I don't know... that's a hard one. gotta think about that.
We've heard you're currently involved in a movie project, is this true and if so, would you like to share any details on it?
Yes... it was an independent movie called princess. I played an assassin named Nadia. More details to come....
Favourite television show?
TNA Impact of course! Besides wrestling? Anything on the Food Network!
If RedHotDivas.com were to take you out for a meal, what would we order?
I eat a lot! But a typical meal might be a salad to start with balsamic vinaigrette on the side; A lean steak cooked medium with either plain sweet potato or steamed broccoli on the side.
What has been your best personal experience in the business so far?
Being part of a great women's division and being part of an up and coming company that I truly believe in.
What has been your worst personal experience in the business so far?
Fighting for and being frustrated with having a competitive women's division and having the same level of respect.
Are you currently in a relationship and what do you look for in a partner?
No... I don't talk about my personal life. sorry :)
Do you consider yourself a sex symbol?
NO..... its flattering but I see myself as a tomboy most of the time... I've been told that I was hot but that I was too much like one of the guys!
Do you still watch WWE shows and if so, RAW or SmackDown, which do you prefer?
No comment
Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
Out of wrestling and on to the next adventure in life...
How would you like to be remembered by wrestling fans?
I would love to be remembered as a "wrestler".
Any message that you would like to send out to everyone reading this interview?
Thanks for all the support and keep watching TNA Impact!
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