Interview with SoCalVal
In January 2007 fans had the opportunity to send in questions for SoCalVal 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 SoCalVal the opportunity to pick which she'd like to answer… here is the interview.
At what age did you begin following pro wrestling?
Fourteen.
Many fans might not be aware that you started out in the business at a very young age. For the benefit of those that don’t know, how did you get involved in the wrestling industry?
I started attending live wrestling events and was noticed by promoters in the Southern California area. I eventually made my debut three days after my sixteenth birthday for Golden State Championship Wrestling in Anaheim, California.
How did your family react when they learned of your desire to get involved in the wrestling industry?
My family wasn't that surprised when I decided to get involved, considering how obsessed I was with watching wrestling. My Mother however worried and still worries about the physical aspect of it.
How has your wrestling career affected your life as a whole?
It became my life when I first started watching, really. It's all I would think about. Nothing has changed in that way, except that it's an actual job now. It never feels like work when you love something as much as I love wrestling.
What advice would you give to any fans that might be thinking about becoming a professional wrestler/valet?
Stay yourself and watch every tape you can get your hands on.
What has been your best personal experience in the business so far?
Being an official part of TNA. There are so many things I want to do within TNA, but the point is that being in the company is a huge honor.
What has been your worst personal experience in the business so far?
I haven't had too many bad experiences. I'm working with people I idolized, making friends that I will keep for life and doing what I absolutely love to do. There are no complaints from me at all.
If you could wrestle anyone, past or present, whom would it be and why?
I won't say wrestle, but I would have loved to meet Miss Elizabeth. She's a hero of mine.
If you could be any wrestlers valet, past or present, whom would it be and why?
Oh that is a tough one. I have no idea who to choose.
What was it like working as a production assistant for TNA, and how did you come to make the transition from assistant to ring girl?
It was such a cool experience. I learned so many things from being on the other side of the camera. I've always loved promos and video packages so to learn more about them was exciting. Jeremy Borash approached me about the ring girl position after a few months of working in production. He knew I had been working for a few years in wrestling as a manager so it was an easy fit.
Many fans would like to know if you have any plans and/or goals for TNA in 2007?
I want to manage! Managing is why I got into wrestling. I do like to wrestle, referee, be a ring girl, interviewer etc. but managing is where I perform to the best of my abilities.
Can we expect to see a follow up to TNA's successful Knockouts DVD in 2007?
Hopefully so! Volume 2 is certainly something all the girls are looking forward to. I can already tell how much the Knockouts are going to grow this year. The girls are becoming more involved on every show.
Other than TNA, do you currently work for any other wrestling promotions?
Any and all I am able to! I work for RingDivas.com, UWF, Full Impact Pro, World-1 Wrestling and a few others right now.
You’ve stated in the past that Stephanie McMahon was an inspiration to you whilst you were breaking into the business. Have you had the chance to meet her in person yet? And if so, how did the meeting go?
Ironically, she was the first person to give me a chance in WWE by personally asking me if I would be involved in the Luther Reigns/Big Show promo on Smackdown. It's funny how that worked out, because just meeting her was already a really huge deal for me.
In previous interviews you’ve commented that you really liked Jeff Hardy & Triple H, are they still your favorite male performers?
I have several favorites, but yes. I also like Shawn Michaels, Christopher Daniels and AJ Styles.
You’ve worked with Shelly Martinez in the past, what was she like to work with? And what do you think of her current vampiress gimmick in ECW?
She is a blast to work with and a very close friend of mine. The gimmick she does in ECW can't be pulled off by anyone else. If you know Shelly, you know it's a perfect fit. I think the best types of gimmicks are those that are based on your real self, then elaborated on.
What’s the strangest request a fan may have made to you?
I had a fan e-mail me over and over wanting pictures of me in the abdominal stretch. To each his own, I guess.
If you had the sole power to induct one female performer into the WWE’s prestigious Hall of Fame, which female would it be and why?
Probably Stephanie. If that is allowed! She's done a lot for keeping women in wrestling in the foreground.
You’ve always been an active user on the World Wide Web, has this helped you get a feel for what the general fan looks for in their female performers?
Absolutely. I have a better understanding for what the fans look for and appreciate in a female in wrestling.
Everyone has a selection of websites that they’ve bookmarked for regular viewing. What are your hot spots on the net?
TNAWrestling.com, Divaboard.com, my official website SoCalVal.net and the ever popular Myspace.com so I can update my profile and keep the fans posted.
Do you enjoy all the Internet attention that you get?
For sure! I love meeting people that I've talked to ... I'm honored that fans look me up as much as they do.
You've been dubbed a "princess" by many fans, and have had your own “wish lists” which fans can help fulfill. Were you a fan of Disney growing up? And if so, who’s your favorite Disney princess?
With my hair color I am always reminding people of Ariel from "The Little Mermaid", but my favorite would probably be Cinderella. Maybe it's because she had pretty shoes. ;) I loved Belle from "Beauty and the Beast" as a child, too.
What are your thoughts on the retirements of Francine & Trish Stratus from the wrestling industry?
It's disappointing to know we won't see any more from them, but I commend them for leaving when they felt it was the right time. I wish the best for both of them.
What kind of workout do you do?
I try to stay away from cardio as I tend to lose weight very quickly. I have a hard time gaining muscle, possibly due to the fact I don't eat a lot of meat and therefore do not get enough protein. Lifting weights and using low reps is what I try to do most. I enjoy working on my shoulders and abs more than any other part of my body.
How much time do you spend on training and keeping in shape?
I am in the gym 3-4 times a week.
Are you currently in a relationship, and what do you look for in a partner?
I don't ever really look, maybe that is my problem. Ha. But I like a man who is genuine, with a strong sense of self.
Do you consider yourself a sex symbol?
No.
What jobs interested you whilst you were growing up?
At one time I wanted to be a professional ice skater, but ultimately growing up I realized I really wanted to act. I feel that wrestling gave that to me in a way and let me express that. I always loved art, too. I still paint and draw to this day and have a great appreciation for French impressionism.
What is your favorite movie?
I have too many favorites. Titanic, Great Expectations, Troy, The Patriot and True Romance.
Which Hollywood actress would you love to see play yourself in a bio-pic?
No idea. I look nothing like them, but my favorites actresses are Nicole Kidman and Kate Winslet.
What is your favorite television show?
TNA Impact. That is the only thing saved on my Tivo.
If RedHotDivas.com were to take you out for a meal, what would we order?
Pasta.
If there was one thing fans don't know about you what would it be?
That I am not at all high maintenance.
Looking into your past what one thing would you change if you could?
Nothing. I am happy now because of the choices I've made.
Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
Hopefully still happy and of course, still working in wrestling.
How would you like to be remembered by wrestling fans?
As someone classy, who really loved the sport and never stopped learning.
Word association; please give a few comments on the following:
TNA – The future
Vince McMahon – Smart
Hulk Hogan – Legend
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin – Badass
The Rock – Great presence
Kurt Angle – My hero!
Jeff Jarrett – Talented
Samoa Joe – Intense
Stephanie McMahon – Pioneer
Fabulous Moolah – Still fabulous!
Sensational Sherri – Still sensational!
Missy Hyatt – The ultimate rich girl
Miss Elizabeth – Classy
Chyna – Respected
Sable – Bombshell
Jillian Hall – Sexy
Melina – Fantastic at what she does
Christy Hemme – Gorgeous
Gail Kim – Dedicated
Tracy Brooks – Hard worker
Dixie Carter – A role model for women
And finally the one and only SoCalVal - I'm just me. :)
Do you have any messages that you’d like to send out to anyone that’s reading this Q&A?
Thank you for the continued support! It means more to me than you know. God bless! xoxo
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