Exclusive Interview
In May 2002 RHD's Alexi B caught up with WAW's very own Sweet Saraya and the pair discussed the UK wrestling industry, WWE Divas and much more so be sure to read this eye-opening interview. Sweet Saraya has already held a string of champions such as: WAW World Championship, The WAW British Championship, The All Star Championship, The TWA Championship, and the FWA Unified Championship!
Hi! How are you?
I am fine, thank you.
How does it feel to be the top UK female wrestler?
To be classed as the number one female wrestler by all the fans is truly a great honour. After being in the wrestling game for 12 years, I feel I have earned the right to be up there with Klondyke Kate. When I heard all the wrestling federations had announced I was their champion as well, I was truly taken aback. That's when I realised I had made my mark.
Who has been your toughest opponent?
My toughest opponent to date has to be Klondyke Kate, even though all the other female wrestlers have in their own way made life difficult for me in the ring. Kate's sheer size and agility (make no mistake, for a big girl, she can move) and the fact she is the most famous female wrestler with 25 years experience behind her, always makes her a formidable opponent, but I always have respect for her, she has taken me to the edge and back again. She is one tough lady.
Tell us about WAW for all the fans reading in the USA.
The World Association of Wrestling (WAW), is based in Norwich, in the east of England, and was formed by myself, my husband, "Rowdy" Ricky Knight, and his tag-team partner, Jimmy Ocean, in 1993. We mainly promote in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex, and sometimes venture a little further afield. WAW's profile is growing all the time, and our stars are often seen working for other promotions as well. Probably the best way for overseas fans to find out more about WAW is by logging onto our website, www.waw-uk.com
We also run our own training school. Many of our graduates have gone on to become big stars on the British wrestling scene.
And of course, if it wasn't for WAW, Sweet Saraya would never have been born!
Now WAW has a solid group of girls, and it's always getting stronger. But who's your favourite WWE Diva?
My favourite WWE Diva is a hard one. ANyone that knows me knows Sensational Sherri is one of my heroines at the moment. I take my hat off to Trish Stratus, who I can see has been training hard and learning new moves, the bruises on her body signify that. I commend anybody that gives 100% to anything and proves the critics wrong. For ability, I feel Molly Holly, AKA Miss Madness has to be the one. She is very underrated as a pro wrestler. She is very knowledgeable and I feel she deserves a break.
Say Vince McMahon offered you a contract tomorrow - would you accept?
If I was offered a contract by WWE I would drop everything and go. I have gone as far as I can go in this country and would jump at the chance to wrestle overseas. I am hungry to learn as much as possible and you do that by going against different opponents with different styles. I feel it would benefit my career to make that step.
Wrestling is a tough business. Amy Dumas aka Lita is out right now with a broken neck. What's your worst injury ever, and how can you prevent such accidents?
My worst injury hs to be being blinded. I was completely blind for six weeks after a kick to the eye. It was very scary, especially after I was told I might not regain my sight. That was four years ago now and I have passed eye tests and I am lucky enough to have regained full vision with no scarring.
The UK is definitely underrated for wrestling talent.So if you could nominate one UK wrestler for a WWE contract, who would it be?
There is only one nomination. That would be the Zebra Kid, whose versatility and knowledge puts him as the number one wrestler over here, undisputed. He is a great entertainer and his bumps are second to none. All he needs is a break. He has Shawn Michaels' charisma, and has looks, muscle definition and
no fear, which is a formidable concoction.
And finally, anything to say to your fans?
Don't ever let anyone say you're not good enough or you lack something or you'll never make it. It isn't down to an individual to say whether you'll be good at something. Dedication, hard work and commitment is all it takes to be a winner, even if you don't reach your goal, if you have put in 110% no one can say you failed.
Never be worried to speak out. Be proud of who you are and what you accomplish. Keep focused. Never let any body take your self respect. You are your own person. Believe it.
Thanks for your time!
Helpful Links
Visit Sweet Saraya's Official Website by clicking here.
Visit the Official WAW Website by clicking here.
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