LadySports ::: Introducing Amber

AMBER (from the Oxford English Dictionary)

• noun 1: hard translucent fossilized resin, typically yellowish in colour, used in jewellery.
• noun 2: a honey-yellow colour.
• noun 3: a rising star on the ladies wrestling scene.

By Joe Rules

There's a new women's wrestling sensation on the New England indy scene, and her name is Amber. This 5'6" 125 lbs. New Bedford, Massachusetts native is one fiery youngster already making an impact in PWF-Northeast and Slam All-Star Wrestling, among others. How much of an impact? She is currently the reigning SAW Women's Champion--and she won it in her second pro match!

But let's start at the beginning. Before she knew much--well, anything--about the world of independent pro wrestling, Amber met and befriended a wrestler for SCCW/YPW, and several other wrestlers from that organization. She was able to learn about what goes on behind the scenes, more so than she could have by simply being a wrestling fan. It wasn't long before she wanted to be involved herself.

"I would do whatever was needed," said Amber. "I would tape shows, help set up the concession stand, I'd be the ring girl/bell ringer for the shows, and even though I couldn't always do too much, I'd help with ring crew before and after shows as much as I could."

Impressed with her hard work, The X Foundation, comprised of H20 Ryan Waters, Duke Maximum, and Vain, talked to the powers that be in YPW about having Amber as their manager, and soon enough it happened. Unfortunately, it didn't last.

Amber only managed on two of their events before parting ways to train with the EOS, with her sites set on entering the ring not as a manager or valet, but as a wrestler herself. Her training began in November of 2003.

"Amber started her training with myself and my tag team partner Onyx," said Cinna, one half of The Elements of Suicide. "Right from the get go, she showed an extreme amount of athleticism and willingness to learn. Her in ring ability grows by leaps and bounds with each time she steps between the ropes. She also brings a tremendous amount of respect and professionalism for someone so new to the business."

She trained there for eight months before she began to train at the Squared Circle Academy--PWF Northeast's training facility.

Although now focusing her energies on becoming a professional wrestler, that did not prevent her from continuing to work as a manager in the meanwhile.

"When I started in PWF Northeast, I wasn't anyone's manager," said Amber, a proud member of the faction known as MayheM. "Things were up in the air. MayheM member 'Bad Boy' Billy Black came up to me in the locker room and asked me if I'd be his manager," she continued. "I have gotten so close to him since this summer. He is so awesome!"

"I first met Amber at one of the PWF Northeast TV Tapings," said "Mad Dog" Matt Storm of PWF Northeast and the Squared Circle Academy. "She started off being booked as a valet for the PWF Northeast Heavyweight Champion 'Bad Boy' Billy Black. The first thing that stuck in my head after that day was how professional she was for a person new to the business."

"She was very eager to learn whatever we could teach and showed how athletic she really was," Mad Dog went on. "We decided to book her in a match with the PWF Northeast Women's Champion Natalia. It would prove to be her first match. Amber did very well and made us proud." That bout took place on September 24, 2004, in North Providence, Rhode Island. "Honestly," Amber said, "I knew I was going out there to wrestle for the first time, but the last five minutes before I went through the curtain, I was trying to get into my character as much as I could before going out there. In my head, I was Amber representing MayheM. Nothing intimidates me, I'm so much better then all of them and what not, trying to think of things to say to the crowd. So I didn't get the 'ohmyGodohmyGodohmyGod' butterflies right before it." The Mayhem Girl continued, "When I got out there it was another story. It was a reality now, because I was hearing the crowd boo--which was good!--and as soon as I got in the ring, someone started a chant. And even though it was 'She's a bimbo!' I was relaxed. Is that weird?" Amber went on. "Well anyway, the match went better then I had expected. Believe it or not, this was my first time wrestling with another female! I had trained with all guys all the months I had been training! It was fine though, and the match all right. I didn't have anything to compare it to, so I wasn't complaining, nor was I jumping for joy. I felt accomplished."

She may not have jumped for joy, but no one in attendance--including this reporter--would have been able to tell this was Amber's first professional match without prior knowledge. By all accounts, she did great but was disqualified when MayheM's Alissa Storm ran in to attack Natalia.

Now while MayheM may be a ruthless band of rulebreakers, in other promotions, it's not unusual for Amber to hear the roar of the crowd's approval.

"Jon Thornhill, who by the way is an amazing wrestler--not only pro, but amateur as well, is another one of the workers that I manage," she said. "I am his manager in SAW and in New-Gen wrestling which is currently run in Massachusetts. The fans love seeing Jon and I together in Vermont."

Jon Thornhill had quite a bit to say about his manager and fellow wrestler. "If you follow independent wrestling around the New England area you may have heard the name Amber. If not, let me fill you in on one of the newest up and coming woman wrestlers in New England. Amber is a very talented, and very beautiful young woman who I have the pleasure to know," said Thornhill. "Amber displays qualities that cannot be taught to any worker out there. She has heart, desire, determination, she picks up on things very quickly, and she defiantly has the 'it' factor needed to succeed in wrestling."

Amber's heart, desire, and determination paid off on October 16 in St. Albans, Vermont when she took on Gina Marie and Alexzandra Heiress in a triple threat match. It was her first in-ring appearance for Slam All Star Wrestling, and she walked out of the match as the new SAW Women's Champion!

"It was really exciting because it was my first time wrestling in that promotion. The time before I was just Jon Thornhill's manager," said the new champion. "I ended up winning with a quick schoolboy on Alex while Gina Marie was being distracted by Maxx Burton, who was ringside for Alex."

Jon Thornhill commented, "For somebody so new to this business to be at the level she's at already is definatly something to be commended for. I have the pleasure to wrestle Amber frequently, and she can really wrestle! Pound for pound, Amber is just as technically sound as any female or male she has ever wrestled or trained with. In fact she is just as technically sound as anybody I have stepped in the ring with as well!"

Amber is still unable to decide whether she prefers the crowds' cheers or jeers. "I love the way the crowd reacts and cheers for you; but I love being a heel because for the most part, it's the complete opposite of how most people, myself included, really act," she said. "It's really exciting to play different roles like that."

In addition to wrestling, Amber also loves music. "My love for wrestling and my love for everything music related is 50/50!" She sings, she dances, and she used to be in her high school's color guard.

"When it comes to listening to music," Amber said, "I am in the mood for every kind, all the time. Rap, R&B, hip hop, reggae, rock, alternative, orchestra, and piano--anything, really! I am not a big fan of country, but there are some songs I can get into." "There is no better instrument in my opinion," she continued, "then an acoustic guitar. I play, although not as often as I'd like to. Its such a beautiful sound."

When asked what she wanted to accomplish in wrestling, Amber said the following: "I say this to people sometimes, and it's harder for them to understand what I mean, but I want people to know me; Meaning, when someone mentions 'Amber' or whatever name I am going by, I want them to be able to identify me as a well-known and talented worker. Whether it be in the indys, international, or WWE someday, if people respect me, I know it's all worth it. I hope for people to respect me for the work I do in the ring, and ringside with whoever I am managing. I want them to know me as a respectable person in the locker room, and when promoters hear my name, they won't hesitate to book me, knowing not only the kind of worker I am, but the kind of person I am. Those are pretty much my goals--WWE and becoming international are DEFINATELY right up there though, don't forget!"

There is little doubt that The MayheM Girl and reigning SAW Women's Champion will accomplish her goals. Just look at what her peers are saying about her already.

Jon Thornhill: "I have no doubt in my mind that Amber has the potential and ability to become one of, if not the best female worker in the New England area. If she keeps progressing like she has been since breaking into wrestling, that day may come a lot sooner than any of us may think. Keep your eyes open for the stunningly beautiful, and exceptionally talented Amber!"

Cinna: "I am proud to have helped her on the long road into professional wrestling. She is a strong, young addition for any promotion that is looking for a fresh, eager face."

Bloodstone: "Amber has the potential to meet up with the status of the likes of Ariel and other fine females wrestlers in our area. Inside the ring, she tends to be very focused and ready to take on any opponent."

Matt Storm: "I speak for PWF Northeast and SCA when saying we are truly glad to have Amber on board and a part of our company and school!"

This reporter agrees. Amber has done great so far, and the best is yet to come. I wish her continued success. Be sure to follow this talented young lady's progress via her LiveJournal at www.livejournal.com/~mayhem_amber.