by Darryl G
When one looks up the phrase "Renaissance Woman" in the encyclopedia, one is most likely shown a
picture of ChaCha. She acts. She's sings. She dances. She's a blogging sensation. And she's
one of the most rapidly rising stars in the New England wrestling scene. Ladies and gentlemen, we
give you ChaCha. If this is the first you've heard of this multitalented, feisty, full-blooded
Cuban sensation, trust me... it won't be the last.
LS: When did you first get into the sport?
ChaCha: I started training in the summer of 2005.
LS: Who trained you?
ChaCha: Jay Lethal, at the AWA-NJ.
LS: What was your biggest influence to become a wrestler?
ChaCha: I really have always admired the combination of showmanship and athleticism that
professional wrestling demands of workers. I think the balance between the ability to communicate with an
audience and also perform physically at such a high level is incredibly powerful and intriguing.
LS: What other sports do you have an interest in?
ChaCha: I honestly have never much been for sports and theater and dance have always been my
domain. Believe it or not, professional wrestling and ballroom dance have a TON of similarities in
understanding and technique!
LS: How would you describe yourself in terms of attitude, personality, likes, dislikes, and
strengths?
ChaCha: I'm optimistic overall and I believe in the power of positive thinking and putting in
hard work to get the result you're looking for. I'm ambitious and goal-oriented, and I think
that a mix of positive reinforcement and constructive criticism are key in the development of any
craft. Personality-wise, I like to think I'm easy to get along with. I love to joke around and
find joy in the most random things. As for likes and dislikes, I love people who are open-minded
and willing to take a chance! but I don't do well with self-aggrandizing, arrogant types. I
think we all always have something to learn and improve upon and that's what life is all about!
LS: What is your most marked characteristic?
ChaCha: I think that my willingness to work at anything and aim to be the absolute best at
everything I attempt is a stand-out characteristic. My interests have always been extremely varied
(academically, performance-wise, etc.), but I think that being well-rounded makes life worth living. I
love shocking people and leaving them with that face of, "Wow and you do THAT, too?!". I also
think there's a lot to be said for being able to laugh at oneself. I think that bringing a
smile to someone's day is just about the best thing a person can do.
LS: What are you favorite foods, music, clothes, cars?
ChaCha: I'm a total foodie and I love trying new things! That said, I like to keep it healthy.
I eat lots of veggies all kinds of ways, and am a fan of most anything that can hit a grill. I
LOVE seafood (shellfish and such), am a huge sushi fan, and will be extra-friendly with anything
noodle-related. Mango is my favorite fruit, hands down. I listen to all types of music and if it
moves me, I'll give it a try! Clothing-wise, I think personal style is important! I've never
been one to be super "trendy" and I think people need to piece together their own style that
they're comfortable in, but that reflects their personalities. Wearing something just because
it's supposed to be "in" seems pretty pointless to me in the grand scheme of things. As for
cars, my eyes are on the prize: I'm looking to get myself a new Mini Cooper, red with a black
roof, black bonnet stripes with white detailing, and the snazzy package with the fog lights and
whatnot. Not to get too specific or anything! haha!
LS: Describe a typical day of training for you. What is most important in your workout?
ChaCha: On a good workout day I like to get in a combination of strength training as well as
cardio (by way of drills) and some in-ring work with others. I can't stress enough how important
getting in LOTS of cardio is and if you don't have the stamina to get through an allotted amount of
time in drills or even on an elliptical trainer, how can you expect to have enough wind to get
through a long match?!
LS: How would you best describe your ring style?
ChaCha: I like to use a combination of technical and submission maneuvers. I also like moving
about quickly and confusing my opponent. Finally, while I'm at it I really enjoy engaging the
crowd, because hey, we wouldn't be there if not for them! There's no better motivation to take
control of a match than a crowd cheering you on!
LS: What moves are you best known for?
ChaCha: I typically use a combination of 2 kicks to the spine and one to the chest that's pretty
brutal. My chops always seem to get a rise out of people, as does my spinebuster! but I think
I'm best known for my favorite submission, the Cuban Deathlock.
LS: Have you ever been injured in the ring?
ChaCha: Thankfully, I haven't obtained any serious injuries in the ring to date. I did once
acquire a mild concussion, but I wasn't too much worse for wear!
LS: Who have been your toughest opponents?
ChaCha: While the competition has always been friendly, I'd rank Cindy Rogers way up on the
list. Wrestling her is always a treat and I really love her technical, mat based style. AmyLee has
also been a great opponent and make no mistake of it, that lady hits hard! as does Mickie
Knuckles! And this answer wouldn't be complete without mention of the Christopher Street Connection
and I recently had the pleasure of meeting these guys in the ring, and while I walked away with a
bruised up chest, it was truly an experience working with them in the ring.
LS: Who are your allies?
ChaCha: I count my tag partner, Alicia, as my biggest ally. She and I have had our share of
hard-fought matches, but she has also been at my side through much of my start in pro wrestling.
LS: What has been your most memorable win?
ChaCha: I guess my most memorable win would be my very first and it was in a mixed tag match with
Joe Hardway and Brian Brass (who I managed prior to my own in-ring debut) versus longtime foes Rob
Vegas and Mike Donovan with Melissa Stripes at the AWA-NJ. I walked away victorious after using
my ChaCha Factor (a snap DDT) to seal the deal.
LS: What was your worst loss?
ChaCha: Every loss hurts, but I think my worst was definitely in my WXW debut versus Alicia. The
match was a solid effort on both our parts and pretty even all around and fought fairly, but
post-match she took out her irritation with Cindy Rogers on me and beat me with a belt (they had an
upcoming strap match).
LS: Who is the one wrestler you would most like to face in the ring, but haven't yet?
ChaCha: Well, Nora Greenwald is my "dream match", but as far as ladies who have worked locally
who I have yet to have the opportunity to work with I'd have to say Mercedes Martinez. I really
admire her work, and look forward to her return and hopefully the opportunity to face her.
LS: What type of match do you enjoy the most?
ChaCha: I really enjoy straight up singles matches, but the opportunity to work with a great tag
partner is always awesome as well!
LS: What sort of reactions do you get from people when they learn you are a wrestler?
ChaCha: Shock, mostly. I tend to get the, "Really? You don't look like a wrestler!" line,
which I suppose is alright. I almost feel like a super hero, leading a "double life"!
corporate exec by day, pro wrestler by night and weekend!
LS: What is so special about this sport to you?
ChaCha: As I mentioned earlier in this interview, I think that the combination of performance and
athleticism inherent to pro wrestling make sit truly special. I also have a real appreciation for
the history of the craft and I think it's unique in that there's just so much you can learn
about it by simply listening to stories of those who came before, etc. I think there's a special
bond and a camaraderie that unites people within the business, and that in and of itself, is
incredible. Finally, I love that pro wrestling is always evolving and every worker brings a little of
him or herself to it, and leaves an indelible mark along the way.
LS: What are your fans like?
ChaCha: My fans are honestly awesome! Aside from always being supportive at ringside, they check
up on me to see how everything's going all the time and and I appreciate that to no end! Team
ChaCha's just about the best bunch I could ever ask for!
LS: What is the one thing you would most like to change about the sport?
ChaCha: Well, I think that the revolution I was hoping for is already underway and more and more,
women who can actually WRESTLE are being given their due, and I think that's amazing. The more
companies like WWW and Shimmer (among others) offer exposure to ladies with a true love for the
business, the better off and more well-rounded pro wrestling will be.
LS: If you had the power, what one thing would you do to improve the sport?
ChaCha: I'd ensure that everybody obtain proper training not only in their in-ring technique,
but also in nursing their injuries as well as etiquette outside the ring. Pro wrestling isn't
just bodyslams and clotheslines and it's self-preservation (not just working through injuries, all
willy-nilly!), respect for your fellow worker and the fans who keep us in business, and the
ability to establish lasting professional relationships.
LS: Where have you wrestled, and what titles have you held?
ChaCha: I've wrestled all over New Jersey and Pennsylvania so far, for companies such as AWA-NJ,
JAPW, WXW, WWWA, WSU, ACPW, WWW, NAW, Wild Card Pro Wrestling, NWA Black & Blue and others. I
have yet to hold a title, but my time is coming!
LS: What are your thoughts on women participating in the sport?
ChaCha: I think it's pretty clear from my answer earlier and I think there's a definite place
for women in pro wrestling, and it doesn't necessarily involve a risqué photo spread. Women
bring something special to the table, and I think it's our time to shine!
LS: What was your most unforgettable moment in the sport?
ChaCha: My most unforgettable moment would definitely be when I hit the ring for my first match
(the aforementioned mixed tag at AWA-NJ). The build to my actual in-ring debut had been drawn out,
so our regular fans were extremely supportive and they chanted my name straight through the
introductions, and I was honestly choked up but I was able to keep it together during the match. After
taking home the win, we went through the curtains to the locker room, and I absolutely lost it and
all the feelings built up and exploded in a barrage of happy tears. It was just such an intense
moment! I'm hard pressed to believe that anything will match it. I guess you'll have to ask
me again when I take home my first championship! ;o)
LS: What are your goals for your future in wrestling?
ChaCha: My major goal is just to work as hard as I can, continue to grow as a worker, stay
healthy, and be as entertaining as possible in every match and appearance along the way. In the end,
it's all about the fans.
LS: Any regrets?
ChaCha: Never. Everything is a learning experience and a chance to grow both as a person and as a
worker.
LS: What would you do if you couldn't be in wrestling?
ChaCha: I'd likely fill the void with theater, dance, or sketch comedy. My home is on a stage
somewhere and whether it's in a theater or within a squared circle.
LS: What is your personal motto?
ChaCha: I usually close every promo by saying the following: "Whatever ChaCha wants, ChaCha
gets!" I say that because I believe that if you want something bad enough and try hard enough, you
can accomplish anything. Staying positive and making a personal investment is what it's all
about and it's my belief in the ring as well as in my everyday life!
LS: What would make you most happy in life?
ChaCha: I simply wish nothing more than to be happy, healthy, and share my joy with the people
around me. It's really that easy and I want to continue to do the things I love, be surrounded by
supportive, caring people, and make the most out of every opportunity that presents itself!
LS: Anything else you'd like to add?
ChaCha: Fans who want to keep updated on my schedule (or read some of my top-rated blogs! cheap
plug!) should check out my MySpace page at myspace.com/melichacha -- I update it
regularly, and it's pretty much my home base while I revamp the ChaChaOnline site.
Photos 1-6 by kind permission of Wrestlin' Wally
