SUMMERS TIME and the Winnin' is Easy!

Christie Summers

Interview by Shiai

Certain professions lend themselves by their nature as appellations to highly skilled wrestlers…scientist, technician, professor. Well, how about engineer? Believe it or not, when she's not mixing it up in the ring at night, Christie Summers is an aircraft engineer! And when she steps between the ropes, she applies that same intense, methodical effort to her matches, probing opponents for weak spots. That strategy is working wonders for her of late, as she currently holds the WLW Women's Championship! And now, LadySports Online is proud to introduce Christie to PGWA fans:

Height: 5' 4"

Weight: 135

Hair: Brown (for now)

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

LS: Who trained you?
CS: I was initially trained by a variety of wrestlers at SBAC in St. Louis mainly Phil E. Blunt, Jeremy Lightfoot and Gary Jackson. Then I started wrestling for WLW, and try to attend Harley Race's camp whenever I can. This year I was also working in Seattle and stumbled upon a great opportunity to train with Davey Richards.

LS: What was your biggest influence to become a wrestler?
CS: I love a good challenge, and wrestling is by far the hardest thing I have ever done. It's the only sport I have been involved in that combines a athleticism, emotion, and creativity and that is what makes it so great!

LS: What other sports do you have an interest in?
CS: I have been playing soccer ever since I could walk, I played on traveling teams growing up, and played soccer during college. I still play when I get a chance just to prove to myself that I still "got it". I also love distance sports. I have competed in multiple triathlons, ran a couple of marathons and ride my bike in the MS 150 every year.

LS: How would you describe yourself in terms of attitude, personality, likes, dislikes, and strengths?
CS: I am a person who is never content with what I am doing. Once I start to feel comfortable with something I usually tend to move on to the next thing to challenge myself. Life is too short to keep doing the same thing all time. A well respected coach of mine use to say..."if you keep doing what you've always done, you're always going to get what you've always gotten". I like that motto, and try to push the envelope whenever I can.

LS: What are you favorite foods, music, clothes, cars?
CS: My #1 favorite food is bacon! A close second is butter. I know, not a good combo for staying lean! I am really into music. I like mostly rock (old and new), but have a soft spot for those that tickle the keyboard as well like Stevie Wonder and Elton John. I drive an old beat up Acura, but I really want a Mini Cooper. They feel like you're driving a go-cart. However if I had it my way, I would hire someone to drive me everywhere!

LS: Describe a typical day of training for you. What is most important in your workout?
CS: Training always starts with a lot of stretching and core body work. Then we move onto cardio to break a good sweat before getting into the ring to work on the technical stuff. Aside from ring training, I typically do a cardio workout in the morning and weight train in the evening.

LS: How would you best describe your ring style?
CS: I am still developing my own style and figuring out what works for me in the ring against certain opponents. For now, I would describe my ring style as quick, technical, and a little high flying.

LS: Have you ever been injured in the ring?
CS: Luckily nothing serious. I have been very fortunate to only have minor bumps and bruises so far.

LS: Who have been your toughest opponents?
CS: While all of my opponents have presented a good challenge, Mickie Knuckles is the toughest girl I've ever faced. She is technically sound and is known for hitting hard. MsChif has a really unique style and you never know what she's coming at you with next. Katie Syren is always a tough match of hard hitting and big slams. Lady Victoria and Ms. Natural are both really strong and powerful opponents.

LS: Who are your allies?
CS: I can't say that I really have any. I am still fairly new to the sport and haven't had the change to team up with any other women yet. I think it would be great a great opportunity though…any takers?

LS: What has been your most memorable win?
CS: Triple treat match between Rebecca Raze and Jennifer Starr for the WLW Ladies Championship. It was a hard fought match and in my hometown, so the fans were really behind me and I was able to pull through for the win! Great memory…

LS: What was your worst loss?
CS: Any loss where I have been cheated out of a win! I am a legitimate competitor and respect an opponent that truly out wrestles me, but it infuriates me when cheating is involved!

LS: Who is the one wrestler you would most like to face in the ring, but haven't yet?
CS: There are so many great female wrestlers out there that I have yet to get in the ring with to test my capabilities and learn something from. The list is long so I won't bore you with the details.

LS: What type of match do you enjoy the most?
CS: I like a singles match the best. I especially like it when they are no nonsense and both women can put it all on the line for the fans.

LS: What sort of reactions do you get from people when they learn you are a wrestler?
CS: Mostly disbelief. I am an engineer by day, so most of the people I interact with on a daily basis don't have hobbies that are anything close to wrestling. Others are surprised because they think I don't look big enough or tough enough to be a wrestler. That's when I tell them about the next event and get them to come check it out!

LS: What is so special about this sport to you?
CS: This sport is by far the toughest thing I have ever done! It is a sport that is hard to feel satisfies with and it always leaves me wanting more. Also, all the great people I have met in such a short time in the sport. I have really made some great friends and really cherish that.

LS: What are your fans like?
CS: My fans are amazing. They really get behind me in during matches and keep me going when I'm in a tough predicament. It makes my day when little girls come up to me after matches to tell me how much fun they are having. Now with the internet and MySpace I am able to keep in contact with my fans and get to know them a little better as well.

LS: What is the one thing you would most like to change about the sport?
CS: I would try to put the focus back on wrestling and less on most of the drama that we see on TV today. I understand the business of it all, but personally I think it's the wrestling talent and athleticism that really makes wrestling entertaining and sets it apart from everything else.

LS: Where have you wrestled, and what titles have you held?
CS: I currently wrestle for World League Wrestling (WLW) and have held their ladies title since December 2006. I have wrestled for the MMWA-SICW and held their ladies title numerous times. I have also worked for IWA-Midsouth, and the Independent World Wrestling Superstars (IWWS).

LS: What are your thoughts on women participating in the sport?
CS: I think it is great, but I also I think it takes a very special personality in a woman to participate in this sport. It is tough, and it is unlike any other. Plus, that many women are into getting hit by other women. :) I really respect all of the women I have met in wrestling so far, and all of them bring something unique to the sport.

LS: What was your most unforgettable moment in the sport?
CS: December 9, 2006 - Winning the WLW Ladies Championship. It is an honor to represent the WLW in this way.

LS: Any regrets?
CS: Never. Life is all about learning.

LS: What would you do if you couldn't be in wrestling?
CS: I would likely be more actively competing in soccer. It is my first love and will probably never be able to fully abandon it.

LS: What is your personal motto?
CS: Let's get physical!

LS: What would make you most happy in life?
CS: I am actually really happy already! No complaints and no regrets. Anything else from here is going to be icing on the cake!

LS: Anything else you'd like to add?
CS: Thanks for the interview and for actually reading it if you got this far! See you in the ring!