LADYSPORTS SPOTLIGHT: MARTI BELLE

Q & MARTI BELLE

"Some call it cockiness, I call it confidence."

In a city known for audaciousness, New Yorker Marti Belle may just be the boldest woman in the Big Apple! She’s got the dream, the skill and, above all, the determination to be a true star in pro wrestling, and LadySports Online is happy to introduce her to fans worldwide!


THE STATS:

Height: 5 feet 5 inches

Weight: 115 lbs

Hair: Black

Hometown:  New York City/La Romana, Dominican Republic
LADYSPORTS: Welcome, Marti! Can you tell us, when did you first get into the sport?
MARTI BELLE: I started to valet and manage Tristan Spade in July of '08 but, growing up, was an avid fan.

LS: And who trained you?
MB: I've been training at Johnny Rodz's school in Brooklyn, New York.

LS: What was your biggest influence to become a wrestler?
MB: I had been interested in the sport for many years, always as a spectator. Watching the women in the ring on TV got me interested in managing and being a valet. Once I saw that NYC was lacking some strong women, I knew it was time to hop in the ring and show New York what they had been missing.

LS: How would you describe yourself in terms of attitude, personality, likes, dislikes, and strengths?
MB: I am a tough chick always looking for a challenge. I am underestimated because of my size, which I see as an advantage…people just don't expect me to be a tough competitor. I hate bullies, and always stand up for myself and what I believe in. I love a good party, and mood killers upset me. You can find me any night of the week out in the city throwing parties or dancing on bars! I'm always the center of attention. I've been told I can walk into a room and charm anyone. Some call it cockiness, I call it confidence.

LS: What is your most marked characteristic as a wrestler?
MB: I think my ability to assess the situation to get the upper hand.

LS: Describe a typical day of training for you. What is most important in your workout?
MB: A typical day of training starts with a lot of stretching. I honestly think it’s one of…if not the most…important part of my workout. I try to get a bit of cardio in just to warm my body up, followed up by drills. I try to get into the ring at least three or four times a week for a few hours; it’s very important to stay in shape and keep getting better and better.

LS: How would you best describe your ring style?
MB: I think I just work hard in the ring to make sure I come out on top. I guess you can say, I'm still developing my own style. Just know, whatever I do, I do it with sass!

LS: What moves are you best known for?
MB: I think I'm known for the 'X Factor', as it is a move I do try to incorporate into my matches. I've also been known to throw a mean punch.

LS: Have you ever been injured in the ring?
MB: Luckily (knock on wood) I haven't had any major injuries in the ring. My nose has taken a few bloody days, but nothing too serious that ice doesn't help.

LS: Who have been your toughest opponents?
MB: Honestly, it’s hard to say who my toughest opponent really is…I've faced some tough girls. I guess Tina San Antonio would be the one case I can think of that really made me work hard.

LS: And who are your allies?
MB: I stand alone. If I have to work with someone, then I do, but I always watch my back, because you never know when someone may turn on you.

LS: What has been your most memorable win?
MB: Like I said, facing Tina San Antonio was truly a tough match. She made me work extra hard and push myself to pick up the win. It is truly a match that I will always remember.

LS: What was your worst loss?
MB: I don't see any specific match as my 'worst’ loss. Every match I've been involved with has helped me really grow and learn. I like to observe and learn from everything I do, and each match I've lost, has taught me just that.

LS: Have you had any "Why am I still doing this?" moments?
MB: I've woken up in unimaginable pain after a long day of training. But, I don't think it’s a "why am I still doing this" moment…just a slight reminder. I love this sport…all the hard work is worth it when you step into the ring.

LS: Who is the one wrestler you would most like to face in the ring, but haven't yet?
MB: Mickie James is a great, tough competitor. She is a tough girl with a lot of talent. I would love to face off in the ring with her.

LS: What type of match do you enjoy the most?
MB: I love singles competitions, where I can focus on one person and put my all into it.

LS: What sort of reactions do you get from people when they learn you are a wrestler?
MB: People literally look me up and down and sometimes literally laugh! They think I'm too small or too skinny to be serious about wrestling. A lot of people I went to school with aren't shocked, because I come from a performing arts background, fueled with varsity sports. I think they knew someday I'd be doing something very physical and full of energy.

LS: What is so special about this sport to you?
MB: This sport is so special because it allows us to get in the ring and do what we have to do, but at the end of the day, you might be facing your next partner. It takes a real (wo)man to learn how to put your differences aside and work together.

LS: What are your fans like?
MB: I have some seriously awesome fans! There are people who have been following me since I was a manager working with Tristan, and have stuck with me through wins or losses. They're the loudest and wildest of the crowd…I can spot them the second my entrance music hits.

LS: If you had the power, what one thing would you do to improve the sport?
MB: I would definitely give us women more time to work. It really feels like there are some people who still don't take us seriously, they still just see us arm candy, not the tough women we really are.

LS: What are your thoughts on women participating in the sport?
MB: I think it’s amazing and very empowering. We show other women that they can stand up for themselves and compete side by side with the men.

LS: What’s the single best piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting out in the business?
MB: Listen to your body and heart. Always try to push yourself a little more each day, but, don't try to just "walk out" a serious injury. It’s much better to take a day off to let something heal than have to be out six months because you didn't listen to your body's signs. Listen to your heart…if something doesn't feel right, then it probably isn't.

LS: Any regrets?
MB: Not really, I take each 'mistake' as a learning experience.

LS: What would you do if you couldn't be in wrestling?
MB: I probably would be either throwing parties or working with nursing and psychology. All of that while still dancing and acting. Yes I guess you can call me an over-achiever!

LS: What is your personal motto?
MB: Oh, I have a few…the one I live by is that although everything happens for a reason, you've got to make it happen. Wish it, dream it, do it.

LS: What would make you most happy in life?
MB: To be honestly happy. To wake up every morning loving what I do, and doing what I love.

LS: Anything else you'd like to add?
MB: I hope the world is ready for me, 'cause I'm coming fast!

pics courtesy of Marti Belle