LadySports ::: "It's Great to be a Woman!"

by Shiai Mata

PGWA fans were first introduced Passion, the “Belle of Biloxi,” when she gave Christie Ricci one of her toughest battles in recent memory earlier this summer. Since then, LadySports Online has been inundated with requests for more information on this blond bombshell.

Now, in her own very opinionated words, meet the woman whom so many fans are so (ahem) passionate about…

Q: Welcome, Passion. How about sharing some of your stats with the readers?

A: Sure…I’m 5’5”, 125 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes, and I hail from Biloxi, Mississippi.

Q: How would you describe yourself?

A: I’m passionate, and all that passion is wrapped up into a complete package from head to toe, from the bottom of my soul, from the spirit of God. I am not just some T&A kind of girl…Passion is a well-rounded athlete.

Q: When did you first get started in wrestling?

A: In August of 1999.

Q: What has inspired you the most since you entered the sport?

A: My inspiration has been the overwhelming love and respect which my trainer, Rod Price, has for out craft. The way he has given all of his heart and soul to this business, that’s what inspired Passion. Rod has taught me so much, and when he introduced me to a couple of his other students, Jazz and Rodney Mack, I knew this was what I wanted to do. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Q: You’ve said elsewhere that wrestling has changed your life. How so?

A: I have so much passion in my heart about life, and the good in human nature, that when the sport and I met, my passion shone through and became so powerful, I couldn’t deny this emotion. The commitment became so involved that wrestling became my life’s love, and it will always hold that place in my heart.

Q: Well then, just what is so special about this sport for you?

A: What’s special is the overall connection that one individual can make with another worker, and if the chemistry is there, how you can bring all of the fans into the ring with you and make them feel they are a part of what you do. That’s what’s so special.

Q: Outside of the ring, what other hobbies or interests do you have?

A: Life itself, really. I enjoy scuba diving, and outside of wrestling, I’m a businesswoman, which keeps me busy. But the simple fact is, I eat, listen to, wear, drive and breathe wrestling! Get my drift?

Q: Here’s a hypothetical question: If you had the power to make the sport better, what would you do?

A: I would instill a lot more respect into the newer generation of wrestlers. And to make all of the industry understand that it takes more than one person to be able to do something successfully, if you know what I mean. There is not just one ‘super star’…we ALL are the show. Without all of us, there wouldn’t be any super stars! And you can quote me on that! You know, I really wish the cat hadn’t been let out of the bag about our business, that it’s “fake.” Because we are far from fake, if you know what I mean.

Q: What would make you happiest in life?

A: To be at the golden gates of Heaven, and to see my family be as happy as they could be, and to see the wrestling industry go back to the real Old School ways.

Q: What are your fans like?

A: My fans are real people from all ages, My fans are not phonies, and you know why? Because my fans connect with me. They know how much I love them, and what they mean to me, because I let them know every time I hit the ring, with every ounce of passion and dedication and conviction I can muster. They let me bond with them, and I love them for that. It makes me feel good!

Q: Describe a typical day of training for you, if you would please.

A: Up at 8:00 AM, to the gym by 9:00 with boots on, ready to rock and roll! A full day could last up to five or six hours, five or six days a week. This is a full time job! Most importantly to me is dedication to this sport, meaning I have to be there every day, no matter what.

What I work on daily is ring awareness. This is so important, because when you’re in a competition, you never know when your lights will be knocked out and you are only fighting on instinct from your heart and experience. I might not remember who I am at that moment, but at least I’ll know where I am and what I’m supposed to be doing!

Q: What holds are you best known for in your matches?

A: You know, at one time in my early career I could have answered this question with something you would want to hear, something nice and quick. But now, having gone further in my career, I will answer it this way: I am known for any and every hold or pin that works at the time. If I haven’t learned a hold or figured out a pin or a counter to a maneuver my opponent uses on me, then I will learn it. I’m a wrestler, not a spot runner, so whatever I can win with is what I’m best at. But do you know what I’m really known best for? WINNING!

Q: What’s the worst injury you’ve suffered in the ring?

A: There have been so many, I wouldn’t bore you with it all. The only thing that matters is that I’ve never been hurt enough to not be there every night for my fans. Even when I am hurting, I don’t let them know it, because my fans need me to be strong, just as I need them. So there’s never really any time available for the luxury of being hurt.

Q: Where have you worked?

A: I’ve worked the indies from the North, South, East and West, from the AWA to the NWA and all points in between. I spent some time in the then-WWF, as part of the ‘Hoe Hoe Train,’ and then I moved to Louisville, Kentucky and have been with Ohio Valley Wrestling ever since, working with Jimmy Cornett and Danny Davis. And starting just this past May, I’ve been working for “Dr. Death” Steve Williams and the IWA in Japan. I have to say, I have had a wonderful career already, and I’m looking forward to what the future has in store for me.

Q: In your opinion, what are your thoughts about women in the sport of wrestling?

A: Women are athletes, too…and good ones at that! Women are just as capable, if not more so, than some male wrestlers. Wrestling is dominated by men, and has been since back in the day, but those who say that wrestling is a man’s world…well, I beg to differ. Women have been running this world for a long time, you just never realize it. It’s great to be a woman, and it’s great to be a woman in Professional Wrestling!

Q: Any regrets?

A: I don’t have a single one. That’s the truth, not a one. I would do everything all over again if I could, no matter what.

Q: What’s your most marked characteristic as a wrestler?

A: I’m a Complete Package.

Q: Do you have a personal motto or credo? A: Love God with every ounce of blood that he’s bled for you. Be true to only you. Never turn down anyone, especially children, who are in need of your help. Never let your dreams pass you by. Never let anyone tell you how you should feel, how you should be, and what you should believe in. And if you can find any truth in these things, then you are the real flesh and blood of God. God bless us all.

Q: What is your most memorable moment?

A: Professionally, the day I met my trainer, Rod Price. Personally, the day I gave birth to my son. Other than that, every day is memorable to me. Every moment counts, and they all are special.

Q: Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with LadySports Online! Is there anything else you would like to share with the fans?

A: Passion sends out all of her love to all who receive it. God bless you all! May He be with you in every step you take, because it’s one hell of a journey, so hold on and enjoy the Ride of Life!