LadySports ::: TINA MARINA

by Shiai Mata

The island of Sicily has given the world some of Italy ’s greatest philosophers, artists and poets. Now, it brings to the world of professional wrestling a young woman who intends to make her lasting mark just as the ancients have.
Having grown up in Italy and living for a time in Greece, Valentina “Tina” Marina made her way to the United States, and soon found herself pursuing wrestling training. Don’t be fooled by her relatively small size of 5’2” and 112 pounds... this dark eyed Palermo brunette isn’t afraid to go toe to toe with anyone!
LadySports Online is proud to present this exclusive interview with Tina Marina...

Q: Benvenuto, Signora Marina. When did you first get into the sport?
A: In June of 2004.

Q: What was your biggest influence to become a wrestler?
A: While I was competing in fitness and figure competitions, a close friend of mine who wrestled professionally for All Japan really nurtured and supported my desire to pursue wrestling.

Q: What other sports do you have an interest in?
A: I’m a certified personal trainer so I love weight training. I also enjoy UFC and baseball... in that order!

Q: How would you describe yourself in terms of attitude, personality, likes, dislikes, and strength?
A: I’m funny and I’m always positive. I like to look at the bright side of situations. I don’t take myself seriously because I know I’m a little spastic and ridiculous and I like that about myself. Physically, I’m much stronger that people expect for my size and frame. I have a lot of patience, so it takes a lot to push me over the edge and upset me. With that said, if I am ever pushed over the edge, it’s a pretty frightening sight!

Q: What is your most marked characteristic?
A: Physically? Probably my eyes. Emotionally? My temper.

Q: What are you favorite foods, music, clothes, cars, etc.?
A: Favorite food? What’s put in front of me! I love to eat and I will eat anything before it has a chance to eat me. I like all different music, depending on my mood... but my favorites are Italian pop and Italian rock music. Clothes? Whatever is comfortable... I love worn, torn jeans or sweatpants the best. As for cars, just one that moves; I’m not high-maintenance in that respect.

Q: Describe a typical day of training for you. What is most important in your workout?
A: At WUW (World of Unpredictable Wrestling) in Brooklyn , a typical training session starts with push-ups, sit-ups and squats, followed by drills... rolling, bumping, locking up, etc. After a couple of hours of this, we are able to take corners and work each other a bit. I like to train mostly on my timing and my actual “working” skills in the ring. I want to become as flawless as I can... or at least become the best female wrestler I can. It’s a very long road.

Q: Have you ever been injured in the ring?
A: I’ve torn my right labrum, the ligament that holds the arm in the socket.

Q: What sort of reactions do you get from people when they learn you are a wrestler?
A: Hmmmm... interesting question. It depends on who I am speaking to. Some people are supportive, but there are also some people who do not want to see me in this business, and who do not want me to be successful.

Q: What is so special about this sport to you?
A: Wrestling is special to me because I can be both athletic and entertaining at the same time. It affords me the opportunity to be my wild, silly self, to stay in shape, and to have fun!

Q: What are your fans like?
A: This is another interesting question. I don’t know for sure, really. Hopefully, I will get to meet them more often so I could answer more fully. But for now, I imagine they are fun, wild, and have great imaginations. And big hearts! I like good people.

Q: If you had the power, what one thing would you do to make the sport better?
A: I would like to see professional wrestling embrace more eclectic characters, like there were in the 80’s. An entire roster can’t be beautiful and sexy with perfect bodies.

Q: Where have you wrestled, and what titles have you held?
A: Although I’ve managed Vik Dalishus and Hale Collins for our tag team, the NOW, at several promotions, I have only wrestled for Johnny Rodz at WUW. I am the WUW’s undefeated Women’s Champion. I have just concluded a running feud with Lady Abby, having run her out of WUW after months of her failing to strip me of the belt. Very shortly, I expect to have a match in DPW, since a certain manager can’t keep her hands to herself during tag team matches.

Q: What are your thoughts on women participating in the sport?
A: I think that regardless of whether you are male or female, you need to follow your dreams no matter what they are. I think a lot of women make poor decisions as to how to achieve their success, or how to conduct themselves in this male-dominated business, but if they stay level headed and true to themselves and have clear goals... go for it! Don’t let anyone ever tell you “NO.”

Q: What is your most memorable moment in the sport?
A: Unfortunately at the moment, it’s when I walked out of the curtain at an NEW show and accidentally threw silver glitter right into Vik Dalishus’s eyes!

Q: Any regrets?
A: My greatest regret is being naïve and trusting people that I shouldn’t have. Believing that they had my best interest at heart and really cared about me when they didn’t.

Q: What would you do if you couldn’t be in wrestling?
A: Oh, I would definitely be a sniper, bounty hunter or samurai. I’d have to be making money in some way, shape or form as a contract killer.

Q: What is your personal motto?
A: Tell me I can’t and I will show you I can.

Q: What would make you most happy in life?
A: Living my dreams.

Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
A: I am a driven, ambitious and self-motivated personality. I work hard not only for myself, but I love trying to motivate those close to me to achieve their dreams and stay focused as well. I am frustrated and disappointed by people who don’t seem to have the inner drive to realize their dreams.

Tina’s official website is www.tinamarina.com