The Barbwire Blog Spotlight: Cheerleader Melissa

Cheerleader Melissa accepts the Number One Women's Wrestler Award from PWI Editor Dan Murphy

This past weekend the representatives of Pro Wrestling Illustrated came to SHIMMER in Berwyn, Illinois to announce the number one women's wrestler in their annual Female Top 50. The winner? None other than Cheerleader Melissa, edging out AJ Lee for the tip title as number one this year.

As of this writing, Melissa is still the reigning SHIMMER Champion as well as the Pro Wrestling Revolution Women's Champion and the River City Wrestling Angels Champion, and has been dominating the women's wrestling scene all year long. While AJ Lee was a solid favorite to win, Melissa wanted it more by utilizing her trademark aggression on her opponents, solidifying the number one ranking.

In the inaugural year of the list Melissa was number 28 in 2008, and number 12 in 2009. But beginning in 2010 she was placed number 4 on the list and has been consistently been on the top ten ever since.

Melissa has her hand raised by fellow former TNA Knockout Lisa Marie Varon

This honor is a testament of how she has worked real hard to get to where she is. Everybody was predicting AJ Lee, but with AJ being more of a valet than a wrestler, Melissa was constantly pushing herself to be the best. And with that proves why indy women are driven to succeed.

Dan Murphy is lucky to be in between these beauties.

With so much talent on the indy scene, some are in the top 10, such as Saraya Knight, Jessicka Havok, Kacee Carlisle and Mercedes Martinez; all are improving as of late anddominating the scene.

But for those who want to take the Female Terminator off her perch, think again.

Barbwire Blog EXCLUSIVE: Interview With Addy Starr

When you hear the nickname "The All American Canadian," you get Addy Starr. An amazing star on the rise, the talented women's wrestler has made waves in the recent years. From Courtney Rush to Christina Von Eerie even to Cheerleader Melissa, Addy Starr is nothing short but talented. In her first interview, Addy will explain about her beginnings and her trip to England. This interview is 100% Uncensored, so let's hear it from the "All American Canadian."

1. What inspired you to become a wrestler?
Someone told me I wouldn't be able to do it. I knew nothing about wrestling at the time, but I have never been one to back down from a challenge. I went to a training school and instantly fell in love with everything about wrestling.

2. What was your early matches like?

I actually started out wrestling a lot of men, especially in hardcore and death matches. I'm not sure why I started out that way. Someone just asked if I would be willing to do it, and I said yes. I was also a huge fan of ECW and had watched countless Japanese deathmatch tapes, so it only seemed natural for me to try it.

3. What was your favorite feud in your career?

My feud with Chris Dickinson got a lot of people talking. He is a force in wrestling to be reckoned with, and I feel privileged that someone saw enough potential in me to out me up against him. 

4. You made your WSU Debut earlier this year. What is it like to be involved in one of the best women's wrestling promotion in the United States?

It was an amazing feeling to be a part of some of the best women's wrestling in the United States. I've always doubted my ability to hang with the girls, since I've mostly wrestled men, and this was a great boost to my confidence to know I was able to keep up with some of the best female talents in North America.

5. You have been battling the best women in North America in recent years. And now you will be taking your talents to England to face off against the best Europe has to offer. What is it like right now?

I'm terrified. I always dreamed of coming to Europe to wrestle, and now that it's actually happening, it seems incredibly surreal. I'm sure once I actually step into a ring for the first time here, only THEN will it actually seem like it's real.

6. You will be facing off against Miss Mina in a match that declares the first DOA Sirens Champion. What do you expect from that match?

I have no idea what to expect! I know my style of wrestling is almost the polar opposite of most European wrestling. I am a brawler, and I'm very unorthodox compared to the calculated and exact British style of wrestling. I'm expecting to learn a lot in that match and start to adjust my own style to suit this new environment. 

7. How did you get the nickname "The All-American Canadian?"

I always used to joke about how much I loved the USA (especially being half American and having citizenship). One night before an ISW show in Connecticut, some wrestlers and I went and saw the Captain America movie on opening night, and the buzz in the air from the patriotism was just so infectious. I starting chanting "USA!!" and yelling "America!" all night, and the persona kind of just stuck!

8. What is your take on Women's Wrestling?

I like good wrestling. I don't really care if it's women or men doing it. I don't seek out women's wrestling. I watch what I enjoy and what will help me learn.

9. Do you watch the WWE product or the TNA product?

I never ever watch TNA. I used to watch Raw and most of the PPVs back home with my friends, since it was good fun in a nice group. Now that I'm in the UK, I haven't quite figured out how to watch WWE shows. I don't miss it too much though, so maybe that's saying something....

10. Do you wish to wrestle for SHIMMER or SHINE one day?

Of course! Why wouldn't I?

11. You have been in the Anarchy Championship Wrestling's Queen Of Queens Tournament. What is it like to be involved in the annual tradition in Texas wrestling?

Oh man, Texas was AMAZING! I seriously cannot wait to go back. Everyone there was so kind and so welcoming! I had such a fun match and spent some great times with friends. Hey, ACW, can I come back? Like...now?

12. Would you like to work on the independent scene or would you work in one of the big leagues?

I pretty much am content with staying in the indies. I don't have any grand illusions that wrestling will pay my bills and I'm going to be a huge star. Fame is fleeting, and my body can only take so much. I have a career outside of this world that I enjoy. Wrestling is a passion that I have that I do to get away and enjoy myself. I don't want to rely on it too much and then have it be ruined.

13. Let's go around with some name association. I say a name, you can respond to whatever you please.

Courtney Rush?

Amazing talent. Sweetest girl!

Xandra Bale?

Such a good roadtrip buddy! Love her!

Cheerleader Melissa?

First big name I wrestled. I learned sooooooo much!

Angelus Layne?

Miss her! Powerhouse lady!

Matt Tremont?

Can't say enough nice things. One of the genuine best dudes I know. He reminded me why I love brawling styles so much.

Chris Dickinson?

My big brother. We beat the piss out of each other because it's good for us. Kindred spirit of mine.

Cherry Bomb?

One of the first girls I met in the business. I learned a lot from her as well. Congrats on your wedding, Cherry!

14. What does the future hold for you?

I think the future for me right now involves getting on my feet over here in Europe. I basically am starting at the bottom like I did 7 years ago in Canada. I'm excited to go new places and learn even more, but it'll be a long road to get back to where I was.

15. In closing, would you like to leave a last message for your fans?

You all are the most amazing people. I would not still be doing this after 7 years if it wasn't for all of you. I genuinely have the best fans in this universe, or any other. Thank you so much for supporting me, especially in the last few months. I promise soon you will see the triumphant return of the All American Canadian!

Special thanks to Addy Starr for her time for this interview as well as the folks at DOA Wrestling for helping me out. To keep up with Addy Starr, follow her on Twitter @AddyStarr.

You can follow me on Twitter @matthewhollie

Bellatrix Vs. SHIMMER Countdown: An ALL NEW Interview With Lady Penelope

Representing England with her entire heart, Lady Penelope is one of a kind. Coming of a big win at Bellatrix 6 against Alpha Female (with an assist from Destiny), Penelope is heading in to Bellatrix 7 in the most unusual way when she faces Erin Angel again, this time for the Bellatrix British Women's Title. Originally it was supposed to be Erin Angel vs. Sammi Baynes for the title, but with Courtney Rush injured, she is facing off against Liberty instead. This comes as a surprise for some folks, as Erin Angel did face Penelope in the past. But will there be an surprising upset? We shall see.

In this new interview, Penelope will not only discuss her upcoming match, but the aftermath of Bellatrix. 6. This interview will be LOUDER, so be prepared for anything.

1. Can you tell our readers what happened at Bellatrix 6 between you and Alpha Female?

At Bellatrix 6 I wrestled Alpha Female, this was the second time I took on Alpha Female so I felt more comfortable and confident about facing her at Bellatrix also having the home field advantage defiantly helped. The match was going well I nailed my tornado DDP I went up to hit a flying close-line and Alpha moved out the way, I Collided with the referee knocking him down for the count, this gave alpha the advantage, she’s hit her finishing moving and had my pinned, but unknowns to myself and alpha destiny come down and had a sore to settle with Alpha, Destiny hit her with a deadly spear, which means the tables had turned around in my favour, allowing me to make the cover and get the win.

2. You have been very busy as of late outside Bellatrix. What were you up to after the June event?

Since Bellatrix 6 I been doing my normal stuff, wrestling as much as I can, I had 6 weeks of the camps which is always interesting; I recently just came back from Italy for NWE which is always fun.

3. How do you prepare for your matches?

If I have an important match I know is coming up then I will normally study the other wrestlers ring work, seeing what moves etc, outside the ring I will train hard as I normally do, I train in the gym 4/5 times a week and diet as and when I can or feel I need to.

4. With you facing Erin Angel for the British Women's Title, this seems like an opportunity for you. What do you expect from this match?

I expect it to be a very fast passé match, we’re very evenly matched, but don’t get me wrong I will be giving Erin a run for money, Last time I wrestled Erin it was a close call, I did give it my all, but this time...This time it’s different, It’s a Championship match, I’ll be pulling out all the stops, It’s a match I’m very much looking forward to, As I hope other are as well.

5. With SHIMMER stars making their debuts in October, do you believe they will hold their own against the Bellatrix veterans?

Most defiantly, the Bellatrix girls have got their work cut out for them, but I think the Bellatrix will show the world and shimmer what being a Female warrior is all about, it will be a tough consist for all of us.

6. Let's go around with your view of the SHIMMER ladies. It's like name association, but it's your scouting report for each of the individuals who will come to England. LuFisto?

The queen of hardcore

7. Mercedes Martinez?

Amazing all around worker

8. Cheerleader Melissa?

Hard as nails, great all round worker.

9. Christina Von Eerie? Such a cool gimmick, awesome worker.

10. What are your goals in Bellatrix?

My main goal at the moment is the Bellatrix British Championship, that’s all I am focused on.

11. In closing, would you like to leave a last message for your fans as well as Erin Angel?

Erin Angel, I hope you’re ready to tear the house down, and give the fan of Bellatrix something to remember!! You better bring your A game, because come October 6th Epic studios there’s no where you can hide, its damn sure going to get Louder.

Special thanks to Lady Penelope for her time for this interview as well as Saraya Knight for her help in the process. To keep up with Penelope, follow her on Twitter @PenelopeBFW.

You can follow me on Twitter @matthewhollie

The Barbwire Blog Yearly Awards

As you might have heard, starting in November, the Barbwire Blog will announce its first ever awards to the individuals who achieved in the high standards of the ring. The Awards are as follows:

The Ric Flair Award for Best Male Wrestler of the Year

The Allison Danger Award for Best Women’s Wrestler of the Year

The Jim Ross Award For Best Announcer of the Year

The Bobby Heenan Award For Best Manager of the Year

 Tag Team of the Year

The Mike Mooneyham Award for Best Journalist of the Year

The Richard Belding Award For Best Executive of the Year (an old favorite from the original weekly awards)

Bellatrix Vs. SHIMMER COuntdown: Interview With Sammi Baynes

Wrestling has been a fixture for young Sammi Baynes, as the former Norfolk Doll will try to make a name for herself now that her former partner is in the WWE. Her true test will be up against the Bellatrix British Women's Champion Erin Angel. It would be a test of resolve for the talented Baynes.

In her first interview, Sammi will address her opponent as well as her past as one of the Norfolk Dolls. Sammi is not one to hold back, so here it is, in it's entirety.

1. What inspired you to be a pro wrestler?

I was always into wrestling as a kid I would watch it on the tv all the time, I just thought it was amazing and when I was given the opportunity to try it I've never looked back its what I was born to do.

2. What is your favorite match in your career?

A tag team match I was involved in as part of the Norfolk dolls it was about mid way through my career and it was against Sweet Saraya and Klondyke Kate, I don't really remember much about the match I was just in awe as to who I was in the ring with (ha ha) I was buzzing

3. You were a former Norfolk Doll at one point. What was it like to be involved with that group?

It was amazing we were one of the biggest female tag teams at the time and we made a big impact on the women's division as we were one of very few female tag teams. Me and Brittani Knight were best friends so it was so easy for us to gel and it just worked! We had the legends Ricky Knight and Sweet Saraya to thank for our success as the Norfolk dolls, they put everything into us and they were the ones who had the vision of the Norfolk dolls, getting their inspiration from the film 'California dolls'

4. On October 6th ,you be challenging Erin Angel for the Bellatrix British Women's Championship. What do you expect from that match?

I expect to come out on top! Walking out with a belt around my waist! I've never been up against Erin before but I know she will give me a good match, we're both very different in wrestling styles so we'll see how those go up against each other at Bellatrix.

5. What is your view on women's wrestling in general?

I personally think it's at an all time high , back in the day of the Norfolk dolls there wasn't many women on the wrestling scene, well not on the British scene anyway and now it's full of many talented, fierce, dominant females who make wrestling what it is today, I think we are more respected now so it's easier to get ourselves out there and be accepted.

6. With SHIMMER Stars making their debut in Bellatrix, do you think they have the talent as well as the tools to handle the veterans in Bellatrix?

Having seen very few of the SHIMMER girls in action I can't really comment, all I know is that with our veterans of Bellatrix being the likes of Sweet Saraya they're gonna have a tough fight on their hands.

7. Let's go around with your view of the SHIMMER ladies. It's like name association, but it's your scouting report for each of the individuals who will come to England. LuFisto?

Fierce

8. Mercedes Martinez?

Hardcore

9. Cheerleader Melissa?

Aggressive

10. Courtney Rush?

Quirky

11. Christina Von Eerie?

Strong

12. In closing, would you like to leave a last message for your fans as well as Erin Angel?

Be ready and be aware cause I'm coming and I'm in hard.

Special thanks to Sammi Baynes for her time for this interview as well as Saraya Knight for hel help in the process. To keep up with Sammi, follow her on Twitter @SammiBaynes.

You can follow me on Twitter @matthewhollie

Bellatrix Vs. SHIMMER Countdown: An ALL NEW Interview With Destiny

In women's wrestling today, nobody puts on the pressure on her opponents quite like Destiny. Painfully as it sounds, the 10+ year veteran has proven time and time again that Bellatrix is her home turf, and nothing and nobody will stop her. Aurora Flame knew that as well as Alpha Female at Bellatrix 6. Now will the "Super Hardcore Anime" LuFisto meet the same fate? Tiem will truly tell.

In an all new interview, the Referee's Worst Nightmare will not just address the actions at Bellatrix 6, but also address her opponent at Bellatrix 7.

1. Can you tell our readers what happened in your match at Bellatrix 6 against Aurora Flame?

Obviously, I destroyed her. She's a talent and she gave me a good fight but lets face it, we all knew going into that match that she'd be getting back on a plane to Finland with an L on her score card.

2. You also helped Lady Penelope get the win over Alpha Female later on and you got into a little staredown with Alpha Female as well. Is there a potential match between the two of you?

First off, I wasn't helping Penelope, I was there to let Alpha Female know who the real Alpha is, and for over 10 years now that's been Destiny. As far as potential for a match between the two of us, it seems like for now she's so scared of me shes run to the other side of the planet. So if fans want to see that she'll have to grow set first.

3. Outside of Bellatrix, what have you been up to regarding wrestling?

I've been handing out beatings in LDN and of course in WAW - But my Focus is Bellatrix, showing the world what Destiny is all about.

4. With the recent retirements of some prominent women's wrestlers this year, is retirement in the cards for you?

Not a chance, I dominate my matches so I don't pick up injuries like some of my lesser "colleagues" Despite being in the business for over a decade I'm still in my 20's. I've easily got another 2 decades left in me and I intend to be just as dominant until then.

5. On October 6th, you'll be up against a veteran of women's wrestling LuFisto. You think she'll hold her own against you?

Book your tickets, or pre order the IPPV, because this is going to be a fight. I'm not taking her lightly, I now everything she's done, and everyone she's beat, its not going to be like a night off for me, but I'm going to give her a fight like shes never seen before, nothing fancy, nothing flash, just pure brutality. When the dust settles I may be the worse for wear but I will have my hand raised.

6. With some top SHIMMER stars making their Bellatrix debuts, do you believe they can hold their own on hostile territory?

Anyone who thinks this is going to be one sided, for either promotion is a fool. Shimmer is recognized as being the top company in the world, but anyone who's seen any of the Bellatrix shows knows we're the best that Europe has to offer, and on October 6th, people will see that which ever company comes out on top, its going to be a pretty close run thing. 

 
 
7. Let's hear your view on the SHIMMER Ladies. It's just like name association but it's your scouting report on the newcomers. Mercedes Martinez?

Hard hitting

8. Christina Von Eerie?

Talented.

9. Cheerleader Melissa?

Dangerous.
 

10. Courtney Rush?

Keeping my belt warm.

11. What are your three goals in Bellatrix?

Firstly and most importantly reclaiming my World Championship. I never lost that title and sometime very soon I will be making a run at whoever thinks they are the Champ. Secondly, I will win the European title, and make history as the first every triple crown champion in Bellatrix. Third Letting every wrestling fan around the world that I am the top dog, the real Alpha not just in Bellatrix but on the world wide scene for women's wrestling.

 

12. In closing, would you like to leave a last message for your fans as well as LuFisto?

Fans, get the damn IPPV or get down to Epic Studios on October 6th as you dont want to miss this. and LuFisto? I'm counting down the days, I've seen everything you have and my warning - bring it all, don't leave a damn thing in the locker room that night because I'm coming in 100% focused on the win that night whatever you decide to throw at me. AND if you bring Pegaboo to ringside, I will be tearing her damn head off!

Special thanks to Destiny for her time for this interview as well as Saraya Knight for her help in the process. To keep up with Destiny, follow her on Twitter @Destiny_Bfwuk.

You can follow me on Twitter @matthewhollie

“I Have Lost Faith In TNA"

It's official; I have lost complete faith in TNA.
 
It seems like every time the company moves forward, it takes way too many steps backwards. Nobody is interested in watching the live shows, the writers lean towards majority of the ex-WWE talent, and the ratings are not good. No wonder WWE is kicking ass each and every week because they have the resources and the leadership, TNA doesn't.

Here's a few things from a fan's perspective: “Dixie Carter seemingly has no problem with releasing several TNA wrestlers for the sake of cutting costs. Maybe she wouldn’t have to worry about costs if she didn’t throw stupidly large amounts of money to non-wrestlers. All the respect in the world to Rampage Jackson and Tito Ortiz but what have they done to increase awareness for TNA? It’s becoming clearer and clearer that this woman has no idea how to run a wrestling company. She has all the business sense of a sixth grader and sooner or later, Dixie will no longer be able to rely on Jarrett’s bank account.”

While that may be honest, people have been ching in with their opinion on the disastrousstate of TNA.

As I said in my article “Knockouts Knocked Down," I addressed the following about the disintegrating Knockouts division; “Back then, there were so many talent women on the TNA roster like Awesome Kong, Angelina Love, Sarita, Velvet Sky, Traci Brooks, ODB, Tara, Mickie James, Gail Kim and many others too long too list here. These women have always put on tremendous matches and give it 110% in the ring. They even outperformed the guys in TNA with their athleticism and beauty. Their Knockouts division was better than the WWE Divas division.

"Now all that is left is just Gail, ODB, Mickie, Velvet, and Miss Tessmacher to keep this division alive. Kong is gone. Angelina is gone. Traci is gone. Sarita is gone. Tara is gone and she said she will never return to TNA. Madison Rayne is gone. And Taryn Terrell is out for a while. While the lack of depth is why the fans lost faith in TNA, look at the WWE Divas. They have what the Knockouts lack: talent and depth. Look at the SHIMMER roster as well. They certainly have what the Knockouts lack as well: Lots of amazing talent, great depth, and former Knockouts Alissa Flash and Ayako Hamada helped bring SHIMMER to international prominence.

"It's up to you if you lost faith in the Knockouts division. I don't see that division succeeding if you have five women on your roster. It comes off with failing marks and needs to be addressed very soon."

So far, this and many other things are not addressed because the Internet Wrestling Community bash Dixie Carter for not only for hiring former WWE talent, but also for bringing in MMA stars. Watching it right now is just plain insufferable, and as of right now, TNA is definitely on it's last legs and there's no way it's gonna get up from bad publicity.

You fans shouldn't punish the performers, not the people who came from WWE; punish the bookers, the writers, the front office, hell, even make Dixie Carter int a pariah. TNA has been around for 11 years, and it's nowhere near the WWE's level. That's the way it is, and that's the way it'll stay. The ruthless IWC will see the promotion fold due to lack of interest.

The ship is completely sinking, and if things don't turn around soon, look for some of these guys to go to another promotion with three letters: ROH.