Bellatrix Vs. SHIMMER Countdown: Interview With Mercedes Martinez

Hailing from a little town in Waterbury, Connecticut; a Latina Sensation lives amongst the folks who grew up there and battled the most toughest competitors in women's wrestling today. That name is Mercedes Martinez, the longest reigning Women Superstars Uncensored Champion for three years and a SHIMMER veteran. The reigning nCw: Femme Fatales Champion when she beat Kalamity earlier this year. Her wars with the best in the business like Athena, Cheerleader Melissa, LuFisto, and Jessicka Havok are brutal and legendary. Her 2nd defense of her title will be none other than “The Nordic Valkyrie" Miss Mina at Bellatrix 7 in England.

In a first time ever on the Barbwire Blog, Mercedes will not only give her view on her opponent and her worldly view on women's wrestling, but she'll take some fan questions as well. The Latina Sensation is not shy about speaking her mind, so let's get to it!

1. (Question from Robert W. Kovach) What inspired her to become a wrestler? And tell her I thought her & Kyoko Inoue did a hell of a job at the last Indy Gurlz Event! They put on one of the best matches I've seen in a long time! Awesome job!

Thank you so much for the kind words on that match with Kyoko. Such a positive learning experience and such a great match. Wish more people were there to witness it.

I was inspired to become a wrestler for many diff reasons. When I was young, wrestling was always a big thing in my house especially with my uncle and younger brother. It was then when I knew wrestling would be a big influence in my life. Me and my brother will always wrestle with the kids on the block and we even made tag teams belts out of cardboard and called ourselves "The Master Blasters"..lol...needless to say, I really didn't think I would be a wrestler but things happen for a reason and a injury in college took me down the path to wrestling. I always believed that whatever a man can do, a female can do and sometimes better. in this case, when I first started wrestling, I had to wrestle men before I wrestled the females, especially in training...I strive to do the best I can and always give more than 100%.

2. What was your favorite match in your 13-year career?

I have so many favorite matches that it is hard to choose just one. Wrestling for 13 years against many outstanding wrestlers like Mickie James, Victoria aka Tara, Angel Orsini, Cheerleader Melissa, Sara Del Rey, Nanae Takahashi, Madison Eagles, LuFisto, Ayako Hamada have given me some of my best and memorable matches ever. So I can't really say what has been my absolute favorite because I have so many.

3. Like Cheerleader Melissa, you debuted in SHIMMER in 2005. What is it like to be a part of the best all-women's wrestling promotion in the world?

SHIMMER is awesome and such a pioneer in womens wrestling. To be part of a company that supports the athleticsm of females and for them to give us a platform to prove to the world that we are more than just valets or eye candy, is a great feeling. We all need a place to showcase our talents in the ring and SHIMMER has given us a stage to perform and create memorable matchups for the world to see. It+s a honor to be part of SHIMMER.

4. In addition, you were once a fixture of Women's Superstars Uncensored; where you were a champion for three years. What was it like to be a part of that promotion?

WSU was considered my home for abut 4yrs because i literally took the ball and ran with it. Being a champion for 3yrs was no easy accomplishment but I survived and ran with the opportunity the company gave me. I like to think I helped the company gain its popularity by the feuds with Angel Orsini, Rain, and Serena Deeb along with Jessicka Havok. I put my time and body on the line for WSU because I believed in the product at that time. I have great memories and maybe one day I will return and create chaos, the Latina way.

5. Right now you are the reigning nCw: Femme Fatales International Champion beating Kalamity for the gold this past March. How is it to be a champion for one of two major women's wrestling promotions in North America?

I'm humbled and ecstatic. I always say that when a company trusts you with carrying their title, it means that they believe in you and the talent that you possess. I'm humbled to be champion for nCw Femme Fatales but make no mistake, I deserve this title and everyone around the world knows it. From the beginning I staked my claim and here I am, champion.

6. You will be defending the nCw: Femme Fatales International Championship against Miss Mina at Bellatrix 7. This is the first time that championship is going to be defended outside Canada. What do you expect from this match?

I expect to walk out still champion and Miss Mina to be proudly wearing my handmarks on her chest. Expect the unexpected and I never take a opponent lightly, however, this title came with me and with will go home with me.

7. In addition, you'll be taking up with Saraya Knight against LuFisto and Sweet Cherie at an nCw: Femme Fatales event later this October. What do you think about that match?

It's going to be BRUTALITY at its finest. LuFisto and I had our battles and with Saraya getting in the mix, I believe hardcore isn't the word to describe this match. I hope LuFisto is preparing Sweet Cherrie for what me and Saraya are going to do to them. We will have no mercy and no regrets.

8. (Question from Clint Corbett) Which male wrestler does she think did the best job at creating "art" by tattooing themselves? What tattoo would she like to get done next.

I'm loving the fact that the called tattoos "art" because that is exactly what it is. Our body is a canvas and for those that tattoo themselves, we merely are telling a story of our lives and what we love for the world to see. I am working on a new arm sleeve for my left arm and will consist of a galaxy them. Its a work in progress at that moment.

As far as the male wrestler goes, that tough as I love tattoos. But I'm digging Randy Orton's tattoo and I love any Samoans/Polynesians wrestlers who have tattoos as their tattoos are highly significant and inticut and very religious in nature. 

9. (Question from Scott Johnson) With as many matches as she has had, who is one woman (currently active) that she would like to wrestle that she hasn't had the chance.

I would love to expand my horizon and will love to work with the Alpha Female. I think our matches will be awesome and hard hitting and definitely a showcase of what we have to offer. 

10. With Bellatrix 7 the opening of what October is called Open Female Fight Season duo you think your fellow SHIMMER stars will hang tough with the Bellatrix girls?

I believe my fellow SHMMER stars can more than hang tough. I believe that we our experience combined, we are more prepared for any match that comes our way. however, I can only speak for myself when I say I'm prepared and ready for my match with Miss Mina.

 

11. With the recent retirements of Allison Danger, Brittney Savage, and Kalamity this year, do you believe retirement is in your future?

I believe retirement is in every wrestlers future. There's comes a point in your life when real life has to be a priority, wrestling takes a toll on the body not just physically but mentally as well. When its time to hang up the boots, I'm sure everyone will know. For now, I'm enjoying the ride that wrestling is still offering me and counting my blessings that my body can still deliver.

12. Let's go around with some name association. I say a name, you can say whatever you please. Jessicka Havok?

A beast in the ring

13. Athena?

Pure athleticism but all that high flying will catch up to her.

14. Ayako Hamada?

Tremendous, phenomenal, outstanding. a wrestler I admire and look up to.

15. Cheerleader Melissa?

All around wrestler. Can mix it up with anyone you put in front of her.

16. LuFisto?

Hard worker and a brilliant student of the game of wrestling. Deserves every accolade she gets and then some.

17. Saraya Knight?

Puts the fear of the devil to everyone she encounters in the ring.

18. (Question from Paul Price) Does she really enjoy inflicting those chops as much as it looks like she does?

I absolutely ENJOY inflicting those chops. Its the highlight of my match for me. Its prolly one of the few times you will see me smile.

19. What is your take on women's wrestling?

We are now a force to be reckon with. We can now be the main event instead of a attraction match. We have more to prove and as long as every female wrestler that steps into the ring takes this sport seriously and studies the game and the history, The future of women's wrestling will live on. look to the veterans in this business and realize how much they and we sacrificed to get to this point.
I am proud to be part of a movement that helped get women's wrestling to here it is now and I will still fight for it to be respected.

20. What does the future hold for “The Latina Sensation?"

Hopefully more titles belts around my waist and to keep hold of the titles I hold now. The future stays bright and it will never dim. I strive to give 100% and more and to always do my best, god willing.

21. In closing, would you like to leave a last message to your fans as well as Miss Mina?

For my fans, thank you for always supporting me. whether you are booing me or cheering, you have all given me respect for my skills in the ring. I never claim to be the best, but I do claim to be one of the many female wrestlers that helped put women's wrestling on the map. I thank you for keeping me in your prayers for when I'm injured and keeping me alive when I think this business has killed me inside. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

And for Miss Mina, better be super prepared for me. I'm not coming there to shake your hand. I'm coming there to prove a point and show why I'm the champ. You will feel the wrath of the Latina Sensation 100% and I will show you no mercy. I'm looking forward to kicking your teeth in and dropping you on your head. The end.

Special thanks to Mercedes for her time for this interview as well as Saraya Knight for her help in the process. To learn more about Mercedes, check out her Online World Of Wrestling Profile by clicking here.

You cab follow me on Twitter @matthewhollie

Bellatrix Vs. SHIMMER Countdown: An ALL NEW Interview With Miss Mina

Miss Mina has got a big opportunity on her hands. Although she did come up short against Nikki Storm at Bellatrix 6, she will get the biggest opportunity at Bellatrix 7 when she faces "The Latina Sensation" Mercedes Martinez for the nCw: Femme Fatales Championship.

In the all-new interview, Mina will tell the tale of Bellatrix 6 as well as her upcoming match. SHe will also scout the other SHIMMER participants as well.

1. What happened during your match with Nikki Storm at Bellatrix 6?

My match at Bellatrix 6 did not go as expected, she faked a knee injury, and as I know how it is getting injured in a match I wanted to make sure she was ok to continue! I thought Nikki Storm would be respectful and honorable considering her heritage. But I know now there is not one honest bone in her body. And if that’s how she wants to play, well she better get ready for payback. She will be traveling home in a world of pain.

2. You think you can get a win over Nikki Storm next time you two meet in the ring?

Well she obviously knew I had her the last time and then had to cheat to win, next time she won`t even be able to get up.

3. How does the Nordic Valkyrie prepare for battle?

Training hard and hitting the ropes, prepare mentally and a good study of my opponent!

4. On October 6, you'll get a championship opportunity in the form of the nCw: Femme Fatales International Championship against the reigning champion Mercedes Martinez. What do you think about that?

I am really honored to get the opportunity to wrestle a veteran like Mercedes Martinez, but bear in mind I wont give her an easy match! I`m always aiming for the gold, and that belt would be an amazing triumph.

5. Do you believe that Mercedes will present a greater challenge for you?

Mercedes will be representing a real challenge for me yes. And I am expecting it to. Surly I've heard the Latino sensation has a lot to bring to the table. But she never faced a true Viking. Ill slap her back to her heritage.

6. With SHIMMER's top stars coming to Bellatrix, do you believe they have the talent to hang with the Bellatrix veterans?

Of course they do, they are not the biggest female promotion in the US for nothing.

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?

A hardcore amazing worker

8. Christina Von Eerie?

Feisty and rocked out

9. Cheerleader Melissa?

Done big things got a big it factor

10. Courtney Rush?

Cocky heel with good skills

11. How do you see yourself in wrestling?

I see myself as a competent worker, an all-rounder who can go into pretty much any situation. A true Viking, who is proud of her heritage and brings it to the world.

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

Our performance depends on so many factors, only some which we can control. What I can control is my mind and that is what I mentally bring to the starting line. And Mercedes, I'm really looking forward to meet u in the ring. It will be an honor. Thank you all for the support, and this will go down as one of the biggest matches I have done. Im really looking forward to it and I hope you all are as well! Follow me on https://www.facebook.com/ValkyrieMina?ref=hl

Special thanks to Miss Mina for her time for this interview as well as Saraya Knight for her help in the process. To keep up with Miss Mina, check out her Facebook fan page on the last question as well as follow her on Twitter @_MissMina_.

You can follow me on Twitter @matthewhollie

Bellatrix Vs. SHIMMER Countdown: Interview With Courtney Rush

 

Winnipeg has a great hockey history as well as wrestling history, as the Winnipeg Jets won three Avco Cups while in the World Hockey Association and has had a loyal following in the 80s and mid 90s before moving to Phoenix. Since 2011, the Atlanta Thrashers moved to Winnipeg to become the NEW Winnipeg Jets. Names like Bobby Hull, Dale Hawerchuk, Thomas Steen, Keith Tkachuk and Teemu Selanne made their names on the hockey scene here as well as Andrew Ladd, Dustin Byfuglien and the current Jets. As wrestling history applies, it is the hometown of WWE legend Chris Jericho as well as the rising star in the indy scene, the one and only Courtney Rush.

Rush is a 6-time champion currently holding the Bellatrix World Championship as well as a few Canadian Wrestling promotions women's titles, Rush has been and always will be one of a kind. Battling with the likes of Allysin Kay, Cheerleader Melissa, Cherry Bomb, Sara Del Rey and Kellie Skater; the Rush Revolution has one stop she hasn't been yet: England, where she will be defending the belt at Epic Studios in Norwich, the home of Bellatrix Female Warriors on October 6.

In her FIRST interview on the Barbwire Blog, Rush will talk about the beginnings of a dynamic career, her early years as PJ Tyler, her upcoming matches in October and many more. She does not hold back and she pulls no punches, Courtney Rush tells the truth. Unapologetic too.

1. What got you involved with pro wrestling?

The death of Eddie Guerrero. Shall I rewind a bit to explain? Oh, all right. I watched wrestling from a very young age. My father and his friends used to watch all the time. Dad is the world's #1 Undertaker fan. My cousins and I used to wrestle each other in the basement and the backyard, using couch cushions in place of steel chairs. There is probably a terrible home video or two still kicking around somewhere. My room was covered in posters and cutouts from WWF and WCW magazines. In high school, my best friend and I got it into our heads that we should go train to be wrestlers, but the only school - and I use that term loosely - we found at the time wanted us to have a match after a single training session. All together now: SKETCHBAG. We decided to graduate high school instead and figure it out after. Which meant forget about it and go to university. I graduated that with a degree in film and theatre, worked on a couple sets, and had a job in a kitchen that I liked but didn't exactly care about. Still watching wrestling all this time. Then Eddie Guerrero died, and I realised that life is too short to live with regrets. So I researched wrestling schools, sent an email to Scott D'Amore regarding his CanAm Wrestling School in Windsor, Ontario, saved up my money and moved away to start my new life.

2. You got your start in 2008 under the name PJ Tyler. What was the inspiration of that character and how did that work out in the ring?

PJ Tyler was meant to be a spoiled rock 'n roll chick, but came off more to me like a groupie! The name was essentially thrown together; I was just starting and had no better names in mind. I am a big fan of Aerosmith so that is the origin of Tyler. I don't know where PJ came from. It never even stood for anything. It was just a name to use until I matured and found myself...and I did when I became Courtney Rush.

3. You made your SHIMMER debut in 2011 after competing on the SPARKLE pre-shows. What is it like to be a part of the most successful women's wrestling promotion in the United States?

Fun fact: Leva Bates and I debuted on SPARKLE together! The amount of talent in the SHIMMER locker room is mind-boggling, and I love being a part of it. Where else can you find such an internationally eclectic group of women all working toward the common goal of making women's wrestling better? God bless Dave Prazak for having the nerves of steel it takes to organize a locker room full of strong-minded females!

4. You also hold the distinction of appearing on most of nCw: Femme Fatales shows. What is it like to wrestle in your home country.

Well.. keep in mind that I am from Manitoba and live in Ontario. While they and Quebec are all technically part of Canada, they are very different worlds! Montreal fans KNOW what they like, and while they might respect my abilities, I am not convinced that I am entirely loved by them! But I have only missed two Femmes Fatales shows and hopefully they will be the only two. Stephane Bruyere runs a great company.

5. You also worked in Japan as well. What is it like to be involved in the best wrestling the country has to offer?

Difficult. It is a very different style in Japan and takes time to get used to their way. I had three matches while I was there, and I was catching on by the end - or at least I think I was! If I was to go back, I think that I would have a better showing.

6. Last year you teamed up with Sara Del Rey to win the SHIMMER Tag Team Championship. What was it like to work with a women's wrestling legend like Sara Del Rey?

The BEST! Until she betrayed me and left me to be devoured by the Canadian Ninjaz. Hmm. Seems this might still be a touchy subject.

7. Earlier this year you defeated the recently retired Allison Danger to become Bellatrix World Champion. How did that feel to become champion of Europe's top women's wrestling promotion?

Are you kidding? To challenge and defeat someone who has become a mentor to me in Allison Danger, to be given the nod for the title shot from her and Bellatrix owner Saraya Knight, to know that, should I win, it would likely mean achieving my dream of traveling to England to defend said title? Meh, it was okay, I guess. KIDDING! That was a huge moment for me and I am not about to let either of them down, nor am I to disappoint myself. I know my capabilities, and I am ready to show England what I can do!

8. In nCw: Femme Fatales, you are currently embroiled in a war with Cheerleader Melissa for a shot at the nCw: Femme Fatales International Championship, held by Mercedes Martinez. Do you believe you can be on top in this war?

Put it this way: if I didn't believe I could do it, I would give up now. Since you don't see me tapping - and I wouldn't recommend holding your breath for THAT outcome - don't count me out on this one. I will fight Melissa as hard and long as it takes to get that title shot. Believe it.

9. What is your opinion on women's wrestling?

Same as my opinion on all wrestling. Some of it is great. Some of it is okay. Some of it downright stinks. As they say at ringbelles.com: "Great wrestling knows no gender." That includes bad wrestling too. It is time we start crediting abilities over what lies between the competitors' legs.

10. On October 6, you'll be defending the Bellatrix World Title against Liberty, who has been on a roll since winning the Real Quality Wrestling European Ladies Championship. What do you think about that match?

I think Liberty needs to put more of her matches on YouTube! How am I supposed to do my homework on the girl with practically no reference material? At least you will find MY YouTube channel vastly more generous with footage of me!

11. With Open Female Fight Season coming, is October gonna be great for women's wrestling in general?

So long as everyone brings their A-Game. We must always strive to improve. Each outing must be even better than the last. And there are certainly many opportunities this time round!

12. Let's go around with name association. I say a name, you can respond to whatever you please. Allison Danger?

Mentor

13. Saraya Knight?

Mum

14. Nicole Matthews?

Troublemaker!

15. Cherry Bomb?

Arch Nemesis

16. Cheerleader Melissa?

Watch that Kudoh Driver!

17. Mercedes Martinez?

Can never retire. Ever!!

18. Christina Von Eerie?

Should team with Jessie McKay. Aussie Aussie Aussie! Oi Oi Oi!

19. LuFisto?

Insane!

20. Ayako Hamada?

The BEST.

21. Madison Eagles?

I want to wrestle her every day.

22. Jodi DiMilo?

Partner! Moonwalk Thrillers are taking it all!

23. What does the future hold for you?

The last fortune cookie I read said something about a penguin of happiness. Admittedly, I was confused. But the near future involves a trip to England to defend my Bellatrix title and a rematch vs Cheerleader Melissa for the Femmes Fatales #1 contendership! Beyond that, gimme more wrestling! I love what I do.

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

I never back down from a challenge. Come at me, Liberty - and bring everything you've got.

Special thanks to Courtney Rush for her time, effort, and cooperation for this interview; as well as Saraya Knight for helping me out in the process. To keep up with “The Winnipeg Suplex Machine," follow her on Twitter @WinnipeggerRush.

You can follow me on Twitter @matthewhollie

Bellatrix Vs. SHIMMER Countdown: An ALL-NEW Interview With Skarlett

Skarlett isn't out to impress nobody...She's out there to inflict a whole lot of pain on her opponents. Her match with X-Cute Sweet has it's ups and downs, but Skarlett in the end pulled through with the dreaded Skarlett's Web. And her war with Saraya Knight for the Herts & Essex Wrestling Women's Championship has finally reached a point where someone gets extremely hurt. Also, she will face off against a former TNA Knockout Christina Von Eerie at Bellatrix 7, so that adds much to her plate.

In this all-new interview, Skarlett will not only recap the events of Bellatrix 6, but also talks about her rivalry with Saraya Knight as well as her take on the incoming SHIMMER stars. It's 100% Uncensored and of course 100% No Bull.

1. Can you tell our readers what happened at Bellatrix 6 with X-Cute Sweet?

Your readers should already know as well as I do, what happened is what always happened. Bellatrix management lined me up some little cutie pie to take out my constant bad mood . She was more of a challenge than I gave her credit for which had left me temporarily checking my attitude, but she took that small show of respect as weakness and repayed me by wiping her French arse all over my face.

Seriously... A stink face????? So I gave her an axekick and sent her home tapping to Skarletts Web. Obviously.

2. Sounds like your Skarlett's Web is the most effective in your matches.

This isn't a question. A question being a sentence worded or expressed so as to elicit information.. this isn't a statement either. Its a FACT. .A thing that is indisputably the case. If it wasn't effective why on earth would I waste my time beating everyone down enough to ground them so I can slap it on them? Don't mistake me for the kind of girl that has to put all that flowery flippy pretty crap in their matches so everyone cheers. I do everything I do with one simple mantra in mind - ''If it hurts it works.''

3. Outside of Bellatrix, what happened between you and Saraya Knight in Herts & Essex Women's Championship?

Ah yes. That was regrettable. For HER. You see the problem was I got far too comfortable dominating the HEW Women's division and took my eye of the ball in a BIG way allowing Mrs Knight to sneak on back on. I'd like to think she was surprised by the fight she got out of me...and I'm really not ashamed to have been beaten by one of the best in the world. Who would? I'm a big girl, I can take my lessons and I learn from them.

4. Do you think you can regain your championship by any means necessary?

If any means necessary also means ''Casket Match'' then yes I do believe I can regain the gold. There's been bad blood between Saraya knight and myself over at HEW for for too long. Its time that someone offered the wily veteran a bit of competition, and that someone is going to be me.

5. Now you'll be facing a former TNA Knockout in Christina Von Eerie. What do you think about facing such a young talent like Christina?

I've been checking her out doing a little research and she seems on paper to be my kind of lady, stylistically and the way she promotes herself, But I'm not in this industry to make friends and share fashion tips. Unfortunately, my personal opinion of her doesn't actually matter when I have a job to do. Win. As for her being so ''young'' as you put it.. that doesn't matter to me. Everyone still has their lessons to learn, and I will gladly play the role of Teacher. Today's lesson - Von Eerie's Limitations.


6. With SHIMMER's top stars coming to Bellatrix, do you believe they have the talent to hang with the Bellatrix veterans?

We will have to see wont we. I just hope the rest of Team Bellatrix take a leaf our of my play book and keep their feet on the ground and concentrate on the battle at hand rather than being all star struck and big eyed. This is an opportunity to show a larger audience what us British girls have to offer..
And mark my words when I say the name of everyone's lips will be mine.

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?

Destiny... You got this one in the bag.

8. Mercedes Martinez?

I think Miss Mina will struggle taking the title from Martinez.

9. Cheerleader Melissa?

I'm gonna be watching this one from the back with interest. Plenty of bad blood between Melissa and Saraya, I'm gonna grab a nice cold beer and watch them both kill each other.

10. Courtney Rush?

I think she'll have a competitive match with Liberty, but I think Rush is going to edge it. Seriously Liberty's ridiculous luck has to end soon.

11. What are your goals in Bellatrix?

To practice random hate and senseless acts of brutality. Oh and to finally break the title scene...

12. In closing, would you like to leave a last message to your fans as well as Christina Von Eerie?

My ''fans'' ? There are only two types of people - the ones who rightfully fear and respect me... or the ones that don't know any better. As for a message for Eerie? I'm looking forward to being the one to welcome her to the UK , But I'll let my actions speak louder than my words.

Special thanks to Skarlett for her time as well as Saraya Knight for helping me out in the process.To keep up with the happenings of Skarlett, follow her on Twitter @ExtremeSkarlett as well as her Facebook Fanpage at faecbook.com/SkarlettWrestler.

You can follow me on Twitter @matthewhollie