ONLINE INTERVIEWS
BELLE OF THE BRAWL
By Lekisha Faith Oliver, lekisha@wrestling-online.com
Ever changing wrestling/sports entertainment industry makes the columnists and article writers always be on their toes. Last week my guest for today, Dakota, became the Mid-South Wrestling Organization's new Ladies' champion. On April 8, 2000, Dakota defeated Brianna Starr for the Ladies' championship. Along with the rest of the wrestlers in the Mid-South Wrestling Organization, the new blood of the wrestling world is made and molded into the superstars of the future. And with this new blood, means changes in all that is done. I contacted her for an interview for this week.
The interview follows:
Lekisha Oliver/Belle of the Brawl (BB): Thank you for allowing me to contact you and let's start up with the first question, why did you
choose wrestling?
Dakota: I have always been very active in sports, playing basketball in high school and college. It is no secret that I am a big girl, and in wrestling being big is definitely a plus. I get to stay active and have fun. The main reason for my involvement in wrestling is very personal, it has to do with a young man, and his love for this sport. Let's just say if it was not for Willie, I would not be where I am today.
BB: Any problems getting started in the business?
Dakota: There are always problems in this business. The biggest obstacle so far for me has been the fact that I am a female in a male
dominant sport. I wanted to be more than a manager, I wanted to be a wrestler. For me to be able to do that, I had to be able to prove myself, and the only way to do that, was in the ring against the guys. I worked long and hard to earn their respect. I can honestly say that they do respect me and my ability.
BB: What is your best/worst moment or memory?
Dakota: My worst moment.... doing a move and landing straight on the top of my head. That scared the hell out of me. After watching the tape, I realized that I was lucky to have walked out of the ring. My best moment....winning the MSWA Women's World Title from Brianna Starr. I have great respect for Brianna, we have fought all over West Tennessee and have had some great matches.
BB: If you could wrestle anyone in the entire Sports Entertainment/Wrestling world, who would it be? Why?
Dakota: I would love to work against Chyna. She has taken women's wrestling to a whole new level and she has set new standards for every female in the sport.
BB: In and out of the ring, who is your inspiration?
Dakota: My inspiration.... Definitely 'little' Willie. Willie was a young man with many disabilities, both physical and developmental. He did not let his disabilities put a damper on his outlook on life. He taught me that in every aspect of this life, you have to give it your all, 110%, nothing less will do. He loved wrestling, and as long as I am able to walk through those curtains, his memory and love for this sport will live on.
BB: What are your plans for the present/future?
Dakota: Currently I hold the MSWA Women's title and I plan to hang on to it for a long time. I would like to see a women's division develop in the other organizations that I work for, I would take those titles as well.
BB: Who do you think caused the most commotion in the business? Why?
Dakota: At this point, the WWF. It is because of the organization that wrestling is now called "Sports Entertainment". With there being so many different aspects of the sport, I don't think that just one person is responsible for all the changes.
BB: If you had one wish, what would it be and why?
Dakota: That Willie could see me wrestle, he passed away eight days before I made my debut.
BB: Do you have any regrets or hopes about your career?
Dakota: The only regret is, I wish I had gotten into the business a few years ago when I was a little younger. I would hope that I would be able to stay healthy throughout the remainder of my career.
BB: Would you like to enter the big three one day? And if so, which one would you like to work with the most?
Dakota: I think it is every wrestlers dream to make it to the big time, and I am no different. If I had my choice of who to work for, I would say....for the one who allows their female stars to actually wrestle. "Sports Entertainment" is all well and good, but I'm not in this for a T&A show. I want the world to know that I am a wrestler, a true athlete, and that I am good at what I do.
Thanks to Dakota for allowing this interview. Hope to see more of her in the future. Please visit her homepage at Dakota
This concludes this interview for the week. With an upcoming event on Saturday, will Dakota keep her belt or will I be interviewing another champion and when will Colin put an Indy spot in the newsletter, we shall see soon enough.
One piece of advise for the readers, as always leave the wrestling to the pros, they get paid for it, we don't.
with any questions or comments
