Interview with Tjay Sykes

MEBD: How long have you been wrestling

TJ: Ive been wrestling for 2 1/2 years now. Probably the best years of my life so far haha.

MEBD: What is your favorite type of match to participate in?

TJ:  My favorite match hands down would be a ladder match. The match is so intense and it lets you bring out the creative side in you. Be innovative you know? From watching classic ladder matches like HBK and Razor to the Hardy Boyz, E&C and The Dudleys makes you respect that type of match and of course the compettitors in it as well.
MEBD: What promotions do you wrestle for?

TJ:  I work for Summit Wrestling Association out in Greencastle Pa., Undisputed Championship Wrestling in Uniontown and South Connellsville PA. Real Championship Wrestling in my hometown of Baltimore MD, House Of Pain Wrestling in West Virginia, NWA Mountain State Wrestling in West Virginia. And couple others but those are the main ones.
MEBD: Who was your favorite wrestler growing up?

TJ: Well of course I have to go with The Heartbreak Kid Shwan Michaels. I know its a classic answer but hey HBK is the real deal haha.
MEBD: Where did you train?

TJ:  I have trained with Tatanka, Burn Blankenship out of West Virginia and Chucky Wynn who was trained by Kyda Pro in Mannassas Virginia.
MEBD: What has been the best advice that you have been given and who gave it to you?

TJ: "Be Different", Tatanka always told me that. I still keep that advice in my head to this day and "Relax" HBK gave me that advice when I met him awhile back.
MEBD: What do you think about the state of Professional Wrestling today?

TJ:  The state of Professional Wrestling could use a good kick in the ass basically. If you think back to say the 80's or 90's was when wrestling was at its best to me. Plain and simple my advice would be save the drama and get back to what its all about and that Wrestling in itself. Alot of people are in it for them selves when we should be helping this biz grow and make Pro wrestling hot again.
MEBD: Who are your favorites currently and why?

TJ: My favorites currently have to be The Pope D'Angelo Dinero, as for the indy circuit I would say Adam Cole. Why? Well as for the Pope the man has it all, Charisma, in ring ability, the look, you name it hes deserves a world title. As for Adam Cole who by the way is on the top of my list right now to go toe to toe with, hes one of those guys that you look at and say "That guy has got it". Cole is gonna do great things ifor this biz, but guess what ill be right there doing the same.
MEBD: Who has been your best opponent so far?

TJ: My best opponent so far has to be one of my best friends in Skull where we tore it down up at Undisputed Championship Wrestling. We never finished that match but rest assured that we will one day and finally put to rest who is the better man.
MEBD: When did you decide to do the Michael Jackson Character?

TJ:  I decided to do it actually a couple months before he passed away and I have transitioned the look to more of a Pop Star look. But Still have a bit of the MJ look to me as a tribute to him.
MEBD: Were you worried that it would not be taken seriously?

TJ: Was I worried? I guess alittle, but it seems like its taken off pretty well. But I still did the transition to a Pop Star just to change it up a bit.
MEBD: Name your top favorite MJ songs?

TJ: Number one of course is Billie Jean as for the others its honestly a toss up. I could'nt really choose outta the rest
MEBD: What would say makes you unique in and out of the ring?

TJ: What makes me unique is the fact that each time you see me in the ring I like trying new things and testing my limits. Im not like Cena with the 5 moves of doom everything with me has to be different each match. Being Unique to me isnt something that you force it just happens. Outside the ring I like to be sociable with the fans, give advice that I can give to the fans that one day want to be a wrestler. Help anyway I can. I know what it was like to be a fan and I still am in many ways
MEBD: How can you be booked?

TJ: To reach me for bookings reach me at my emai tjaysykes@yahoo.com, hit me up on twitter @The_KThrilla, or on Facebook.
MEBD: Is there any footage fans can find of you?

TJ: Footage is all over haha. Look my name up on youtube TJ Sykes or TJay Sykes. Summit Wrestling fan page on Facebook as well.

Interview with Prentice Gibson

MEBD: How long have you been wrestling?

PG: 11 years

MEBD: What is your favorite type of match to participate in?

PG: That is a tough one but if I HAD to choose it would be a "Last Man Standing"

MEBD: What promotions do you wrestle for?

PG: Tri-State Wrestling, New Focus Wrestling, WCWO, Midwest Championship Wrestling, XPW, CWA, Wrestling Express, upon many many more!

MEBD: Who was your favorite wrestler growing up?

PG: Ricky Dragon SteamBoat, Macho Man, JYD, Sting but I would have to say that Dwayne The Rock Johnson has great charisma and personality that just cant be reckoned with!    

MEBD: Where did you train?

PG: I have trained in Louisville ky. Chase Stevens & BoBo Brazil Jr. have trained me as well.

MEBD: What has been the best advice that you have been given and who gave it to you?

PG: the best advice i have been given has been to give my fans what they want and giving it my all no matter what it takes. Chase Stevens!

MEBD: What do you think about the state of Professional Wrestling today?

PG: WOW! well...wrestling is definitely not what it used to be so If i could make a change I would bring back a bit of the electrifying element that it lacks today. Sometimes it seems to me that professional wrestling at times is a soap opera than a true passion of wrestling.

MEBD: Who are your current favorites and why?

PG: Myself, haha, no but seriously John Cena because he has stood up for what he believes in and along with his fans he has his haters but they have seemed to brand him and his name that much more, Booker T because he speaks his mind and he is dominate!

MEBD: Who has been your best opponent so far?

PG: BoBo Brazil jr. 

Interview with Mia Yim after her tour of Japan

Recently, Mr Main Event BDuB had the pleasure of catching up with Mia Yim after her recent tour of Japan. Check out what she had to say.

MEBD: What would you say was your favorite match throughout your trip in Japan, and why?
MY: It would have to be my Revenge match against Hiroyo Matsumoto or my second to last match there again Ray. Only because both were very hard hitting and seemed like an equal fight. I felt like we both gave our all in the match and you can truly tell.

MEBD: I noticed on your fan page that you sustained your first wrestling injury, exactly how did that occur?
MY: I was practicing a Top Rope Moonsault. I overshot the crash pad and stubbed (Hyperflexion) my toe on the mat upon impact.

MEBD: How would you compare the fans reaction to you in Japan to the reactions in the United States?
MY: The fans, both in Japan and US, respect us. In Japan, they shower us with streamers and even give us gifts. The fans in Japan are quiet and observe the wrestling. It is eerie the first time but I enjoy it. Easier to concentrate on the match rather than a noisy crowd.

MEBD: With your upcoming return trips to Japan, and ring of honors recently television deal, will fans here in the United States ever get to see you on TV?
MY: I think fans will be able to see me on TV but with ROH, I am only a manager so I don’t think you get to see me wrestle much. In Japan, I was on Samurai TV a few times that shows clips of me wrestling. I haven’t seen it but I was told I was on TV haha.

MEBD: The last time we talked, we discussed the moonsault, did you get many opportunities to perfect it on this trip?
MY: I got to practice the moonsault many times in Japan. I executed it to the outside twice during my trip. It is still rare to see me do a moonsault at all though. So don’t get use to me doing it much haha.
MEBD: Since you have been touring Japan, what would you say has been your biggest improvements?
MY: My biggest improvements…everything. I think my whole wrestling ability and skill has gotten stronger. I got to work on my kicks, work on some lucha, work on some chaining and reversals. I think in general, everything has improved.

MEBD: How did this trip differ from the last?
I was here for a month in a half, rather than last time I was only there for two weeks. Being here for a longer period, I got to get a lot more accomplished. I met a lot of new people, I trained at Zero1, I got to wrestle different joshi stars.

MEBD: What do you plan to do differently on the next trip?
MY: I don’t know yet

MEBD: When you was not training, or performing, what did you do to pass the time in Japan?
MY: I would do P90X/Insanity in my room. Hang out with Hailey Hatred and Luscious Latasha. Go out on dates. SHOPPING!!!

MEBD:How can fans get a hold of your footage from Japan?
MY: http://reina0017.cart.fc2.com/

MEBD: The situation is, you have two opportunities, to wrestle in Japan, or wrestle in the WWE and be in the Divas championship match, where does Mia Yim go and why?
MY: Wrestle in Japan. Why? Because I get to actually WRESTLE. I am respected for my wrestling and it is taken seriously in Japan.

MEBD: 2011 has been really good to you, what do you have planned for 2012?
MY: 2012, I plan to get my IT Degree. Once I get that, I plan to pack my stuff and move to Japan to wrestle full time. Hopefully make a name in Japan ^.^

Interview with Jessie Kaye and up and coming Diva from Baltimore, MD

Photo Courtesy of Facebook

1. When and why did you decide to become a professional wrestler?
I’ve known since about the 9th grade that I wanted to be in the wrestling business in some capacity. There was a class called “Freshman Seminar,” and its purpose was to get you on your career path and for you to start thinking about the direction your life was going. I would go on the WWE corporate page and look at the “job hiring” section and always looked at the “Creative Writer” position. That’s how I initially knew I wanted to get into Mass Communications because that was one of the degree options they were looking for. In 2008, the end of my Junior year I embarked on my journey on weight loss and in the process on becoming a wrestler. I had never considered being a wrestler prior because at the time I was 223 lbs. and didn’t think it to be logical but it hit me on the elliptical one day when I was struggling for breath. I asked myself if I could be a wrestler and I answered yes, and I’ve been struggling ever since to make this come true. 

2. Gilberg stated that he sees you on TV in the near future, what did it mean to have someone with his experience tell you that?
 Duane and everyone else at the school really support and believe in me. It means the world to have everyone’s faith and belief that I can do this because sometimes I don’t believe in myself. I would have never thought that Gillberg, or anyone would be telling me that I’d be something in this business. But it doesn’t matter what others say because when it comes down to it, it’s about your hard work and what you put into it each and every day. Nothing is guaranteed so I just have to keep pushing. 


3. What did you think of Gillberg when he was in the WWE?
I started watching wrestling in 01-02 so I didn’t see the initial Gillberg run when Goldberg was in WCW and that shindig. But I did see when he came back in the WWE with Rock and Goldberg’s feud with Rock’s party celebration. Never would I imagine that one day he would be one of my trainers. But in my mind at the time, (I was a stupid young kid) I thought it was silly; I didn’t get it and as a kid I swayed because as I was supposed to I didn’t like the heel Rock and I was all for the face Goldberg. (I went through various phases of favorites, first it was Rock, then Goldberg, then as it still is now, Taker) So, since Gillberg was imitating my new favorite in Goldberg I wasn’t a happy camper. 


4. How is it training with him?
Duane, and my other trainers Earl the Pearl and Ramblin’ Rich, who have done jobs in the WWF and have been successful independent wrestlers, are spectacular. I love them like my family and they know the business so, so well because they have been in it for so long. I am so lucky to have them.

5. Were your parents supportive of your dream?
They thought wrestling in general was going to be a phase of mine. They figured they would take me to my first live wrestling event and I wouldn’t want to go back. Obviously they were wrong. I think it was the same deal with actually wrestling, they figured I would try it and wouldn’t want to go back. Wrong again. Of course they don’t want to see me get hurt and I know it’s tough for them to see me limping my way back home or to come home with huge bruises, but they support me. It was something they had to get used to but now my parents have no problem telling people, “My daughter is training to be a professional wrestler.”

6. I see you are a student at Towson University, do any of your classmates or teacher know that you are a professional wrestler?
I’m transferring to Towson in the fall and have been going to Anne Arundel Community College for the past two years. Usually on that first day, when you tell something interesting about yourself I try to bring up wrestling. It answers a lot of questions anyway because people ask why I walk weird, limp, or if I lift weights. Plus I love the reactions… “You? You’re a wrestler?” If there’s a project or a paper where you can pick the topic it usually revolves around wrestling. It’s my passion, it’s who I am and I love it so it’s easy to write about it.

7. Have you ever met Towson and WWE Alumni Stacy Kiebler?
I haven’t had the pleasure, but my dad would take me to shows when I was younger I think partially just to see her. 

8. Who were your favorite wrestlers growing up and why?
When I was just starting to watch, The Rock was my favorite. Not only was he good looking to a little girl but he captured you on the microphone and was simply…electrifying. As I said I liked Goldberg for about a year, and he transitioned to me loving Taker who I still love to this day. Something about him really captured me and when my parents had some trouble I would watch a Taker match or a promo and all my problems would go away. That’s what wrestling is about, taking people away from their problems and making it all go away. I hope I can do the same for someone. 

9. Who were your favorite WWE divas?
I loved Trish, Lita, Victoria and especially Mickie because I was old enough to appreciate her when she got onto television.

10. What is your major at Towson and do you believe you can tie it into your wrestling career?
 My major is Electronic Media and Film, basically editing and the overall process of production of video. Wrestling is a business, media related with plenty of video production involved. I see this first hand with the MCW Rage TV tapings that we do on a regular basis. Just like the media world, the wrestling world is cut throat and you need to be able to communicate with people, make connections and use those connections when you need them. There are so many similarities as to what I’m learning in school and wrestling and I’m happy that it worked out that way.


11. Do you attend a lot of the independent shows outside of Maryland Championship Wrestling, and if so which is your favorite? 
To be honest, ever since starting my training I haven’t gone to any local independent wrestling shows. Eventually I’d love to venture into some all women’s promotions to wrestle in the next few years. 


12. When is your next match?
June 25th (my birthday) in Martinsburg VA

13. Can you describe your first match?
My only match in front of people thus far, yes I am THIS GREEN! It was a triple threat match at a free show this past January. We had it pretty down as far as what were doing so it was simple. I look forward to getting better so I can just call things on the fly, travel more and learn more in the process.

14. Would you ever apply for WWE Tough Enough why or why not?
Tough Enough I think is a great opportunity to jumpstart you, get you exposure, and get you to the WWE if you stand out enough to make it to the ones they pick. But let’s say if you do make it to the WWE locker room, you’re probably not going to get the respect from the boys/girls that you would if you got your way through developmental and made it your own way. It’s hard to say what I’d do if the opportunity really was there. I really want to travel and work independent shows, I want to gain connections and gain that experience. But at the same time, if the opportunity was there, who wouldn’t grab it? 

15. What would you say is different about your style?
I’m going to be sneaky and change this question a bit and tell you what’s different about me personally rather than my style. I am real. What you see is what you get. I’m hard working, honest, tough and genuine. I’m not afraid to make an idiot out of myself and I’m not afraid to bleed, bruise or go through fire to get what I want. I’m hard-headed and I will achieve my dreams and I am so thankful for all the support I get from my friends and family.


You can find out more about Jessie Kaye 
Click here to watch her on Road to the Ring on Diva Dirt
Click here to follow her on twitter

-BDuB
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Lil Mae Interview

Lil Mae Interview
Lil Mae wrestles for Anarchy Championship Wrestling and many other organizations. I had the pleasure of speaking with her about her accomplishments, check it out

BDuB : How long have you been wrestling
Lil Mae:3 years in September

BDuB : Who has been some wrestlers that you idolized growing up?
Lil Mae: Jazz, Ivory, Chyna, and Trish Stratus
BDuB:Who is your favorite now?
Lil Mae Chris Jericho

BDuB : What was your favorite match that you have been in?
Lil Mae: Jazz and Awesome Kong vs Simply Luscious and me, I loved it! The first time I bled in a match. It was accidental, Jazz hit me with a chair and the corner caught me, but it was fun none the less

BDuB Do you preferred to be cheered or booed?
Lil Mae I love to be cheered. I am wrestling to entertain people and I love being the center of their attention.

BDuB Who is your dream opponent?
Lil Mae: Beth Phoenix

BDuB: Where would you like to see your career elevate to?
Lil Mae: I would love to make it to TNA or WWE, but my dream is to wrestle in Japan. Because it is hard to be a success in Japan. You have to work for the respect not just because you come out of the curtain happy or looking mean. Your work has to speak for its self

BDuB: How many title reigns have you had?
Lil Mae I haven’t had any titles yet. Almost every time I get a title shot, my opponent has to cheat to beat me.

BDuB: How long have you been a fan of professional wrestling?
Lil Mae I started watching wrestling in the attitude era of WWE and I have been hooked ever since

BDuB: Ever thought about being on tough enough?
Lil Mae: I sent my application into WWE’s casting department, but I wasn’t chosen. Tough Enough is something that would both be a challenge and an accomplishment for me.

BDuB: How do you manage your professional career and personal life?
Lil Mae: Wrestling is kinda like a big stress reliever for me. I am single and don’t have any children right now, so I am pretty free to do as I please. I love wrestling and every aspect of it. So I am glad I can live my dream.

BDuB: Do you have a different approach when you go to the ring when you know that you are going to win as opposed to when you will lose?
Lil Mae: For the majority of wrestling fans, they know wrestling is a work. Despite the fact if I win or lose, I give every match my all. This sport is about the fans. With out them, we wouldn’t have a job. It is my duty to make sure they are entertained to the fullest of my ability.

BDuB: Have you ever been seriously injured?
Lil Mae: Fortunately I haven’t been seriously injured. I have bitten through my lip and sprained my ankle, but nothing more than that.

BDuB: A lot of people say that wrestling is fake, how would you respond to that?
Lil Mae: I challenge everyone that says wrestling is fake to let me hit them with a chair, take a bump on the ground, or even take a forearm. Each wrestler, from the curtian jerkers, to main eventers put their bodies on the line each and every time we step in the ring. Wrestling is like magic shows. We know what magicians do is an illusion, but we still enjoy magic without knowing how the tricks are done.

Follow her on twitter @LillieMaeD