The Furry Wrestling Federation

By Becky Shamen

At my home, on Sunweaver Bay, I often have house guests and teach them to build things and become good members of the community. Two of these guests were involved in Second Life wrestling. Back in high school, I was very good in that sport, but don't have much interest now. In thinking of new adventure to experience and write about, I thought wrestling might be interesting, so looked for places to see it. There are many listed, but the one that caught my eye was FWF, the Furry Wrestling Federation.

I TPed to the sim to have a look around. The first thing I see there is a sign, announcing that matches are held every Friday, at 1pm SLT. I scheduled myself to go see it, in action, the very next Friday. The night before, I went to the sim, to see if I could figure out how they worked things at the arena.  While nosing about, back stage, I noticed an av was approaching, on my radar, so I went to introduce myself and see if he knew anything about FWF. It turns out, his name is Tim Vanes and he is the usual announcer, at the wrestling matches. Learning that I was a Newser Reporter, he was happy to explain it and answer any of my questions.

Tim explained, FWF has been around about three years. The owner and one of the wrestling stars is Rocco Racclown. He also pointed out that the wrestlers each developed as characters, good guys and bad guys, like in TV professional wrestling. The westling moves are done by each having a HUD which has all the animations required. Wrestlers go through a training period, to learn to co-ordinate moves and develop their own characters. Naturally, for any given match, the combatants must work with a script, to make coordinated animations, but I promised Tim I would not reveal if the winner was known in advance.

In addition to furry wrestling, they were also connected to GCW, Global Championship West, which features European style human wrestlers, from different countries. The head of GCW is Josh Poffo-Yoshie55 and we'll get back to him in a bit. GCW will begin a regular schedule of Wednesdays at 3pm SLT, beginning November 25th. Both GCW and FWF are always hiring and looking for both men and women wrestlers. They both want more sponsors to get on board.

You can watch FWF matches at the arena and they also can be seen on SL TV. They also do roadshows at other sims. Matches are typically one to one and a half hours and have 3 matches, sometimes as many as 5, with the last match being for the title. I asked Tim if there was special seating for the press and he indicated a place near the TV camera. I thanked him for all his help and promised to see him at the next match.

On Friday, I took my seat, before the show began and looked around to see how many were in the audience. There were only a handfull, so I knew there wouldn't be any lag to deal with. To my delight, I noticed the tag, on the guy sitting behind me, was non other than Josh Poffo, the head of GCW. Learning that I was preparing an article about wrestling, for the Newser and that GCW would also be mentioned, he was happy to answer my questions, between matches.

One of the things I questioned is, if one wanted to hire on, what expense was involved, regarding clothing and HUDs. The cost is very low and for employees, practically nil. Naturally, the next question was, "Do they get paid for each match and how much". turns out, unless they get into "lucky" positions, they aren't paid, though some promoters do pay one or two hundred in "kick-backs". Probably based on how many sponsors the venue has. Josh said, they are not in it for the money, it's a love of being in the show.

At 1pm, the show begins with fireworks on stage and video playing on big screen TVs, around the arena (make sure you have Media and Voice turned on). A man, wearing a referee shirt, gets up from the announcers table and enters the ring, Using Voice, he tells us that the regular announcer was called away on business in real life, so he would be today's announcer and Ref.

The first match was Vidiot vs/ Alleycat. To my surprise, Alleycat was played by Brad, who had been my house guest and he was wearing the trunks that I had custom made for his character. My very first match and I already had somebody to cheer for. The arena gives free gesture collections, so I was able to cheer, when Alleycat won.

The second match was Cam vs/ Fritz. Since I didn't know either of them, my attention turned to their technique. Because they each use a HUD and those are not synchronized and the players are likely a great distance apart in real life, the action had some uncomfortable pauses. Understanding this, the show was still very entertaining.

Last, we have the title match, Rocco Racclown vs/ Crowley the Bat. This is better coordinated, but I notice the Ref stops announcing and his tag says he's AFK. While the Ref is out of action, Rocco leaves Crowley laying on the floor and walks to the ropes. A mangy looking character, called Sandy Bytch, sneaks in, from backstage and throws a pie in Rocco's face. Blinded by pie in the eye, Rocco stumbles around the ring, Crowley gets up and knocks him down, just as the Ref comes back on and does a 3 count. Crowley wins the match.

I found this all very entertaining. It matters little if you are into this kind of show. It is always a pleasure to watch a team work together to produce any show in real life and all the better, given the nature of technical limitations, in a virtual world, to see them pull it off in Second Life. I recommend this adventure to my readers and feel it is also a good place for sponsors to get more recognition of their products and services.

Sha

Curt Bombastic Speaks About The Ice Bucket Challenge

For the past several weeks, the "Ice Bucket Challenge" has been going on in real life. In this unusual fundraiser for ALS (Lou Gerigh's Disease), people record themselves announcing they're taking up the challenge and nominate three others to either take it or donate an amount to ALS research, then dump a bucket of ice water on top of their heads. Started on television, it soon went to social media and quickly went viral, inspiring a long list of personalities from politicians to businessmen to musicians and more to record themselves getting the cold water treatment. The event is not without it's critics, calling it gimmicky or a frivolous use of water. But the result has been the ALS Association receiving much more in donations.

It was just a matter of time before the Ice Bucket Challenge came to Second Life. One place where one can take it is the SL Wrestling Community Building in the Alpha Centauri sim. Dropping by on Saturday August 23, Lilian Bombastic (lilian.stoneshield) was there, telling me, "you need to get the bucket near the sign but to be recorded we need to have out staff with the programs here to do it." A few moments later, Curt Bombastic appeared, "Hi Bixyl. Good to see you Again. Welcome to the SL Wrestling Community HQ."

"So the Ice Bucket Challenge has come to Second Life?" I asked. Curt answered, "Yep. Debora Stine Creator of MUSCHI Fashions Created The Bucket and was good enough to put one here at the HQ. So far we've had people from all over come by, from the wrestling community, to the roleplay community, even members of the CFL."

I asked, "About how many would you say have taken part?" Curt replied, "Oh ... lets see ... I'd say a good 50 to 70 people have come by so far and grabbed it and donated. We've even had some people come by and get recorded by Wildfire Productions in getting "iced" and issuing out challenges too. We put this up yesterday afternoon and already we've raised almost $7,000L as you can see. I think Its Great ... and I can't thank Debora Stine enough for coming over here and putting one out (laughter)."

I mentioned the video by Tahisha Fairplay that I found (and would go up on the Newser the following day). Curt laughed, "Oh yes, I recall her. I thought that was cool and she had fun with hers. (laughter) We also added the 'I'm Freezing' animation that people can grab after they ice themselves. But all proceeds go directly to www.alsa.org, so it's been pretty good."

I then asked Curt about any jokes about the event. He answered, "Oh there's been a few ... One person will be coming by later and putting on FRAZZLED hair after she ice's herself. One did it from the Titanic and got thrown into the water. Horses Morriesy instead of getting iced punt-kicked her mascot teddy bear into the sea. There's been some creative ones. As a community, we challenged the CFL Community and so far they've seem to respond in kind .... Its been fun so far."

I then asked, "At this rate, how much do you expect to have raised?" Curt answered, "Good question ... I'm surprised at its only been up for a day and a half so far and we've raised the amount we have. We intend to keep this up for all of September and maybe even October and see where we go from here. But I heard that in real life, they reached the $50 million mark and I think Thats AMAZING ... This time last year they reached something like over 1 million and they've more than tripled obviously cuz of this .... It's pretty cool."

"This has taken a life of its own. But the SL Wrestling community, oh hell, the SL community in general has really come out for this, so I think that its great. Next Month there are plans to host an ALS Charity Wrestling Event, maybe at APW Arena, or maybe here, still up for debate ... but it'll be a multi fed joint Super Event for ALS."



I asked Curt how fast word seemed to be getting around. He answered, "Definitely. We've had people from the CFL, roleplaying communities, club goers, I saw a Linden here earlier as well ... Word is getting out there."

"Oh? Which Linden was this?" I asked.

"I don't know," Curt answered, "(I saw him) as I was logging out but the dot on the mini map was blue, so I knew it was a Linden. I never caught the name.  I've been trying to find out."

Curt then turned his attention to a lady who has written about wrestling a number of times, " By the way, tell Charlotte I'd LOVE to see her come on down and give the Ice Bucket Challenge a try too. She's MORE than welcome." He then laughed out loud, " ... The more the merrier I say. I recently challenged Zarrakan Productions as well. She has an office set up here.  And I'd LOVE to see how Camera Kitty (as we call her) responds (laughter) ..... I challenged her last night at a VWE wrestling show ... so we'll see how she does this," he laughed again, "No doubt it'll be pretty good."


"But yeah, this has been a lot of fun so far. We've been advertising outside of the Wrestling community and lots of people have shown up and tried or grabbed the bucket and donated which is GREAT.  We Just opened the SL Pro Wrestling Community Headquarters two weeks ago, which I find is a great place here .... a place where we can promote the ENTIRE community to ALL of SL .... and this just helps I admit."


"It certainly draws attention," I commented,

Curt continued, "But its GREAT that the community has come together For a GREAT cause and its been a LOT of fun to do as well."

"Anything else you want to mention about the challenge?" I asked.

Curt thought for a moment, "Ummm ... other than we challenge the SL community to come on down, take the challenge. You can contact Lyra Phoenix on our staff board out front to get it recorded and donate. Let's spread awareness of this and hopefully find a cure for ALS."

Curt told me he might have some more information on the charity event soon. He then told me he had to go, and we told each other goodbye and we went our separate ways.



One can find the SL Wrestling Ice Bucket Challenge at Alpha Centauri (164/173/28).



Bixyl Shuftan

Avina en' Cael on the Wrestling Charity Event for Team Fox

Avina en' Cael (Saria Resident) is someone many in Second Life would find unusual: a female wrestler. A performer at HAWX (Hellcats Angels Wresting X-treme) and the WPWF (Women's Pro Wrestling Federation), she's gone through her share of body-slams. Recently she's been involved with an upcoming WPWF event to help raise funds for Parkinson's research. Charlotte Williams recently interviewed her about the happening.

 Charlotte Williams: "Thanks for inviting me here today Avina"

Avina en' Cael: "Thanks for coming! Welcome to the Asylum." We settle down at the WPWF Commentary Table, with its birds-eye view of the WPWF Ring and Stage Area."

Charlotte smiles, "The Asylum'? So what usually happens here at 'The Asylum?"

Avina en' Cael: "Well, technically its the WPWF arena, but Saturday nights we hold our weekly WPWF Asylum show."

Charlotte nods,  "Ok, and tell our readers a little about what WPWF is, what does it stand for?"

Avina en' Cael: "Womens Pro Wrestling Federation, it's the all women wrestling federation run by Tyress Serevi, or  'The Nova' Tyress Serevi as she was known in wrestling, its a once a week hour-ish show, and she was kind enough to lend me the use of her arena for the big charity event."

Charlotte Williams: "Ok, sounds interesting for sure. Can you tell us a little about how wrestling works here in SL?"

Avina en' Cael: "There's two types. There's "Poseball" which is where I got started, before it turned into it's current state, where you basically hop on a poseball, type a huge paragraph describing what you're going to do to the person, and click a menu, and thats how you run the entire match. Or there's HUD wrestling, the actual wrestling that requires a lot of focus and knowledge of everything going on around you in the ring. Which is where you put on a hud, and you move freely in the ring, no poseballs, and you type out everything that you want to do, and it's up to you to line it all up and make it look good.So say I wanted to powerbomb you...I check my gestures (If I don't know them exactly), find the powerbomb trigger, and type it (./powerbomb)."

Charlotte smiles, "Please don't powerbomb me Avina! Ok, I see, and its like a dance of sorts, albeit one which involves kicks and punches?"

Avina en' Cael: "Kicks, punches, slamming heads on corners, throwing your opponent to the concrete...I've seen one person, Ayane, actually use one of our (the entire wrestling community) fans and do a move off his head...craziest thing I've ever seen."

Charlotte laughs, "Wow, sounds crazy indeed, unlike something many people would have seen in SL!"

Avina en' Cael: "Numbers Rossini, who helped build the NexGen system we use, said it best, 'What we do breaks SL, it's not meant to do it, but we make it do it'."

Charlotte Williams: "Would that be an original quote?"

Avina en' Cael: "Pretty close, I cant remember his exact wording, but it was pretty much identical."

Charlotte smiles, "So as you mentioned earlier, you started out on a poseball with your wrestling career, what made you decide to start wrestling in SL? And as a second part to that question, what keeps you coming back to SL to do it?"

Avina en' Cael: "Heh...the poseball thing was literally I needed the money. I don't remember exactly what for, but Ace Nightfire who helped with the Charity event was like 'Hey you know poseball wrestling makes a lot of money sometimes', So I asked Shania Adder if she would train me in it, and with my vast roleplay background, and my father getting me into Professional Wrestling (Note, Professional Wrestling, NOT Sports Entertainment as it is now), it was just natural to me. Then he (Ace) was like 'You should try this HUD system we have, called Nexgen', and I met Stacy Grace at the same time, and they got me started on the HUD stuff, and I found I liked it a lot more than poseball which was turning more into adult oriented, and I outright refused to do that....I'm there to entertain, not get naked."

Avina en'Cael : "As for coming back, I might not be as quick as everyone due to my crappy computer, but I still enjoy it...and being a heel, a bad guy, I love finding new ways to make the fans hate me even more week after week," Avina grins.

Charlotte Williams: "Sounds like an interesting hobby to say the least!"

Avina en'Cael : "So we've got the background story on wrestling in SL and your history in SL, and as you mentioned, we are here to talk about your charity event that is coming up this weekend. Can you tell our readers what the event is and how it came about?"

Avina takes a deep breath, "Well as I mentioned, when I was in the poseball thing, Ace Nightfire was always the DJ. Then we worked together in DCWF, and he always talked to me about a dream he had combining the two, music with SL wrestling. Well, about a year passed, we parted ways, I left DCWF and fed hopped a bit, and we started talking again, and he brought the idea up once more only this time he was trying to go with it. I had run a music venue for awhile, so I had a lot of live music artist contacts, so I was like 'You do the wrestling, I'll do the music, lets make it happen'. Unfortunatetly, our first attempt flopped, we didnt get out of planning stages, then the second, this time, it just sort of all came together finally."

"The event is for Team Fox, who are run by Barbie Alchemy, who runs the SL portion of Michael J Fox Parkinson's Research Society. They, unlike other big name charities, actually give 100% of the proceeds directly to research. Most will pay sim tier first, then CEO's, then staff, bills, etc, THEN about 30% goes to actual research. The MJF charity pays no tier, pays nothing but goes right to research, and I'll give your readers a video to watch which is very inspiring that we'll show Saturday as well."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyiiWxNguGo

Charlotte smiles, "Thank you, much appreciated. As we are sitting in a wrestling arena, obviously the event involves wrestling, but I believe it will also incorporate some musical elements. If our readers wish to come along to the event, what can they expect to see?"

Avina en'Cael : "Well, we start at 10 AM sharp up here in the Asylum with a match a long time in the making, Whiskers Savage vs La Gata Loca, its something you just have to see to understand. We'll end it with a never before seen six woman tag team elimination match with a match type I created myself, called the Dragons Dance. After the wrestling wraps at 1 PM SLT we're going to have two singers down below at the main stage. Diana Pearl will be opening up, then we'll have Celia Cruz, who is a live tribute artist to the late real life Celia Cruz.

Charlotte nods, "So its a wrestling show followed by a concert with live singers?"

 

Avina en'Cael : "Yep. That was the original idea, wrestling and music, and I could be wrong, but I don't believe a charity event has ever featured both in one day. I could be wrong though, I know your We Care is a huge wrestling event too."

Charlotte smiles, "Thank you, we had DJs for We Care last year, but no live singers. As its a charity event, how can people donate or offer their support?"

Avina en'Cael : "They can contact me if they wish to donate an item, and it will be raffled off (If anyone has a raffle system to donate that would be wonderful), or somehow given away for the event. They will get a poster like the ones around the arena and free advertising throughout the show in exchange. I'll personally be donating my entire Dragon Blade set, which go for about 500L$ in world each, all 10 of them to it, Absolute Animations is giving away any move from their vendors."

  Charlotte Williams: "And there will be donation kiosks as well?"

Avina en'Cael : "There will be one just to your right, and a couple down below as well. You can also visit their sim, the SL Newser just ran a beautiful article on it, and donate there as well. I really encourage people to read the article the Newser did and visit their sim, it's so beautiful, they have horseback riding, art displays, all kinds of stuff."

 

Charlotte nods, "That sounds wonderful. You definitely have plenty of ways to donate and support this most worthy of charities. Thank you very much for your time today Avina. Before I go, is there anything else you'd like to add to inform our readers about your event this weekend?

Avina en'Cael : "All tier for the sim is donated by a third party, as well as all expenses, so all donations go right to the charity research. If you're into SL wrestling...we're going to have some amazing matches...I mean Lyra Phoenix vs Tara Titan...that's going to be a hard hitting match, the Dragons Dance is going to be crazy, the music is going to be great...so clear your day out and come enjoy the show. Just be sure to de-script as much as you can, that's VERY important to reduce the lag.

Here are the all important details, so you don't miss a second of the action...

This Saturday 16th August, The Wrestling Charity Event for Team Fox representing Michael J Fox Parkinson's Foundation Fundraiser begins at 10am SLT, at 1pm SLT Diana Pearl and Celia Cruz take to the Synful Desirez Stage for a special live event. If you still want more wrestling, the weekly WPWF show begins from 6pm SLT. The SLURL for all these events is: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Careers/209/243/224. If you have any questions about the event, feel free to contact Avina (saria Resident in SL) for further information. Enjoy the event and donate BIG!

 

Charlotte Williams 

Samantha Nightfire and New Millennium Wrestling

SamanthaS Nightfire was a writer for the Newser in 2010. In early 2011, she hosted the Virtual Tonight show. More recently, she's gotten into a different field: wrestling. She is taking part in the start of a new wrestling group in Second Life, and recently invited me over to discuss the details.

Wrestling isn't new to Samantha, at least as a fan. A few years ago, she invited me over to see a match between a couple women wrestlers. In a recent conversation when I asked how she'd been doing, she offered to show me, and send a teleport request for me to head to Unforgiven Island. "Good to see you," she told me. The land itself was sand with palm trees, with a large building in front of us, "I terraformed this sim, it's a partnership of a few freinds." She then told me,"Recall my show Virtual Tonight? Well, at one of my show interviews, I became good friends with Salvatore over there," she pointed to a man, Sam Luciano (Salvatorelucania) whom was resting from being Away From Keyboard at the moment, "from that show on we hit it off. He was one of the producers of another show." And his show was about wrestling, UWS Wrestling, which was produced by the same network that did hers, Virtual World Network, "He invited me then to join them as a promoter and their marketer." And so she did, and things went well.

"Anyways, we've come a long way together and the end result is many partnerships with him. currently, I am in training to become a wrestler for (a) new wrestling federation called New Millennium Wrestling (NMW). ... We are so new that we haven't had a show yet." She wasn't just going to promote the show, but also be one of the participants, "wrestling is very exciting."

She then showed me around a little. At the entrance to the building was a kiosk with applications for new wrestlers. One could enter straight into the main building where the wrestling ring and the seating around it was, or take a teleport door to the upper seating looking over the ring.

It was about then that Sam Luciano joined us. Talking to us in voice, he had come up with the idea for New Millennium between two and three years ago. As of now, one show a week is being planned, most likely for Fridays from 4 to 6PM SL time. Whom else was on the team? David Hawk Actor was the organization's president and de-facto owner while Sam himself was the general manager. There were not many others on the team, "I believe in having a small staff ... I'd rather go through one or two guys than ten or eleven."

"We are inviting the general public to become wrestlers," They told me. What were they looking for in applicants? Sammantha answered, "trainable, willing and able, no drama except for while in a match. ... They must also be willing to be directed, as we have goals of filming." How long did it take to train an applicant? Sam answered it depended on the trainee's experience, "they can pretty much learn in two or three weeks, if they practice a few days a week. It's been done in about a week." The ratio of male and female applicants was somewhat close to even, a couple more men than women. Did female wrestlers tend to be more vicious than the males? Sam answered, "It depends how you look at it, ... different styles. Some in the past have had some especially vicious matches, others just wrestle." Of the applicants, Samantha was the only one who came in without any prior experience.

They mentioned the wrestlers in the group performed through the use of a HUD. There was another group that did so through use of poseballs, but they didn't consider them professional. During our conversation, I asked half-seriously if anything like real-life pro wrestler "Jake the Snake's" boa constrictor could be made. Samantha told me it actually wouldn't be too hard to make, "Props are easy to get. Many wrestlers are also (content) creators, animations, moves and props as well as rings, arenas etc. Almost anything can be made." Phara Akula and Stuart Warf stood out as builders of wrestling content. "Then there (are) the championship belts," Samantha told me, "those are beautiful, they are so intricate ... Derek Zane is the creator."

Samantha showed me the training center, which had four separate rings. There was also some exercise equipment. Getting in one of the rings, Samantha demonstrated a few moves. Besides the animations, there were gestures, "we have to make fans believe in the pain, when we get hit, we have to make it believable." Despite her skill, she did glitch at one point, "I have a lot to learn...mostly what moves make sense for what. And there are many. Also martial arts moves are included it if fits with a character, even gymnastics. ... Having confidence is most important with the moves. I wish I was good but so not ready yet."

"My character will be what i am familiar with, my Hawaiian heritage, also my martial arts," Samantha told me, "I will use Hawaiiana with my character." I asked about martial arts and Hawaii. She told me, "Well, it's really popular here. Krav Maga is also catching on fast." She told me this martial art is a bit more practical and less art than most popular styles, "very vicious."

Besides her wrestling gig, Samantha was writing a book in real life, "fiction, I got the idea in a dream."

It was soon time for Samantha and I to part, and we went our separate ways.

Stay tuned for announcements about New Millennium's Grand Opening and it's first event. No doubt Samantha will be continuing to have an impact in Second Life, and not just on opposing wrestlers in the ring.

Bixyl Shuftan

Interview With Wrestler Honey Bluntz

By Charlotte Williams

In the latest of her Second Life wrestling interviews, Charlotte Williams interviews Honey Bluntz.

Charlotte Williams: So for starters, who is Honey Bluntz? Tell us about her, where she came from etc

Honey Bluntz: "This is an easy one. Everyone knows by now, and if you don't.. SURPRISE!!! That I'm an alt of Vendetta   The idea of the Honey Bluntz character came from a few different inspirations. She is more or less a mix of Real Life Wrestlers Daizee Haze, Sexy Star with the wrestling style of Ruckus. Although I have added quite a few things to her to make her different and unique."

Charlotte Williams: "What would be those things?

Honey Bluntz: "Mostly in style and personality. I consider myself a 'Grounded High Flyer.' Just meaning that most of my aerial manouvers are done from a grounded position. Lots of rolls and cartwheels and flips, like a mix of Capeoira and gymnastics with a lot of wrestling fundamentals.

Charlotte Williams: (smiles) "Sounds like a very exciting and electrifying thing to watch!"
Honey Bluntz: "Thank you! I try to put on a good show for everyone."

Charlotte Williams: (nods) "You're welcome, and having been to a fair few HAWX shows, I must say that I agree!"

"Something you touched on, uniqueness in SL wrestling, do you believe its at all possible?"
Honey Bluntz: "Oh Most definitely. I mean like every "gimmick" imaginable has been done in one way or another, but its the finding a way to do it that makes it your own, so when people see it with someone else they think of YOU instantly. At least that is the goal most of us try to accomplish."

Charlotte Williams: (smiles) "And in the world of SL wrestling, who do you think actually pulls that off, being unique, and how do they do it? And feel free to name as many names as you like."
Honey Bluntz: "I could name probably 50 people who do it and do it quite well on here but I'll just give you a couple names off the top of my head. Derrick Cult comes instantly to mind. His gimmick overall is very much like Stone Cold Steve Austin, Texas... Roughneck. But that is about where the similarities end. Stone Cold was was always a Heel type character in the way he acted but yet was always a 'face' to the fans. Derrick has been even better as a heel then as a face, and people hate his character but love him out of character. Then there is people like Jenn Parkin and Vendetta who both are very much like MsChif and Daffney in the way they go about it, yet both are completely different from each other. You'd never mix up one for the other. Jenn is more Grungy Punk where Ven is more Flashy Punk."

 

Charlotte Williams: (nods) "You know I think I have only seen Derrick wrestle once? Although he has been a fixture at many of the shows, supporting his peers with his 'Big Baby' phrase!" (You'll need to meet Derrick to know what I am talking about!)

 

"Vendetta being your alt of course?"
Honey Bluntz: "Yes, well, me being Her Alt"

Charlotte Williams: (laughs) "Well all these alts gets confusing sometimes!"

Honey Bluntz: (laughs) "Yeah I just use them as different characters... just like if would play on SVR or whatever.... Its fun playing different characters"

 

Charlotte Williams: (nods) "I completely understand, that is the beauty of SL!"

Honey Bluntz: (nods) "Something that would be hard to accomplish in real life"
Charlotte Williams: "Now there has been some debate in regards to RL wrestlers being SL wrestlers and what they bring to the community. There are only a few of you, so from your background, what do you believe you have brought to the SL wrestling community from your RL wrestling?"

Honey Bluntz: "Well wrestling skill, and by that I mean that actual doing of the moves themselves, you can toss right out the window here. I can do probably do 400 more things on here that I could never do real life, and probably vice versa as well. For me what it comes down to is love of the show. My real life experience has showed me how stuff works backstage and like how to make the matches help tell your overall story. A lot of people don't even need the real life background to that. But it does help make it easier, especially when running a Fed of your own."
Charlotte Williams: "Speaking of running a fed, how did the creation of HAWX come about? Obviously it is unique being the only female wrestling fed on the grid. Was it a case of supply and demand?"
Honey Bluntz: "Well it started out as something I've wanted to do in SL since I first came here. But when I first came here, I couldn't find wresting at all other then the poseballs so I kinda got away from that and went and did my own thing for over a year. Then I found the ACPWS system for wrestlling which led to me meeting Jenn which led to me Joining HKWF, which then merged with XWA then finally became VWE. HAWX or HAW (Hot A*s Wrestling) as it was known back then was an attempt to mix the poseball with the ACPWS. It didn't really work out too well though and me and my then partner, Carol, split up, her doing the poseball route and me focusing in the ACPWS route. After a couple months in the then XWA, I wanted to try it again now that I knew a little something about the SL version of Wrestling and I figured, why not make an all girls fed, since at the time, the girls were looked at more as the "sideshow" then the main show. Then it just juggernauted from there."
"So how long ago was it that HAWX was first created?"
Honey Bluntz: "Our first show was Jan. 9th, 2010 so just over 3 full years now."

Charlotte Williams: (smiles) "Wow, that IS a long time in SL, and SL wrestling, thats for sure!"

Honey Bluntz: "We decided to do something kinda unprecedented at the time and that was to have our first show be a FPV."
Charlotte Williams: "In terms of SL wrestling, is there anything that you haven't done, that you'd like to do?"
Honey Bluntz: "Hmmmm, that is a toughy! After being here close to 4 years total there is not too much I have'nt done, but there are ALOT of people I'd love to work with!"

Charlotte Williams: (looks at you seriously) "Go on, name some names! They may be reading this!"
Honey Bluntz: (smiles) "Storyline-wise I'd love to work with Lily and Isabelle Martinez, Horses Morrisey, Maxine, Lee as well as a lot of the up and comers like Rosalind, Ms A. Rae, and others."

Charlotte Williams:  (smiles) "Quite a varied bunch there. What about the guys? If you had an intergender match, who would you like to face?"
Honey Bluntz: "Oh wow! that list is probably even longer. Storylines would have to be a little different though than actually wrestling against them directly. Not that us girls can't keep up, But intergender storylines that involve wrestling can be a slippery slope. But I'd love to work with Curt Bombastic, Derrick Cult, Derrick Zane, Acheron Nightfire, Bryce Ketterley, Drewski Hoxley, and the list goes on and on!"
Charlotte Williams: (laughs) "That is also quite a varied bunch of wrestlers. Maybe one day we'll see one of those up against you!"
Honey Bluntz: "In a single match that has little or no storyline bearing then Inter-gender matches are defiantly warranted! But its hard to do a direct wrestling related storyline between a guy and a girl cause no matter what happens the guy comes out looking bad in the end. If he "wins" the storyline, no one is shocked that a 300+ lb guy beat a 150- lb girl. He comes off as a bully. But if the girl wins the storyline, the guy comes off as looking weak in the future cause when he faces someone for a big title belt all people will think about is how he couldn't even beat a girl, how is he to stand a chance against the champ??!"

Charlotte Williams: (laughs) "Yes that is very true. However, you'd think that in this day and age, and given that some of the RL wrestlers have done it, there is not such a stigma attached to a male wrestler being beaten by a female wrestler. However, it may be something that will require a lot of thought behind it, and quite a storyline!"
Honey Bluntz: "Well  a lot of it depends on the female wrestler as well. If ya have someone like Chyna or like Awesome Kong aka Karma, then yeah. But putting someone like Brock Lesnar against like Eve.... no one in their right might would possibly believe it That being said there are tons of not directly wrestling storylines that could definitly be told between a guy and a girl."
Charlotte Williams: (nods) "It was like you said earlier, so many times the girls are just used as ornaments to show up and flash their goodies for the males to ogle at, and then they can go"
Honey Bluntz: "I agree and I think a girl winning over a guy is more then possible, especially in this day and age. But doing a storyline with them would be a lot harder to sell. Not saying it couldn't be done if done right though! Like the tag belts at VWE... JHG had them, we did a nice little run with them as well and faced quite a few guy opponents and even had a lead-in storyline that went into the FPV"

Charlotte Williams: (smiles and nods) "Is there a storyline you'd like to see, involving any wrestlers, or one that is currently going on that you are particularly enjoying?"

 

Honey Bluntz: "I Like Derrick Cults current storyline with Rubie as his manager a lot. But this is the time of year just after most feds have just had their major FPVs so most of them are just starting out. We'll just have to wait and see what the next cycle brings. But as far as ones I'd love to see, I'd love to see some inter fed storylines take place. Would love to see like Benja against like Voodoo for one."

Charlotte Williams: "I do know that you are someone that doesn't like to get involved in the 'drama' in the SL wrestling community, however, given that it has been a bit of a fresh topic of late with feds closing, people resigning, what is your take on it? Do you think the community can survive and grow stronger?"
Honey Bluntz: "It is just like real life wrestling in that respect. Feds feuding and getting along, People getting fired from one play and start wrestling at another. Just a natural part of the 'Business.' Drama was always been a part of wrestling and always will be. Both on "stage" and behind the scenes.

Charlotte Williams: (nods) "Thats a good answer, I like it."

Honey Bluntz:  But f everyone got along nicely, it would be boring to be quite honest. The tention is good for wrestling to a certain degree *Winks and Giggles*

Charlotte Williams:  "I think its hard for everyone to get along, we are all different personalities coming together in really a small place. Like you said, it would be boring."

Honey Bluntz:  Yup! Just gotta walk that fine line of too much or not enough *Smiles*
Charlotte Williams:  Speaking of too much or not enough, obviously one can't spend ALL their time wrestling or being involved in wrestling, so what do you like to do in your down-time? A little birdy told me you have an interest in some kind of memorabilia, is that true?
Honey Bluntz: "I do love World War 2 Aviation. That is one thing I've always loved on SL especially. To tell you the truth other then the planes themselves, I really didn't know much at all about WW2 til I joined the Flying Tigers. Now I could probably debate any historian on the subject!," Honey Bluntz laughs. "But besides that I love to do a lot of things. Roleplaying is always fun. Pirate ship battles I've come to love even more then plane ones."

Charlotte Williams: "Have you debated Derrick Zane? I'm sure he'd be a worthy candidate!"
Honey Bluntz: "That actually brings up a funny story that ties in WW2 and wrestling...."

Charlotte Williams: "Oh do tell..."

Honey Bluntz: "It was actually Derrick's initial idea to not tell anyone but have like a storyline that involves several wrestlers that actually takes you through WW2.  Like have the German guy attack the Polish guy and the British guy start a feud with him. Then the "All American" guy, doesn't want to get involved till the German guy's side-kick, a Japanese guy, sneak attacks the American guy. Of course the Russian guy comes in at some point but the American guy makes an uneasy alignment with him to bring down the German Guy. Then afterwards have the American guy and Russian guy feud. We actually went really deeply into it involving other countries and the parts they'd play in it."

Charlotte Williams: "Wow, that sounds fantastic. And did it actually happen at a show?"

Honey Bluntz: "Be an interesting History lesson to say the least. No it never came into being. But how awesome would that have been?"

Charlotte Williams: "It sounds amazing, its a shame that it didn't eventuate. Maybe one day..?"

Honey Bluntz: "Yeah who knows? It could definitely happen!"

Charlotte Williams: "You mentioned before about being interested in various RPs when you aren't wrestling, a lot of wrestlers seem to also be into RP, do you think that it helps with character and storyline development?"

Honey Bluntz: "Definitely!! At least up to a point. They are both really about the same thing, telling a story as you go along and not knowing the ending until you get there. RP, Wrestling, Acting, all the same thing really, just with different vehicles to present it."

Charlotte Williams: "Yes, as the saying goes, 'All the world's a stage, all all the men and women merely players', or in this case, wrestlers"

Honey Bluntz: "Exactly"

Charlotte Williams: "Thank you for your time today Honey, is there anything else you would like to tell the readers of SL Newser about yourself or SL Wrestling?

Honey Bluntz: "Just that I'm always up to have fun on here. If its not fun to do you need to find something else to do that is fun for you and not try to bring anyone down!"

Charlotte Williams: (smile) "Awesome, awesome attitude Honey"

"What are the days and times our readers can catch you in action here at HAWX?"

"HAWX Scorn is Sundays at 2PM SLT and Indulgence is Thursdays at 6PM SLT! But visit all the feds if you can and help support us all!! There are group notifiers located at most of the feds around SL in which you can get a list of showtimes and be notified when they are coming up without taking up a bunch of group spaces!"

Charlotte Williams: (smile) "Thanks again Honey, that is excellent. Plenty of shows on the grid, but only at HAWX will you catch only the ladies in action!"

Honey Bluntz: (smile) "You're most welcome! You are a delightful interviewer!"

 

To find HAWX in SL, go to: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Slam%20City/128/128/23

 

Charlotte Williams

Derrick Zane: Self-Proclaimed SL Wrestling God or Just A Man With A Passion?

As the first of my series of interviews with members of the Second Life Wrestling Community, I sat down with Derrick Zane, owner and co-founder of the SL Professional Wrestling promotion OEW, standing for Over the Edge Wrestling, as well as a co-founder of the promotions Intense Wrestling, United Honor Wrestling and the creator and member of the governing board for the Virtual World Wrestling Alliance.

Derrick invited me to his home, and while we sat on his front porch, he shared with me about the Community in which he resides in Second Life...

"Thank you for your time today and I must say, that seems to be quite a lot of responsibility and time spent devoted to the world of wrestling in Second Life!"

Derrick nods slowly, "Yes, but if something is worth your efforts in pursuing, then its worth the headaches that come with it."

Smiling at his answer, "I completely understand". Looking at my list of questions, I pick the first one on my list, "Before we get into the fascinating world of SL Wrestling, please tell our readers, in your words - who is Derrick Zane?"

"Who is Derrick Zane? There is no one simple answer to that question. There is the on screen persona of Derrick Zane, both the heel, or villain to the laymen, who is at his most distilled concept an obnoxious, rich bully... kind of like the jock in high school who you wanted to see fail and yet always seemed to get more and more successful as time went by. The good guy Derrick, or Face is perhaps a little closer to who I am, a more mellow, relaxed person, who ultimately wants to see people achieve and feel good about themselves at the end of the day. If were asking about the me behind the scenes... *shrugs* I'm not sure is a simple answer will suffice, I suppose I'm a person who wants ultimately to be well thought of at the end of the day, but I like to think that I'm savvy enough to know its not always going to be that way."

Nodding, "Good response Derrick, well thought out and insightful"

"I try to be a realist in most everything I do."

As the SL Newser reaches the broad SL Community, I decided to delve a little deeper into the wrestling terms that Derrick just mentioned, as some readers would be familiar with them, while others wouldn't.

"You mention the terms 'Heel' and 'Face'. Can you explain what those are and perhaps give examples of who such people may be in the RL Wrestling world, people that our readers may be able to associate with?"

"Professional wrestling at its most basic core is a passion play, good struggling with evil, or at the very least decent people dealing with jerks, not unlike real life it's self. The face is the hero of the story, he is the one who is usually a good looking guy or girl, great smile, excellent physique, gifted as an athlete, were in the heel, or bad guy is usually as opposite the face as you can get, usually ugly, often times hairy, not always a great athlete, but always willing to bend if not outright break the rules to win and get ahead. Sort of like the person who cuts in-front of you in line, you want to give that person a good thumping, but social norms frown on that, so in wrestling you have the ability to live vicariously through the face and heel interaction of the match"

"Many real life workers tend to work both sides of that coin, but currently a face that many would know is John Cena of WWE, and a heel would be Kane, the differences are clear, Cena is a good looking guy, has a great smile, excellent work ethic, while Kane is huge and wears a fright mask"

I nod, "Definitely agree with you on those ones. John Cena is a huge role model for kids these days and Kane, is well, he is damn scary! So, in terms of SL Wrestling, who would be your top Face and top Heel of today? (Listen up readers, these could be the guys to keep an eye on!)

"That ultimately depends on what promotion your looking at. Most performers today are more interested in being heels, I suppose its due to their feeling like more of a bad ass, or what not, forgetting that wrestling is not a reflection of who they are actually themselves, its a performance. But if I had to say who was in my opinion the most prevalent face in SL Pro Wrestling I would say Drewski Hoxley tends to be the guy who is always white meat to me. As for heels, you got, as I said a lot to choose from, but one guy who comes to mind is Bryce Lexenstar, when he gets motivated he can be damn good at getting a reaction and provoking emotions out of the crowd"

"Another two top names, I can't disagree with you on those two at all. There are plenty of people who might, but I won't!"

Looking down my interview questions, my eyes are fixed on this one and I look at Derrick curiously, "Moving back to yourself Derrick, what and/or who made you decide to get into SL Wrestling?"

"In the real world I am a professional wrestler, I was trained by Andre Verdune and Carange out here in the So Cal independent sceen, however I got my start rather late in life, and as I said, I try very hard to be realistic with myself, as such I knew that I would not be getting a call from Orlando or New York any time soon, so for me the fact of learning the business was the reward, when I first discovered SL, like many I floated about, seeing what was available, not really finding anything that captured my attention. I was vaguely aware of wrestling here in SL for a while, however I was of the assumption that it was more of a twitch hug kind of combat thing, till I watched a couple shows put on by VWE or by what they called themselves before they switched their brand name to VWE. Once I saw that it was in fact built along the lines of the business, I finally found something that had hooked me in SL enough to stick around."

"I see, very interesting. Sometimes it helps to have a passion for something in the outside world and continue it in this virtual world, especially for something as psychical as wrestling."

"Everyone should be passionate about something, otherwise, whats the point in living?"

"True, true. Passion leads us to find out more about ourselves too. So in saying that, do you have anyone or anything that inspires or motivates you in SL Wrestling? Even if it is just you..."

Derrick ponders for a moment, "There are a number of people in what we call the community who inspire me, for a number of reasons. Two names that come to mind for sheer tenacity are Maven Gothly and Glen Dundren, they are two fellows who haven't exactly made the best of names for-themselves and they would be the first to admit that a lot of it is due to their own actions, yet for all the times they get their teeth kicked in by the community, the keep coming back because they want to see wrestling in SL improve, they want it to thrive and they want it to grow. Another two names are both ladies, who inspire me, the first is Nina Prater, my first ever student of wrestling, who has gone on to have one of the most shinning carries in SL that I am aware of, well respected for her work ethic and her desire to always get better, and one who has just started out but shows herself to be a natural is Phara Akula, I foresee great things for her as well. I am inspired by the love that many in our little sub section of SL who have the desire to do this, and want to do it well."

"I've actually been able to get to know and see all of the above wrestle and I think you have picked some truly unique characters there Derrick. SL wrestling has been around for a number of years, however, not everyone has heard of it, so, to someone who has never heard of SL Wrestling (and lets face it, there are a lot of people) - how would you describe it?"

"Like any sub culture here in SL, it has its benefits and detractions. It has its collection of truly great people and just as worthless individuals in equal amount. Ultimately its a form of live entertainment that nothing else in SL can offer in the same way. When you go to a concert, you can say things to the band, or the DJ, and to some degree you will get a response, but how often will you get a performer go out of their way to interact with you? For thous wanting to see something different, come and watch, enjoy yourselves, and feel free to type out what you think of the faces and heels. For them that want to get involved, understand, its not a simple thing, you will need to be trained in the use of the systems that we use, you will need to be trained to apply the psychology of a fight, telling the story of that fight, and is not something you just up and do, it costs a considerable amount of your time, but like many things, you get back what you put in, and if your willing to put enough of your time into becoming great, the rewards are tremendous, but only if your willing to earn it."

And you will find all the information relevant to how you get involved with SL Wrestling, either as a spectator or a participant, at the end of this interview. Of course, feel free to IM Derrick Zane in SL or on Facebook for more information as well.

"So undoubtedly, the world of SL Wrestling consumes much of your time, but besides Wrestling, what other interests do you have in SL?"

"When I have the free time, I indulge in Role Playing at a few sims, I enjoy the creative process of story telling, so I don't stay at any one particular place. I also enjoy music, but I'm not exactly into the club scene, though I will visit a few from time to time. Mostly I just like to explore the creations that people come up with."

I decide to delve deeper, to find out the other side of Derrick Zane, "When you say role play, can you be more specific? You say you enjoy music, what about the live music scene? Have you ever checked out any places in regards to that?"

"Locations I RP at include the Crack Den, Dead End, Aftermath DC Comics style RP. I have not yet had a chance to catch a live music show, usually I'm busy with making ring gear for someone, or peeping an upcoming show."

"Sounds like you need to get out more Derrick! There is a whole world of SL out there, just waiting to be seen!"

"Sure, but then again, wrestling gear does not make its self.", he says, ever the professional.

I laugh, "Ok, I get it, I get it. Back to your world inside the wrestling ring, this is something the readers won't know, but I do happen to know a little about, but your characters that you play - you have many, can you tell us a little about them?"

"The other persona's I portray? Well they exist to fill out shows and such, filling in were gaps appear in the card. My alts are "The Boston Crippler" Thommy Connolly who is styled along the lines of an old wizened ring vet, "The Lonestar Kid" Stan Warbaum, "The Monster of Metal" Thorvalder Valborg, "Marvelous" Mike Reign, Vladimir Poliatevska, Maskara Azteca a lucha libre styled character, as well as a few female alts used when other lady wrestlers can't make their matches, Aimi Myanamotu, Helena Viertz, and Mary McConaught to name a few, as i figure its better to step in and fill the gap and thus have a complete show other then just let the crowd have less."

I grin at Derrick, "Are you sure that you have mentioned everyone there Derrick?"

"No, there are others, but why give away all the secrets, leave something for people to try and discover for themselves, sort of like an Easter egg hunt."

"Hmm, possibly an Easter Hunt with a touch of German influence perhaps?" Charlotte Bombastic laughs, dropping a very obvious hint.

"Could be, but that would be telling. *winks with a grin* and one of the most important things I was taught about the business is to never leave all your cards on the table. Always leave the crowd wanting a little more."

Charlotte Bombastic laughs again, "Well I think you know where I was going with that one...but moving on..."

"As we are nearing the end of our interview, in regards to SL Wrestling, where do you see it going? What is the next best thing to happen and what would you personally, like to see?"

"I see the future of SL Wrestling being one of gradual evolutionary change. As the technology we use to put on our shows changes and improves. so shall our presentations adapt to that change, differing ideals, if granted a chance to be heard, can lead to bigger and better things, provided that the culture of our community allow for such change to take place, as to what I would like to see? I think ours could be a successful, more conventional mainstream form of entertainment, as we see websites like Hulu and Netflix challenge the more conventional forms of video presentation, so to could we be a part of it, eventually some one has to take the chance and just go for it."

"And what would you personally like to see?"

"An SL pro wrestler talked about in the real world media, recognized for their ability to connect with the audience. Will that ever happen? Who knows, people once thought that such a thing as Second Life its self was imposable, we wont know till we know."

"Interesting, very interesting. Well, Derrick, thank you for your time today. Is there anything else you would like to say to the SL Newser readers?"

"Sometimes its worth taking a few lumps and bumps if its all in the name of something you have a passion for. The greatest tragedy to me is not in never having known something because you never got the chance, its in never knowing something because you never took a chance."

Thank you to Derrick Zane for inviting me to his home and for his time today. As mentioned during the interview, you can contact Derrick in-world or via Facebook for more information. In-world, you can find him at: The V.W.W.A. Asylum(Intense Wres, Bonaire85 (12, 207, 21). Please ensure you tell him that the SL Newser sent you!

Charlotte Bombastic

"Fight Like a Girl"

While I was growing up in the 1980’s, wrestling was fairly popular. My friends loved to watch the shows of “good guy” characters like Hulk Hogan beat up the bad boys. And when the bad guy was from Russia or Iran, the emotions could get pretty raw. There were wrestling video games, and even a cartoon show.

But later on, the wrestling scene changed. To paraphrase Jesse “The Body” Ventura, it looked like everyone was a bad guy and the heroes had left the scene. And so most of my friends didn’t watch or talk about wrestling so much any more. And when they did, it was often about it’s glory days, either of the 1980’s or 50’s.

It was probably inevitable that those whom looked fondly at those days would seek to bring wrestling into Second Life.

Not long ago, Sam Nightfire invited me to a wrestling match at the UWS Metrodome on the Virtual World Network sim. I was a little late, but there was still a special fight left, “glad you made it. This match is the ladies championship.” Now males have a reputation of loving to see women fight. But my reaction was a little different, “Um, why am I thinking this may be the most vicious, merciless of the fights?”

Some guys think women can’t fight. That all they can do is slap each other and tear at each others clothes. It’s my experience that this is far from the case. What women lack in strength, they often make up for it in tenacity and strategy, hitting where it hurts, and doing it again, and again, and again. A few can be quite brutal and ruthless at it. Years ago, I read about one tabloid reporter whom volunteered to go at it with a lady wrestler of a semi-professional ring, and the “bad girl” quickly had him begging for mercy.

The match was between Roxy Rockett and Gwenivere Swansong. Because of the number of people around, I didn’t see anything at first. Then one, and the other lady wrestler appeared through the rezz, as well as the guy referee. The action appeared slow at first, though the chat told it was anything but. “YOUR TURN GWEN!” ::catches her breath, closing her eyes from the pain:: “You a**hole!” Following a loud thump, “Hee-hee! You reaaally think it was going to be that easy? Wow, you are really stupid.” “Oh, I’m SO hurt!”

The audience, mainly men but lots of women among them, was not always better. “They fight like girls.” “Go Gwenny!” “Come on Rose! Get up... you can do this!” “You gonna go kick some *ss!!” “Let’s go Gwen get up and beat her *ss.” “Az get in there show ‘um how it's done!”

Before long, the animations weren’t so much affected by lag, and the actions became clearer, the grapples, the kicks, the body slams. I winced, imagining what damage and scars girls in real life would be getting. The two tigresses continued the carnage, one getting a brief hold on the other only to be knocked away. Finally Gwenivere pulled a “stunner” on Roxy, “And THAT, is how you get ROWDY!!” She then pinned her opponent, and the referee counter, “One! ... Two! ... Three!” Roxy then dislodged her, but it was too late. She cursed as the bell rang it’s victory chimes, and the audience roared, “HEEELLLLL YEAAAAHHHHH!!!” Gwenivere was awarded the championship belt, and raised her trophy up in the air proudly.

Not long afterwards, I had the chance to interview the athlete.

Bixyl Shuftan: Congrats on the win Gwenivere

Gwenivere Swansong: Thank you Bixyl.

Bixyl Shuftan: Interesting choice of a wrestling name, "Gwenivere"

Gwenivere Swansong: ::laughs:: Well, actually I began as a fantasy roleplayer. Plus it's a stem from my real-life name Gwendolyn.

Bixyl Shuftan: Oh really, that's interesting.

Gwenivere Swansong: I found out that there was virtual wrestling through my friend, and later mentor, Curt Bombastic.

Bixyl Shuftan: I wasn't aware of official women's matches until tonight. Is this something new?

(nearby wrestler): There's been women's matches about as long as there's been SL wrestling.

Gwenivere Swansong: Nope, actually there are women's divisions in most feds. even one designated to only women. Though, UWS is one of the first to make their women's division a priority and not something placed on the back burner.

Bixyl Shuftan: So how long did it take to become one of the wrestlers here?

Gwenivere Swansong: Not very long at all. Because of my history with roleplay, it was easy for me to understand the meter system and emoting. I was told I took to it pretty naturally, though everyone's training period depends on their own levels and time that they can dedicate to it. I spent , I think, about three weeks training. But still I learn new things everyday.

Bixyl Shuftan: Sounds good ... When people imagine guys watching women scrap, they usually think of guys drooling, staring off into space. What has your impression been?

(several laughs and boos from nearby bystanders)

Gwenivere Swansong: ::chuckles:: We all have fun here, and the occasional good spirited flirt has been exchanged. But when it comes down to the true grit of it, the women of the UWS are respected as equal wrestlers; not just pieces of tush in revealing clothing. We are allowed to be who we are and enjoy what we do without harassment, but on an equal playing field.

Bixyl Shuftan: Well put. ... Tonight's match seemed pretty tough. How long do most matches last?

Gwenivere Swansong: Our matches can last anywhere from ten to fifteen minutes, well, lag permitting. Though most matches do tend to run over, but it's mainly because we end up really enjoying ourselves out there and revel in the fan's reaction and the ambiance that both they, the commentators and the wrestlers create.

(bystander): Gwenny! Congrats on winning the title, Champ!

Gwenivere Swansong: ~ <3 ~ Thanks Drew!

Bixyl Shuftan: Sounds like quite a few memorable moments happen.

Gwenivere Swansong: Yes, I can honestly say that most of my most memorable moments have been in the arena. Whether it's training, performing or just goofing around with my fellow wrestlers. We love what we do here. I really feel like UWS is my home and I have a great time here. The wrestlers, they are my family.

Bixyl Shuftan: Goofing with the other wrestlers ... anything especially hilarious happen?

Gwenivere Swansong: ::laughs:: TONS! We have such a lively bunch of wrestlers here, it's hard not to have a good time. All the way from Derrick zane's many voices, broly's antics , the list just goes on. We are, well, a colorful group of people, to say the least. Falling out of the ring because someone accidently clicked the ropes, word goof ups, just endless.

Bixyl Shuftan: (chuckles) In your opinion, what was the one most worthy for a sports blooper TV show?

Gwenivere Swansong: Aah, that's like trying to pick your favorite song. Hmm.. it would probably have to be a current one between me and Rose. We might be rivals but we also have our moments. We were in the ring a few weeks ago when we were practicing for the one on one match. Well, it was one of the times where the rope wasn't clicked and rose ended up ... eh ... le’ts just say, that for the position we landed in, ... well (blush) you might have seen on “Skinamax.”

But, as I said, that is just the current one that comes to mind. Between lag and hud malfunctions, there is always room for strange things to happen.

Bixyl Shuftan: So now that you've won, anything to say to your fans whom might be reading this?

Gwenivere Swansong: Only that through hard work, dedication and a positive outlook, anything can happen. People focus so much on negativity or think they have to be a jerk or bad*ss to make waves. I want my fans to know that class isn't dead. There is a saying: nice guys always finish last. Not the case... this time. The nice girl finished first.

(bystanding wrestler): Nice speech.

Gwenivere Swansong: Hehe!

Bixyl Shuftan: Thank you for your time, Gwenivere.

Gwenivere Swansong: Thank you for yours as well. I hope to see you coming out again to see us.

With Sammantha hanging around there, I’ll probably be back again soon. But still, women’s wrestling is not what I would call a spectator sport for the timid. “Catfight” my tail. More like pantherfight or lionfight.

Bixyl Shuftan