Engagement VIDEO:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ19lxmZsAc

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From the Piece:
Tell us how you first became involved with the wrestling business. Were you a fan of it growing up? If so, who were your favourites?
I started watching wrestling in about 1999, when it was the cool thing to do. I went to a very strict Catholic school & I remember bringing a wrestling magazine to school with me one day & getting in BIG trouble with the nuns because one of them saw a photo of Chyna in her gear & decided it was “porn”. Regardless, she was my favorite & a huge inspiration to me. I also loved Edge & Christian. I began my career in wrestling on the “other end” of the spectrum – in broadcasting – as a host for SiriusXM Satellite Radio’s “Busted Open”, a twice weekly, 2 hour talk show program about pro-wrestling. It was through that show that I met the people who gave me the extra push I needed to decide to begin my in-ring training.

Models and wrestling has long been a contentious topic amongst women’s wrestling fans. Have you found it difficult to be taken as a wrestler with your modeling background?
There is nothing that infuriates me more. The fact that this is even a commonly asked question makes my skin crawl. What about the girls who were store clerks ? Does that past profession make them any less capable in the ring ? How about my prior career in broadcasting. Does that have no bearing on my capabilities or are we singling out the fact that I made my living as a model at one point ? It’s ridiculous. Pro wrestling is entertainment. I believe the fact that I have experience in the entertainment field leaves me & other models better equipped to perform in this business and deal with everything that comes with it.

It’s typically a criticism being a model and turning to professional wrestling. Share with us the qualities of being a model that gives you the edge when it comes to getting into the ring.
The crazy hours, the constant travelling, the critics, knowing & accepting that I have to look a certain way to be successful… all of that is already ingrained in my mind. I might not get booked because I’m the most amazing technical wrestler, but really, is that what people are looking for on the indies ? Is that what promotors are interested in selling a show based on ? Many may answer “yes”, but if that were the case for the majority, that would be what is getting booked on every show. I take my training very seriously & will never stop trying to be a “total package”, but the reality of womens wrestling is that – UNFORTUNATELY – its more of a commodity than anything and having that model look is beneficial, even integral for me getting booked. The most vocal fans, the typical “IWC” may find a lot wrong with that, but many forget that wrestling is a business, and business revolves around making money. Think about how womens wrestling is portrayed on WWE television. Like it or not, they are the standard for womens pro wrestling. That is what the majority wants to see … if it wasn’t, it wouldn’t be getting booked. It is what it is.

You’ve not really fulfilled the role of a manager to become part of Matt Hardy’s act. Is this a conscious decision on your part, or is it just something that has never presented itself? (Note: I know you’ve had the odd tag match here and there, but I’m talking about a full-time deal as such)
I prefer to work my own matches. That being said, I love Matt. If he wants me to manage him because he feels it adds to the story, benefits his match or allows a certain outcome to make sense & still protect his character then I will do it, without question. I enjoy working with him because we have a really great professional chemistry, a lot of which is due to the fact that he has mentored me so much in regards to match psychology. Could I be more involved with everything he does ? Sure, but I get enough of the “Reby only gets booked because of Matt” nonsense as it is, so really, it’s only ever his call. Matt has the luxury of being able to pick & choose his bookings and we would both much rather prefer travelling and working together as opposed to being on separate schedules. The wrestling lifestyle is trying enough on a relationship & we do what we can to put ours first while still keeping our own identities; Mainly mine.

Sunny made reference to your relationship with Matt Hardy, insinuating he was the only reason you have a place in wrestling. Is this something that often gets thrown at you? How do you counteract such abuse, if at all?
Let’s all take a moment to recall exactly how & why Sunny is in wrestling. I’ll help you out…Starts with “Chris” & ends in “andido”. There is a whole lot more to say about the issue, but I will refrain from elaborating for now. I will say this: The most notable things I’ve done in my career happened LONG before I could relate in any way to the name Hardy; EVOLVE & Dragon Gate USA & Lucha Libre USA. The fact that many wrestling fans didn’t realize I was alive & hustling before I ever met Matt Hardy does NOT discredit the fact that I was. I’ve been busting my ass training, working, traveling hours & hours for scraps since 2009. I met Matt in 2011. I know it’s hard for some to wrap their heads around it, but I did, in fact, exist before that. There are HUNDREDS of female independent wrestlers doing the exact same thing I was doing, with just the same, nearly non-existant level of recognition… I just happened to meet & fall in love with someone who made me stand out just a bit more than the masses & it’s unfair to hold that against me. To ignore my past achievements is plain ignorant.

 To read the interview in its entirety – 14 questions ! – CLICK HERE
(Interview begins on page 10)

]]> http://rebysky.com/new-interview-2/feed/ 0 http://rebysky.com/chinlock-for-chuck/ http://rebysky.com/chinlock-for-chuck/#comments Fri, 01 Feb 2013 20:45:12 +0000 admin http://rebysky.com/?p=2225 Reby Sky, Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, Shane Helms & a plethora of wrestling’s finest participated in the ultra-successful Chinlock for Chuck, with all proceeds going to fallen brother, Chuck Coates. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (cancer), Chuck underwent both chemotherapy &  a bone marrow transplant. Chinlock for Chuck raised $15,000 to help cover Chuck’s medical bills, aiding his family in rebuilding their lives & assisting a fellow OMEGA wrestler in his recovery. From ring set-up to security, the use of the gym to food & beverage, the overwhelming show of support has been tremendous.
To learn more, please visit ChinlockForChuck.com

(Photo Credit: Dave Layne)

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(Photos courtesy of Doug Swinskey)

For a digital copy of the magazine, CLICK HERE

From the Piece:
“The arrival of a brand new women’s wrestling promotion has awarded numerous upstarts in the Florida area the opportunity to rebrand & launch their careers. One woman seems to be leading the pack, and she has all the stamina in the world to stay the distance.

Reby Sky has gone from wrestling ring decoration to impressive & competent fighter since joining the freshly launched SHINE organization. In its early existence, Sky has risen from the depths of the undercard to become a prominent member part of SHINE, already embroiled in a rivalry with Midwest Militia member & WSU champion Jessicka Havok. 

The magnificent Sky first entered the world of professional wrestling two years ago as part of MTV’s on-going series Lucha Libre USA: Masked Warriors. Reby’s first role was not inside the ring, instead standing by as the event hostess. Within months, however, Sky migrated into the ring where she made her debut against former WWE Women’s Champion, Jacqueline. 

Though Reby has opened the door to opportunity, she has found difficulty establishing herself as a professional wrestler. “Identifying myself as a wrestling – as opposed to a model – is a Catch 22″, explained Reby in an interview with TheSmokingJacket.com. She continued, “Casual wrestling fans are either disappointed or surprised I’m not a She-Hulk and diehard wrestling fans hold the fact that I model against me”. 

It has been an uphill battle for Sky, especially given her public relationship with former WWE & TNA star, Matt Hardy. Drawing the unwanted negative attention of fans could have been enough to call it a day, but Reby insists it spurs her on. “We have a ring at home. Sometimes we’re in there training & sometimes we’re fighting for real”, said Reby Sky to Univision when asked about her relationship with the former WWE United States Champion. 

The attention Reby Sky has been receiving lately has catapulted her into the women’s divisions of numerous companies. Dubbing herself as the “Diva Overachiever” certainly sets the bar high, but so far, she’s clearing it.”

From The Piece:
“Controversial as she may be, we love an underdog. Reby Sky is proving people wrong with her performances in the ring in recent months. She still has a long way to go, and she herself admits that, but her progression thus far and her drive for the sport is commendable. Reby’s covergirl good looks may be a source of contention for fans who wish to see her as a ‘model’, but in the business, that marketability will only work in her favor. Reby Sky, the wrestler, has arrived and we look forward to watching her continue to grow.” 

To read the entire article
CLICK HERE.

WrestleCade 2012 was a huge success, with a sold-out crowd witnessing Reby Sky defeat Jayme Jameson.
Check out these exclusive photos, courtesy of Mark Stephens of Viewfinders Media. Also included are a few photos by Betty Burks.