Most of the greats in this business have been working since they were young. I recently had a chance to interview Sonya Blackhawk through Yahoo IM. Sonya started in this business when she was only 13 years old, and she's taking the Indy World by their hearts! Read on and Enjoy!
Take a look at some photos of Sonya Blackhawk, in action and outside the ring! Just click here!
Jami: okay. First off, again I want to thank you for agree'ing to do this interview!
Sonya Blackhawk: It's not a problem at all!
Jami: It's for a website calld, "The Wrestling Box" which is at https://www.angelfire.com/wrestling3/jeffs_box . It's a website that showcases Indy Federation talent! It's starting to gain some real momentum on the internet, so your interview will be read by a lot of people. =)
Sonya Blackhawk: Awesome!
Jami: First off, I am going to ask you some questions that you have probably been asked a dozen times lately. But I'm hoping to sort of introduce the new fans to you.
Sonya Blackhawk: Alrighty.
Jami: Okay...first question....Where are you located at?
Sonya Blackhawk: Terre Haute, IN. I work around Indiana, but I'm hoping to kind of expand.
Jami: What federation are you currently in?
Sonya Blackhawk: Mostly, I work for CIW Indy. I used to be a part of NWC out of Olney, IL. I've worked for ACW, AWC, and ICW as well.
Jami: Are those the only federations that you have worked in?
Sonya Blackhawk: Yeah. But I'd really like to find more places to work.
Jami: Are there a lot of Indy feds in Indiana?
Sonya Blackhawk: Yeah, there are quite a few, but I've only worked for about three.
Jami: What federation has been your favorite to appear in?
Sonya Blackhawk: Well, I've loved working for all of them. But CIW Indy is my home federation now and I'm proud to say that.
Jami: awesome. I've heard some great things about that federation. When did you start wrestling?
Sonya Blackhawk: August of '99. I was thirteen then so I've been doing this for three wonderful years. You'd be amazed at how much a person can learn in that little bit of time.
Jami: Wow. I can only image. Thirteen is a really young age to start out. Did you have any trouble getting other people to take you seriously?
Sonya Blackhawk: Not really. When I showed up at the NWC training facility, about three of the trainees asked me if I was going to join up. They said they needed more female workers. I watched one practice and after that I knew that I could do it. I knew how much I wanted to be a wrestler. But I never thought I'd make it this far.
Jami: I have a feeling that you are going to make it even farther in the upcoming years! What school did you train at? And who trained you?
Sonya Blackhawk: I trained at Olney, IL, with the NWC. Bud Chaplin was my trainer. He tought me a lot and I am very thankful. But now I'm training under Mercedes with CIW Indy. There's no limit on training. You never ever stop learning.
Jami: Very true. You learn something from every person you step into the ring with, right?
Sonya Blackhawk: Absolutely. And even then, when I get back to the dressing rooms, I have the chanceto ask other wrestlers if they have any advice. That can be extremely helpful, too.
Jami: what's your schedule like?
Sonya Blackhawk: You mean what do I do a day I have a show or how often I have matches?
Jami: both.
Sonya Blackhawk: Well, I have at least one show a month with CIW Indy. Sometimes I get the chance to work for other feds. A show day is very hectic for me. The night before can be just as bad. I have to straighten my hair before I go to bed so I'll have more time the next day to get ready. I also make sure all of my gear is in my bag. I'll wake up in the morning and change my clothes, then I'll put just a bit of make up on (to hide sleepy eyes) and I'm out the door. It takes about an hour and half at least to get there. Plus, it's good to get to the show at least an hour before bell time. Once we arrive, I step inside and shake everyone's hand . That's very important. It shows professionalism and respect. Then I find out where my dressing room is. I change into my gear and then find out when my match is.
Sonya Blackhawk: I have to make sure I give my music to the sound crew. Basically I get to goof around until my match, then.
Jami: Sounds very hectic! You mentioned making sure you shake everyone's hand. Do most wrestlers do that?
Sonya Blackhawk: Most do, but everyone should. Mercedes taught me that upon many other things.
Jami: that sounds very professional and respectful. I'm glad to hear that most do that. Who are some of your favorite people to work with?
Sonya Blackhawk: First and foremost... it has to be Whipme Spearz. He's like the big sister I never had. I also like to work with Mercedes. It can be challenging though because she knows so much more than I do. Charley Boy is another great one. She can get really mean. That gets to be fun, though. Geez, there's so many. I love working with pretty much everyone I have worked with. There are a few that I'd like to work, but haven't gotten the chance.
Jami: Who would those be?
Sonya Blackhawk: Lexie Fyfe. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have been working for CIW Indy. I'd also like to work with Ariel from the G.L.O.R.Y. site. A lot of those girls from that site look like great competitors and I wouldn't mind working some of them. And of course, I'd love to do a match with Lita of the WWE someday. That would be like a dream come true for me. She is my idol after all.
Jami: I've interviewed both Lexie Fyfe and Ariel, and both are wonderful women! I'd personally love to see a match between the three of you.
Sonya Blackhawk: That would really be something. I remember the first night I met Lexie. She shook my hand and we talked a while. That was the night she had a four way match with Mercedes, Lady Victoria, and Mia Martinez. She knew me a little from the G.L.O.R.Y. site and introduced me to the owner of CIW Indy, Marty Fogleman. He ended up giving me his card and told me to get back with him sometime. I'll always remember that. Lexie's such a nice woman!
Jami: She is, and an amazing ring worker!
Jami: Is there any kind of match you wouldn't do (like a lingerie match, bikini match, jello match)?
Sonya Blackhawk: I'd never do any of those. I don't do lingerie, bikini, jello, mud, or whatever else they do now. Keep in mind that I'm only sixteen years old. I'll do standard, tag team, battle royal, four way, three way, hardcore and things like that. I haven't gotten to do any hardcore, but I think it would be fun.
Sonya Blackhawk: I wouldn't mind getting a few chair shots.
Sonya Blackhawk: Lol.
Jami: It's good to hear that you wouldn't want to do any of those other matches...I like hearing that you want to focus more on the actual wrestling. You are a far braver woman than I am for wanting to do hardcore!
Sonya Blackhawk: Well I really think it looks fun. I've got a pretty hard head, so I think I can take it. Lol.
Jami: *L*
Jami: What titles have you won or helped others win?
Sonya Blackhawk: I haven't won any titles yet, but I'm really pushing hard for the women's gold of CIW Indy, currently held by Mercedes. I've never helped anyone win a title, either.
Jami: Who is the strongest woman you've seen in the Indy's (mic skills plus in ring skills)?
Sonya Blackhawk: It's really a tie between Phoenix and Mercedes. The Diva was also great. Her mic skills were awesome.
Jami: I agree with you on all three counts. Who is the strongest man you've seen in the Indy's (mic skill plus in ring skills)?
Sonya Blackhawk: Geez, well.. uh... I guess it has to be Poison Apollo Star. He's very technical and pretty loud on the mic, too.
Jami: What's it like working in the Indy's?
Sonya Blackhawk: It's very exciting! I think working in the indy's is cool because you can really actually talk to most of your fans, whereas if you were a big superstar, you have billions of fans and you can't really get to know them, only a few hundred, thousand or however many can get in touch with you.
Jami: very true! So I'm taking it that you have a good relationship with your fans?
Sonya Blackhawk: Yes I sure do! It's amazing how many people ask me to sign a paper in about 15 minute intermission. The fans are really great. I guess it's a give and take relationship. I work hard in the ring and they make me feel great by buying things with my name on it or asking for my autograph.
Jami: Great! You just led me to a few of my other questions that I tailored around you. You are a GLORY girl and you recently had an interview featured on RajahWWF.com, both are viewed by thousands of wrestling fans...how does it feel to know that you are reaching such a large number of people?
Sonya Blackhawk: I think it's really cool. Knowing that so many people are reading what I'm saying kind of makes me feel important, you know?
Sonya Blackhawk: Lol.
Jami: *L* I can definately understand that! Does it make you nervous at all?
Sonya Blackhawk: Not really. It's when I'm actually face to face with them that makes me get my butterflies. Lol.
Jami: You're only 16 years old, yet you're hugely popular with Indy Wrestling fans. What do you contribute your success too?
Sonya Blackhawk: I think that my age has a lot to do with it. No one really expects to see someone as young as I in the ring professionally. Another thing is probably my hair. At the G.L.O.R.Y. Convention there was a picture taken of all the G.L.O.R.Y. Girls in the ring. Out of all us, my hair stood out the most. I owe a lot of my success to those two major characteristics.
Jami: Oh yes, your trademark red hair! It reminds me of another great Diva, Lita. Do you have any other trademarks?
Sonya Blackhawk: Not that I know of. I guess I'm really nice since I've been dubbed as CIW Indy's Sweetheart. Lol.
Jami: *L* That's not a bad thing to be named!
Sonya Blackhawk: Not at all.
Jami: You've been in the wrestling business since the age of 13. You are now 16, and there are plenty of older women in the feds...do you find that you are having to work extra hard to prove yourself?
Sonya Blackhawk: Sometimes I do. But at times I feel like I'm "babied" a little since I am so young. I want to be treated the same. No better, no worse. If that can work out, everything's peachy!
Jami: What advice did Bobby Heenen and Ric Flair give you?
Sonya Blackhawk: Bobby told me to make sure I get my education. He said that's really important. It should automatically come first. Ric told me that it's hard to make it big in this. I believe that 100 percent, too. But if I keep working hard, I'll do ok.
Jami: If I remember correctly, I read that your brother began training in the ring before you, which is how you got started. Is he still wrestling?
Sonya Blackhawk: Yes he is. He's currently recooperating from a back injury, though. But I'm doing my best to motivate him. He works great, though. All he needs is a little time to wrok off his ring rust and we'll see him in CIW Indy shows soon, I hope.
Jami: Great! Can I ask what his ring name is?
Sonya Blackhawk: Simon Blackhawk.
Jami: How did you come up with your ring name?
Sonya Blackhawk: Well, my dad and me were looking through a catalog where you can order police gear. We were hoping to find some knee pads or something. Anyway, we came across one page that had a uniform with a name tag. The name tag said "Blackhawk". I thought it sounded cool, so I pointed it out to Dad. He liked it to. Then we came up with Sonya because I was going to use a move similar to what Trish Stratus. The move where she catches her opponent's head with her feet and flips them over. It was like a move on the game Mortal Kombat. Sonya Blade was my favorite character. I used her all the time to beat my brother. Lol. I decided to call myself "Sonya Blackhawk".
Jami: Who are your biggest influences inside the ring and out?
Sonya Blackhawk: I'm greatly influenced by Lita, of course. I also love watching Jeff Hardy. I wish I could do some of the stuff he does. Lol. As for in the indy's, I'd have to say Mercedes first of all. Secondly, Whipme Spearz. He shows me that you really have to be brave. Lol. My parents are very helpful... most of the time. Lol. And of course, Simon. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't even be here right now.
Sonya Blackhawk: But I also am influenced by The Diva, Kelly Tabor. She had to be one of the absolute best female workers in the indy's. I'm always going to remember her. She was a great friend and co-worker.
Jami: I wanted to ask you about her. Some of the Indy fans might not be aware that the wrestling world lost a great woman's wrestler in The Diva, Kelly Tabor. You had the privledge of working a few matches with her. Can you share any words with us on Kelly for the fans who have never seen her in action?
Sonya Blackhawk: Absolutely. Kelly was the sweetest, most caring person I've ever met. She had loads of talent. She put her heart into it every time she stepped in the ring. I wish I knew her more than I did. If you've ever seen her or talked to her, you'd know that she loved wrestling with everything she had. She had so much ahead of her, too. It's a real shame we had to lose her.
Jami: It is definately a shame. I was very saddened to hear of the loss. She will be greatly missed by all.
Jami: You mentioned earlier that you are a fan of Jeff Hardy and Lita, a girl after my own heart as they are two of my favorites also. What do you think makes these two young superstars so successful?
Sonya Blackhawk: It has to be how courageous they are! Jumping off of cages and what-not is impressive! Besides... Jeff is not bad-looking at all.
Sonya Blackhawk: Lol.
Jami: *L* No he's not. I have met him three times, and I have to say that he is even better looking in person. Plus, he's as nice as can be. =)
Sonya Blackhawk: I want to meet him. Hopefully I'll get the chance someday.
Jami: I hope so too. He's definately a great guy.
Jami: What has been your scariest moment in the ring?
Sonya Blackhawk: Probably when I worked with Mia Martinez. The finish messed up somehow and she dropped me on my head on accident. It was probably more scary for my parents than for me. I knew I was ok, but they weren't sure from farther away.
Jami: Wrestlers have always amazed me with how they can just get right back up from a major bump like that. I recently twisted my knee at work, and even though I feel I'm okay, I'm off for a week because of that. I have to go through physical therapy and everything, and I'm amazed at how wrestlers can just jump right back in the ring after a scary moment like being dropped on your head.
Sonya Blackhawk: Well... we're lucky that we know how to brace ourselves. We learn how to take bumps. Youknow, tuck your chin and land flat on your back. It helps a lot.
Jami: very true. Wrestling has begun to teeter on the edge of mainstream popularity once again, with the Rock starring in movies, Torrie Wilson appearing in Playboy, and various other wrestlers appearing in TV. What do you think the business can do to help it achieve mainstream fans once again?
Sonya Blackhawk: Really they just need to stop all the things that would drive a parent to switching the channel in fear of their kids seeing something they shouldn't see. I'm disgusted by a lot of the stuff that goes on there. But I'll still watch it. Hopefully I can learn a few moves that I'd like to try.
Jami: I agree with you there. I was in the audience for the WWE show where they debuted HLA, and I had two young girls with me. That wasn't something I wanted them to see.
Jami: Is it hard for you to be so dedicated to wrestling at such a young age?
Jami: When I was 16, I was only dedicated to shopping *L*
Sonya Blackhawk: Not at all. There's always something to look forward to. I like shopping still. Just last night I went to a concert in Terre Haute. A few local bands. After that, I went to the mall.
Jami: I recall reading that if you entered the WWE you'd like to be a Molly Holly type character. Molly is a great wrestler and one of my favorites to watch. What aspects of her character would you like to incorporate?
Sonya Blackhawk: She's quick and she doesn't do anything really immoral like some of the others do. She doesn't flaunt herself or anything and I respect that she is in the big times for her ability, not her body.
Jami: very true. She is one of my favorites to watch because she is just SO talented. There's nothing she can't do!
Jami: Would you consider yourself a role model?
Sonya Blackhawk: For some, yes. I hope to be, anyway. So far, a few girls around here have dyed their hair bright red. Lol. A lot of girls at the shows come up to me and hug me a lot, so I guess. I try to tell them all that if they work hard, they can do anything.
Jami: Sounds like you are a very good role model!
Jami: You're trained in mat, submission and high flyin' wrestling. Which is your favorite to perform?
Sonya Blackhawk: I don't have a favorite, really. I'd like to work more on my high flying, tough. Right now it's more like Low Flying. Lol.
Jami: *L* If you can get into the air, you're already better than half of America.
Jami: Right now you are definately a fan favorite. Can you see your character ever becoming a heel?
Sonya Blackhawk: I haven't really been trained in that department. I don't think it's natural for me. But I know that some day I'm going to have to. It's inevitable.
Jami: I'm sure you'll be able to play the part well.
Jami: I have just a few more questions that center on the WWE...do you have time to answer those?
Sonya Blackhawk: Sure.
Jami: Who are you favorite WWE Male wrestlers?
Sonya Blackhawk: First of all, Jeff Hardy. Lol. I also like Edge, Kane, HBK, Jericho, Matt Hardy, Shannon Moore, The Hurricane, and soooo many more.
Jami: Who are you favorite WWE Female Wrestlers?
Sonya Blackhawk: Lita, Molly Holly.... and Victoria...kinda
Jami: With the current storylines focusing on HLA and matches like lingerie pillow fights, how do you think the women wrestlers could move past that and put the focus back on their in-ring skills? Do you think this focus on T&A will hinder other women's, like yourself, chances to be taken seriously?
Sonya Blackhawk: A lot of the dirty stuff that goes on is a big part of who gets more attention. I think that the women wrestlers are getting better, though.
Jami: Do you think women should get more belts (Like their own tag team belts)?
Sonya Blackhawk: I think that women should be able to compete against males for the tag belts, actually.
Sonya Blackhawk: They have the chance to go after any belt of their choosing.
Jami: That goes right into my next question actually:
Do you think the WWE should take a page from the Indy's and let the women wrestle the men more?
Sonya Blackhawk: Absolutely. If they keep working the same women, the matches will eventually get boring. Seeing the same match over and over isn't good for viewers.
Jami: Do you think any of today's wrestlers (indy or WWE) are going to be legends in years to come?
Sonya Blackhawk: Lita definitely will. She's so unique, I can't see why not. I firmly believe that Mercedes will. She's got some of the best talent I've ever seen. And of course... who can ever forget Whipme Spearz? Lol.
Jami: *L*
Jami: If you could change one thing about the WWE product, what would it be and why?
Sonya Blackhawk: You already know that one. I would take out everything that isn't real wrestling. Make the show about wrestling now, not any other that other stuff.
Jami: great. Mike has submitted a few questions to me that he wants me to ask. Would you mind answering those?
Sonya Blackhawk: No problem.
Mike: How did you end up getting involved with the Glory Wrestling website?
Sonya Blackhawk: I was asked at the NWC school to vote for a woman named Lady Vendetta. I went there and voted regualrly. One day I saw a link that said 'Join G.L.O.R.Y.' I clicked on that and filled out my application.
Mike: When did you 1st appear on Glory?
Sonya Blackhawk: My arrival was announced in a Picture Of The Day on November 28th, but I actually debuted on December 5th.
Mike: Do you think Glory has helped your career as a wrestler?
Sonya Blackhawk: Absolutely. It helps with promotion a lot. I want to thank John The Webmaster for all of his help, by the way.
Mike: And personally, what do you think of the Glory website?
Sonya Blackhawk: It's a great way to meet other girls and find work. It's beenone of the biggest helps for me throughout the last three years.
Mike: How do you get involved with a wrestling promotion you are interested in wrestling for?
Sonya Blackhawk: You try to get in touch with the owner of the promotion and see if they have any place they can toss you in. My dad usually is the one to go and introduce me. I'm a little shy at first. Lol.
Mike: How did you get involved with CIWIndy and ICW? How long have you been in both?
Sonya Blackhawk: Well, I've been working with CIW Indy since 2002. I already told you how I got started there. And ICW and CIW Indy's promoters are good friends. One night, they asked if I wanted to work a show with them and I said ok.
Mike: Whats the best thing about being in the wrestling industry?
Sonya Blackhawk: It's got to be the fact that a lot of people, mostly girls, look up to me and know that they can do whatever they want to , too. The fans are really a big factor in the dedication of most workers.
Mike: Do you wanna just stay with the independent circuit or move onto bigger & better things?
Sonya Blackhawk: I think I have a lot of maturing to do before I move up. But someday down the road, I wouldn't mind stepping in a WWE ring.
Jami: I hope to see you there someday!
Mike: What is your current entrance music? Do you think you might change it before long?
Sonya Blackhawk: Heartbreaker, by Pat Benetar. I don't think it will change for a while. I've used "Knock 'Em Dead, Kid" by Motely Crue at a few CIW Indy shows, too.
Mike: Do you think winning a title belt will change your personality as far as your character goes?
Sonya Blackhawk: I don't think so. I'll still be happy to have the great fans that I have. I'll still be CIW Indy's Sweetheart.
Mike: What are you looking to get out of wrestling in the future?
Sonya Blackhawk: Mainly just to stay in shape. I'm not looking to be the most famous person in the world or anything. It's something I like to do and I plan on doing this for a very long time.
Jami: and one last question from me....Do you have any advice for others trying to break into the business?
Sonya Blackhawk: I think I should pass on what Bobby Heenan and Ric Flair told me. Get your education. You can't get anywhere in life without it. And it is very, very hard work. and one more thing from the bottom of my heart. Dreams come true. Never give up on yourself. You can always do what you want to do. No one can stop you but you.
Jami: That's very good advice! Well Sonya, that's all the questions I believe I have for you! Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Sonya Blackhawk: No ma'am.
Jami: Wow, I think that's the first time I've ever been called ma'am *L*
Sonya Blackhawk: Lol.
Jami: I just want to thank you once again for taking this time to answer my questions. It took a lot longer than I anticipated...so again, thank you. You are a wonderful young woman, and I know that you have the heart and talent to make it far in this business. I consider it an extreme pleasure to have talked to you.
Sonya Blackhawk: You too. Thank you very much for the chance to reach people.
Jami: It's definately my pleasure. I hope to talk to you again sometime soon!
Sonya Blackhawk: You too!
Wanna find out more about Sonya? Visit the Links Section!
