SmashWrestling Interview

Interview with WCW Dawn Marie! by Mike Aldren of EWN & SmashWrestling.com 11/00 This interview was featured in our Essential Wrestling Newsletter in issue 41 if you haven't signed up for it yet then don't forget to do so when you finish reading this!

It's hard work putting together each issue of EWN, but it occasionally includes rare pleasures. I recently had the opportunity to interview Dawn Marie, one of ECW's top valets! Dawn has managed the likes of Lance Storm and controversial ECW World Champion Justin Credible.


MIKE ALDREN: Dawn, thanks for joining EWN today. I'll fire straight ahead as I know you have a show to prepare for tonight. You've been involved in the business for a number of years now, but what was you doing before wrestling?

DAWN MARIE: Before I was involved in wrestling I had a job as an International Real Estate consultant based in New York. I think aged around 22 or 23. I was very unhappy because it wasn't what I loved to do. I've always wanted to make people laugh and entertain them. I left my job and pursued a career in acting and modeling. I found wrestling about two years later.


MIKE ALDREN: So growing up you never had any aspirations be involved in wrestling?

DAWN MARIE: No... I watched in the early eighties with my family but never felt a longing to be in it. I had a deal with a poster company about 4 years ago. They sent a man over to my house to sign some of the posters. The man's name was Jonathan Gold and he told me that he used be involved in wrestling years ago. I was joking around with him and told him I would love to do something like that. A few weeks later Jonathan called me and told me he had me booked on a show. I told him that I was only kidding, but he insisted that I went because he pulled some strings with friends. The rest is history.


MIKE ALDREN: How did ECW discover you?

DAWN MARIE: Well... after about two years I received a phone call from Jeff Jones to call Bubba. I phone him instantly and he told me that there may be some interest in using me. I was asked to come down to the Philly arena and talk with Paul Heyman. I did just that and Paul asked me if I would be available for a few shots to run the angle with Tammy Sytch. After that I worked with Lance Storm, Paul really liked the chemistry between Lance and I, so he created a permanent spot for me.


MIKE ALDREN: They (ECW) don't seem to let you speak much, do you believe you get enough mic time?

DAWN MARIE: I think since Lance Storm left I have been getting a lot of mic time. While I was involved with the Impact Players Lance was always the talker. In every group, someone is sort of designated to one thing. I was and still am very happy with what my role is at ECW.


MIKE ALDREN: But what If Vince McMahon or Vince Russo called you up tomorrow and said, "Hey Dawn, we love what your doing at ECW, come and work for us" what would your reply be?

DAWN MARIE: Well I did have a chance to go somewhere else but I really feel that I'm not ready to go somewhere else yet. I have so much more to learn and feel that ECW is right place for me to learn these things. I have just under two more years left on my contract and I will look at my options at that time

MIKE ALDREN: What can we expect from Dawn Marie & ECW in the next few months?

DAWN MARIE: Your guess is as good as mine. Paul (Heyman) really doesn't tell us that far in advance. And to be honest I don't want to know. I like to find out as it is happening. It keeps it exciting for me too. Paul is the most incredible person. He is very understanding, and he is very thoughtful. He has helped me in times when there wasn't anyone else who could. He has always been a friend first then my employer.


MIKE ALDREN: One of your favorite catchphrases in the past has been, "I'm a star on TNN", what's your take on the ECW/TNN breakdown?

DAWN MARIE: I don't get involved in the behind the scenes type of stuff. I am sure Paul will find us a new network. I will just have to change my catchphrase to be whatever network we go to.


MIKE ALDREN: Tell us about your first ever show?

DAWN MARIE: My first show ever was with Tony Atlas against Jimmy Snuka. I can remember the way it felt the first time I walked out from behind the curtain. I felt scared, excited, and fulfilled all at the same time. It was that feeling that I always knew I would feel when I would find success... I always used to say that success isn't the amount of money you earned it was the feeling of happiness when you woke-up in the morning on your way into work.


MIKE ALDREN: Who do you most admire in ECW, who has supported you most?

DAWN MARIE: The most support I received professionally was from Lance (Storm) and Paul. Lance was wonderful. I couldn't have asked for a better person to start my career off with. I love him and I consider him one of my best friends in the business. Personally Simon (Diamond) has been there through everything. This profession is very difficult at times and you tend to bring it home with you. If it was for Simon's support and guidance I don't know if I would still be in the business.


MIKE ALDREN: Speaking of Simon I understand you guys are getting married soon, is that true?

DAWN MARIE: Yes... we are planning to be married by the end of the year. I met him on the Indies and when I went to ECW we realized that there was more to our relationship then we thought. My biggest inspiration in my life is my boyfriend. He is very supportive of me and my choices. He gives me strength when I need it and he gives me advice when I seek it. He understands my career because he is in it and this makes it a lot easier for me.


MIKE ALDREN: Will you still be involved in the business 10 years down the road?

DAWN MARIE: No... I Know the reality of the women in the business. It would be impossible for me to be involved ten years from now. I am currently honing my acting skills with some classes in New York. I would like to convert my wrestling career into a daytime soap career. Family is very important to me. One of my biggest fears is that I will be to busy with my career that I forget about my future family.


MIKE ALDREN: Well thanks for speaking to us today Dawn. Is there anything you would like to say to our readers?

DAWN MARIE: I appreciate all of their support, and kindness. And that I hope we all have a long successful relationship together. Thanks Mike I'll look forward to reading EWN very soon!

If using ANY portion of this interview you must give full credit to Mike Aldren and www.SmashWrestling.com.

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