SmashWrestling Interview

Interview with WCW Nitro Girl Spice by Mike Aldren of EWN & SmashWrestling.com 9/00 This interview was featured in our Essential Wrestling Newsletter in issue 17/18 if you haven't signed up for it yet then don't forget to do so when you finish reading this!

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to sit down with former WCW Nitro Girl Spice aka Melissa Bellin on Saturday morning. She was in high spirits, very flirtatious and had a lots to say. Here is Part One of EWN's exclusive interview with her.


MIKE ALDREN: The first question I'd like to ask you Melissa, and one I'm sure that all our readers would like to know... you've officially left World Championship Wrestling stating that this was due to financial cut-backs and the break down of their Saturday morning show, which you were slated to host. What happened? Did WCW try to persuade you to stay?


MELISSA BELLIN: Once the Saturday morning show was canceled, I actively started talking with the booking staff about story-line involvement. Unfortunately there was no place to put me, so due to the financial situation of the company, they called me and informed me they had to release me. I was prepared for this, as they have been releasing talent left and right for the past two months. It was sad, the company expressed it's regrets, and I mine, as WCW has been my family (dysfunctional, but family none the less) for the past three years. I have actually been offered the opportunity to do some free lance work for several upcoming promotional events for WCW, and I may consider this, but I am leaving all of my options open. This release is finally allowing me to fully explore possibilities within the entertainment business, both inside and outside of wrestling.


MA: For those who may not know much about you, as well as Nitro Girl, your a licensed Chiropractor. Are you still involved in that profession as I understand you help run you family's Chiropractic business?


Mellisa B: Yes, I am a licensed Chiropractor, and my husband and I have an office in Atlanta. I however due to the nature of the business have not been practicing full time for about a year. I love chiropractic and I will return full time eventually, just not now, I still have other interests to pursue in entertainment.


MA: You were also a member of the Reebok Dance Team and danced during the Opening of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. What was that like? Did you bump into Kurt Angle? LOL


Mellisa B: It's interesting you ask, as I have been quite nostalgic this week with the Sydney games. It was an amazing experience... dancing for the world. In fact I danced in front of President Clinton. Yes it was definitely a moment for the memory banks, it will be a
good story for the kids one day. LOL


MA: Moving on slightly... from there how did you become involved in the wrestling business?


Mellisa B: Simple, Kimberly Page hand picked me as one of the original Nitro Girls.


MA: So What were your fondest memories during your Nitro Girl days?


Mellisa B: I promise there were so many I can't pick just one. Truly the best part, my girls... I love all of the "old group". We really became sisters, I'm blessed with lifelong friendships from this job.


MA: Shortly after the Nitro Girls disappeared in 1999, it became apparent that all the girls were taking on a more physical role within the company. As someone who isn't really a fully trained wrestler did you have any reservations? Who trained you?


Mellisa B: Yes we did become more physical, and yes I had reservations, more for the person I was in the ring with... I didn't want to hurt anyone, or myself. But I had the opportunity to work with Mona and she was great! She taught me a lot, and most importantly she helped me overcome my fears. A few months ago I was in the Power Plant training again for another possible story line, and this time I worked with "Sarge", I love this man... He also taught me a great amount, and I had so much fun, believe it or not I really enjoy wrestling.


MA: Oh I believe it! You worked quite a lengthy programme with Madusa, recent reports suggest she isn't the easiest to get along with. What was your relationship with her like? Who were your friends at WCW?


Mellisa B: My relationship with Madusa was good. Yes she pushes people, but it is because she respects the business, and doesn't want women who don't know what they are doing to give it a bad reputation. But let it be known that she is inspirational... She makes you want to work and be the best you can be. As for my friends, well I really got along with everyone, but my best friends are without a doubt, Paisley and Chae. I also don't know what I would do without Tygress and Fyre! They are my girls.


MA: As part of your job, you spend a long time on the road. You grew up in the small town community of Meadville, Pennsylvania. Is it good to be able to go back home? What's the worst thing about all the traveling?


Mellisa B: The hardest part about traveling is being away from my husband and animals for so long (my animals are my kids). And yes home is home, it is always good to go back, especially since my whole family lives in the area. I tell you... There is nothing like fall in the Northeast, and I enjoy getting my dose of snow at Christmas. LOL


MA: Is Melissa Bellin finished with wrestling for now and have you been contacted by any other promotions i.e. WWF/ECW?


Mellisa B: Never say never... No I haven't been contacted by any other companies, but if the truth be known, I really want to continue doing interviewing and show hosting, so we will see what comes my way, and of course I will keep everyone updated on my website.


MA: What's next for you Melissa, what's you ultimate goal in life?


Mellisa B: My ultimate goal huh... I have a lot, you will see me in entertainment in many facets... This I promise, I also want to take Chiropractic to underdeveloped countries, and once I've shared my smile with the world, I will chill out and have a family, and maybe own a Bed and Breakfast in Italy!


MA: Sound great, well thanks for talking to us and answering all our questions... Do you have a message for the 20 000 that read Essential Wrestling Newsletter?


Mellisa B: My message is to all of my fans... Your love and support is always what keeps me smiling! I love you all... Thanks for everything, keep your eyes open, because you will see me again. Thanks Mike, talk to you again soon and look forward to reading EWN.


Visit the official Melissa Bellin website located at: http://www.MellisaBellin.com.

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

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