Dakota
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Ever changing wrestling/sports entertainment industry makes the
columnists and article writers always be on their toes. Last week my
guest for today, Dakota, became the Mid-South Wrestling Organizations
new Ladies champion. On April 8, 2000, Dakota defeated Brianna Starr
for the Ladies championship. Along with the rest of the wrestlers in
the Mid-South Wrestling Organization, the new blood of the wrestling
world is made and molded into the superstars of the future. And with
this new blood, means changes in all that is done. I contacted her for an interview for this week. The interview follows:

Lekisha Oliver/Belle of the Brawl (BB): Thank you for allowing me to
contact you and lets start up with the first question, why did you
choose wrestling?

Dakota: I have always been very active in sports, playing basketball in
high school and college. It is no secret that I am a big girl, and in
wrestling being big is definitely a plus. I get to stay active and have
fun. The main reason for my involvement in wrestling is very personal,
it has to do with a young man, and his love for this sport. Let's just
say if it was not for Willie, I would not be where I am today.

BB: Who trained you?

Dakota: I began my training with Mike Austin and Ricky Rodeo. Due to
differences of opinion, I felt it best to move on. The New Texas Outlaw,
Ricky Murdock and Naughty By Nature's Rude finished my training and
"polished" me up. I am constantly learning new moves and holds by
watching my peers when they are in the ring. In wrestling you never
really learn it all.

BB: Any problems getting started in the business?

Dakota: There are always problems in this business. The biggest
obstacle so far for me has been the fact that I am a female in a male
dominant sport. I wanted to be more than a manager, I wanted to be a
wrestler. For me to be able to do that, I had to be able to prove
myself, and the only way to do that, was in the ring against the guys. I
worked long and hard to earn their respect. I can honestly say that they
do respect me and my ability.

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BB: What is your best/worst moment or memory?

Dakota: My worst moment.... doing a move and landing straight on the top
of my head. That scared the hell out of me. After watching the tape, I
realized that I was lucky to have walked out of the ring. My best
moment....winning the MSWA Women's World Title from Brianna Starr. I
have great respect for Brianna, we have fought all over West Tennessee
and have had some great matches.

BB: If you could wrestle anyone in the entire Sports
Entertainment/Wrestling world, who would it be? Why?

Dakota: I would love to work against Chyna. She has taken women's
wrestling to a whole new level and she has set new standards for every
female in the sport.

BB: In and out of the ring, who is your inspiration?

Dakota: My inspiration.... Definitely 'little' Willie. Willie was a
young man with many disabilities, both physical and developmental. He
did not let his disabilities put a damper on his outlook on life. He
taught me that in every aspect of this life, you have to give it your
all, 110%, nothing less will do. He loved wrestling, and as long as I am
able to walk through those curtains, his memory and love for this sport
will live on.

BB: What are your plans for the present/future?

Dakota: Currently I hold the MSWA Women's title and I plan to hang on
to it for a long time. I would like to see a women's division develop in
the other organizations that I work for, I would take those titles as
well.

BB: Who do you think caused the most commotion in the business? Why?

Dakota: At this point, the WWF. It is because of the organization that
wrestling is now called "Sports Entertainment". With there being so many
different aspects of the sport, I don't think that just one person is
responsible for all the changes.

BB: If you had one wish, what would it be and why?

Dakota: That Willie could see me wrestle, he passed away eight days
before I made my debut.

BB: Do you have any regrets or hopes about your career?

Dakota: The only regret is, I wish I had gotten into the business a few
years ago when I was a little younger. I would hope that I would be able
to stay healthy throughout the remainder of my career.

BB: Would you like to enter the big three one day? And if so, which one
would you like to work with the most?

Dakota: I think it is every wrestlers dream to make it to the big time,
and I am no different. If I had my choice of who to work for, I would
say....for the one who allows their female stars to actually wrestle.
"Sports Entertainment" is all well and good, but I'm not in this for a
T&A show. I want the world to know that I am a wrestler, a true athlete,
and that I am good at what I do.

Thanks to Dakota for allowing this interview. Hope to see more of her
in the future. Please visit her homepage at
http://dakotanuffsaid.tripod.com/home.html