Maria worked her way into the WWE the old-fashioned way.
Maria studied for the big-time at the WWE’s developmental territory Ohio Valley
Wrestling. Under the tutelage of the genius Paul Heyman, Maria quickly stood out
from the pack and earned a spot on the main-roster. Maria was so dedicated to
learning, that Heyman recently said that Maria contributed booking ideas while
in OVW.
Maria first became known to WWE fans as the ditzy
interview girl. Maria would ask dumb questions as wrestlers would do a
double-take in the interviews. Fans would laugh, wrestlers were shocked, and the
adoration from the fans and the WWE for this star in the making was just
beginning.
Maria soon found herself inside of the wrestling ring,
most of the time as an unwilling participant. Ironically enough, her first match
was a pillow-fight against the winner of the Diva contest Christy Hemme. This
was the start of what is turning out to be one of the most fun wrestling careers
inside of the ring on WWE television.
Maria’s role varied for the next few years between
manager, occasional wrestler, and interviewer. The only constant in Maria’s role
was the fun. There wasn’t a moment when Maria appeared on television when you
didn’t laugh or smile. It was obvious to even the most casual wrestling fan that
the person with the biggest smile was Maria herself.
Maria is no longer the butt of the joke on Monday Night
Raw. Maria has turned the page from innocence to confidence. Maria’s skills in
the wrestling ring are no longer anything to be laughed at. The gorgeous Diva
ended the undefeated streak of WWE Diva Beth Phoenix. The win not only earned
her the respect inside of the ring of her colleagues and fans all over the
world. The win over Beth Phoenix “earned” Maria the cover of Playboy
magazine.
Maria unveiled her Playboy cover the following week on Monday Night
Raw. Maria also finally stood up for herself to Santino Marella. This was a huge
moment in the career of Maria as she would not be pushed around anymore. Maria
will also wrestle on WrestleMania for the first-time in a Playboy Bunny
Match.
Maria was kind enough to take time out of her busy
schedule and speak to phillyBurbs.com. I can’t remember interviewing anyone in
pro wrestling in the last ten years that has laughed more than Maria did during
the interview. It is inspiring to hear someone have so much fun in a business
that has broken down even the strongest of wills.
Maria talks dating, being a
Playboy cover girl, wrestling at WrestleMania, getting smacked from Trish
Stratus, kissing Ric Flair, and more in this exclusive interview.
Eric – So you are on the cover of Playboy magazine. What
is it like to be a Playboy cover girl?
Maria – It’s amazing. It is such a
great compliment. It’s Playboy, it’s been around for 53 years, it’s such
history, it’s Americana, it’s amazing.
Eric – Have you been to any of the Playboy
parties?
Maria – Actually I went to one not too long ago. I met Heff that
night. I thanked him for everything. So yeah, I’ve been to one.
Eric –
What is it like to be on a WrestleMania?
Maria – I’ve been with WWE for 3
½ years. I’ve been to WrestleMania, this will be my fourth year and this year is
the first year that I’m actually in a match. I don’t think it has sank in
completely yet. I’ve been working on different wrestling moves and stuff that I
can do in the ring because I definitely want to be up to my game and up to par
when I’m out there doing it. It really hasn’t sunk in yet. I remember last year
crying at the end of WrestleMania when I was watching all of the highlights, so
I’m sure that it will be very emotional and very, very
cool.
