Exclusive Interview: Diva Search's Christy Hemme addresses many hot topics
Submitted by Ben Johnson on Monday, August 23, 2004 at 1:54 AM EST





Exclusive Interview With WWE Diva Search Contestant Christy Hemme
Conducted On Sunday, August 22, 2004
Interviewer: Ben Johnson

Christy Hemme, one of the six remaining finalists in the WWE Diva Search, generously agreed to sit down for a lengthy interview with Ben Johnson regarding a number of topics. Hemme wasn't afraid to give her true opinion on the questions, which makes for another great WWE Diva Search interview. If you missed the candid interview with Amy Weber that is generating rave reviews, and features a scoop on a backstage catfight involving the divas, check out the LOP News Archive.

Q: There are six divas left in the competition, all great looking and seemingly very deserving. Why should fans pick up the phone each week and vote for you?
A: I think I have the energy the show demands: not just the energy to be on camera but the ability to travel and give my life to WWE. This job is a lifestyle and you have to not just want it but want to do it

Q: In announcing the eliminations for each week, WWE seems to rush through them, and misses out on some of the intense drama. However, what's the elimination part like for you? What do you feel before Coach prepares to announce the eliminated contestant?
A: I get really nervous and hope he doesn't call my name. So far everytime he has called someone else, I got sick to my stomach because I feel for them. I would be pretty upset, too.

Q: What kind of knowledge of wrestling did you have before the competition? Were you a fan, or was this generally your first time being exposed to the business?
A: When I was younger, I was a big fan of the show. As I got older I watched less TV, but would much rather "do it" than "watch it." I have been saying that I want to work for WWE for years, and I'm now doing it!

Q: Honestly, ten years ago, would you have predicted making regular appearances on WWE programming?
A: Never in a million years! When I was younger I had low self-confidence; I was a dork and kind of shy. But, after high school, I really grew into my own skin and became a strong, confident woman.

Q: Many wrestling fans, including WWE wrestler Matt Hardy, have spoken out against this competition. In modern times, as I'm sure you know, many WWE "divas" are now wrestling and striving to be more than just eye candy for the male fans. If you win, do you have any desire to get in the ring and risk injury to put on a show for WWE's viewers?
A: I am always eager to try new things, and I have a tremendous amount of respect for this sport. If you knew me in my real life, you would see I put my body on the line all the time, and I would love to learn.

Q: As I said, various wrestlers are not overly pleased with this competition. Do you fear any lockerroom resentment if you win, knowing that you're going to be making more money than a lot of the actual male wrestlers, let alone divas?
A: I'd completely understand if there were resentment because it really is not fair to them. They worked their ass off to get there. But, if I won, I would work my ass off to prove myself.

Q: You've definitely displayed a spunky, energetic style which has sort of become your trademark. Contestants like Carmella, however, have been less "wild," so to speak, yet seem to have strong fanbases as well. Do you feel that fans will ultimately go for your energy, or someone who's a little more reserved?
A: I really can't tell because nothing like this has been done before; I really love the surprise aspect of the show. But, I guess it all depends on what the fans feel WWE needs.

Q: How far is that energetic style from your actual personality?
A: Oh, it's very much me! My energy kind of amplifies when I am performing because it is my passion in life. I am always going and definitely try to force myself to have some downtime, but it is very hard.

Q: You have red hair which separates you from the other contestants, and most other WWE divas. Do you the fact that many fans know you as "the red-haired, crazy one" will help or hurt you in terms of votes?
A: I think people either love me or hate me, because a strong personality will generate a lot of different opinions. A couple of friends have told me to calm down in order to win, but I respond by telling them I like being myself. Plus, my personality makes it more interesting.

Q: There are five other women vying for the RAW contract right now. What is one positive thing you can tell me about each of those contestants?
A: Amy is very comfortable in front of the camera, Joy is very sexy and sweet, Tracie makes me laugh, Carmella is beautiful and Maria has a fresh excitement for the show.

Q: The segments each week on RAW are really short, and it almost feels like I learned more about you so far in this interview than I do during your weekly challenges. Are you at all concerned that the segments make it hard to really determine who the best diva for the job is?
A: Yes, but in reality, the only way you could get to know anyone in WWE is to be backstage. So camera charisma wins [this contest] in the end and for the show, it's pretty important. I also think the fans are pretty smart and good judges of character, so in the end, they will get the one they want.

Q: Back to Carmella for a minute, can you detail how that segment on RAW was filmed? Was it a total "shoot" or legitimate interview, or did WWE sort of want all of you to verbally attack Carmella. And, how accurate were the things said about her?
A: They took each of us into a secluded room and asked the question with no push for any answer but our own. While I can only answer for myself, [what I said] is how I really felt. I want someone to win the competition who wants it badly, regardless of whether it's me or not, because I know I want to win badly and the fans deserve that!

Q: How about Diva Dodgeball? I understand you filmed that the day of the PPV, so what was that segment like?
A: That has been my favorite part of the whole experience so far! We actually got to do something physical and hopefully earned a little bit of respect.

Q: Some of the segments taped for the contest are clearly somewhat goofy and silly. What is your reaction to these segments?
A: I love doing these as well, because I just respond in a goofy or silly way without trying to take it too seriously. I love having stuff thrown at me last minute and I just use my natural reaction.

Q: How do the wrestling fans compare to fans of other programs you've worked with?
A: Actually, they're very similar - a rough crowd and I love it!

Q: Some sources very close to the situation have told me that the contestants have bonded as sisters over the past few weeks. What is your relationship like with the other girls. After the contest is all said and done, will you stay in touch with them?
A: That statement is very true! I really love these girls; they're all great. The hardest part so far has been watching the other girls leave, but we will definitely be in touch after the competition. The one memory I will always retain is knowing the other contestants.

Q: Although you have quite a few accomplishments, winning the Diva Search will undoubtedly be a very big thing for you and your career. Do you plan to use WWE as a launchpad for future interests, or could you see yourself working in the business for five or ten years, if there's interest on WWE's side?
A: I have literally been waiting for this job opportunity to come along and don't see myself working anywhere else. I would embrace this and do it as long as they would have me. I am bored of modeling, have zero interest in acting, and don't want to be a backup dancer for some singer. This combines all the things I would want in a job into one profession.

Q: Where did your interest in show business originate?
A: When I came out of my mother's womb shaking my hands and arms in an "L" screaming "tada."

Q: For those unaware of your past projects in entertainment, what are some of the things you've done? Which project did you most enjoy?
A: I have done modeling for fitness companies, as well as anything sexy. I was a "Juggy" on The Man Show and have recently been traveling with my dance team to biker rallies. Everthing I have done thus far, I feel has been preparation for this job.

Q: Sable, who recently left WWE, gave an interview to a newspaper that included her calling WWE sexist, since it chooses men based on their talent, but women based on their looks. Do you feel a contest like this reinforces that point, that women in WWE are hired if they look good?
A: That's life! It's always been that way, and at some point you accept it. As a woman, it's my job to prove myself after the first impression.

Q: If you win, thousands of wrestling fans, many teenage boys, are going to be gushing over pictures of you on the Internet and possibly in magazines. Does that make you uncomfortable at all, or do you enjoy being viewed as a sex symbol?
A: As much as I love to be crazy and perform, I also love to slow down and be sexy, showing that side of myself. It doesn't make me uncomfortable at all.

Q: In the unfortunate event that you lose the contest, what's the next step for you?
A: I will just keep traveling with my dance team to the Harley-Davidson biker rallies, opening up for headliner bands with our sexy rock-inspired burlesque show. And, hopefully, one day I will get a call from WWE to join the company. Although I will make sure I am happy no matter what, WWE is my ultimate goal and fantasy.

Q: How can fans get the latest news regarding Christy Hemme? And, do you have any final words for your supporters?
A: Watch WWE RAW Monday nights, and you can also go to ChristyHemme.com. I am going to give this my all, so I will be on the Diva Search as long as you'll have me!



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