|
|
 Team Extreme clears up the rumors
January 2002
by Phil Speer
ATLANTA -- Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy and Lita made their full-time return to the World Wrestling Federation on Sunday at the Royal Rumble, after being off television since mid-December. But, contrary to widespread reports, their absence was not for disciplinary reasons, as has been rumored on the Internet.
"I haven't seen one ounce of truth on there," said Matt Hardy, referring to the Internet.
Another inaccuracy, according to Matt: "The big thing going around is that Vince (McMahon) asked us to have a cruiserweight-style match (at Vengeance) at we defied him, which is completely absurd."
In interviews with all three superstars, they said the main reason that they were taken off the road was for creative reasons.
As a tag team, the Hardy Boyz had done just about everything they could. They had wrestled the Dudley Boyz innumerable times, in just about every kind of match imaginable. So, the thinking went, maybe it was time to break them up and launch their respective singles careers. The fans disagreed.
"The last thing people wanted to see us do is fight," Lita said.
But a singles match between Matt and Jeff, with Lita as the special referee, was scheduled for the Vengeance Pay-Per-View on Dec. 9. Fans simply did not want to see a breakup; the crowd at the San Diego Sports Arena was noticeably quiet during the match.
"It felt awkward enough to be the referee because I've never done it before," Lita said. "And then the crowd was dead silent."
It became obvious to all three members of Team Extreme -- not to mention Federation officials and fans -- that it wasn't the right time to split up the Hardys.
"If we'd break up, there's no place for us to go right now," Matt said. "There are so many singles guys right now."
Agreed Jeff, "I'm confident about (wrestling in singles), but when you break it down, there's no sense in it."
So in episodes of RAW and SmackDown! subsequent to Vengeance, the seeds were planted for a Hardy Boyz reunion. First, on a RAW episode, Undertaker destroyed Jeff and Lita -- while Matt looked on in horror from WWF New York. On the following episode of SmackDown!, Matt challenged 'Taker to a match to avenge their beatings, but 'Taker brutalized Matt as well.
Since then, they hadn't been seen on Federation television. In the short time they've been away, at least two tag teams -- Scotty 2 Hotty & Albert and Chuck & Billy -- had been further established. And another team that the Hardys never faced, Tazz & Spike Dudley, won the Tag Team Championship. It gives the Hardys potential new opponents.
Meanwhile, the Hardy Boyz have been teaming up again on non-televised house shows, and based on the reactions they've been getting, it's safe to say that fans are excited about them coming back, together.
"It's odd that all these negative things came up (on the Internet) because to me it was so obvious why (we were taken off television)," Lita said. "It's a cool way to be new, but still be the same Team Extreme that you know and love."
One of the first Web sites that strongly implied that Team Extreme was being punished was one that is run by a fan of Lita's. Although Lita knows the fan, and gave her permission to put up a Web site, Lita said she gave no information to the site's Web master.
"I don't have a computer, so I didn't even know about it until it was taken down," Lita said.
Lita said she assumed that the site would be more of a compilation-type site, with general information for Lita's fans.
"So I said (to the fan who created it), 'Hey, sure, go ahead,'" Lita said. "And I never checked on it myself."
Lita said she hasn't had any problems with the site before, and still is more than happy that fans would take the time to support her -- as long as they don't say or imply that information on the site is coming directly from her.
But all the members of Team Extreme agree that their time off was a good thing. Nobody on the Federation roster is asked to participate in more appearances, and after three straight years (for Matt and Jeff; almost two for Lita) of traveling, they said that the time off was an unprecedented opportunity to recharge their batteries.
"It was a great chance to be at home and let your body heal and actually have time to do stuff, besides just the necessities," said Matt.
For example, Matt said he talked to several housing contractors because he's getting ready to build a new house in his hometown of Cameron, N.C.
On her "time off," Lita traveled to London to promote Royal Rumble, which aired live at 1 a.m. in the United Kingdom. She has now been there three times on behalf of the Federation.
Jeff said he worked on the elaborate landscaping in his yard; the volcano is now three times as big. Jeff admits that he may have needed the time off more than anybody.
"Whenever Matt says he loves wrestling more than life, he means it," Jeff said.
On the other hand, Jeff -- who says he has "other interests besides wrestling" -- admits that he was feeling burnt out and needed a break. He also admits that he has had trouble being on time for shows.
"It's not that I don't care," he said. "I'm late all around -- at home, at the bank. I'm laid back and I guess it leads to lateness. If there's such a thing as a rehab for late people, maybe I should check in."
But Jeff says he intends do a better job of being on time, especially now that he's more excited about getting in the ring than he has been in months.
"When I was watching SmackDown!, I actually got that feeling that I haven't gotten in a long time," he said. "That motivational feeling like, 'Holy s***, I want to be in the ring.'"
____________________________________________________
Rolling Stones
June 7, 2001
Credit to Harry Thomas
As Recently as 1997, Lita was the mere mortal known as Amy Dumas, and had never paid any attention to wrestling at all. After seeing a match on TV at a friend's house, Dumasm took off on her own to Mexico City to learn more about her newfound passion. Mexico led to the indie wrestling circuit and, in 1999, to Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Federation, where she formed the WWF's Team Xtreme with her real-life friends Matt and Jeff Hardy.
Wrestling in the top-rope-leaping, death-defying Mexican style while looking like the skater grrrl of the punk-rock nation's dreams, Lita is a hardworking and risk-taking as any boy in the biz. Plus, she does it all in thong-revealing lowrider pants.
How'd you decided to work a high-flying, high-risk style of wrestling? Aerial attacks - that's the only way you're gonna stand a chance against somebody bigger. I mean, hell, i'm not gonna be knockin' anybody out with any punches (laughs).
Are you concerned about the long-term wear on your body? (Pauses, sighs) No. But sometimes you're forced to worry about it when you wake up in pain. Minor injuries are hard to heal 'cause you're constantly bumping on them. If I land tweaked on a moonsault and it bans my knee up, then I've got four more nights to do it in a row. By that fifth night, it's like I can barely walk.
Does your mother worry about you? She does. I always call her afterward if something big has happened on TV. She acturally has become a big fan. She'll look on the computer, and she'll say, "So, you know, they've hired Spike Dudley." Then he'll show up here in the next week. She's telling me what's goin' on now.
I hear your taste in music ia as hardcore as your willingness to absorb abuse in the ring? I like punk and hardcore. I love 7 seconds. I actually played in a band with Guy from Fugazi. I don't know if we ever had a name; we just recorded a coupl of songs on an 8 track and played it at the Cooler in New York. I played bass and sang. It was Christina from Slant 6, Guy and myself.
You and Matt are "dating" now, Is that just on TV? Yeah. That's all I've got right now.
Even with that angle, it's clear you hang with the boys 'cause you can fight, not 'cause you can smooch? Definitely. Sometimes I come out on the short end, but I do what I can. It's almost like takin' on for the team.
- Harry Thomas
____________________________________________________
December 2000 - WWF Magazine
According to Lita, what she does in the ring should come as no surprise simply because she's a woman. As the fiery red-head has proved, high-flying, acrobatic moves are no longer for men only. While acknowledging the important strides Chyna has made for women in sports-entertainment by competing against men, Lita is quick to tell World Wrestling Federation Magazine that she's quite comfortable competing in the women's ranks. In this month's Superstar interview, Lita speaks about the other women in the Federation, her relationship with Matt and Jeff Hardy, and gives readers the scoop on her private life.
WWF Magazine: Are you surprised fans like you so much?
Lita: I'm really, really surprised by it. I see myself as somebody the fans can relate to.
WWF Magazine: What do you think of the "Lita Loyalists"?
Lita: I'm fighting in honor of and for them-a voice of the fans. I'm one [of the fans], just trying to be the normal person whoo kind of hangs out with the Superstars, making a mark for us normal, everyday people.
WWF Magazine: Is life outside the ring as fast as it is inside it for you?
Lita: Definitely. In my spare time, I like doing things like jet skiing, skiing, cars, boats and roller coasters.
WWF Magazine: Is there anything you wouldn't try?
Lita: I like to try everthing once and decide from there. You can also learn from other people's mistakes. If you see it didn't work, then maybe you shouldn't do it, like if I saw something that affected someone else negatively.
WWF Magazine: How'd you come up with your style, both inside and outside the ring?
Lita: They're both very similar. I like baggy pants; they're comfortable. I wear my kneepads under them so I don't bash them apart.
WWF Magazine: If your hair could be another color, what would it be?
Lita: Hot pink.
WWF Magazine: What languages do you speak?
Lita: English and Spanish.
WWF Magazine: What's your next tattoo going to be?
Lita: I'm done with those. But, if I wasn't, it would be "Cody"-my dog's name.
WWF Magazine: What kind of dog do you have?
Lita: A red Doberman.
WWF Magazine: What would you have done if you hadn't gone into sports-entertainment?
Lita: I'd have been in a rock 'n' roll band.
WWF Magazine: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Lita: I wanted to be a professional sports player or a teacher.
WWF Magazine: Did you do any sports?
Lita: Judo and swimming.
WWF Magazine: Where you a tomboy growing up?
Lita: A hundred percent.
WWF Magazine: Do you lift any weights?
Lita: I do. But, I also do a lot of cardiovascular work.
WWF Magazine: Are you so sore after some matches that you don't want to go out the next night?
Lita: No, I still want to go out.
WWF Magazine: Whats' been your biggest challenge so far in the Federation?
Lita: Getting out there and doing it, and trying to do better each time.
WWF Magazine: What's your greatest fear?
Lita: Failure.
WWF Magazine: What does it feel like when you're putting the hurricanrana on some other Federation Superstar?
Lita: The hurricarana is great because it's always a move that I do when I'm sneaking up behind one of the guys. So, that feels really good because it's usually a type of rescuing move.
WWF Magazine: How does it feel to beat Stephanie for the World Wrestling Federation Women's Championship?
Lita: I can't really explain it...I've never felt like that before. I'm glad it was me, and I'm glad someone finally got their hands on her. She got what she deserved.
WWF Magazine: Would you rather face women one-on-one?
Lita: I'd rather face women one-on-one. I like to be able to add to the matches with the guys. As far as one-on-one, I don't think I'm ready to go in there with the guys.
WWF Magazine: Would you like to take on Chyna?
Lita: I don't think I'm ready for that yet, either. But, I'd like to think someday I would be Actually, I'd rather be on her team.
WWF Magazine: Do you see yourself as a pioneer for young women?
Lita: Yes, definitely. I love the opportunity I've been given to let my true character show and really be able to break the mold of how women have been viewed, and the rolewomen have had up until now.
WWF Magazine: Are other women in the Federation threatened by you?
Lita: I'd say more taken by surprise than threatened.
WWF Magazine: Is Lita looking for love?
Lita: I'm open to it. I don't really have that much time to think about it right now with all the stuff going on in the Federation. But, if it fell in front of me, I wouldn't push it away.
WWF Magazine: What would your ideal mate be like?
Lita: Number one, he has to be easy-going and totally versatile. Definitely strong-we can both keep each other in check.
WWF Magazine: Are you the envy of female fans because of your relationship wiht Matt and Jeff?
Lita: Absolutely. I get that all the time.
WWF Magazine: Why do you think you fit better with the Hardyz than Essa Rios?
Lita: We're like a little clique. We get along on every level. We constantly think about new ways we can go about attacking. Now that we have the Women's title, we can try and work on the tag team scene as well.
WWF Magazine: Which of the brothers do you find more sexy? Matt or Jeff?
Lita: I think they're both unique. In a lot ways they're complete opposite, but they complement each other very well. I think they make a good package, so, I can't pick one.
WWF Magazine: If you were to split with the Hardyz, do you see yourself still keeping in contact with them?
Lita: As long as they don't do anything too damaging to me, I'd like to always think that they'd be a part of my career.
Favorites: WWF Magazine asked Lita to name some of her favorite things...
WWF Magazine: Type of music?
Lita: Mostly, I listen to alternative rock. But, I love dance music and hip-hop, especially when I'm working out. It's motivational
WWF Magazine: Movie?
Lita: Pee-wee's Big Adventure.
WWF Magazine: Actor?
Lita: Christian Slater.
WWF Magazine: Actress?
Lita: Pamela Anderson.
WWF Magazine: Book?
Lita: Lord of the Flies.
WWF Magazine: Type of food?
Lita: Japanese.
WWF Magazine: Season?
Lita: Summer.
WWF Magazine: Vacation spot?
Lita: Florida.
WWF Magazine: Wreslting move?
Lita: The moonsault.
Word Association:
WWF Magazine: Edge & Christian?
Lita: Too big for their britches.
WWF Magazine: Stephanie?
Lita: Brat.
WWF Magazine: Trish Stratus?
Lita: Clueless.
WWF Magazine: Jacqueline?
Lita: One tough [cookie].
WWF Magazine: Ivory?
Lita: Hyperactive.
WWF Magazine: Matt and Jeff Hardy?
Lita: Real.
____________________________________________________
WWF RAW Magazine September 2000
Article by Laura
With her blazing red hair, daring acrobatic moves and elaborate tattoo, Lita has taken the World Wrestling Federation by storm-and she only just got here. In her short tenure, Lita has set the World Wrestling Federation afire. The getting here, though, wasn't easy...
It was just four years ago that Lita took an interest in professional wrestling. Her friends would watch it, but she initially dismissed it as "stupid." However, once she noticed the luchadores from Mexico getting airtime on American TV, sports-entertainment hooked her.
"As soon as I get an idea in my head, nothing can stop me," Lita continues. "So, from there I started saving money to go down to Mexico. I didn't know anything about independent wrestling organizations or wrestling schools. I flew down to Mexico City by myself [without knowing anyone], booked myself in a hotel, got a newspaper and found out where the lucha libre was."
Getting by on limited funds and high school-level Spanish, Lita made her presence and desire known in the Mexican wrestling circuit.
"I just kept showing up." Lita says. "Wrestling was on four nights a week down there, and I'd just keep showing up every night. I was there for six weeks and finally, toward the end of my stay, they let me do some little vignettes for their TV show and one managerial spot. But I really wanted to get into the ring." My money had run out, so they said since I had stuck it out, they'd train me if I came back. I still didn't know anything about [independent] federations, or I probably could have found one an hour away from my home. Instead, I saved up money again and flew back to Mexico."
Lita spent another three weeks in Mexico, where she got a crash course in taking bumps. Once more, she ran out of money and headed back to the States, but this time with a little more knowledge and a better sense of how to break into the business.
"I had friends offer to train me in Chicago, so I went there and slept in the ring. I was running pretty low on funds at this point, but I was completely hooked. I got another crash course, training twice a day. After that was when I started working my first indy shows."
Always athletic-she was on the high school swim team, worked as a swimming coach and practiced judo competitively-Lita was a quick study. But interestingly, she had never participated in gymnastics or any sport that was acrobatic in nature-not that one would ever guess that watching her perform in the Federation today. It was the Hardy Boyz who truly broke Lita in.
"They were on an indy show that I did very early on-my third show with Mid-Atlantic NWA [National Wrestling Alliance]," Lita explains. "I got to talking with them, and they invited me to come down and train. I worked a lot of indies in North Carolina, so I would work down there and then go over to their ring on Sundays to train."
"When I started training with the Hardy Boyz, I would see them do something and say, 'Wow, that's cool,' and they'd say, 'Well, do it.' And I would say, 'Okay!'" Lita continues. "I didn't feel I had the option of saying no. Looking back I guess I could have, but I don't know what would have happened then. It's not really in my personality [to say no]. I would see them and think to myself, 'Well, if they can do that, I can do it.' I might land on my head or my shoulders the first couple of times. You figure out real quick how not to land on your head once you do it!"
Along with Shawn Michaels and Triple H, the Hardys have been the greatest influences on Lita's development as a performer-both professionally and personally.
"The Hardy Boyz were there for me on an individual basis." Lita says. "But also watching their matches [influenced me]-that ladder match with Edge and Christian definitely had an impact. You could learn a lot from that because it encompasses psychology and great moves."
Lita's journey took her to Mexico and through the States, but all roads eventually brought her to her ultimate goal-the World Wrestling Federation.
It didn't take long for the Federation to recognize her talent. Lita, who was in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) at the time, took the bull by the horns and on her own time and money enlisted in Dory Funk's wrestling dojo for a week. Funk happened to show her tape to Federation VP of Talent Relations Bruce Prichard, who brought it to the Federation office. The rest is history.
What's it like being the new kid on the block? Especially as a female in a male-dominated industry- and a woman who competes in the ring rather than one who manages the boys?
"When I first came in...I was there about a month before Essa [Rios] and I started doing dark matches together," Lita says. "The guys see so many women come and go, and there are so many people hanging out [backstage] that they didn't know who I was. They were polite to me; I tried to introduce myself to everyone. After I had my first dark match- I did a moonsault after Essa- everyone was standing back when I came through [the curtain]. They were like, 'Wow, that was great, really cool...' From then on, it was like the respect level changed. No one was ever disrespectful before, but after that, if I would ask one of the guys a question, he would actually sit down with me because he saw that I wanted to learn, that I wanted to do stuff in the ring."
Like Chyna, Lita stands out from the other Federation women. There is no denying Lita's beauty, but it's her athletic ability that sets her apart. Does she feel estranged from the other women in the locker room? And what exactly does Lita think of the role women play in sports-entertainment?
"I think that women's wrestling on its own leaves a lot to be desired." Lita says. "Incorporating the women with the men gives the fans a lot more, and a lot more can be done with it. I have a lot of respect for the ground that women have broken in the past. I have watched a lot of the past performers, and I've gotten the opportunity to talk a lot with Mae [Young] and Moolah, and I worked with [former Federation Women's Champion] Leilani Kai and Rusty Fox. I have great respect for them. But I think that it comes across a lot better when you can also mix it up with the guys. It can add a lot more."
Lita continues, "I'm a big fan of Terri Runnels, and she's never really mixed it up. But her aura adds a lot to the show. There are people who say, 'Oh, those other girls can't do anything.' I don't agree. They do a lot- they add a lot to the show. I have just as much respect for them as I do for somebody who bumps."
And speaking of respect, in a very short time Lita has caught the attention and respect of both Federation fans and Superstars alike. With such a bright future ahead of her, where does Lita see herself headed?
"I'm really, really excited about this alliance with the Hardy Boyz. I feel that the three of us could do a lot of stuff that's never been done or seen before in wrestling, in any capacity. They've broken a lot of barriers already. I feel as though I've been given the opportunity to potentially do that myself. I would love to stick with them for a long while."
"I just love the opportunity I've been given here. It's awesome. I just asked Trish Stratus if this was all that she'd thought it would be and she said, 'Yeah, I didn't know what to expect. How about you?' and I said, 'I wake up everyday and I can't believe I'm here.' It hasn't even sunk in that I'm here yet."
_____________________________________________________
June 2000 WWF Magazine
When Essa Rios made his return to the World Wrestling Federation, he didn't come back alone. Accompanying him to the ring was a vivacious and lively, not to mention attractive, young lady. And before too long it was evident that there was more to this fiery female than met the eye. Since her first appearance, Lita has become one of the most visible women in the Federation and her impact is literally growing by leaps and bounds. Fans and Federation Superstars alike are captivated by both her sizzling outfits and her zeal for moonsaults off the top rope--delivering the latter with near-timeless perfection.
In fact, Lita seems at times to be an automaton, cloning the high-impact moves she sees. If there's a moonsault done, Lita will do a moonsault. If there's a hurricanrana, Lita will do a hurricanrana. She has become the Federation's female daredevil, and the fans love it. The Federation has a rich history of women Superstars who have had combinations in one form or another of power, beauty, and finesse. But never before has the Federation seen a female Superstar quite like Lita, who's able to do high-impact moves at a moment's notice--all of which are done without much regard for her body.
With Lita's obvious talents and her scorching energy, one has to wonder just how long it'll be before she breaks out of the shadows to become her own woman. Ironically, in trying to assist Rios she has managed at times to raise his ire. But in those spats, Lita has shown that she isn't about to back down; she's willing to fight for what she believes, whether it's against a man or woman.
To say that great things are expected from Lita would be an understatement. If her agility and willingness to sacrifice her body are any indication, then Lita's tenure in the World Wrestling Federation will be as radiating as her personality, as bright as her attire, and as on-fire as her hair.
____________________________________________________
Moonsault n Diva
Ever since Lita made her debut in the WWF, fans have been astonished by her awesome stunts. Lita can do it all - moonsaults, huracanranas, you name it. And what a babe! Lita's one of the hottest ladies in all of wrestling. And it doesn't hurt that she's feuding with the sexy Trish Stratus. You put two babes like that in the ring and wrestling fans are sure to tune in.
Lita first appeared as a valet for Essa Rios. But after the two went their seperate ways, Lita took up with the high-flying Hardy Boyz. It was a perfect fit. The Hardys', with their daredevil aerial tactics, were right up Lita's alley.
But things really heated up when the Hardys took Trish Stratus' T and A. It wasn't long before Lita and Trish got into the spirit of things and attacked each other. From then on, the Lita-Trish fead kept escalating and escalating.
First Trish used a belt on Lita, savagely whipping the high-flying diva. Then, during a Hardys-Dudleys match, Trish and company charged in to attack the Hardys and Lita. Test and Albert set up a table and a ladder in the ring as Trish and Lita fought it out. The two ladies scaled the ladder fighting their way up as Lita attempted to suplex Trish through the table. But instead Trish knocked Lita off the ladder and sent her crashing through the table. The beautiful lady-luchador had to be stretchered out of the arena.
But it wasn't long before Lita returned for revenge. And since then the feud has continued on unabated, turning into one of the hottest quarrels between two of the hottest babes in wrestling history.
Jay Reso's Gurl Web Page |
|
|
