How did you get started in the wrestling business?
I have been watching professional wrestling since I was a child. I love the story lines, athleticism, the myths of masculinity and femininity involved. In my early-20s, I was working for a local fitness club chain. I was a manager there and was auditioning a new group of exercise instructors. One of my auditionees just happened to be Tiana Ringer. During the interview, I asked her about what she does in her spare time and she mentioned that she was training to be a professional wrestler. An instant friendship based on a mutual passion quickly developed. I soon learned that Rob Fuego, head trainer of Squared Circle Training, also worked out at my gym. Through Tiana and another manager at my club, who just happened to be a wrestler as well (Vlad the Penetrator), I was introduced to Rob. He invited me out to the training centre...and while most potential students usually watch their first class, I jumped in the ring without thinking twice and that was it. I was hooked!

Why did you want to become a wrestler?
I had two passions in life before I got into wrestling. When I was a child, my dream was to be an actress. I actually went to an Arts High School and majored in drama. My other passion was fitness and athletics. I played as many sports as I could growing up, and loved being active.

Wrestling combines those two passions. You have to play a role, be a character and be extremely athletic all at the same time while thinking fast on your feet (and on your head, and on your back, and on your front, and upside down, you get the point).

It's the most challenging thing I have ever done, and I love it.

Where you a fan of wrestling growing up?
Of course I was. Everytime the WWF was in town, I'd make my dad take me to their events. My dad hated wresting, but put up with it because I loved it so much.

My younger sister was the poor guinea pig that I tried moves on as a child. I once gave her the Macho Man Elbow off the couch...that didn't go so well.

What was hardest part of your training?
Probably the frustration of dealing with injuries, and not being able to train and wrestle because of them. There were periods of time I was out for months, and all I wanted to do was be back in the ring, but I couldn't.

Tell us about the Ontario wrestling scene
Ontario is an awesome place to be. There are quite a few local promotions and many talented girls to work. It's also central to the U.S. and Quebec, so there's the opportunity to travel.

Have you done much wrestling outside of the Ontario wrestling scene?
I've recently started expanding my schedule and touring. I work full-time during the week (hey, wrestling can't support a single gal), so I always have to find a balance between paying the bills, and wrestling. If I could, I'd be traveling my ass off and wrestling all over the world, but real life usually gets in the way.

Tell us about how you stay in such great shape and how important training in the gym is for you to be a wrestler.
I'm in the gym 5-6 days a week for an hour to two hours at a time. I lift weights, do cardio, and teach a variety of classes. I am a fitness professional by trade, and take my time in the gym very seriously. It's important if you want to be a wrestler to not only look the part esthetically, but to be able to have the strength and stamina to protect yourself and your opponent in the ring. Safety is the most important aspect, and if you're not in shape, you're putting yourself and others at risk.

Do you think that going to the gym is something alot of indy workers overlook?
I don't think it's something indy workers overlook moreso than they don't do it correctly. I'll use the analogy of driving a car. Just because you've seen someone drive a vehicle, that doesn't automatically make you capable of driving a car. You have to learn techniques, and the rules of the road. The same goes for working out. Technique is key. If you don't know how to lift, how much to do, what heart rate range you should be working within, and how and when to eat properly, you will not see the results you want despite the work you put in.

Educate yourself. Research. Get a trainer, and do it right.

Your thoughts on the WWE Divas?
A wise man once told me that if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything.

There are some strong girls there that I love to watch, and respect, like Beth Phoenix and Nattie Neidhart. I just don't think they'll be used to their full potential which is heartbreaking because they are so talented.

Who do you think is the top female wrestler in the business today?
There are so many girls with an insane amount of talent. I can't choose just one.

How did you get in contact with Sheldon about coming to work for ECPW?
I've known Sheldon for a while now. I think he contacted me over myspace, and we became friends, and the rest is history.

Your thoughts on coming to Nova Scotia to wrestle for the first time.
Well, this being my first trip out, I'm very excited to meet new people and see the East Coast. I can't wait to meet all the East Coast workers I've heard so much about! I also can't wait to meet the Nova Scotian fans. I hope to put on a good show for them because they make it all worthwhile.

Have you gotten a chance to see Wrestling Reality on the Fight Network yet?
Yes, I have. I wish they had something similar to it in Ontario.

What can people expect to see when they pay to see you wrestle?
Whether it be in front of a crowd of 5, 500 or 5000 I give every match my all. You can expect to see a strong technical match full of energy. You'll also see some strong women's wrestling that's not focused on T and A.

If you could work anybody past or present who would you pick?
I have had the pleasure of working LuFisto once. I would be honoured to work her again.

I would also love to work Cheerleader Melissa and Allison Danger.

What is your main goal you wish to reach in wrestling?
A lot of wrestlers have high hopes of reaching the WWE or TNA. As cool as that would be if it happened, my main goal, when it's all said and done, is that people look back and say "Danyah was a solid worker who put on great matches, and was a class-act as well." Being a good worker and good person, and being remembered for those attributes would make me completely satisfied with my career. Don't get me wrong, if TNA came calling I'd be there in a heartbeat, but I'm not going to risk my morals and values to get there along the way. At the end of the day, I have to live with the decisions I make.

Your thoughts on all the WWE divas that have posed for Playboy, and if given the chance would you do the same?
Posing for Playboy is a very personal choice. If the Divas feel comfortable, then go for it! Why not? It takes a lot of guts to show off your goods to the world.

Personally, I can't say yes or no right now. If the opportunity came up, I'd have to seriously think about it.

Any closing comments?
Come by and support ECPW on June 1st; you won't be disappointed! I'm very excited to come out, and very grateful to ECPW for giving me the opportunity to wrestle on the East Coast.

See you all very soon!