Gail Kim
Posted by Mike Steele
on 12/04/2004
Interviewer's Note:
Gail Kim is a former WWE Women's Champion and was one of the 12 employees recently released by the WWE . She has proven to be a classy woman in this interview. She chose not to speak negatively about WWE or anyone else for that matter. In this interview she talks about her wrestling style, her time on the independent circuit, her biggest inspirations, backstage in WWE, how WWE used her on television, her future, and much more.
Mike Steele: First of all, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule and agreeing to do this interview. I understand that you wrestled for World Extreme Wrestling. Is WXW a solid promotion, or just a superstar breeding ground in your eyes?
Gail Kim: I worked for Afa (WXW owner) once in an all girls show and it was a great experience and a great place for future superstars to work and learn.
Mike Steele: In your time at WXW, did you meet Gene Snitsky? If so, What was he like?
Gail Kim: No, I did not. I worked with him on Raw for a short while and he was a nice, quiet guy.
Mike Steele: Do you think he will make it in WWE?
Gail Kim: He already has.
Mike Steele: Many people have often called you the female version of Rey Mysterio. Do you think this is a fair label?
Gail Kim: It's flattering. Rey is an amazing wrestler. I think most people would say that because we both enjoy the lucha libre style.
Mike Steele: Being a proud Canadian, were you upset at all when WWE wanted to announce you as being from Korea?
Gail Kim: No, because I'm proud of my Korean background as well. I think most people knew that I was Canadian anyway, so it was okay with me.
Mike Steele: Did you feel that they were leaning towards stereotyping you at all because of the change?.
Gail Kim: Not at all.
Mike Steele: Were you surprised by your release or did you see it coming?
Gail Kim: I was a little surprised but I guess it was a business decision.
Mike Steele: How did you get along with the other female wrestlers backstage?
Gail Kim: I got along great with everyone and have made many friendships for life.
Mike Steele: Do you feel that winning the Women's title in your debut match helped or hindered your career?
Gail Kim: I don't know if it helped it or hindered it. It was certainly a memorable moment for me.
Mike Steele: Many have said that you were pushed too soon, then put on the sidelines. Do you feel that this happened to you?
Gail Kim: All I can say about that is that I do feel that I was never really given a fair shot. I feel as if I have a lot more to show the fans.
Mike Steele: Did you ever feel that you were being used by WWE for your "assets" more than for your ring ability?
Gail Kim: Not at all. I think that I got to show my in ring ability as well as my "assets", but not in a degrading way at all. I think I was shown as a wrestler and if the fans liked what they were looking at as well, well then I'm flattered.
Mike Steele: Were you ever uncomfortable doing any angles in WWE, such as "pleasing" Eric Bischoff?
Gail Kim: I was never uncomfortable with any angles that I was involved in.
Mike Steele: Again, you have been called the female version of Rey Mysterio for your high flying moves. Do you think that WWE held you back by not letting you do many of these moves as often as you would have liked to?
Gail Kim: Nobody held me back. Besides, there's more to wrestling than high flying moves. I also love the technical side and hope to show my skills in the ring whether it be the lucha libre style or my submission style.
Mike Steele: If WWE had given you the choice to work in the Women's division or Cruiserweight division, which would you have picked?
Gail Kim: I just love to wrestle so it wouldn't matter what division I was involved in.
Mike Steele: What was your favorite indy promotion to work for?
Gail Kim: Border city wrestling. It was fun and I made a lot of friends there. There were a lot of friendly, talented wrestlers there.
Mike Steele: Are there any offers on the table from the big Japanese promotions or smaller U.S. promotions such as TNA, Ring of Honor, or Combat Zone Wrestling?
Gail Kim: I can't really say now. You'll have to keep on checking my website for updates at www.lafelina.com. All I can say is that I will let everyone know soon.
Mike Steele: When did you start watching wrestling?
Gail Kim: I started watching wrestling when I was a kid when the British Bulldogs, Ricky the Dragon Steamboat, etc., were wrestling. My favorite was Tito Santana.
Mike Steele: Who were your biggest inspirations? Have you tried to emulate them while perfecting your craft?
Gail Kim: Tito Santana, Ricky the Dragon Steamboat, and Molly Holly...the list goes on, and working with so many talented people you pick up a little or learn from each one of them.
Mike Steele: You have an array of great submission holds. When did you decide that you wanted to incorporate these moves into your repertoire?
Gail Kim: During my run with WWE I learned many from different people and from watching old wrestling tapes. I worked with Fit Finlay in the WWE and it was actually his idea and I loved it. I just wanted to be different.
Mike Steele: When you first started training to be a wrestler, was it tougher than you thought?
Gail Kim: It was definitely hard on the body, but the day that I started, I knew that I loved it and I knew that this is what I wanted to do in my life. It's tough, but it ain't ballet.
Mike Steele: What was an average day of training like for you?
Gail Kim: The gym...I'm at the point where I would just like to maintain my physique and where my strength is. I would say I spend just over an hour at the gym.
Mike Steele: What do you do now to keep in shape?
Gail Kim: I train 5-6 days a week. I love to weight train and of course, wrestling keeps me in shape.
Mike Steele: What did you learn during your time in OVW with Jim Cornette?
Gail Kim: OVW was a great training ground for the future WWE superstars. They teach you right and Jim Cornette has a great mind for wrestling, he has always been respectful and nice to me.
Mike Steele: Is WWE doomed or just in a slump?
Gail Kim: Wrestling always goes through its ups and downs and right now it's at a low point I guess.
Mike Steele: Did you consider any of the other releases WWE made recently outrageous?
Gail Kim: I don't know about outrageous but I think a lot of people were surprised at the amount of releases in such a short time. I was surprised that they let go of some talented wrestlers.
Mike Steele: Did WWE fire some of the wrong people?
Gail Kim: I can't really answer that question. That would be one for the fans to answer.
Mike Steele: Do fans criticize wrestling too much instead of just watching and enjoying?
Gail Kim: Some people criticize too much, but I think the fans as a whole respect us and from the responses I get from fans, they appreciate what we do. That overshadows the criticizing fans.
Mike Steele: Being on the road with WWE you've traveled to many places. What was your favorite?
Gail Kim: I loved San Diego. Chicago has great fans, and of course Toronto.
Mike Steele: Who did you usually travel with?
Gail Kim: I usually travel with either Victoria, Nidia, or Stacy . Most of the time, all of them.
Mike Steele: Have you had any crazy moments on the road?
Gail Kim: Yes, but I don't think I should talk about them.
Mike Steele: Do you have any current plans to do any projects outside of the wrestling business?
Gail Kim: I'm leaving my options wide open, but my first priority is wrestling. That's what I truly love.
Mike Steele: You seem to be pretty calm about your release. You didn't really have anything bad to say about WWE. Is there absolutely no bitterness there?
Gail Kim: I am pretty calm I guess, I'm normal too. Obviously I'm not happy about it; but everything happens for a reason. I'm not done with the wrestling business yet.
Mike Steele: You also seem to have nothing bad to say about others such as Triple H. Many wrestlers are eager to put WWE and people like Triple H down. What makes your attitude different?
Gail Kim: Triple H was nothing but nice and respectful to me. There is a huge roster, I guess not everyone will get along. I respected all my co-workers and had my closer friends too.
Mike Steele: If for some reason you weren't able to break into the wrestling business, what would you most likely be doing right now?
Gail Kim: If I were to pick a fantasy job I would be a host for the Food Network! I love to watch the Food Network and love to eat!!
Mike Steele: Many wrestlers listen to music or watch other matches to get hyped up for their match. What do you do to get the right mindset before performing?
Gail Kim: I don't specifically have a routine but I do go into a zone probably an hour or so before and always pray to God for a great match
Mike Steele: You've wrestled for many independent promotions with small crowds. What was it like when you first performed for WWE in front of so many people?
Gail Kim: I loved it. It's easier to perform in front of more people than less.
Mike Steele: Of course we hope this comes much later in your life, but eventually you will have to retire. Have you given any thought as to what you would like to do after your retirement?
Gail Kim: No, I'm one that lives in the moment.
Mike Steele: Your fans would probably love to know some random facts about yourself. If you don't mind, please fill in an answer by each item.
Gail Kim: Favorites are these. Food: Hamburgers. Car: I don't know much about cars. Place to eat: There's so many! TV Show (non-wrestling): Anything on the food network and CSI. Book: I love how-to books...anything that teaches me something new! Actor: Vince Vaughn. Actress: Dakota Fanning. Band/Solo Artist: Destiny's Child
Mike Steele: Finally, do you have anything else that you would like to let your fans know, or do you need to plug anything?
Gail Kim: Just my website...www.lafelina.com.
Mike Steele: This concludes our interview. Again, thank you very much for being so kind as to answer our questions. We appreciate it and the fans appreciate it as well. Good luck with your career and Happy Holidays!
Gail Kim: You too!
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