TNA Knockout Taeler Hendrix returned to The Greg DeMarco Show to discuss her career since becoming an official TNA contracted talent, the impact of Trish Stratus on today’s female wrestlers, and her controversial love story with Heidi Lovelace in OVW.
On waiting to be called up to the main roster for TNA iMPACT! Wrestling:
“If I knew what it was, I’d be doing it. ... I am doing everything I possibly can—I feel like I am that hidden gem that’s just waiting to be found. ... It’s been extremely difficult [being patient] ... If Gut Check was the stepping stone to reach the rest of your dreams. ... There’s a certain element of risk...but if you if you’re not willing to go big you might as well go home. ... It’s been tough but as long as I keep a positive outlook on it, it doesn’t seem as bad.”
On the influence Trish Stratus had on her and the up & coming women today:
“I think the people who say Trish Stratus wasn’t that good ... We live in America and everyone is entitled to their own opinion. ... Their opinions are not fact. Trish Stratus is one of the best—if not the best females in pro wrestling. And just because she’s not there now doesn’t discount what she did. She didn’t have to work as hard as she did, but she did. Just like Mickie James worked hard, just like Tara worked hard, Gail [Kim] worked hard. Hard work pays off, it’s not just about looks. ... Trish Stratus had the look and the talent and she performed—no one is going to take that away from her.”
On the controversial love story with Heidi Lovelace:
Um, isn’t every guy’s fantasy a threesome? ... It’s really hard to tell people what I’m feeling as far as Heidi Lovelace because in Kentucky it’s really frowned upon. ... I nearly wanted to throw up at first. ... But you know, I can’t lie, the thought of it sounded really appealing, something fresh and something new, and I’m excited to see where this goes. ... Absolutely [the storyline should be getting more attention], girls don’t get enough exposure in this business. ... I definitely think this should have more exposure because it’s relatable to lots of people. ... Almost everything in professional wrestling has been done. ... I’m an entertainer—I’ve always wanted to entertain people. I’ve always said I’m the Bette Davis of pro wrestling. ... This is a storylines that takes the girls in Ohio Valley Wrestling to a different level. It gives us something to play with and explore.”
Taeler also gives her thoughts on Bully Ray vs. Sting and Gail Kim vs. Taryn Terrell at TNA’s Slammiversary pay-per-view, the competitiveness amongst the women in OVW as they all vie for the same coveted television roles and the potential for openly gay/lesbian/bisexual characters in wrestling.
