Funkadactyls Talk Getting Their WWE Start; Total Divas, Dancing Vs Wrestling, Etc

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Two of World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) hottest and most popular entertainers are set to star in E! newest series “Total Divas” premiering July 28th at 10pm. Ariane Andrew (aka WWE’s “Cameron”) & Trinity McCray (aka WWE’s “Naomi”) make up “The Funkadactyls,” the female tag-team partners who have quickly risen to the top of the WWE Diva hierarchy, will now give viewers a first ever look inside the world of the pop culture phenomenon.

To get readers ready for the big premiere, Color magazine sent some questions to Naomi and Cameron, which the ladies were nice enough to take time out of their busy schedule to answer.

1) For your new E! series “Total Divas” premiering July 28th at 10pm ET, cameras follow the lives of five WWE Divas - both in and out of the ring. What’s it like to live like that with cameras on you all the time?

Naomi: For me it was very uncomfortable because I keep things in my personal life, personal, especially when it comes to my relationship with (WWE Superstar Jey Uso). But, after a while, the cameras fell into the background and I stopped noticing them. I don’t mind it anymore, because now I see it as an opportunity for my fans to get to know me better than they can when I’m wrestling on TV

Cameron: It was exciting; the fans can see what we do outside of the ring, all of the travel and excitement that comes along with being a WWE Diva. The downside to the cameras, is it’s hard to decompress, like when I'm getting ready for a match, I want to be focused, and it can be a bit hard to do when there’s a camera on me. But, the best part about this whole adventure is that the fans really get to see me and my life, and that’s exciting for me.

2) Dancing on stage is a lot different than wrestling in the ring – or is it? How are the two professions alike and how are they different?

Naomi: Dancing and wrestling are very similar because they both require training and practice. Dancing is second nature to me; it’s fun and I’m relaxed when I do it. I can dance with fans, entertain them and it’s not as much pressure. Wrestling is different from dancing in that it requires more focus. When I wrestle I want to do my best, so there’s more pressure, I feel like I have more to prove. There’s no room for error.

Cameron: I really enjoy dancing, and coming up with our own (Funkadactyls) choreography. It’s less stressful and I can truly express myself through dancing. With wrestling, it’s a challenge, I’m nervous because I’m so new. I take it very seriously, so I want to do well. But, both wrestling and dancing gives me a chance to be in front of the fans, to entertain them and to make the audience happy, and that what makes me happy.

3) How did you get started on your road to becoming a WWE Diva? Did you have any hesitation about stepping into the ring? What was it like that first time?

Naomi: I got my start when I heard that WWE was looking for dancers. I went to the show when they were in Florida, met with the WWE team and soon after was offered a tryout. I went after this opportunity, because I knew this would be something I would be good at, I’m a dancer and can perform. As long as I could get my foot in the door, I knew I’d be able to do it. I really believed in myself. The first time I was in ring, I had no hesitation at all, I was so ready! My first match was exciting. I couldn’t wait to get in the ring, to get in front of the crowd!

Cameron: Most people probably don't know that I originally was a diva search winner in 2011 and then I did the reality show “Tough Enough” and unfortunately I was eliminated. BUT, I conquered all the odds and soon became one half of the Funkadactyls. My first time in the ring, I was a bit nervous because I had never been a dancer. I had to learn how to catch on fairly quickly. You either sink or swim in this business. I am driven and ambitious, so anything I do, I am going to make sure I give it a 110 percent. We debuted January 9th, 2012 and I will never forget it. So many people dream to make it on Monday night Raw and I did. Not to sound cliché, but it was one of the best days of my life!

4) Were you always fans of professional wrestling? Who were some of the first wrestlers you admired (or had a crush on)? Who do you admire (or have a crush on) now?

Naomi: When I was very young, yes, I was a fan of wrestling. My brother was a fan, so of course I had to be too. But, as I got a bit older, I lost interest while in my teens as I focused on my dancing. The Rock is one of the first wrestlers I admired, of course! And RVD is someone I admire now. And well, as for my crush, it’s Jimmy Uso! He’s my fiancé!

Cameron: I wasn’t a fan as a kid, but now it’s a different story… now I love it! I’m not just a fan, for me, being a Diva at the WWE, it’s my passion. I admire Trish Stratus, she kicked butt, and people remember that. I also really admire The Rock. He's got personality and charisma, the ‘it’ factor, it’s what gets people excited.

5) Fans know you can wrestle, but what will they learn about you outside the ring that may surprise them?

Naomi: Audiences will really see I do have a personality; I’m silly and spontaneous and very dedicated to the relationship I’m in.

Cameron: I think my fans will be surprised about my personality. Usually they see me with Tons of Funk, so there’s no real individuality, they just see our faces. Fans will see how fiery I really am!

6) We all know that the story is a big part of professional wrestling. How much, if any, of what happens off camera is ‘scripted’? Does your real life affect the story you are telling in the ring?

Naomi: Total Divas did a great job capturing our real life and what we go through. We are athletes and performers who travel all over to entertain thousands of people every week. Fans will see how we live everyday life in the spotlight.

Cameron: We play characters in the ring, but we work hard doing that. Total Divas was able to capture our off-screen lives, the excitement, the travel and the drama that comes with being a WWE Diva!

Don’t miss the match-up between the Bellas and Naomi/Cameron (aka The Funkadactyls) as they bring the drama from the very start when "Total Divas' premieres Sunday, July 28th at 10pm ET/PT on E!

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