What first got you interested in pro wrestling?
When I was a little girl and I would watch the WWE/WWF and I really loved it.

When did you decide you wanted to be part of the business and not just a fan?
Wendi Ritcher was the one that inspired me.

Who trained you and what was the hardest part of that process for you?
A lot of people helped me out during my pursuit to become a wrestler. So many wrestling coaches, acting coaches, its almost impossible to remember them all.

The early part of your career saw you appearing for companies such as RPW, UPW and the EWF. How hard was it to get yourself established in the business?
It was really hard. I mean just getting the chance to show your skills with these people is such a great honor.

It wasn't until 2005 that you signed a contract with WWE and began wrestling in OVW. How did the contract signing with WWE come about and what was life like in OVW?
The contract with WWE came when a WWE scout was watching some EWF matches to find new superstars. Then he saw me so he contacted me and next thing you know I'm in OVW. OVW was a blast.

2006 saw you promoted to the main roster, what was it like working with Paul Burchill as his "buxom wench" during his pirate days?
It was pretty fun actually. It was a funny thing to do and it really gave me a feel of what the WWE was going to be like.

How disappointing was it that his pirate character didn't work out and you returned to OVW?
It really saddened me. It was such a fun character and I really liked it more than the mean character because he isnt a mean guy.

Later that year you returned to WWE and was assigned to ECW as Ariel working with Kevin Thorn. Had you been a fan of the original ECW and what did you think of the new WWE version?
ECW was great. You never knew what was going to happen but you always knew one thing and that was there would be blood. Now WWE is really dulled down and pretty boring

What did you think of the character of Ariel that you were given and did you get any input into its development?
I really really loved doing Ariel. I got to act sexy and was able to be a bad ass at the same time.

What was it like working with Kevin Thorn?
It was great. He is such a nice guy and it was an honour to work with him

You appeared on the 'December to Dismember' PPV teaming up with Kevin Thorn to take on Kelly Kelly and Mike Knox. What was it like working on that PPV?
It was amazing! To be on a PPV for the first time really changes everything. The whole time I'm thinking 'don't screw up, don't screw up!' luckily i didn't and it was a blast

Soon after that you became part of the 'New Breed' stable, what was it like appearing at WrestleMania 23?
Oh my God so amazing. So many divas and WWE superstars dont get to be in WrestleMania and to be put in that quickly it was such a great expirience

What was life like backstage at WWE, especially with Batista?
WWE was filled with so many nice nice people like John Cena, Kelly Kelly, Candice Michelle. Batista and me just didn't really talk a lot and when we did it would be something that would start a fight.

Just weeks after that WrestleMania appearance you left WWE, why do you think they decided to let you go?
Well I heard rumoUrs that it was because of Batista and I believe it could possibly be that. But there are other reasons that are possible like the WWE PG era that would quickly follow. They can't have it PG and have me showing ass every Tuesday night.

You joined TNA later in the year, how did the company differ from WWE and what was it like working with LAX?
Well LAX was really fun and I wish I was still there today. To tell you the truth I was really happy I could jump over to TNA before the PG Era started or else I would have to wear nun suits or something when I wrestled.

You've wrestled for the Perros del Mal promotion in Mexico, how does the wrestling scene and the fans differ from that in the States?
The wrestling they have in Mexico is soooo amazing. The things these wrestlers are willing to do for a show is just awesome. By the way a little spoiler for you guys. Perro Aguayo jr. the leader of the Perros Del Mal promotion and the former group on CMLL, might be coming to the WWE, so watch closely

You've appeared in some movies and on the reality TV series 'The Search for the Next Elvira', is more TV and movie work something you'd like to do in the future?
Well the only other video things I have done after that is 1 or 2 pornos. But as for actual acting there is a movie that might be coming soon. A close friend of mine is directing it and it is a super hero flick. So pay attention during previews.

How strong do you think women's wrestling is in the States at present?
It depends who you are watching. Angel williams, Melina, Maryse, ODB, Sarita, and Tara are what keeps it alive. But people like Christy Hemme, Eve, and Gail Kim are really killing it.

What does the future hold for Shelly Martinez, do you see yourself returning to either WWE or TNA
Well WWE and TNA have both been contacted by my agent so hopefully soon!

Lastly I would love for all of my fans to check out my website and listen to my radio show. See you all soon!

You can find out more about Shelly soon at www.shellymartinez.org and listen to her radio show 'Funtime Shelly' at www.blogtalkradio.com on Thursday evenings - 6pm Eastern and 3pm Pacific