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Interview with April Hunter!!
By Brett Schwan
For those of you who have visited this website in the past, the name April Hunter should ring a bell. If you are not familiar with her, where the hell have you been?? She's worked for WCW, NWA TNA, and nearly every indy promotion across the United Sates and throughout the world. For more on her (and some hot photos) check out her site at AprilHunter.com! 10 Questions wasn't enough to follow up on our last interview (which you can read here), so this time April was kind enough answer even more for us.
What prompted you to make the move from fitness/glamour modeling and feature dancing to professional wrestling? (and why did I not know about the feature dancing when it was actually taking place?)
I can't figure out how you didn't know... I worked all the places you frequent, frightenly enough! I quit featuring long before getting involved with wrestling. While I was working as a fitness model, I got hired by WCW as a valet. In the duration, I decided I really wanted to do more. WCW wasn't using me, so I left and had an interview with WWF, who referred me into Killer Kowalski's wrestling school.
Of all the promotions you have worked for, do any stand out in your mind as a favorite (or least favorite) to you?
I really appreciate the places that have given me a chance to really work. JAPW was one of the first to have me wrestle on a regular basis, not to mention putting the tag strap on me, which was very flattering. ACW in Connecticut, WXW, JCW, 3PW, IWA Puerto Rico, A to Z & Neo in Japan and All Star Wrestling in Great Britain are some of my favorite places.
You have worked throughout the US plus Puerto Rico, Europe and Japan. How does wrestling differ from country to country? Is there a difference in the fan reaction from the US and other countries?
Mainly, a difference of styles to learn. UK is more technical and mat based. The fans are pretty killer there. They come to be entertained and love wrestling. Puerto Rico is more appreciative of action, story telling and really working the crowd. The fans there also love wrestling and it's not uncommon to go to a store or restaurant and people already know you. Japan is a much faster, stiffer style and probably the place that is hardest for me to adapt to. With the language barrier, it's even tougher. The fans really appreciate powerful moves and hard hitting offense.
If you could change one thing about your career what would it be and why?
I probably should say "getting naked", but nah. It's been fun. I wouldn't change anything. I've gotten a lot of opportunities and made the most of it. I'm happy with the way my career has gone so far.
Do you have a set workout routine? How do you keep it up when you travel?
I try to work out around my schedule. Usually, I go to the gym most weeknights. If I can't get to the gym because I'm touring, I do what I can. Laps around the venue, rubber workout bands, pilates, etc.
What do you take into consideration when indy feds come calling?
Not much, usually only travel details and costs. Have tights, will travel. I don't have a car right now (my lease ran out, I'm kinda more broke than I'd like to be and I don't really need it in New England) so I travel with Slyk Wagner Brown.
How do you keep yourself occupied on long stretches between shows?
You mean the drives? I sleep. Or do my makeup. I always do it in the car on the way down, so that might account for my looks.;)
As far as long stretches between shows, I'm very fortunate to not have any. On the odd weekend I'm off, it's nice!
What's the worst road food you ever had to eat? What's the best (and where, so Jim
can go there)?
Ugh, this diner in Delaware before an ECWA show. Most horrible steak/hockey puck I've ever eaten. Any Roy Rogers on the NJ turnpike should also be avoided. A good place is a Greek diner in CT off 91 (I think) called Athena's. Open all night and the food rocks.
Being an amazingly fit woman wrestler, fitness model, and having appeared in Playboy, have you had any weird or unusual experiences with overzealous fans (besides myself)?
I get a lot of interesting emails, mostly guys asking me to wrestle them, if they can worship my feet, if I think I can beat them (with their stats), muscle worshipping sessions, asking me my bicep measurments...stuff like that. I also get what I call "the offers". The offers from (self proclaimed) rich men for holiday vacations, "companionship", even marriage. Then there are the "my wife/girlfriend is getting her breasts augmented. We joined your site and she wants hers just like yours, where did you get them done?" emails. And there's the occasional love note from a female. I love what I do. It's never boring. Boring would kill me.
What do you think of the current state of indy wrestling? Is it possible for someone (you in particular) to make a living strictly as a pro wrestler these days?
It's possible, but unlikely. You'd have to do a lot of tours and/or train students. (And get naked.) Not to mention, live cheaply. I think Indy wrestling isn't doing too badly. With all the competition and bigger name draws working the indies, it's not hurting us and the crowds seem to be growing larger. But, the money isn't there, the press isn't there and the TV exposure certainly isn't there. Not to mention the interest in wrestling in general is down since there's only one televised option to watch.
Do you think the wrestling business is going to get even worse before it gets better? What do you think has to happen to catapult wrestling back into a more positive and popular position?
We need a Simon Cowell. We need someone who will tell it like it is. Instead of a bunch of 'yes men' kissing ass and saying "oh, that's great!" to yet another lame idea, we need Simon to say, "I'd rather die than watch you piss your money down the drain with that." Or "I'd rather go shopping with Paula than watch you wrestle a match ever again." In my opinion, the business needs to be run more business-like. Everyone should have making money-a healthy profit-as the end result of their venture.
Of all the people you have stepped into the ring against, who have been your favorites? Why?
Phoenix, because she's probably one of the top workers out there.
Nikki Roxx, because she can hold her own and is also quite good.
DRS, because I enjoyed working with them.
Ditto for Outcast Killahs. Not many men are cool with working with a girl, and I really appreciate the fact that they stepped in there numerous times with me.
La Tigressa in Puerto Rico,Sumie Sakai and Trinity. because they can really work and I don't have to "think for two".
CSC because they're fun.
Leo-na (Japan) is my absolute favorite opponent in the whole world, because we just clicked in the ring. She's awesome and underrated.
I enjoy tagging with Slyk Wagner Brown.
I also tagged with Mercedes Martinez and Tracy Brooks earlier this year, both were cool to work with.
There are a lot of girls who are coming up and get better each week like Ariel, Kara Slice and others.
What has been your most embarassing moment in the business thus far?
I really don't have one. Yet. I've fallen on my ass a few times...that's about it. Not living up to the hype? I'm probably pretty overrated as a wrestler, and that's never fun. I've been wrestling for less than two years and have so much to learn!
What has been your proudest moment in the business thus far?
Being one of only 4 western women invited to work Japan last year, getting the Jersey All Pro tag titles (and being the first intergender tag team) and being able to maintain a 'wrestling relationship' for over 3 years in a relatively insane business.
What do you hate the most about the wrestling business?
Politics. Bullshit. Haters & cock blockers.
What do you love the most about being a professional wrestler?
The challenges. Trying to do better, learning new stuff, pops, meeting the fans and the best part...getting to travel the world on someone else's dime!
If the WWE called you tomorrow and offered you a contract, what would you do?
Think about it.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I have no idea. I just run with the ball and hope it keeps rolling.
