She would go on to become a legend in the squared circle. Whether it was her time in CZW, Shimmer, or just over coming her own personal struggles. Lufisto became a cult icon in the world of professional wrestling.
It is my pleasure to give you my interview with Lufisto
(For any question or concerns regarding this interview. Please feel free to contact our site administrator, or Lufisto herself at her official website http://www.lufisto.com/
At what age did you realize that you wanted to be a professional wrestler, and how supportive were your friends and family when you made that decision?
Around 14. I used to watch wrestling as a kid but I really got interested in becoming a wrestler with the Yokozuna-Undertaker feud. That’s where I really noticed that wrestling had everything I liked: sport performance, characters, performance and working with a crowd. Also, that when I discovered great women wrestlers such as Bull Nakano, Alundra Blayze and Luna Vachon. I was already playing in a band but I needed more challenge… Wrestling was the way to go!
My mom always supported me although she was and is still scared that I will get really hurt. Many members of my family didn’t understand my choice and only 2 of my friends were supportive. I was told that I was too fat, too small and just a girl… Wrestling was not for me… I wanted to prove people wrong.
I have read a few times that Benoit was one of your big influences. Who other than him did you look up to early on?
The Undertaker, Bull Nakano, Akira Hokuto and Owen Hart were my first influences.
When you wrestled your first match how bad were your first match jitters?
I was very nervous because most of the workers were laughing at me. One guy even threw water on my costume just before I went out. I didn’t like the way I looked but I took everything I had of courage and crossed the curtain. The match was OK but it would be the beginning of a very hard road to travel.
You have wrestled under many different characters. My personal favorite was your Lucifer gimmick. Was that your own idea and if so how did it come about?
My teacher needed a manager and his name was Devil’s Machine… Lucifer was then the perfect name. It was based on Morticia Adams and the Undertaker, two of my favorite characters then. I kept the gimmick for a few months only and it turned into a more flamboyant devilish woman as Lucy Fer later.
In the late 90s when you were with the EWA. I remember reading real quick that you were unhappy with how they were pushing you. If you don’t mind me asking what was it you had a problem with?
I liked my time at EWA. However, they used me as a valet well, I trained to be a wrestler so I wanted to wrestle. They did let me wrestle in the end but it took very long. Sometimes you have to be patient but in the meantime, I wasn’t learning and practicing my skills in the ring.
Whose idea was it to have you mix it up with the men in the ring?
There were no other women in my area for a while so the only way I could become better as a wrestler and perfect my craft was to wrestle against the guys. I was the only girl in my first wrestling classes so it wasn’t anything new to me. A few promoters were not too happy about the idea but a few were… I kept doing it since…
When you wrestled your first man in the ring, which was more nervous you are the guy?
I can’t remember… That was a long time ago… I can’t say who was more nervous but I know I was. I wanted to be credible against a male opponent and have a great match with him.
In the early 2000s you got to work with legend Tony Atlas. How influential was he in your career, and do you still talk to him from time to time?
Unfortunately, I haven’t seen Tony since. I can say that he taught me about the crowd… How to look at time and to never forget that you need to have a contact with them at all time when you are performing. If you give them something to respond to, they will.
You are now considered by many the queen of hardcore. Do you think that has overshadowed the fact that you are a very good in ring worker?
Some people still think that I only do hardcore… even when I was doing hardcore, 90% of my matches were regular matches. The hardcore stuff gave me a lot of exposure so it was good for my career. However, yes I wish people would take a look at my Shimmer matches and the ones on my DVDs… There is a lot more than a hardcore chick.
What made you decide to get involved with CZW, and whom did you enjoy working with most there?
CZW contacted me and I said yes. I had some friends like Beef, Steen and Eddy already wrestling there so I was very excited to work with them. I really enjoyed working with a lot of people including B-Boy, Sabian and Sami Callihan.
In general, how healthy do you estimate the state of pro wrestling in the U.S?
Female wrestling is doing good with Shimmer and the TNA Knockouts but in general, like in Canada, I think the business is struggling. Without any competition, WWE has become a shadow of itself and the ratings are going down… The venues are not as crowded as they used to be… Unfortunately, when the WWE is down, the business goes down because it is what people can see more often. Indy wrestling doesn’t get much exposure, which doesn’t help.
Growing up watching wrestling I have seen a great deal of women wrestlers. I remember watching Sherri martell and Wendi Richter go at it. It seems woman’s wrestling is on the back burner in this country. Would you agree with that statement?
As I mentioned before, women wrestling is doing good. Finally, women are seen as legit competitors because of women like Awesome Kong, Cheerleader Melissa, Sara del Rey and others… Women wrestlers are not as important as the guys on a regular wrestling card.
You have had a legendary career. Whether it was as a wrestler, trainer, or help running a promotion. I think it is safe to say you will be remembered well after you leave the business. Where do you see yourself in the rankings of wrestling history?
I guess I can be seen as the girl who really tried. Really tried to prove people wrong that women could wrestle… The girl who really tried to be different and to push her limits.
If you could wrestle one male wrestler from the active TNA or WWE roster who would it be and why?
I would love to wrestle A.J. Styles. I think I could learn a lot from him.
