YouTube star & Pro-Wrestler Mariah May aka The Glamour, has been creating huge momentum on the wrestling scene & earlier this year was crowned the United UK Champion.
Mariah has kindly taken the time to speak with Fierce & Fabulous Revolution about her journey to becoming a wrestler, the process behind selecting a theme song, & what music means to her.
You can find out what she had to say below.
Hey Mariah, thank you for agreeing to this Interview. Can you start by telling the readers a little bit about yourself?
Mariah May: My name is Mariah May; I am a British Pro-Wrestler who is best know under the name ‘The Glamour’. I started training a few years back and have always been extremely candid about my journey, sharing training diaries on the internet and gaining an incredible group of supporters in doing so. I have wrestled all over the UK and internationally in pursuit of becoming the best wrestler I can be. I love making vlogs to show what it is like being a wrestler, I also make tons of other videos to help people get to know me and hopefully help encourage people to follow their dreams (whatever it might be).
When did you first discover your love for Wrestling?
Mariah May: I have always been a life-long wrestling fan, I grew up with two older brothers and we were completely obsessed with WWE. It has always been a part of my life in some capacity, firstly as a fan and now as a wrestler myself! Life is crazy.
Have you always known that wrestling was a career that you wanted to pursue?
Mariah May: People always ask how I got into wrestling….Naturally as a child I believed I was going to be WWE champion… but people never really believed me, it seemed like a wild outlandish dream that kids come up with, and because no one ever listened, even as I got older, it really took a toll on my own confidence. But wrestling sticks, and because I was still so attached to it, I decided to ignore other people’s judgement (which I’ve learnt is always the way to go) and pursue my dreams. I am lucky that my parents and family were super supportive (despite not fully knowing too much about it) as they could see how happy I was. It was the best decision I ever made.
When & where did you first begin your wrestling training?
Mariah May: I started training at Knucklelocks in Brixton, I was the only girl but it didn’t matter. I put my heart into it and was so grateful that I had the opportunity to train in a ring. This was something I used to long for, and now I was actually doing it! I train at a few different schools, and try to attend as many seminars as possible to learn from the knowledge of other wrestlers.
What inspired you to select “No Tears Left To Cry” by Ariana Grande as your theme?
Mariah May: I chose ‘No tears Left to Cry’ as my theme because I wanted a fun, uplifting pop song. Everyone comes out to rock and metal… which I get – it is pretty cool. But it is not me, I’m unique and I wanted my music to reflect that and make me stand out from the crowd. The message of the song is brilliant and people always vibe along to it in the crowd.
How do you feel your theme best represents you?
Mariah May: My theme represents me because it is different in the world of wrestling, and unapologetically so – like me. People often made me feel bad for modelling, or wearing pink, or being like a ‘Diva’. And initially, that took a chunk outta my confidence – how could it not? I was 19, trying to live out my dreams, training 3 times a week, going to the gym every day, giving all of myself to wrestling because I wanted to succeed…and being made to feel ashamed for who I am and what got me here.
The minute I started to accept who I am, and be proud of it – because that IS why I have such a lovely group of supporters, was the point in which things started to fly for me. I was more authentic… because i was only emphasising parts of me, instead of hiding them. And in doing so… I was different. There is nothing wrong with being a model, or wearing pink, or liking pop music… doesn’t take away from my work-ethic and passion for wrestling and my career. My song helps put across my message, you do NOT have to apologise for who you are, embrace it and don’t feel bad anymore… that is also why I call myself The Glamour; I own who I am and how I look now, and now hat I believe in myself, imagine what I can do.
What do you believe the key-factor is for selecting an entrance theme?
Mariah May: Selecting a theme is…tough! Someone else picked my theme for my debut, it was an Offspring song which, don’t get me wrong, I liked, but it wasn’t really me…. So I struggled to have a good energy to it and put across my character, because it was totally contradictory of the girl coming through the curtain. Then I picked my own theme, I found something I liked, that made me feel good, that I could dance to and have a high energy – because as I’ve said, I want to get people up out of their seats and excited, I want them to feel good about themselves and put a smile on their face. That’s what my character IS. Always pick your own theme, it has to suit your character and you have to love it.
Now, a question from @RheasRiptide on Twitter, How does music influence you in the ring & your daily life?
Mariah May: Music is a big influence in my life – especially when it comes to hitting the gym. I love pop divas for every day life, but when i work out i go for more rap and remixes, I need a heavy bass to pump me up. When I am relaxing I love to listen to Ariana, Beyonce etc, they have such beautiful voices, it makes me feel calm. I love 80s music and throwback music for parties, it is so much fun to dance to!
What are some of your favourite wrestling themes from past & present wrestlers & why?
Mariah May: It is so tough to pick just a few favourite themes from the past but I will try not to go on too much! I think Trish Stratus had a great song with the iconic laugh at the start, Victoria ‘All the things she said; was ICONIC and suited her character so much. I loved Lita’s ‘It just feels right’, again – it suited her so much! I loved a lot of the diva songs as they were always such feel-good beats, like Kelly Kellys or Marias. My old school fave is ‘My Time’ -arguably the BEST theme, all of Triple H’s are great if we are honest.
Who do you consider to be the main inspiration within your career?
Mariah May: There are a few people who really inspired me in my career. Growing up Mickie James and Jeff Hardy were my favourites, they are why I fell in love with wrestling, so I have to thank them for being where I am now, but also I feel there’s a lot to learn from them. The way they got the crowd to root for them is incredible. I loved Trish Stratus growing up, she was just THAT girl – you know? But growing older she has really helped me a lot. As i mentioned, I get put down for being a model – like Trish, but she never let it get to her. She worked hard day in and day out and became arguably the greatest female superstar of all time. That inspires me to own who I am, to keep working hard and ignore the hate, that’s why I became The Glamour. I also have to mention Nikki Bella here, she also got so much hate and judgement, when she did nothing but work hard and get so many girls to fall in love with wrestling, she is very admirable.
What three songs do you always keep on your playlist & why?
Mariah May: The 3 songs always on my playlist… ‘Goodnight n Go’ Ariana Grande, this song is beautiful, the melody and the lyrics, it also reminds me of a few years ago when I was on holiday and constantly listening to it, it brings back a lot of good feelings. I love Kungs vs Cookie’ on 3 Burners ‘This Girl’ – it is such a feel good song and reminds me of my family and happy occasions. The final song is a little different, it is ‘Dear Jessie’ by Madonna, my mum and I used to dance to it all the time when I was younger – I am not sure how it started! Whenever I hear it, it reminds me of the good memories we had, and reminds me of my Mum.
Which motivational songs would you recommend to anyone to add to their playlists?
Mariah May: Motivational songs on your playlist; anything by Beyonce, Cardi B, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj – they know how to make you know your own power.
What advice would you offer to someone looking at pursuing their dream of becoming a wrestler?
Mariah May: For anyone looking to pursue a career in wrestling, my advice is to go for it! Always follow your heart. Work hard, be consistent, be respectful and be you!
Finally, is there anything you would like to say to the readers of Fierce & Fabulous Revolution?
Mariah May: To all the readers of Fierce & Fabulous Revolution… thank you for taking the time to read a little bit about me! I hope you found getting to know me interesting, and I again want to say, if you have a dream – whatever it may be, please go for it! It might not be easy, but it is worth it.
If you’d like to know more about me I’m constantly posting on YouTube.com/MariahMayx, and on my socials: twitter.com/mariahmayx, instagram.com/mariahmayx & facebook.com/mariahmayx
Fierce & Fabulous Revolution 