Posts Tagged ‘Ivelisse Velez’

Son Of Havoc On Working With Ivelisse Velez On Tough Enough, Lucha Underground & More

Son Of Havoc recently appeared on Ring Rust Radio to talk about a number of Lucha Underground related topics. Below are highlights of the interview, which you can listen to in full via the YouTube player embedded above.

On the Lucha Underground locker room compared to others he has worked in: “I think everyone is really on the same page, which is quite rare. The locker room is like a cohesive unit. There’s no cliques, there’s no certain guys hanging out in certain areas, there’s not the ex-WWE guys. It’s all people on the same page realizing what they are a part of and realizing we have the chance to create something new and different in the wrestling space which hasn’t been done in God knows how many years. Everyone is really excited and motivated to work together. Hopefully that cohesive unite we have become will continue on because the effects from it can be seen on the show. Everything really is running so well and we are being treated so well.”

On what sets Lucha Underground apart from the other top American promotions: “I think Lucha Underground is an evolution of our business. It’s the difference between us as kids and or our parents watching the Brady Bunch vs. Breaking Bad. The way things are shot, the angles used, the actors, and there is just more expected from today’s audience. They are smarter than they have been treated in the past. It’s not just here is something in front of you, now there is little hints and things you have to decipher. Now we see as entertainment has evolved, audiences can keep up with this kind of thing. Lucha Underground is that type of evolution in the wrestling business. If you’re flipping through the channels and come across it on a cinematic vignettes, the in-ring action, costuming, you will see it’s so fresh and unique. I am so happy to be a part of it because I have clamored for change as so many of us have been forever. Now to be a part of that change, it’s just really so exciting and different. I think a lot of times wrestling falls into that category of old boys club. The mentality of this is how it’s been done and how it’s going to be done. Now with a new fresh set of eyes, everything is being looked at as fresh and new and that’s coming across in the content.”

On fans giving him support and appreciating his in-ring abilities: “It’s very nice to say the least. I’ve been in the business for 14 years and always felt that with the right matching I had a lot to offer. I feel like in Lucha Underground is the first time I have been given the ball. It wasn’t necessarily being given the ball as much as me smelling that the ball was near me, seeking it down, grabbing it, and then running. I think I have a lot to offer and Lucha Underground is the perfect platform to show that. Lucha Underground really listens to the talent and the people behind the stage, the fans, they are a lot more interactive then people realize. As the fans got behind me, they saw that I had so much to offer. At first I was being offered as this powerful guy but then surprised them with my unique move set and moves that really took people aback. I absolutely love having the fans at my back. That’s the real beauty of this industry is that it’s an art that’s evolving right before your eyes. If I go to a basketball game and yell for LeBron to shoot a 3 and he does, I want him to do it again so I chant for it again, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. Where in wrestling, stuff like that can happen. In Lucha Underground, I have been told specifically we love you, be you. As a wrestler that’s all we can ask for you know? I am being given all the opportunity I have ever wanted, in front of a rabid and involved crowd. The fans aren’t just fans there. There are intricately linked and involved with us. We feed off their energy and they feed off of ours. The Temple has become a cool place and awesome environment.”

On who made the call for him to play a masked character: “They have their vision for people and characters, and with my background they felt I would be able to adapt to that style. Wrestling with a mask is very difficult. For the audience not clued in on exactly what it’s like, sight, hearing, and breathing is all an issue. It is insanely hot when you are shooting a show with the lights involved as well. I haven’t even wore tights before this gimmick. I always thought that its 2015, there’s no reason to wear tights anymore. Now with Lucha, I’m wearing tights and leather boots for the first time ever. I know Prince Puma is in the same situation right now with wearing the mask and boots. It’s definitely a different world and hopefully this helps to see how it really can be.”

On working with Ivellise in Lucha Underground and their Tough Enough history: “I think we work so well together because we have known each other for years even before Tough Enough. We had this weird trajectory of two people living in this weird circumstance of Tough Enough to now seeing each other again here it’s a weird story of how our careers intertwined. We are both just really excited for this opportunity and showcase we have been given. We both have this environment now that we can really show case what we do. We both have an appreciation for lucha libre, the business, and respect for those who came before us. We are two people at similar parts of our lives and careers and we are just excited to be on TV. With Lucha Underground we have so much free reign. We are included in the creative process, everything and everyone is taken seriously. No ideas are shot down or laughed at. Being on TV helps and gives us the opportunity to tell stories that you can’t do on the indie circuit where we do a show once a month. It’s easier when you don’t have to follow on a website and you can watch it every week and it’s in your face.”

On how much competition is there backstage to one up the next person and how do you when to draw the line: “As of now, the environment backstage is really unique. There is a monitor in the back that everybody can watch and we all root for each other. Us as the workers watching it makes us feel like reborn fans. When I’m in the back watching Johnny, I can’t wait to see what he does next. He is so motivated to push the envelope and do things that in the past we would have held back on doing. Now he does this crazy stuff where I’m left saying, “what?! That was crazy”! Everyone is pushing the envelope to help the show grow and then helps us to grow as individuals. It’s fun to sit there and watch and wonder what’s going on or what’s going to happen next. Being able to watch as a fan and not just a chore is fun to me. We are just riding this wave right now and where we are all supporting each other. I’ll come to the back and everyone is hugging and cheering and I’m doing that for them as well. It’s a really neat time for the company as a whole.”

On what working for WWE did for his psyche and drive in the wrestling industry: “All that can really be said at the end of the day was Tough Enough was a TV show. Take that for what it is. I don’t hold any ill will towards Stone Cold Steve Austin and I actually stay in touch with him to this day. I did American Ninja Warrior last year and talked to him right before I went on. We talked about wrestling, Cesaro, the Shield, I mean if you want to talk about someone who loves wrestling its Cesaro. It was a good experience overall. I never thought coming out of it I would ever meet Stone Cold or if I did it would have just been in the back. I’m sure part of his contract wasn’t to pick one of the talents or two and keep in touch with them indefinitely. Ultimately I’m thankful for the people I have met along the ride and now that it’s come around again full circle.”

On men wrestling against women in Lucha Underground: “I think it will continue to grow. I didn’t realize how groundbreaking it was or could be. I never thought that it was weird or different. When the show aired I saw the people’s reaction to it and how they were blown away. I always loved ECW and how crazy they were and I never thought of Miss Congeniality or Lita if they were to wrestle a guy. When I saw a lot of the feedback about it I was honored to be a part of it. Sexy Star is a bad ass. She is in incredible shape so when she was in there I said let’s see what she has. She has hitting me and she was beating the crap out of me. Take this from a guy who has been in the gym since he was ten years old and prides himself on his physical ability, she is legitimately tough. I believe the UFC at one time was on record as saying they were not interested in women’s fighting and that it won’t happen. Now you look at them and that whole division is taking off. Then they thought about revisiting it, do we need them to just be eye candy, do we delegate them to fight one another, or can we see what they are really capable of and mix it up with the men? I know for a fact Ivelisse sure does. Why should they hold them back from doing that? Moving forward, I think we have given a platform to that and we will see more of that.”

On how did his Son of Havoc name come about: “That was given to me and I think it fits. I like to bring the chaos and destruction to the ring. I’m something different, I’m the aerial executioner, the crazy look, black attire, Ivelisse, I think were bad ass and it all works together.”

Update On Alberto El Patron’s Torn Quad Injury, Ivelisse Velez Talks Lucha Underground (Videos)

– As noted last week, AAA Mega Heavyweight Champion Alberto El Patron suffered a torn quad while working a match last Wednesday in Mexico. The quad injury is actually a partial tear, as opposed to a full tear, which would have been a much more serious injury. Regardless, Patron, who does have a match scheduled against former WWE developmental talent Brian Cage at the AAA “Rey de Reyes” iPPV this Sunday, is expected to be out of action for a while.

– Former WWE Tough Enough participant and Lucha Underground star Ivelisse Velez recently spoke to Jim Varsallone of The Miami Herald about her WWE experience, working in Lucha Underground and more. You can check out the interview via the videos embedded below.

(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Konnan Defends R-Truth Comments, Ivelisse Velez’s Father Turns Up Safe

– As previously reported, former WWE developmental talent Ivelisse Velez posted a message on Facebook saying her father had gone missing. Velez has since updated her Facebook to announce that he was found and is safe.

– Former WCW star Konnan recently posted an update on Twitter pointing out that his comments about R-Truth were part of an ongoing inside joke between the two, and not a “diss” like another reporter claimed. Konnan tweeted the following:

  • Update On Brock Lesnar’s UFC Return & New Rumored WMXXX Matches
  • Former WWE Talent Says Her Father Is Missing, Kelly Kelly Heading To Canada, Latest WWE En Espanol

    – Former WWE developmental talent Ivelisse Vélez says her father is missing after last being seen in Chicago, Illinois.

    She wrote on Facebook Christmas Day with a photo enclosed, “ATTENTION EVERYONE. MY FATHER LUIS VELEZ HAS BEEN MISSING FOR THREE DAYS. HE WAS LAST SEEN IN THE CHICAGO AREA OF ASBURY PLAZA. PLEASE SHARE AND REPOST THIS TO TRY TO FIND HIM. IF ANYONE SEES HIM PLEASE CONTACT THE FOLLOWING NUMBERS: 773.286.3749 or 773.733.6927! PLEASE ;(.”

    – According to The I.P.A. Network, the former Kelly Kelly, Barbie Blank, will be appearing at the Niagara Falls Comic Con taking place June 6-8, 2014 at the Scotiabank Convention Center in
    Ontario, Canada. Ric Flair, Demolition, Brian Blair and Jim Brunzell will also be on hand for the event.

    – The latest edition of WWE en Espanol, with Carlos Cabrera and Marcelo Rodríguez discussing last week’s WWE events, is now online.

    Stacy Keibler On Arsenio Hall Note, Matt Striker Wrestling, Wrestler Birthdays

    -When former WWE Diva Stacy Keibler was on the new version of the Arsenio Hall late night show on Thursday night, Hall said that he knew his wrestling and to prove it, mentioned going to see a match with Bobo Brazil vs. Johnny Powers.

    -Legendary tag-team wrestler and one-half of the Rock ‘N Roll Express, Ricky Morton, celebrates his 57th birthday today. Morton was born on September 21, 1956. Also celebrating birthdays in the world of pro wrestling today are former WCW announcer Scott Hudson, who turns 49, and female wrestler Ivelisse Velez, who turns 25.

    -Former WWE announcer Matt Striker will be wrestling under his real name, Matthew Kaye, in the main event of the World Of Sport card at Croydon’s UK’s Fairfield Halls on November 17th.

    MAJOR Former WWE Diva To Return To WWE At WrestleMania XXX [DETAILS >>]

    Ivelisse Velez Talks About Her Departure From WWE, NXT & Tough Enough, Her TNA Gut Check Tryout

    Sexy Photos of Ivelisse Velez

    Former WWE developmental diva Ivelisse Velez was recently interviewed by Wrestling Smash Radio. Here are some highlights of what she said about:

    Her Release from WWE:

    “The release … the rumors, they’re just rumors … no matter what I say, I could say it 100 times: no I don’t have a bad attitude … I know for sure that since day one since I started my career I always seek to approach my work as professional as possible. I’ve heard it all. … People close to me, people that work with me can testify to that … my work is everything to me, it’s all I know. I gave up scholarships from school and I was an honor student and I gave up all of it to go on this voyage with complete odds against me … Of course I’m going to approach it with all my heart.”

    “I am a very assertive person … in a man’s world they’re not very used to that. … A woman being assertive and not being walked over. … Maybe it came from that, I don’t know.”

    How She Was Portrayed on Tough Enough:

    “It was a very hard experience in the sense that a lot of the things that were on TV or things that didn’t make TV that probably should have. … I’m very grateful that opportunity, but I feel, honestly, that it could have portrayed in a little bit more realistic way of how things really happened. … they never showed the diagnosis of my leg, then I ended up looking like a wimp. … Nobody ended up knowing the gravity of the injury to my leg. … I was going to continue … Doctor [had to tell me] that I can’t continue or they have to tear my leg off. … You tell them because I am not going to, because I’ll rip my leg off and then I can’t have a career.”

    Her Time at WWE Developmental:

    “It’s really frustrating to hear that [that you’re ready to be on television] and then you don’t [get used on television]. … That was mostly the hardest part. … You feel so ready but it’s a whole different ballgame—it’s not just having the skills or the talent or the look. You can have I all but there’s so much more to it there. … We’re all human and sometimes people make mistakes, and people sometimes mix personal with business and you get the backlash of that. It took me a long time to register what happened. … It’s tough.”

    Her TNA Gut Check Tryout:

    “Definitely it was a surprise to me as well. … In my head I thought there was no reason for me not to. I felt that Lei D’Tapa was great, too, and she has a lot of potential. At least I thought I was ready now. … They would have benefited from signing us both. … I’m happy for Lei D’Tapa, she’s a great girl, she’s humble. … I’m sure everyone felt like TNA could’ve benefited from both of us. … The whole thing, they were really good at that—at all moments, we never knew. … I had no clue what was going to happen at any moment. … Everyone knows both of these girls should be here. … That was my real reaction, I was just speechless. … When I heard that crowd…I feel like, equally, we both created that with our hard work into the match. … It wasn’t just her! … And then I didn’t even make it to the ring. … I was like “damn, really?” … From wrestlers and fans, it was a big reaction. A lot of people agreed that both of us had a lot to bring to the table. The only difference is I could bring it now. … I’m ready now.”

    Ivelisse also talks about her return to TNA, going back home to Puerto Rico to win a championship for WWL, being a member of Shine Wrestling’s Valkyrie & her upcoming match for Shine Wrestling at Shine 10 and the origin of her “Huntress” persona.

    Impact Rating Rises, New X Division Champion, Gut Check Videos

    – Thursday’s 2/28 episode of Impact Wrestling drew a 1.14 rating with 1.49 million viewers, up 10% from the week before. Impact featured the return of TNA World Champion Jeff Hardy, who was off television for 4 weeks due to his inability to travel overseas for TNA’s UK tour. Impact ranked #26 on cable for the night and the show had its best viewership among males for 2013.

    – Kenny King defeated Rob Van Dam on Impact to become the new X Division Champion.

    – In the monthly TNA Gut Check match, it was Ivelisse Velez defeated Lei’d Tapa via choke submission. Next week, the ladies will face the Gut Check judges. Here are the TNA Gut Check videos for Lei’d Tapa and Ivelisse Velez that aired on Impact:

    Former WWE Star’s Niece Wrestling On Impact, Watch The Lockdown Music Video, Team 3D Wrestling Academy

    – This Thursday on Impact Wrestling, former WWE developmental talent and Tough Enough competitor Ivelisse Velez will compete against Lei’D Tapa in a “Gut Check Challenge.” Tapa is the niece of former WWE Superstar Barbarian.

    Tapa wrote on Twitter Tuesday: “Looking forward to being on @TNAIMPACTWRESLING FOR @TNAGutCheck..so thankful for opportunity to show what i love to do!!”

    – TNA Wrestling released the following music video previewing the main event for the World Heavyweight Championship between Jeff Hardy and Bully Ray at Lockdown on Sunday, March 10.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY8mz-M4LL0

    – The Team 3D Academy of Professional Wrestling in Kissimmee, Florida has announced that every student who enrolls in the school during the month of March will have the opportunity to receive a free year of training.

    Former WWE Talent Scheduled For Thursday’s Impact, Impact Video Teaser, Robbie E Appearing At OVW

    – Former WWE developmental talent and Tough Enough competitor Ivelisse Velez will compete on this Thursday’s live episode of Impact Wrestling.

    Sunday on Twitter, Velez issued this message: “The Huntress will be making an IMPACT this Thursday! #KnowWhatIMean #TuneIn #OnTheRise.”

    PWInsider.com has since confirmed that she will participate in the “Gut Check Challenge.”

    It will not be her first match inside a TNA ring as she competed in a dark match against Tara in October

    – TNA has released the following video previewing Thursday’s Impact Wrestling broadcast, which is centered on a confrontation between World Heavyweight Champion Jeff Hardy and Bully Ray.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEmv8XS7BNw

    – Robbie E announced on Twitter Sunday that he will appear at this Thursday’s Ohio Valley Wrestling event in Louisville, Kentucky. “Guess who’s going to be at Davis Arena this Wednesday February 27 th ? The one and only Robbie E from tna !!!” he wrote.

    Ivelisse Velez Works Dark Match Following Impact Broadcast, Bound For Glory Music Video, Daniels and Kazarian

    – Ivelisse Vélez, who was cut from her WWE developmental contract in August, competed in a dark match following Thursday’s Impact Wrestling broadcast in Orlando, Florida. Tara noted on her Twitter account that she faced the former Tough Enough contestant, writing, “Don’t forget to stay after @IMPACTWRESTLING zone. Tara had a new victim, @realivelisse.”

    The former Sofia Cortez recently resumed competing at independent wrestling events. She also modified her look shortly after her release as she is now a brunette.

    – TNA Wrestling has released the official music video for this Sunday’s Bound For Glory pay-per-view event. The featured song is “Reborn” by TRAPT.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMOyw6KLKT8

    – TNA World Tag Team Champions Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian appear at Samurai Comics (located on 1051 E. Camelback Rd. Phoenix, Arizona 85014) today for an autograph signing from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m.

    Jerry Lawler Video Interview, NXT Tryout Camp, Ivelisse Velez Appearance

    – WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler appeared at the The Mid-South Fair in Southaven, MS and was interviewed for WMC-TV. You can see the video at this link: WMCTV.com.

    – Today is the final day of the latest WWE NXT tryout camp in Tampa, Florida.

    – Former WWE developmental Diva Ivelisse Velez will be appearing at the Family Wrestling Entertainment show this Friday night (10/5) from Brooklyn, New York. The show will air on iPPV and will feature former WWE diva Maryse doing commentary.

    Other names on the card include Winter, Maria Kanellis, Velvet Sky, Angelina Love, Big Daddy V, Rhino, Tommy Dreamer, Chris Masters, Daivari, Sonjay Dutt, Jay Lethal, Paul London, Brian Kendrick and The Young Bucks.

    * Sexy Pictures of Former WWE Diva Ivelisse Velez

    Former FCW Diva Talks WWE Release, Edge On Haven Does Big Rating

    – Former WWE developmental diva and Tough Enough contestant Ivelisse Velez (Sofia Cortez) recently told Diva-Dirt.com that she was shocked by her release earlier this year:

    “It was very hard for me. My whole career basically for eight years or so, pouring heart and soul into something, and everything’s going great and the direction you put all the effort to – and all of a sudden it’s gone. It’s really hard. It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through other than the thing with Tough Enough, because I’ve given my all.”

    She also responded to online reports that “attitude problems” were a factor in her being let go:

    “Anywhere you go and you’re a confident woman, you believe in your abilities, and no matter how respectful you are, they’ll label as something in a negative way. It can’t be like, ‘Oh that girl is confident and she respects herself enough to stand up for herself and she knows her value.’ Not everyone will see it that way. Some people see it as, ‘Good, she’s a strong person,’ others may take it the wrong way. I try my best, like anyone else, to be respectful. I am a human being, most probably I’ve made mistakes, but I do know for a fact, I can confidently say, I strive to be as professional as possible. That has more value than anything else.”

    * Pictures of Former WWE Developmental Diva Ivelisse Velez

    – Syfy sent out a press release touting the ratings success of the Season 3 premiere of Haven, which featured a special appearance from WWE Hall of Famer Edge. From the announcement:

    “The season three premiere of Syfy’s hit drama series Haven became the #1 primetime drama on cable in Adults 25-54 during its telecast on Friday, September 21 from 10-11 PM (ET/PT).”

    “The delivery of 899,000 Adults 25-54 was up 13 percent from the season two premiere and represented the series’ best delivery in that demo in two years (September 2010).”

    “Haven also drew 2.0 million total viewers, up six percent versus the July 2011 season two premiere.”

    Ivelisse Velez Disputes Having An Attitude Problem, Says She Was “Screwed” By WWE

    Ivelisse Vélez (a/k/a Sofia Cortez), who was released from her WWE developmental contract late last week, is disputing reports attributed to F4WOnline.com that her termination stemmed from a perceived “attitude problem.”

    Dave Meltzer stated on Wrestling Observer Radio late Saturday that according to sources in Florida Championship Wrestling, Vélez believed her talent level did not correspond with her position in the organization and had been vocal about not being promoted to the main roster. The Puerto Rican grappler took to Twitter to dispute the online claims, which she labeled as “lies.”

    https://twitter.com/RealIvelisse/status/234853138551681026

    Vélez also said her message in Spanish: “Clarifico: #No No tengo problemas de actitud o ego. #No No divulgare nada negativo sobre @WWE . Pero #Si Fue una injusticia hacia mi. Sea lo que sea.. Aun estoy mil veces agradecida por todas las oportunidades que @WWE confio en mi. #CasoCerrado.”

    She also re-tweeted a message stating:

    https://twitter.com/iBeaDom/status/234859332724985856

    Vélez reiterated her stance on being “screwed” by WWE to fellow firee A.W., who too was released by the organization last week. She wrote to him:

    https://twitter.com/RealIvelisse/status/234806397043355648

    WWE Developmental Diva Ivelisse Vélez Released, Bad Attitude?

    Ivelisse Vélez, who appeared in Florida Championship Wrestling as Sofia Cortez, says she has been released by WWE. She announced Saturday on Twitter:

    Vélez, who began her professional wrestling career in 2005 in Puerto Rico, rose to prominence as a contestant on Tough Enough last year, a televised competition that awarded the winner a WWE contract. Vélez was eliminated from the competition due to injury, but offered a developmental contract in November. She had been appearing on WWE NXT as of late.

    Pictures of Ivelisse Vélez at WWE Developmental

    F4wonline.com is reporting that Cortez received rave reviews for her in-ring work, but her bad attitude led to her departure. Cortez apparently thought she was a lot better than she was and was vocal about how she should be on the main roster and on television instead of being “stuck” training.

    UPDATE: Velez Disputes Having An Attitude Problem, Says She Was “Screwed” By WWE

    Rock and Punk Further Their Feud On Twitter, Austin Surprised With Velez’ Release

    – As Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was answering fan questions on Twitter Sunday afternoon, WWE Champion CM Punk tweeted a picture of a CM Punk action figure standing over a Johnson action figure that had been knocked out by the GTS. Johnson responded, “You knocked by delivering a GTS. I’ll answer by delivering the ass kicking of a lifetime. @WWE Championship #Rumble2013 #RockTalk.”

    Johnson announced at Raw 1,000 that he would face whoever the WWE Champion is at the Royal Rumble. A match between Johnson and Punk, however, may not take place at the pay-per-view event. It was reported last week that WWE officials are contemplating a scenario where Punk drops the WWE Championship to John Cena at SummerSlam to set up a rematch between Cena and Johnson at Royal Rumble. Johnson would then defeat Cena at the Rumble and defend the title against Punk at WrestleMania XXIX.

    Johnson also noted on Twitter that he “Spent time w/ some of our US Olympic Gold medalists last night” and that he was “So proud of them.” He is currently in London, England filming scenes for the sixth installment of The Fast and the Furious franchise.

    – Upon learning of developmental talent Ivelisse Vélez’ release from WWE last week, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, who coached the Puerto Rican grappler on Tough Enough last year, tweeted, “I was very surprised to hear that.”

    Meanwhile, Vélez has changed her Twitter handle to @RealIvelisse. She has re-tweeted multiple fan messages in support of her.

    McMahon Angle On Raw An SEC Violation?, TE Contestant Spotted

    — Darren Rovell, a sports business reporter for CNBC, noted on his Twitter account that last night’s angle on Raw in which Vince McMahon was relieved of his duties of WWE chief and replaced by his son-in-law, Triple H, may cause issues with WWE stock.

    “The No. 1 material risk against WWE stock is Vince McMahon leaving the business,” Rovell wrote. “Tonight’s plot could be an SEC violation.”

    Tough Enough contestant Ivelisse Velez was among those backstage watching Vince McMahon’s announcement on a monitor at the start of Raw. It is not publicly known if she has signed a contract.

    WWE developmental wrestler Percy Watson was also spotted amongst the crowd.

    — Former WWE star Eric Escobar has launched a Twitter account.