While in attendance at Ring of Honor’s Future of Honor, the third match of the night was my biggest surprise, as new female wrestler, Mandy Leon, faced veteran, and well-traveled, Jenny Rose, in a “Women of Honor” match. Mandy, having never had a match before, looked great! Of course so did Rose, but I expected that of her. I didn’t know what to expect from Mandy, but I never really expect anyone to be as good as she was, in their very first match. After a very entertaining, back and forth contest, the much more experienced Rose got the victory. Afterword’s Veda Scott made her way into the ring and ran down Mandy, saying she was “just another pretty face” and that she was disgusted that someone as skilled, and well-traveled, like Rose, would shake the hand of someone like Mandy Leon. Rose then attacked Leon and left the ring with Veda. Even though taking the loss, I knew that I had to catch Leon for an interview, after being wowed by her, the way that I was! I expect a bright future for Mandy Leon, and here is what she had to say to me when I caught up with her at ringside.
Adam-How did you get into wrestling, I mean, when did you become interested in professional wrestling?
Mandy-I’ve always been really interested, but in the old days my mom would force me to sit and watch the WWF with her, and she was a big fan of Razor Ramon. However, the moment I first saw Lita, I just fell in love. I knew then I wanted to do it. Then I saw Chyna, and Trish Stratus, and I was like, Wow! I would sit and play WWE video games, and make little divas all day, and I would tell myself, as soon as I turn 21 I am going to train to become a professional wrestler. I am going to save up my money to start training, and go in there, and do it.
Adam-So the Ring of Honor Dojo is your first training experience? You’ve not trained anywhere else?
Mandy- That’s right, I’ve only trained here, with head trainer Delirious, and it’s amazing!
Adam- and tonight was your very first match?
Mandy-Yep, very first match here at Future of Honor, and I loved it!
Adam- Everyone I spoke to tonight loved it too. Your opponent was great too of course, what are your thoughts on Jenny Rose?
Mandy-Jenny Rose is amazing! She not only has a ton of experience wrestling here in the United States, but also in Japan. I think we had a great match together. I have no idea what the deal was with Veda though. I did not see that coming, and I was shocked when Jenny just completely turned on me.
Adam- I know you mentioned Lita, but did you have any other role models in wrestling?
Mandy- Oh absolutely Lita, and by the way, congratulations to her, for her induction into the 2014 Hall of fame. I looked up to Chyna a lot as well, just because of her look, that exotic look, and how she presented, and carried herself. I loved Trish’s look, with the Cowboy hat and long jacket. Lita again just blew my mind because she was doing things I had only seen the guys do in the past. If there is a current Diva that I would say I look up to, it would be Melina.
Adam- You’re definitely a wrestling fan. What I mean by that is you’re not just using wrestling to boost a modeling career, or to make a quick name for yourself. You really seem to love wrestling, and are happy to be a professional wrestler?
Mandy-Absolutely! And to address Veda Scott, I am not just another “pretty face.” I came in here to work hard, and kick butt, just like the guys.
Adam- Is there anybody in wrestling at all, Ring of Honor, or not, that you’d love to face, even in a dream scenario?
Mandy-On the indy scene, I’d love to have a match with Cheerleader Melissa, or Mschif. Cherry Bomb is also awesome. As far as WWE, if I can go fantasy like you said, it would be a four way match between Lita, Trish Stratus, Melina, and Mandy. That would be cool.
Adam- You really seem to have your head on straight and goals in front of you. Is there anything you’d like the fans, and our readers to know about you?
Mandy- Yes, this is all about working hard, training every day, striving to get better, to be the best wrestler that I can be. It’s about one day becoming a Diva, but before that, it’s just about earning it. Ring of Honor is amazing, and if I’m ever privileged enough to make it onto the Ring of Honor roster, I am going to do my best to prove I’ve earned it. So keep a look out, you are going to see more of me in the future from here on!
Adam- Speaking of Ring of Honor, do you know anything about a “Women of Honor” show? I mean I can’t walk away from this without asking an insider question.
Mandy- (laughing) of course, but no, I don’t know anything about that. I mean I’m just not subject to that kind of information. However I think it’s a great idea, and I would love to see that. I mean there are so many excellent female wrestler’s out there, that are as good as the guys, and it would be awesome to see a “Women of Honor” show, but unfortunately, I just don’t know really.
Adam- Mandy, thank you for taking this time with us. We very much look forward to following your career from this point forward.
Mandy- Thank you so much! I really appreciate you talking with me tonight.