Melina invades Manila

There is nothing like seeing a WWE event live.

For all the electricity a WWE show brings to our television sets, seeing these high-flying, risk-taking, back-breaking physical specimens compete live before your very eyes is a different experience altogether. A few years ago, I watched the WWE in Manila when John Cena and Edge headlined the show. More than a decade ago, I watched the WWE in Manila when it was Bret Hart and the Undertaker headlining. Whether it was the 20-year-old version of me or the eight-year-old, one thing is certain. Watching my favorite superstars live was an unforgettable experience.

Good news is, WWE is coming back as Smackdown and ECW invade Manila at the Araneta Coliseum on Friday, July 10.

I got a chance to chat with WWE diva and current Women’s Champion Melina on her career, her comeback from injury and her thoughts on coming to Manila.

PHILIPPINE STAR: How does it feel being Women’s Champion after being out for some time?

MELINA: It’s incredible. I really didn’t know how to come back the same way. It was a miracle. Fractures don’t heal really quickly; thank God mine did. It’s a great feeling not just coming back to wrestling but becoming champion again. It’s such an honor to get the championship and fight for it.

Tell us about how you got started in this industry.

What happened was I was always athletic growing up. I joined a fitness competition. I joined that and started training for that. But then I didn’t have the money for that so I tried wrestling and started training for it.

Did you follow wrestling at all growing up?

My real argument was with my brother. There was a time when he was beating me up. I have a brother who’s four years older than and he used to beat me up. Wrestling is something we share now.

What’s your secret to your now world-famous flexibility?

I wish I could say I used gymnastics but I never did. I just wanted to see how far I could take (my flexibility) and train for it. It’s like a workout. You have to stretch every day and train.

How often do you train/workout?

Every day. If I’m not training in the ring, I’m training at the gym. Whatever I can do. I also do Kettlebell workouts. It helps a lot. It focuses on the core. I also do yoga and running. I’m a big fan of yoga and weights and cardio running.

What keeps you going?

Definitely the fans. If nobody appreciated what we did, it’s meaningless. To see somebody appreciate what we’re doing, it makes it worth it. To see the crowd watch what we do and come out every night and appreciate it, seeing their reaction… it makes me want to be better. It’s very inspiring.

What can we expect from Melina in Manila?

Expect greatness. I will give my all. Me and my partner Gail Kim.

What’s in store for the Filipino fans when Smackdown invades Manila?

You’ll definitely see a title match with John Morrison. CM Punk versus John Morrison. That’s going to be exciting.

Are you excited to come to Manila?

It’s going to be a great experience. I’m very excited. It’s going to be awesome.

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For questions, comments or corrections, e-mail me at carlfrancisramirez@gmail.com.