Post by Jamie Fury on Jan 7, 2011 19:40:00 GMT -5
New York City
After taking some personal time out after the end of the 2010 season, Jamie Fury was among many XWA superstars doing PR work for the company by appearing on several other forms of media. In her case, it was an appearance on
Leno: Ladies and gentlemen, if you like pro wrestling, my first guest should be no stranger to you. She's the current and three time Diamond Champion of the XWA, and...well...she's a pretty amazing lady. Please welcome Ms. Jamie Fury!
The band plays, and Jamie steps out from backstage to a resounding applause. Her hair is tied up in a tight ponytail, and she's wearing a black tube dress that really shows off her impressive physique; broad shoulder on top and tight claf muscles below, wearing clear high heels on the bottom. She smiles and greets Jay with a hug before they both take a seat.
Leno: Well, like I said, you're an amazing lady. You work out any?
The audience laughs at his obvious sarcasm.
Yes...about 4 times a week. Wherever we are on the road, I just hit the local gym and do a little bit of cardio, some aerobics and lots of strength training.
Leno: Strength training? Like bench presses? How much can you lift?
A couple of weeks ago I benched about 400 lbs. For a woman, that's a big deal. I'm only 181 myself, so that was a big deal for me.
Leno: ONLY 181? I think you're just used to being your size but...that's...wow.
(Audience laughs)
Hmmm, I guess I do take it lightly sometimes. I've been weightlifting for so long I just don't pay it much attention. Everyone else does though, I think that's something a lot of us bodybuilders experience. It becomes second nature to us, but it's still pretty unique or foreign to people who don't do it competitively.
Leno: So you started out as a bodybuilder...
Yes, I placed second in the Ms. Olympia competition back before I got into wrestling. I was ready to go for first the next year but then fate turned me a new direction I guess.
Leno: So from champion bodybuilding you go to being a championship wrestler. How does that feel for you? We've had wrestlers here before, but you're the first female one we've had.
Well, it's still a very male-dominated, male-oriented profession. Us girls have to go that extra mile just to let the guys know "we can do this too", you know? I mean, there's equal rights and all, especially in the XWA which is the most prominent place for female wrestling probably in the world today...but still. We've got to show the boys up most of the time.
Leno: Is that the motivation though? Like a "anything you can do I can do better" type of thing?
Not always. Again, the XWA is one of those places that shows respect to the women wrestlers out there. But still sometimes you go out there with something to prove, mostly to yourself. That's how I've been personally. I know other girls who have slightly different motivations. It all varies.
Leno: Okay, so what do you do outside of wrestling then Jamie? You're on the road a lot, but what do you do for fun?
I like cars. Old cars. Classic...you know...vintage ones. My father was big on that, and it rubbed off on me. I just bought a...what was it? A 1959 Oldsmobile Super 88. I'm gonna be tinkering with that, detailing, all that stuff.
Leno: Jamie, you're like a man's fantasy girl. Really!
(Jamie giggles) How's that, Jay?
Leno: You're beautiful, you like cars, and you won't call us from out of the living room watching the game to the kitchen to open up a jar of pickles.
(crowd laughs)
You know, most guys are actually a little intimidated by me though...I wonder why?
Everyone chuckles...
I think it's kind of natural though. You see a girl like me, who's obviously in better shape than most guys, and they feel a little inferior something. Then I tell them about a crank shaft or a carburetter and they run for the hills. But I'm actually just a really down to earth girl. And I'm single.
That got some hoots and howls out of the male audience members.
Leno: All you you who just howled would probably be the ones running for the hills.
(laughter)
Leno: So, let's talk about your family history. You said something about that backstage.
Yes. I'm part Cherokee and part African-American. Only 5 percent of all black Americans have at least 12.5 percent Native American ancestry, the equivalent of at least one great-grandparent. I actually have 50 percent. My mother is Cherokee, and my father is African American, so I'm recognized by the Cherokee Nation as one of them by blood.
It's something I'm proud of, because of the prominent part of history we have. From Rosa Parks, to Beyonce, to Jimi Hendrix. We represent not just Black history, but Native American history as well, and I hold that very high my heritage in both cultures. To be a part of that now is one of the greatest feelings in the world. It makes what I do mean so much more.
Leno: You have become quite the role model, haven't you? And a spokesperson as well.
Mmm hmm. I'll be speaking to children at a reservation in upstate New York tomorrow. I do a lot of speaking, especially to girls and young women about how they can succeed at anything no matter what stands in their way. I also signed an endorsement with Adidas. I'm the first wrestler who has an endorsement by a major sporting brand.
I guess it's because I'm like...a good athlete or something. ;D
Leno: I'd say so. Now, just one more thing...I noticed that you're missing something. Where's that Diamond Championship at? I'm sure these guys want to see it, right?
The audience applauds in response.
Well, I didn't want to show off too much, buuuuut...okay.
Jamie gets up and walks backstage. A few seconds later, she reappears with the title belt resting on her shoulder. The fans of hers in attendance pay special mind to the sight of her with the coveted belt in a more candid, intimate setting than an XWA ring.
Leno: Wow...that's impressive.
Yep. I just learned the other day that this belt is actually worth $100,000. Pure gold, real diamonds. This thing is absolutely gorgeous. I think whoever designed it certainly had a woman in mind. Wanna see it?
Leno: Um...sure.
Jamie then hands the belt to Jay, who looks a little awkward as the audience chuckles again.
You ever thought about wrestling again?
Leno: Ohhhhh No!!! I'm leaving that one to the professionals.
(Heavy laughter)
Leno: Speaking of which...when are we gonna see you in the ring again?
Well, the new season for the XWA starts in March. I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of action I can get into. I'm sure that all my fans out there will be as excited as I am.
They oblige, showing their excitement with cheers yet again.
Leno: Well, there's a lot to be excited about Jamie. You're really one of the most unique personalities in the business so I've seen. I think all these fans agree with me in saying we're looking forward to seeing you in the new year. Please do come again...
It'll be my pleasure.
Leno: And you can catch her and the rest of the XWA on "TakeDown"...like the woman said, the new season begins in March, check your local listings for the date & time. Jamie Fury ladies & gentlemen!
The band plays, the audience begins to cheer again and Jamie smiles and waves, then engages in some off-mic talk with Jay as The Tonight Show goes to commercial.
After taking some personal time out after the end of the 2010 season, Jamie Fury was among many XWA superstars doing PR work for the company by appearing on several other forms of media. In her case, it was an appearance on
Leno: Ladies and gentlemen, if you like pro wrestling, my first guest should be no stranger to you. She's the current and three time Diamond Champion of the XWA, and...well...she's a pretty amazing lady. Please welcome Ms. Jamie Fury!
The band plays, and Jamie steps out from backstage to a resounding applause. Her hair is tied up in a tight ponytail, and she's wearing a black tube dress that really shows off her impressive physique; broad shoulder on top and tight claf muscles below, wearing clear high heels on the bottom. She smiles and greets Jay with a hug before they both take a seat.
Leno: Well, like I said, you're an amazing lady. You work out any?
The audience laughs at his obvious sarcasm.
Yes...about 4 times a week. Wherever we are on the road, I just hit the local gym and do a little bit of cardio, some aerobics and lots of strength training.
Leno: Strength training? Like bench presses? How much can you lift?
A couple of weeks ago I benched about 400 lbs. For a woman, that's a big deal. I'm only 181 myself, so that was a big deal for me.
Leno: ONLY 181? I think you're just used to being your size but...that's...wow.
(Audience laughs)
Hmmm, I guess I do take it lightly sometimes. I've been weightlifting for so long I just don't pay it much attention. Everyone else does though, I think that's something a lot of us bodybuilders experience. It becomes second nature to us, but it's still pretty unique or foreign to people who don't do it competitively.
Leno: So you started out as a bodybuilder...
Yes, I placed second in the Ms. Olympia competition back before I got into wrestling. I was ready to go for first the next year but then fate turned me a new direction I guess.
Leno: So from champion bodybuilding you go to being a championship wrestler. How does that feel for you? We've had wrestlers here before, but you're the first female one we've had.
Well, it's still a very male-dominated, male-oriented profession. Us girls have to go that extra mile just to let the guys know "we can do this too", you know? I mean, there's equal rights and all, especially in the XWA which is the most prominent place for female wrestling probably in the world today...but still. We've got to show the boys up most of the time.
Leno: Is that the motivation though? Like a "anything you can do I can do better" type of thing?
Not always. Again, the XWA is one of those places that shows respect to the women wrestlers out there. But still sometimes you go out there with something to prove, mostly to yourself. That's how I've been personally. I know other girls who have slightly different motivations. It all varies.
Leno: Okay, so what do you do outside of wrestling then Jamie? You're on the road a lot, but what do you do for fun?
I like cars. Old cars. Classic...you know...vintage ones. My father was big on that, and it rubbed off on me. I just bought a...what was it? A 1959 Oldsmobile Super 88. I'm gonna be tinkering with that, detailing, all that stuff.
Leno: Jamie, you're like a man's fantasy girl. Really!
(Jamie giggles) How's that, Jay?
Leno: You're beautiful, you like cars, and you won't call us from out of the living room watching the game to the kitchen to open up a jar of pickles.
(crowd laughs)
You know, most guys are actually a little intimidated by me though...I wonder why?
Everyone chuckles...
I think it's kind of natural though. You see a girl like me, who's obviously in better shape than most guys, and they feel a little inferior something. Then I tell them about a crank shaft or a carburetter and they run for the hills. But I'm actually just a really down to earth girl. And I'm single.
That got some hoots and howls out of the male audience members.
Leno: All you you who just howled would probably be the ones running for the hills.
(laughter)
Leno: So, let's talk about your family history. You said something about that backstage.
Yes. I'm part Cherokee and part African-American. Only 5 percent of all black Americans have at least 12.5 percent Native American ancestry, the equivalent of at least one great-grandparent. I actually have 50 percent. My mother is Cherokee, and my father is African American, so I'm recognized by the Cherokee Nation as one of them by blood.
It's something I'm proud of, because of the prominent part of history we have. From Rosa Parks, to Beyonce, to Jimi Hendrix. We represent not just Black history, but Native American history as well, and I hold that very high my heritage in both cultures. To be a part of that now is one of the greatest feelings in the world. It makes what I do mean so much more.
Leno: You have become quite the role model, haven't you? And a spokesperson as well.
Mmm hmm. I'll be speaking to children at a reservation in upstate New York tomorrow. I do a lot of speaking, especially to girls and young women about how they can succeed at anything no matter what stands in their way. I also signed an endorsement with Adidas. I'm the first wrestler who has an endorsement by a major sporting brand.
I guess it's because I'm like...a good athlete or something. ;D
Leno: I'd say so. Now, just one more thing...I noticed that you're missing something. Where's that Diamond Championship at? I'm sure these guys want to see it, right?
The audience applauds in response.
Well, I didn't want to show off too much, buuuuut...okay.
Jamie gets up and walks backstage. A few seconds later, she reappears with the title belt resting on her shoulder. The fans of hers in attendance pay special mind to the sight of her with the coveted belt in a more candid, intimate setting than an XWA ring.
Leno: Wow...that's impressive.
Yep. I just learned the other day that this belt is actually worth $100,000. Pure gold, real diamonds. This thing is absolutely gorgeous. I think whoever designed it certainly had a woman in mind. Wanna see it?
Leno: Um...sure.
Jamie then hands the belt to Jay, who looks a little awkward as the audience chuckles again.
You ever thought about wrestling again?
Leno: Ohhhhh No!!! I'm leaving that one to the professionals.
(Heavy laughter)
Leno: Speaking of which...when are we gonna see you in the ring again?
Well, the new season for the XWA starts in March. I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of action I can get into. I'm sure that all my fans out there will be as excited as I am.
They oblige, showing their excitement with cheers yet again.
Leno: Well, there's a lot to be excited about Jamie. You're really one of the most unique personalities in the business so I've seen. I think all these fans agree with me in saying we're looking forward to seeing you in the new year. Please do come again...
It'll be my pleasure.
Leno: And you can catch her and the rest of the XWA on "TakeDown"...like the woman said, the new season begins in March, check your local listings for the date & time. Jamie Fury ladies & gentlemen!
The band plays, the audience begins to cheer again and Jamie smiles and waves, then engages in some off-mic talk with Jay as The Tonight Show goes to commercial.
