20 Questions with Tom Matheny: Fiona Rourke

1) What's been your proudest moment in EXODUS?

I'd have to say that my proudest moment was becoming the first International Champion in EXODUS. I had a lot of obstacles to overcome and prove myself to all the people who doubted me because of my abilities and because of my relationships. But, winning that belt solidified me as a real competitor and I'm proud to have held that title and christen it the way I did.

2) What was the lowest moment in your EXODUS career?

Jerry Matthews injuring my knee and causing me to sit out of commission for weeks. It was the hardest thing I've had to do and I hated how I let it get to my head but, I'm back now and stronger and better than ever and I'm not going to let myself get that weak again.

3) Who is the toughest opponent you've faced since your arrival?

This is a tough one because I feel like I've had a few tough opponents that I've faced since arriving here at EXODUS but they've all been ones I could overcome. I'd probably have to go with Magnus Gunner though, simply because we have a lot of history together and we've had some amazing matches against one another and he's gotten into my head a few times, to the point I barely recognized myself. He was tough cookie to crumble but I managed every time. Daisuke Iwakuma is a close second.

4) Do you have any dream opponents on the roster?

Sally Talfourd. Hopefully that match will be coming sooner rather than later. I also think it'd be a lot of fun to get myself and Chris Strike in the ring together, he's a great guy and an amazing wrestler.

5) Do you have any immediate goals in the company?

I want to get my belt back. I want to get back on top the way I was before I got injured. Doesn't everyone want those goals in this company? I know I can do it though and back it up.

6) Do you have any long term goals for here?

In EXODUS, to keep growing as a wrestler and learning more of my craft, perfecting it and just becoming better and better. Another it to just keep working here as long as I can because I love it here and I can't see myself working in another company. In general, getting married and protecting my family and just being happy with my life.

7) Do you have any regrets in EXODUS?

I try not to have a lot of regrets in my life but like everybody, there's always some. A big one was not trusting WEAPON right away and wondering what side he was on. Another was not facing Andrew Ashton when he was here because I've been a fan of his for a long time and I would have loved to have had the chance to step in the ring with him.

8) What's your favorite thing about the San Diego crowd?

The atmosphere is so great to come out too every show. They get so into it and aren't afraid to show when they're not feeling something or when something is particuarly exciting and entertaining. Their energy is infectious and it just makes me get more hyped and amped up to put on the best match I can to top the others I've been a part of. I love them.

9) Of all the wrestlers you know, who would you love to see in an EXODUS ring?

I think it's safe to say everyone knows my answer to that question already in that I'd say my fiance because seriously, the man owns the ring as soon as he steps foot into it and looks fine doing it. I'm also gonna say my best friend and former tag partner, Mandy Summers. She is an amazing wrestler and has worked so hard to perfect her craft as well, I hope one day she can come back to EXODUS and show her talent and shine here like I have.

10) Sum up your EXODUS tenure in three words.

Exhilerating. Proud. Rewarding.

11) You're clearly a tag team specialist, whether it's with Jimmy Riley (The Marauders), Mandy Summers (The Pretty Little Flyers), or Jonathan Collins (Project Mayhem). What about tag team wrestling do you enjoy?

I love just being able to work alongside someone else and have that camaraderie. I love being a singles wrestler but there's just so much more fun and more moves you can do with a partner that makes a tag match so exciting to watch and be part of.

12) Right after you won the World Title, you rechristened The Hogwarts' Express into The Shinigami, what inspired that change?

I've always had a deep love for the Japanese and Asian cultures for a long time but it grew even more when I worked in Japan for a while. I'm also a huge lover of anime so after I decided to change up my moves and my style, I looked back into that love and used a lot of terminology and ideas of Japanese culture and anime. The Shinigami in Japanese culture is a death god who invites humans to their death, something like a grim reaper. I'm a huge fan of the anime Bleach as well and this is basically what the characters are and I thought it was fitting of where I wanted to grow and evolve as a wrestler and character.

13) You've never been afraid to dive into your future husband's bag of tricks (using blue mist, the ECHO-16). Do you just take them or do you ask ahead of time, and what's his reaction?

I wouldn't say I take them from him per se, it's more like I've mastered the art of bribery. Plus, I'm of course going to pick up a few things here and there to add to my arsenal given I've been trained by him and learned from him even before he became my future husband. It just comes with the territory and he's glad to share what he knows with me and help make me a better wrestler.

14) Now you've alluded to this already, but you're having an interesting situation with Sally Talfourd at the moment. Do you feel the two of you can put it to rest after your impending showdown in The Honor Cup?

That's up to her, isn't it? She already knows where I stand and if she wants to assume I'm wrong again? I'll gladly make sure to show her just how right I actually am when we meet up soon. I'm greatly looking forward to it.

15) Recently, you and Jonathan Collins have been taking Shinji Uchikawa under your wings to help him. What can you say about the KJPW young lion?

Shinji is an amazing wrestler and I'm really honored to be able to help him perfect his craft and help him become an even more amazing wrestler. He's got such potential and he's a fighter, for sure. I'm really excited to get the chance to work with him and let him show the fans just what he can do.

16) In your entrance, you always stop and talk to a young fan and hand them a glow necklace. What do you tell them when you and them touch foreheads?

I always want to be a role model for the younger girls out there who are getting into professional wrestling and enjoy coming to the shows. That moment is always special to me and I usually just simply tell them to just be themselves, work hard and to follow their dreams. It's cheesy I know, but it's how I've lived my life and how I got where I am today.

17) What inspired your new submission, The Undertow?

I wanted a move of my own that could be compared to the ECHO-16 without having to use Jon's move all the time. I wanted something powerful and something that could just destroy as soon as I hit it and locked in; Undertows are powerful in the ocean and so, it's basically how I came up with that while I was injured and looking for revenge.

18) How did it feel to hear the crowd on your first match back? You've always been a crowd favorite, but you had to think that they may have forgotten a bit about you.

The thought had crossed my mind while I was cooped up in my apartment and watching the shows on tv. I wondered if they would remember me at all or was I completely wiped out of their minds and memories for good? But as soon as I came back and stood on that ramp.....it felt like I had come home and hearing the crowd screaming and chanting my name? It was the most amazing feeling I've ever had. I'll never get tired of it.

19) Do you still feel you have more to prove in EXODUS than most because of your personal relationship with Jonathan Collins, or do you feel you've finally silenced those critics?

Well, I hope that I've silenced at least most of my critics but I think I'm always going to be proving myself in some capacity in EXODUS because of my relationship. I know I can do it though, if it comes to that.

20) You've got a hammer, a midget, and a roulette wheel. What are your plans for the evening?

Probably something I can't go into explicit detail because this is a family program and there will be children present....just kidding. I'd probably tie the midget to the roulette wheel and practice my Thor impression. You know, the usual.