Diana Hart Smith Opens Up About Natalya's Hard Work, Davey Boy Smith Jr, Changes In Wrestling, More
Sky Sports recently interviewed Diana Hart Smith about her book, Cauliflower Heart: A Romantic Wrestler, as well as her family in WWE. You can see highlights below, and the full interview at this link.
Natalya's hard work:
"She sure has. She learnt a lot growing up with Harry and Tyson Kidd, who she is now married to, while she has always had heart and drive, something that convinced Tokyo Joe, someone who exclusively trained men, to train her over in Japan. Natalya can wrestle, grapple, be a showman and talk on the microphone, while she is also smart, sensitive, clean living and a great ambassador. I think so much of her and admire her so much."
Davey Boy Jr/Harry Smith's WWE career:
"I don't know if WWE really knew what they were doing with him. One day he was in a black vest and a cowboy hat and the next day they wanted him to be doing a running powerslam like his dad. Then they would say: 'We want you to be your own character and wear pink and black'. I never saw someone go through so many character changes, it was like he was in commercials, not wrestling. There was nothing for him to really sink his teeth into and I was frustrated. I think they tried to make a silk purse into a sow's ear."
Differences she's seen in wrestling:
"I don't see a lot of performers winging it or improvising. Years ago, people were interviewed moments after a match and had to come up with something while they were still sweating and the adrenaline was flowing; it felt so organic and spontaneous. I'm not saying there aren't elements of that anymore but there are lots of second chances now with interviews backstage. In ring, meanwhile, some of the manoeuvres I see are unbelievable and so athletic, but I get the feeling fans are waiting for a crazy move rather than watching to see a natural narrative play out."
Also, be sure to check out Diana's book, Cauliflower Heart: A Romantic Wrestler.