[Editor's Note: Interview initially conducted in May 2001]

Pinfalls: You have an eclectic group of careers--from being an acclaimed stunt-woman to wrestling and martial arts. At what point in your life did you realize you wanted to venture into occupations that some would consider "extreme?"

Mower: My career being "extreme" never really came to mind until I realized what I'm doing isn't NORMAL!

Pinfalls: In an interview with Slam! Wrestling, Ivory (regarding your wrestling training) stated, "We'll just have to teach her how to not take our heads off for real, because that's what she's used to doing." How did you find the transition from actual contact sports to the (what some have described as) "choreographed mayhem" of wrestling?

Mower: Ivory really put up a lot with me! She's so great. She really helped me in being not so tight but relaxing and being a great wrestler. It was hard finding the transition from real to the not-so-real but I practiced a lot and got a lot of help from WWF wrestlers.

Pinfalls: At what point did you look at pro wrestling as a career option and what initially attracted you to the sport?

Mower: I never thought of wrestling as a career but more of a challenge. It became attractive later as I was doing it and realized it's not as easy as it looks!

Pinfalls: How were you initially contacted to work for the WWF and what led to you signing with the company?

Mower: I was never contacted by WWF, but I had auditioned for them and later found that they had liked my background and signed me on a development contract.

Pinfalls: Before you signed with the WWF, your name appeared on wrestling news and rumors sites quite regularly. What are your views of Internet reporting and on those same lines, what is the oddest Internet rumor you ever read about yourself?

Mower: I couldn't believe that my name was being talked about all over the internet! It's amazing how things get around. I don't mind the internet reporting ... so far I've been pretty lucky in having people or sites report about me pretty true. The oddest rumor was that I was getting married! LOL. Hopefully one day but its going to be a long day! LOL. I have no idea where that one came from.

Pinfalls: After signing with the WWF, it took some time before you were on TV. Did you receive any explanation for this delay?

Mower: I never knew when I would be on the road with the WWF ... it did take awhile but before I knew it I got a call and I was on my way!

Pinfalls: The WWF's role for you was more of a character than a wrestler. As someone with your talents, did you feel uncomfortable with this character and what role did you envision for yourself?

Mower: The character role as "MUFFY" wasn't what I expected but I can say I had a great time developing her. I got a chance to ad lib on the mic and just go out there and have a good time. I never got told what to say so I have to say I did pretty well considering not many are good on the microphone. I didn't feel uncomfortable at all ... in fact I felt very comfortable and as far as envisioning a role for myself. I didn't think much of it! I just went in thinking what ever happens ... happens!

Pinfalls: Typically all roles of this kind eventually lead to an in-ring role down the line ... were you ever given any indication when you may actually become a competitor?

Mower: I thought I would be a competitor soon after they said I was Steph's personal trainer ... I though I would be wrestling real soon.

Pinfalls: What was the fan reaction to your character? And speaking of fans ... what is the oddest experience with a fan you have ever had?

Mower: My experience with the fans was great! They hated me and that's what I wanted. First, they weren't sure what I was ... but later down the line they knew they were to hate me and they did! The oddest thing was when I came out in Texas--a fan had exposed himself to me and with out a blink I put him in his place! As "MUFFY" of course!

Pinfalls: On your web site, you indicate that you were not necessarily thrilled with the name "Muffy." There have been other sexist and/or suggestive names in wrestling in the past and there will certainly be more in the future. Mainly, these names are typically for women characters. And on those same lines, with the roles and portrayal of women in wrestling, it is obvious who makes up the demographics of wrestling audiences. How do you view these roles for women and in a perfect world, are there any changes you would make to how women are portrayed?

Mower: I wasn't thrilled when I heard my name ... the first thing I thought was 'Great, another sexual name!' Most of the wrestlers didn't have such a strong sexual name like mine so I was a little disappointed! I wish the women who can wrestle get more credit and hope they and should be potrayed as feminine and strong too. Wrestling women who can wrestle are sexy too. I hate when they potray women wrestlers (who have no clue what wrestling is) as wrestlers and good ones. Women CAN be strong and sexy at the same time--I wish we would show that more!

Pinfalls: How was it working for the WWF in general and what was the atmosphere like in the back?

Mower: Working for the WWF was interesting and fun too. I didn't care for the long travel but as far as the women backstage, all were very professional and nice. I didn't spend much time in watching or making note of whom or what was doing. I kept to myself most of the time and felt that would be the best thing.

Pinfalls: Do you have any ideas why your WWF tenure was so short and would you consider working for Titan in the future?

Mower: I can honestly say I have no clue why they let me go. I felt I did a great job and I had gotten the same reviews from others as far as my talent goes. I never made waves and I kept to myself! All I can think of is that I came into it when Trish and Lita started so maybe timing was a factor!

Pinfalls: Were you ever contacted by WCW?

Mower: I never was contacted by WCW but I have heard that they were interested in me.

Pinfalls: Your wrestling name with UPW is "Carnidge." What inspired you to take this name?

Mower: My name 'Carnidge' came from a friend of mine when I started at Waterworld, the stunt show at Universal. He had given me this name and it has stuck! I thought it would be a great wrestling name when I started with UPW.

Pinfalls: The wrestling industry can sometimes be a frustrating and disheartening business. It can be a difficult journey while attempting to fulfill your dreams. Is there any advice you can give to any aspiring wrestlers, male or female?

Mower: I've been in the business as a Stuntwoman for a long time so as far as being disappointed--it's happened many times. It's all frustrating and if I couldn't handle it I wouldn't continue it. The acting, wrestling and stunt businesses are tough and I do know that it can get rid of the weak! I do know that anyone who wants something should just go for it and work hard for it because if you don't work at it you never know the feeling of success and that doesn't mean fame!

Pinfalls: How did you find your experience on "Battle Dome?" On your site, it mentions the possibility that you may become a regular combatant on the show ... have there been any updates regarding adding you to the "Battle Dome" roster?

Mower: I was contacted by a stunt coordinator Phillip Tan, who coordinates Battledome. He thought I would be a great contender and asked me to audition. Well, I thought it would be fun and the rest his history! A regular on it? Who knows! It may not even be back! But if so, hopefully I will be too!

Pinfalls: You are obviously extremely active ... could you briefly describe your training regime?

Mower: I always stay pretty active by riding my mountain bike and doing kickboxing classes or weight training at the gym. I get a great work-out by just working at Waterworld at Universal Studios four days a week. That's a crazy job and a fun one too. I run all over the stage and climb ladders, drive a boat, do a slide for life and beat up boys! Thats a workout in itself!

Pinfalls: And finally, what's the most frequently asked question posed by fans and if you could answer it one last time and never have to answer it again, what would that question be?

Mower: The most frequent question would have to be 'What was it like backstage at WWF?' It's a question that's hard to answer ONLY because its something you can only describe by experiencing it! I will never get tired of answering it only because if I was on the other end of the question, I would want to know! It was great and I'm so very fortunate to have met such amazing performers and wrestlers. They all were very nice and they all are coming from an amazing background that I have gotten a chance to see!

The WWF was a experience that I never thought I would experience! It was something spectacular! It was short but who cares! At least I, Caryn Mower, got to see what it's like to walk down that ramp and have 30,000 people 'BOO' me! What a thrill that was!