Former WWE Diva Talks Original NXT Concept Being "Sh-t," WWE Using Her Idea For Another Diva, More

D.R Webster @DRWebster1 recently interviewed Karlee Perez, a.k.a. Catrina in Lucha Underground and Maxine in WWE. During the interview, she discussed Lucha Underground, her time in the WWE in the first incarnation of NXT, backstage politics in the company and if TNA was ever an option. Below is the full interview.

First of all we would like to thank you Karlee for taking time out of your no doubt busy schedule to talk with us.

Lucha Underground of course has had a lot of buzz surrounding it since it's debut last year, with many calling it the alternative that wrestling fans have been waiting years for, with it's original concept including the camera work and location, backstage segments and exciting wrestling style. What does it feel like to have been apart of something from it's inception which is now popular?

It has been amazing....The show it's self is so refreshing. And working with the cast that we have is wonderful everyone is very talented, and all bring something to the table. Also being able to be apart of a Robert Rodriguez And Mark Burnett Productions is a dream come true. The creative side the style and the future of this show is endless.

Before joining Lucha Underground, you had one match in TNA last year as part of the Knockouts Knockdown 2: One Night Only PPV against Taryn Terrell, how was it doing that one date with TNA and was there ever any talks about you joining TNA permanently?

My TNA pay per view I enjoyed very much. It had been two years since I was in the ring. And I felt like I didn't miss a beat. I'm happy they asked me to do it. There was talk but when Lucha called I was sold.

How did you joining Lucha Underground come about, who contacted you about the opportunity and how did you feel about being apart of something which involved not only AAA, the top wrestling company in Mexico but Hollywood producer Mark Burnett and Robert Rodriguez?

I was contacted by Lucha's top writer Chris. He was a former WWE writer and loved my work during my time with WWE. He felt I would be a perfect fit, and I feel he was right. Everyone I have met from AAA and has been incredible we all have become very close. They show puts you in the middle of Hollywood and a new wrestling concept. I am very passionate about acting and film, and I'm also passionate about wrestling so I'm able to grow as an actress and a worker.

In Lucha Underground, the characters and storylines are a big part of the entire show and you are known as Catrina on TV at this point, are their any similarities to your real personality in Catrina and did you have any input in the concept/creation of the character?

Yes Characters are a big part!!! Which makes me love the show even more. To me a character is more important to develop as it gives the fans something to invest in. You can watch a million moves in the ring but if you watch one move done by someone you are invested in that means so much more.

I'm thankful that Lucha gave me open range to develop Catrina. I'm honored they trust my input and my creative side. It makes it so much more enjoyable when you work for a company that listens and let's you grow into your character.

One of the main gimmicks which caught on big with your character is your "Lick Of Death" calling card, who's idea was it for your character to do that and how do you feel about the response to it?

The #Lickofdeath was my idea!!! And I'm so pumped they allowed me to do it. In my mind give the fans something different. Even for people who think it's nasty at least I got them feeling something. And for the people who love it great!!! It's a dominating power thing and that is Catrina.

Despite your role as the manager/valet of Mil Muertes, have their been any discussion regarding you stepping into the ring inside The Temple and who would you most like to face if/when that takes place?

Yes there are talks that very soon I will be in the ring. And I can't wait!!! I'm very excited we have inter-gender matches, there are a few men and women I would like to rough up.

What sort of atmosphere is there behind the scenes in Lucha Underground and what is it like working there compared to the WWE?

Backstage is amazing at Lucha....we are all in competition but everyone is respectful and like family. There is a total difference from Lucha and WWE. In WWE it wasn't about working together or feeling comfortable. They do a great job at making people feel like there on edge and walking on ice at all times. It was a matter of time ...I knew I didn't want to live like that. I control my life not them. It's a shame but it's the way it is...you can't change them but you can't change yourself and respect who you are and what you offer.

At Lucha we are respected and treated like humans and the women are given a fair shot, not just 1 min matches and bikini shows.

You were the General Manager during you time in FCW due to high praise from the late Dusty Rhodes regarding your promo skills and during your time in FCW you were known for coming up with your own ideas, promos, storylines etc. Now that you are in Lucha Underground, do you feel that you will have the chance to really show off those skills now?

Yes Yes and Yes!!! I learned so much from Dusty, he made me the actress that I am today. He pushed for me more than anyone. And all those years of writing my promos, and character development it really made me ready for today. Lucha couldn't be more supportive I get to work with them on all levels and that's an experience money can't buy.

After FCW, you were apart of the third season of the original NXT, what did you think of the original concept of the show which consisted mostly of things like contests and other talent show style challenges with occasional matches and how was your experience working on the show?

My thought of the Original Concept...s–t!!!! Can I say that lol. They could have used us in so many other ways. But it was an experience and that's what matters.

You returned for NXT Redemption to work with Derrick Bateman, now known as Ethan Carter III in TNA, how was the experience of working with him and how is it to see him doing so well in TNA now?

I Love Ethan Carter!!! We had so much fun together and our chemistry was real. It got to a point where it became a joke we were still on NXT but yet are stuff was more entertaining then there main roster. By the way we got heat for that. I'm very happy he is doing great i wish nothing but the best for him.

You also had the chance to feud with AJ Lee and Kaitlyn during that period, who were your favourite people to work with throughout your time in FCW and NXT?

My fav person to work with was Naomi. Cause she was a real person. She never was fake and had her own thoughts and opinions. I saw a lot of the girls change and be something there not. She stayed true like myself and I respect her for that.

You have mentioned in previous interviews that Aksana received the gimmick and Teddy Long storyline that you pitched to the WWE for yourself originally, how did it feel to have your original idea taken from you and given to someone else and why do you think that happened despite her being green and less ready for that spot than you were at the time?

At the time I was upset since I was at FCW for three years and trying my best to get out. I cut a promo and pitched a storyline and less than 24hrs. Aksana went from the ditzy blonde to a black hair vixen, who was going up on the road in the exact same outfit as mine and doing the storyline that I wrote. But now it is a blessing, true colours will always shine. And I may not have had my fair shot then but it's my time now. Aksana was found by Triple H in a gym, that was his girl so she was protected at the time.

Why do you think that you were never given your fair chance on the main roster in WWE, many considered you already over with the fans and very talented, was it down to political issues or just being plainly overlooked?

It was political all the way!!! There are things that happen there I'm sure people have read on dirt sheets. And I don't agree with it.

We heard a story that you were once you were pulled up for being "too curvy" by the WWE, which sounds ridiculous and seems very hypocritical given that many girls on the roster that you worked at that time were similar like Kaitlyn, Naomi & Aksana. You have mentioned that your curves are no longer an issue now in Lucha Underground, instead being encouraged, however why do you feel that you were singled out in the WWE while the others were not?

I was told I came off too sexual and yes too curvy. I'm not sure why I was singled out. I told them to look at the top females in the industry. Beyoncé ....Kim K...JLo. But yes now I'm allowed to be me with my curves and all.

Being a creative person in nature, did you feel stifled by the atmosphere and politics of the WWE, not being able to progress or have your ideas heard and was it due to all of those barriers being put in front of you which lead to you leaving the WWE in the end?

YES you are right on point all those reasons in this question is why I left. It became so hard for me to just sit there and not do anything about it. But they sure liked my ideas.

In the current version of NXT, women's wrestling is taken more seriously and has been highlighted much more with the rise to prominance of women like Charlotte, Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch and more. Do you think that if you had came into the WWE at this point in your career and reported to the new version of NXT, that you would have had more of a chance to break through to the main roster like these girls have done?

It is possible but I still think the product is slowly moving downward. And something new is needed. Everything happens for a reason and the time I had there happened for my opportunity now.

You have been championed by Vince Russo over the past few months with him at different point calling you "Wrestling's Hottest Commodity" and "breakout character/performer of the year" how does it feel after being under appreciated in WWE to now being one of the stand out characters from Lucha U, gaining high praise from fans and professionals alike, is it validation for your hard work and determination throughout the years?

Yes it is I'm so honored and happy to be able to showcase thoughts and skills I have worked so hard on for years. And I pray it only grows from here.

To finish up, do you have any current or upcoming projects you would like to talk about outside of wrestling, as you have been doing some acting work recently of course and also what can your fans expect from Catrina in Lucha Underground in the future?

I'm currently signed with a manager and agent in NY. And pilot season is around the corner I have read for some great series like Orange is the New Black, Gotham City, Girls and more. So I'm very excited to see where my acting goes. I was able to work on two series so far and both have one at the LA film festivals.

As for Catrina you can expect one hell of a ride. I plan on making her even more raw and edgy. Of course there will be a lot more #lickofdeaths