Stephanie Bell (April 16, 1989) is an American female independent professional wrestler working under the ring-name of Mia Yim. Yim is currently signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, working by the ring name Jade. Yim has worked for various promotions after beginning her wrestling career as a valet on August 22, 2009.
She debuted in many promotions and after leaving college, Yim received an invitation to train and wrestle in Japan with Universal Woman’s Pro Wrestling Reina in 2011. Through Reina’s relationship with Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre, Yim also learned Mexican Lucha Libre.
Yim appeared for a series TNA’s Knockouts Knockdown events and took on various opponents such as Tara, Brittany and Brooke. She mad a lasting impression as she was signed and debuted on the full-time roster as Jade along with Marti Bell, known collectively as The Doll House.
Mia Yim, currently going as Jade in TNA is a very prominent women’s wrestler in today’s independent scene. She’s a fantastic worker who’s not only young, but skilled beyond her years and has been stealing shows all across the globe. With looks, dexterity and agility she has fast became a top ring performer in one of the quickest time frames the wrestling world has ever seen.
By following the Independent Circuit and reading about the wrestlers and their storied careers, I am able to catch up with some of them and conduct an interview from time to time, which allows them to share with us their story. Recently I was able to catch up with Mia and she was gracious enough to put a halt to her busy schedule to discuss his career, future, and accomplishments. This is what she had to say.
* When did your pro wrestling career begin?
I started training beginning of 2008.
* What federations have you worked for along the way?
IMPACT, Shimmer, Shine, NXT, CZW, JAPW, WSU, Stardom, REINA just to name a few
* How did the idea of The Dollhouse come about?
Actually it was an idea the office thought of at the time.
* How could you explain the life on an independent wrestler?
I like to compare it to super hero life. I work a real full time job, so during the week, I’m working and keeping a low key. I go to the gym after work. During the weekend, I travel for shows.
* Were there any obstacles on your journey to the ring? If so, what were they and how did you overcome them?
Just being a female in the business is an obstacle. Got to tackle the stereotype of being too “girly” and cant up with the men. The thought that I would quit after taking my first bump. I kept my goals as my focus and not let it get to me. Other girls are catty and will say anything to get you to quit or ruin your success.
Another obstacle I encountered was that while I was training and the first few years of my wrestling career, I was attending college full time so it required alot of time management. I was able to balance the two and graduate with a bachelor’s degree. I’ve been told I was too fat or not pretty enough and everything else, I used it as motivation to accomplish all my goals.
* Do you pay attention to other federations or follow other wrestlers?
I follow other wrestlers if I actually know them. With my full time job and constantly traveling, it’s hard for me to keep up with other companies.
* What are your thoughts on the current status of Women’s Wrestling?
Its growing, we are now being looked at as equals rather than just “girls”. We are being taken seriously as wrestlers, not eye candy.
* What would be your dream match?
Vs Natalya, Vs Aja Kong, Vs Ayako Hamada, Vs Meiko Satomura
* What would you say is your greatest accomplishment in the sport of professional wrestling?
My feud with Greg Excellent is a big one as I think after our feud, intergender wrestling started to be taken seriously. My Japan career as that was my original goal when I started wrestling. Being able to earn a contract to wrestle for IMPACT as my whole career, I was told I was not built for TV wrestling. I love proving people wrong.
* What is your most memorable match?
Vs Greg Excellent (CZW), Vs Io Shirai (Stardom), Vs Awesome Kong (Shimmer), Vs AKINO (Shimmer), Vs Gail Kim (TNA), Vs Eddie Kingston (AIW)
* Who are/were some your favorite wrestlers and why?
Aja Kong. She’s a beast and a legend in Japan. Sara Del Rey because she helped me when I first started and was such a great vet to follow in every aspect. Mercedes Martinez as she can tell a phenomenal story in the ring. Koji Kanemoto
* What needs to be accomplished in your eyes to be able to look back and call your career a success when it’s all over?
When I think of legends in women’s wrestling and those that have changed the game, I think of SDR, Daizee Haze, Allison Danger, Mercedes Martinez. If someone asked that question to someone else and they included my name with that group, I will consider my career a success.
***Hopefully you enjoyed this interview and learned some new and interesting things about Mia Yim. The world of wrestling is a demanding business and the time set aside to do this interview should not be underestimated. I would like to personally thank Mia for taking the time to share with me her stories so I could share them with all of you. Her time is greatly appreciated…..
***For more information you can follow Mia Yim on Twitter: @jadetna, Instagram: jadetna and Facebook: /miayim. Go give her a follow and show her some eWN love!
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