WRESTLING EYE: WOMEN OF WRESTLING SPRING/SUMMER 1991
RUSTEE THOMAS
OUTFOXING THE COMPETITION
BY BARBI BARKER
[[MORE]]She’s a woman competing in a man’s world and it doesn’t seem to bother her one bit; as a matter of fact, she thrives on the daily competition and looks forward to the time when she is able to travel seven days a week to face new challenges. She says that because she’s a woman, she has to work harder to prove herself as an athlete than men just starting out have to.
Being a native of Virginia, this 5’6”, 135 pound lady possesses the fire needed to make it in the wrestling world. Rustee had her first match in 1988 and now has been hot ever since.
Now, without further ado, meet Rustee “The Foxx” Thomas:
WOMEN OF WRESTLING: Did you have any professional training to become a wrestler?
RUSTEE THOMAS: Well, I got my basic training at the Virginia Wrestling Association Wrestling School and I graduated in 1988. I also continue training at Noopy’s School of Wrestling to further my skills.
WOW: What made you decide to become a professional wrestler?
RT: I enjoy sports and have been into physical fitness for about half my life. To put it simply, I love sports and wanted to compete in something. Wrestling’s captured my interest.
[Rustee is the current VWA Ladies champ.]
WOW: Other than being the VWA Ladies champion, have you held any titles?
RT: I sure have. I’ve held the Women’s World belt for the National Wrestling League. I won that title in July of 1990 by defeating Bambi.
WOW: You’ve yet to say but, if you’re married, how does your husband feel about you wrestling?
RT: If I’m married? Well, I do have a guy in my life. He’s very supportive and helps me keep on pushing for my goal. He gets involved as much as possible.
WOW: Since you primarily work for VWA, how would you compare this promotion to others?
RT: To be honest, it would be hard to compare the VWA to other independent promotions. The independents are the backbone of wrestling today so I feel they are all great.
WOW: Do you have any type of training schedule?
RT: When I’m not on the road I train at least three days a week. I lift weights four days a week plus do some aerobic exercises. Diet is also a big part of training. I drink a LOT of water and try to avoid junk foods as much as possible.
[Rustee is “doing the twist” with her opponent’s leg.]
WOW: Finish this sentence. Rustee Thomas is a woman who…..
RT: Rustee Thomas is a woman who really gets into her work.
WOW: Name something you could not live without.
RT: I couldn’t live without the support and backing of my family and fans. My family is very supportive and that means a lot, especially when you are first starting out as a wrestler.
WOW: Since becoming a pro, who has been your toughest opponent?
RT: (Smiling) Without a doubt, it would have to be Heidi Lee Morgan. She’s really quick and strong; she’s outsmarted me several times! Another would have to be Black Venus.
WOW: Besides the VWA and NWL, have you worked for any other promotions?
RT: Because I’m not under contract for one particular promotion, I’ve been able to travel more than most. Along with the VWA, I’ve worked for, of course, the NWL, Pro Star, POWW, the ICW, and the LPWA. They’ve all treated me fairly and I would work for them again.
[Rustee Thomas stretched before her next encounter.]
WOW: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
RT: I would change my attitude! I’m not tough enough. I tend to be very open and sharing because of these traits, I’m let down a lot.
WOW: What would you keep the same?
RT: That’s an easy question. My love for animals!
WOW: Since your wrestling career began, have you suffered any major injuries?
RT: You know, athletes in any sport, whether it’s football, baseball or wrestling, get some type of injuries on a fairly regular basis. So far, I’ve had a dislocated shoulder and broken and fractured ribs.
WOW: What are your views regarding managers in this sport?
RT: I guess you realize I’m not only a wrestler-I’m also a manager! Managers are helpful to some and harmful to others. A good manager, like myself, keeps the fans interested in the wrestlers, NOT themselves.
WOW: If you could change anything about others, what would it be?
RT: Tough question! I guess I’d have to say…don’t be a copy cat. Be yourself.
[“The Foxx” makes her move.]
WOW: Put Rustee Thomas into one word.
RT: Spontaneous!
WOW: Finish another sentence. I”m best when it comes to…..
RT: I’m best when it comes to aggravating my opponent and working the crowd into a frenzy.
WOW: Now, be honest with this question! What is your ideal man like?
RT: (Smiling) It would be a man who is patient, caring, ambitious and supportive. I like the blue collar class man but white collar is OK too!
WOW: If you had the opportunity to enter the NWA or WWF, would you go?
RT: Yes! “IF” the opportunity came, I would put my best foot forward and give 100%. The WWF and NWA are the largest promotions in the country. To be able to walk out to the ring and show that women’s wrestling CAN be entertaining in a large male’s federation would be a true honor.
WOW: Do you have a fantasy?
RT: I do but it’s nothing really out of the ordinary. I would like to be wealthy, happy and not have to worry so much. Typical, right?”
WOW: Are you currently involved in and major feuds?
RT: Well, I’m currently trying to get Bambi to give me a shot at her Southeast Ladies title but she appears to be dodging me. After battling over the NWL belt, I think she’s afraid of my challenge.
[Rusty trains hard.]
WOW: How would you like the fans to most remember you ten years from now?
RT: As a woman wrestler who knew how to really WRESTLE! You can write to Rustee “The Foxx” Thomas care of:
V.W.A.
P.O. Box 34142
Richmond, VA 23234-0142.
