The staff was able to have a pleasant exchange with former WWE Diva, Joy Giovanni. Many things were discussed and Joy herself had a chance to tell her fans about her time in WWE and more! Thanks once again to Joy Giovanni for joining us!

Marcella: Thank you so much Joy Giovanni for joining us! Let’s start from the beginning, how and why did you enter the 2004 Diva Search?
Joy Giovanni: WWE approached casting agents to have a huge number of girls sent in for the casting. We were told that they wanted to employ some some actors to enhance the believability of the storylines/ backstage segments.

Marcella: How did the divas and wrestlers react when you and the other diva searchers were around?
Joy Giovanni: The diva search girls were kept separate from all the existing talent. We were very rarely allowed to interact with talent other than Coach and Stephanie McMahon. The rumors were that they didn’t approve of us being there though.

Marcella: During one of the competitions in the Diva Search, you and your fellow remaining contestants had to “Diss the Diva”. There seemed to be a lot of friction between everyone and Carmella DeCesare. What was the story behind most people not getting along with Carmella?
Joy Giovanni: Let me preface this by saying that I wish Carmella luck in life. She separated herself from the rest of us, was rude, stuck up, constantly made fun of all of the WWE Superstars, repeatedly voiced that she thought the entire thing was stupid and was completely disrespectful to the company and to me personally. Perhaps she felt the need to attack me because she viewed me as a threat. Who knows? I always try to keep in mind that as long as I have my own personal “haters” that I must be doing something right :)

To read the full interview read on!

Marcella: What was it like to work on screen with the Big Show?
Joy Giovanni: Big Show was always very welcoming and helpful to me from day 1. He is very talented and intelligent. We remain friends to this day.

Marcella: Your feud with Amy Weber was comedic. What was it like to feud with her?
Joy Giovanni: I enjoyed working with Amy. We have always had a fierce chemistry together.

Marcella: Were you satisfied with your WWE program with her? Did you feel that you could guys could have done more?
Joy Giovanni: I was very happy, satisfied and greatful to be part of a main event program. Working with Amy had its ups and downs as did our then dwindling friendship. When she left our program was destroyed. I do, however, understand why she left. As far as feeling like “we could have done more” we actually had a match scheduled. Not bad for two actresses from LA with NO formal wrestling training!

Marcella: What did it feel like to win Rookie Diva of 2005?
Joy Giovanni: Bittersweet. I was elated to know that I had the support and love of the fans but was disappointed because the “rookie diva competition” was what replaced the Amy vs Joy match was scheduled to take place.

Marcella: What was your reaction to being released in the summer of 2005?
Joy Giovanni: I wrote a long blog about this as my first myspace blog. It is still posted so I would encourage you to read it for all the details regarding my release.

Marcella: What was it like to return to the WWE for the infamous 25 Divas Battle Royal?
Joy Giovanni: It was an honor to be asked to participate considering all the former divas who are out there. Also, it was an undescribable feeling to be involved in a WrestleMania again and to be out in front of that many fans. It was electric.

Marcella: A lot of divas past and present felt that the 25 Diva Battle Royal at Wrestlemania wasn’t booked properly. What was your opinion on the Battle Royal?
Joy Giovanni: I wish they would have announced each of our names individually. Other than that, I’m satisfied with the way it all went down.

Marcella: One of our former staff members, Mary Anne, wanted to know, if you would ever consider a return to the WWE? If so, which show would you be on?
Joy Giovanni: This is also answered in detail in the blog I mentioned above. The very short answer is “it depends”.

Marcella: Also, Mary Anne wanted to know, who were some of your closest friends in WWE?
Joy Giovanni: I would say my closest friends were Mark Jindrak and Rey Mysterio but I made quite a few friends on the roster.

Marcella: Do you currently watch WWE or TNA shows? If so, which divas/knockouts are your favorite?
Joy Giovanni: It is very rare that I watch a wrestling show these days.

Marcella: Would you ever consider going to TNA?
Joy Giovanni: In participating in Wrestle Mania I was able to meet all of the current divas and some of the divas past that I didn’t already know. I was amazed at the talented group of Divas that WWE has right now.

Marcella: Before you got into the wrestling business, you were in the music video, “The Beast and The Harlot”, by Avenged Sevenfold. What was that experience like?
Joy Giovanni: The Avenged 7fold video was filmed either during my time with WWE or right after. (it’s been so long that it’s difficult to remember but it definitely wasn’t before) It was a great deal of fun. I normally turn down music videos but really liked the song and video concept for this one so I agreed to do it. A crazy long day, but worth it!

Marcella: What advice would you give any females or males who want to get into the wrestling business?
Joy Giovanni: Pursue your dreams but definitely have some back-up career goals and/or education. Even if you make it all the way to the top your entire career can be crushed in an instant by a very common injury. As far as the business itself the only advice I can think of is don’t emulate the gimmick of current or past talent- be original, be different, but be a very extreme version of yourself.

Marcella: One of our readers, Chris Perry, wanted to know whether you were close with either Maria or Michelle during your time with WWE?
Joy Giovanni: Maria was on the other brand so didn’t see her much and worked with Michelle and got along fine but we were not bff’s.

Marcella: A former staff member, Lisa, wanted to know what did you enjoy the most about WWE and what did you enjoy the least?
Joy Giovanni: Most: the fans. 100%.
Least: behind the scenes political b.s.

Marcella: Another one of our readers, Florence Martin, wanted to know what were your opinions of John Cena and Kurt Angle?
Joy Giovanni: John Cena: Hard working, greatful for his success and polite. Also, I think his dad (John Cena Sr) is a great guy :)
Kurt Angle: Kurt has been a wrestler in some capacity for many many years. He knows the business well and is a dedicated athlete.

Marcella: Most importantly, what projects have you been up to lately?
Joy Giovanni: So many wonderful things are in the works! I just moved to Hollywood from San Diego last month. I am a big believer in not “jinxing” things so I will have to give you all the juicy details when things are more set in stone :)

Marcella: Let’s play a quick one word association!
Joy Giovanni: A) Vince McMahon Charismatic times 1million!
B) Stephanie McMahon makes me proud to be a woman!
C) Christy Hemme all fire!
D) John Bradshaw Layfield good ‘ol boy
E) Amy Weber ummmm abrasive
F) Torrie Wilson bangin’ body
G) Dawn Marie very “Jersey”
H) Big Show I heart Show :)

Marcella: Once again, thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview. Do you have any last words or anything you want to promote?
Joy Giovanni: www.twitter.com/joygiovanni As you know, I post candid pics often and respond to my @mssgs :) I’ll release info about upcoming “stuff” there as I am permitted to talk about them :)