July is just a couple of weeks away, and the month approaching bears the gift of a new action film that not only features mixed martial arts fighting but also features a couple of prominent names from the wrestling world.
Unchained is the film's title, and while it stars actors such as Eric Roberts (The Dark Knight), Mair Mulroney, and Larry L. Andrews, it also features two faces that should be familiar to wrestling fanatics. Not only is three-time Hall of Fame recipient Rock Riddle along for the ride, but the action vehicle also prominently features NXT pro wrestler and star Franky Monet.
Franky Monet was formally known as Taya Valkyrie, but she adopted a new persona when joining the NXT brand for WWE. While we recently spoke with the director of Unchained, Raphaello, this time we were able to pick Taya/Franky's brain ourselves, and we learned not only about the film but also about her NXT debut and the emotional rollercoaster that has been for her.
Below, you can see the official poster for the film, featuring the main cast members, including Mulroney, Andrews, Valkyrie, Roberts, Riddle, and more, followed by the written transcript of this portion of our chat (the full video interview is at the bottom).
Travis Henderson: Franky, I want to say congratulations on your NXT debut. I'm sure you've probably been on a rollercoaster of emotions, and it's probably been really cool for you so far. So put it in your own words, how's it been?
Franky Monet: The whole experience has been very overwhelming. This is gonna sound so corny, but when you have a dream, and you've been thinking about it for so long... there were even moments, even this Fall, where I didn't know if it was going to happen. I had to bet all the money on myself and make this happen. Just be a free agent for a few months and having a heart attack just thinking about it. I just bet on myself, and it was so overwhelming when it came true.
It's a long process, and when the wheels started turning, I was like, 'oh my God, this is happening,' and it was the first day at NXT, and I'm like, 'what is going on here? What?! Do I work here now?!' (Laughs) It was such a crazy feeling, and it was very emotional. There were many days of happy tears, and it's such a wonderful, positive place to work.
I have so many positive things to say about everybody, from Triple H to Shawn Michaels to Road Dog to Scott Anderson. Everyone is just so cool and nice and wants you to succeed. It's great. And my debut was exactly what it had to be. Of course, I had to out-do any rope I've ever done before in my entire life. Naturally.
While the above photo is a still from Franky's new film Unchained, you can hear everything she has to say for herself in our full interview with the professional wrestler and actress below!
WWE/NXT professional wrestler Franky Monet (formally known as Taya Valkyrie) stopped by the show to chat with us about the upcoming film she stars in, Unchained. We dig into her character in the movie, the filming and fight choreography, and her chemistry with her castmates. Luckily, we were able to line up wrestling savant Travis Henderson to co-host and ask some of the good stuff that wrestling fans will be excited to hear. Franky/Taya shared a lot with us, including detailing her NXT debut and the other people she's been working with on the ring side of things.
We have also included our video interview with the film director, Raphaello, along with the synopsis for the film below. So be sure to share your thoughts in the usual spot, and stay tuned for our other interviews headed your way in support of Unchained with Larry L. Andrews, Mair Mulroney, and Rock Riddle.
To Rise, You Must Be Willing to Fall. Full-tilt action thriller Unchained opens up the world of underground fighting this summer.
An idealistic woman is kidnapped and forced to compete in an underground fight ring. Every night is a fight for her life as she plans to overthrow her captors and save the lives of many others doomed to the same endless cycle.
Unchained is unshackled July 2 on digital from Leomark Studios.