The Female Force of Johnny Rodz: From Training Ring to Stardom

Guest writers Dan Westony and Israel Joffe write about the various female stars Johnny trained that are making an impact in wrestling

Professional wrestling, an industry once dominated by men, has seen a rise in prominent female figures over the years, many of whom owe their success to renowned trainer Johnny Rodz. Rodz has a long history of shaping successful careers, and his female trainees are no exception. Two of the most notable female wrestlers who trained under Rodz are Masha Slamovich and Marti Belle.

Masha Slamovich, a Russian-American professional wrestler, was trained by Johnny Rodz and debuted in 2016. Slamovich's strength, agility, and fierce in-ring presence reflect the key tenets of Rodz's training. She combines technical wrestling, power moves, and a charismatic persona to captivate audiences worldwide. Slamovich has wrestled in various promotions across the globe, including the United States, Japan, and Mexico, earning several championship titles. Her international success testifies to the universal applicability of Rodz's teachings.

As of now, Slamovich continues to make waves in the independent wrestling circuit and now in Impact Wrestling. She has particularly made a name for herself in Japan's World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana, where she won the Diana World Championship. With her unique blend of power and technical prowess, Slamovich has become a force to reckon with in women's professional wrestling. Her career trajectory underscores the effectiveness of Rodz's training and her commitment to perfecting her craft.

Marti Belle, born Martibel Payano, is another accomplished wrestler trained by Johnny Rodz. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York City, Belle took to professional wrestling with natural affinity. She debuted in 2008 and quickly made an impact in the industry. Belle's wrestling style, marked by technical acumen and resiliency, showcases the fruits of Rodz's intensive training.

Belle has found significant success in various promotions, most notably in Impact Wrestling, where she became a Knockouts Tag Team Champion. She has also been a prominent figure in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and Women of Wrestling (WOW). Each of these accomplishments speaks volumes about Belle's talent and the solid foundation provided by Rodz's training.

Currently, Belle continues to wrestle on the independent circuit and has made recent appearances in NWA. Her dedication to wrestling, coupled with her passion for representing her Dominican heritage, has made her a beloved figure in the industry. Belle's journey in professional wrestling highlights the long-lasting impact of Rodz's mentorship.

In conclusion, Johnny Rodz's influence as a trainer extends to a broad range of wrestlers, including standout female talents like Masha Slamovich and Marti Belle. The wrestling careers of these women have been significantly shaped by Rodz's teachings, enabling them to succeed in various promotions around the world. As they continue to progress in their careers, they carry with them Rodz's legacy, underscoring his enduring influence in the world of professional wrestling.