Angel Orsini
Orsini in 2010
Ring name(s)	Angel Orsini Prodigette Riptide
Billed height	5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Billed weight	155 lb (70 kg)
Born	(-08-26)August 26, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Resides	New Brunswick, NJ
Trained by	Liz Chase Dusty Rhodes
Debut	October 1996
Website	www.TheAngelOrsini.com

Angel Orsini (born August 26) is an American professional wrestler, bodybuilder and former mixed martial arts fighter, best known by her ring name Riptide. She has competed in North American independent promotions including Women Extreme Wrestling, Ohio Valley Wrestling and Extreme Championship Wrestling, most notably as The Prodigette who managed the stable the 'Sideshow Freaks' during the last years of the promotion.

Early life and martial arts[link]

Born in Washington, D.C., Orsini became involved in bodybuilding and strength training in 1991 and, the following year, began studying Tae Kwon Do and Hopkido.

During 1993, she competed as a heavyweight in the North Miami Beach Bodybuilding Championship and the South Florida Bodybuilding Championships winning second place in both competitions.

After three years of training, Orsini became a Black Belt and entered an instructor training program eventually teaching Tae Kwon Do. That same year, she began training with Bart Vale in freefighting and mixed martial arts.

She began fighting professionally in 1996, winning the Florida State Continuous Fighting Championship before travelling to Japan to make her MMA debut against Yokimiko Hotta in March 1996.

Professional wrestling career[link]

While in Japan, Orsini was persuaded by female wrestler Reggie Bennett to enter professional wrestling after watching Japanese female wrestling. Returning to the United States, she began training under Liz Chase in Royal Palm Beach, Florida and made her debut five months later facing Joanni Lee Lauer at the Iron Horse Saloon in Ormond Beach, Florida in October 1996.^[1]

She soon began wrestling for the Fabulous Moolah's Ladies International Wrestling Federation and eventually won several championship titles including the Sunshine Wrestling Federation Women's Championship defeating Luna Vachon in 1997 and defeated her trainer Liz Chase for the Florida Championship Wrestling and Ultimate Wrestling Federation titles during the next two years. She would also train Molly Holly for a career in professional wrestling, later going on to become a popular WWE Diva in World Wrestling Entertainment during the late 1990s.

In 1999, she became less active on the independent circuit fighting a mixed martial arts match for the hybrid-MMA promotion Pancrase at the Bronco Bowl in Dallas, Texas and again competing in the South Florida Bodybuilding Championships receiving second place. She also appeared twice on The Jenny Jones Show on a segment about women who intimidate men regarding their occupation and, the following year, on women in abusive relationships.

Orsini began wrestling in international promotions during the next year, touring Peru with Lita and participated in the Trans-Atlantic Challenge while in Great Britain.

Extreme Championship Wrestling[link]

Orsini, who had previously sent a video tape of her wrestling matches to Extreme Championship Wrestling, was hired by promoter Paul Heyman and began appearing as The Prodigette managing the stable Sideshow Freaks which included Simon Diamond, Johnny Swinger, The Muskateer, Tom Marquez and Bilvis Wesley.

Feuding with Jazz, she also confronted male wrestlers including Jerry Lynn who put her in a piledriver at her last appearance at the ECW Arena. Staying with the promotion until its close in 2001, she was forced to miss the last house show after being severely injured in a car accident.^[2]

Although doctors had told Orsini that she had suffered a career ending injury, she successfully returned to wrestling within six months and later won the PGWA Championship from Susan Green, she dedicated her victory to the memory of her trainer Liz Chase who died earlier that year.

After the demise of ECW, Orsini returned to competing in independent promotions including Women's Extreme Wrestling and Assault Championship Wrestling winning the WEW tag team titles with Simply Lucious defeating Tracy Brooks & Angel Williams.

European and U.S. independent promotions[link]

In 2004, she moved to Rotterdam to compete in European wrestling promotions including International Wrestling Stars (Eurostars) and Free-Style Championship Wrestling. Defeating X-Dream to win the FCW Lightweight Championship in Ghent, Belgium the next year. During this period, she also competed in an IWF Ladies Tournament as Riptide,^[3] meeting Lexie Fyfe in the final. During this match, Lexie Fyfe became extremely brutal with Riptide. She grabbed her by the hair. Then she pulled her hair extremely hard.

Orsini moved back to the United States in May 2005 and returned to mixed martial arts competition and training for a professional boxing career.

While in New England Championship Wrestling, she and Alere Little Feather defeated Mercedes Martinez and Cindy Rogers on June 4 and, the following night, defeated Luscious Lilly in the opening rounds of the NECW's All-Women's Tournament before being eliminated by Martinez in the second round.

Defeating Luna Vachon at a USWO event on October 14, she began competing for Ohio Valley Wrestling, a developmental territory for World Wrestling Entertainment, attempting to gain a contract with WWE.

She would continue wrestling for various independent promotions across the U.S. until injuring both her heels in a ladder match against Sumie Sakai at an event for Dangerous Women of Wrestling on February 2, 2006.

Forced to take 14 months off, she returned to active competition one year later teaming with Amy Lee against Mercedes Martinez and Mickie Knuckles at a Pro Wrestling Unplugged event on February 17, 2007.^[4][5]

Women's Extreme Wrestling[link]

Returning to Women's Extreme Wrestling, she defeated Amber O'Neal although she lost to Talia Madison in a match for the WEW Women's World Championship late during the main event in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 5.

On July 12, she again wrestled two matches in one night, losing to Jazz in a TLC match with Francine as special referee and later defeated Annie Social.^[6]

Women Superstars Uncensored (2007-2011)[link]

Making her debut in Women Superstars Uncensored in September, she was introduced Missy Hyatt who interviewed Orsani on her interview segment "Missy's Manor". During the interview, she was confronted by wrestler Rick Cataldo and attacked him when he attempted to interrupt her interview. She was then challenged moments later by former tag team partner Amy Lee and agreed to face her the following week.

During their match, only seconds after hitting Orsini with a DDT, the arena lights went out and Lee was attacked by a masked wrestler allowing Orsini to pin her for the victory. Following the match, the masked wrestler revealed herself to be Mercedez Martinez and attacked Lee along with Orsani. Following this incident, she and Mercedez would feud with Lee and Luna Vachon for the next several weeks.^[7] On May 31, 2008, in Rahway, NJ, she defeated Nikki Roxx to win the WSU Championship. Orsini lost the title to Martinez in a bullrope match on March 7, 2009 in Boonton, New Jersey.

Orsini defeated Annie Social, Trixxie Lynn and Rain in succession on April 10, 2009 in Bergenfield, New Jersey to win the third-annual WSU Women's J-Cup Tournament. The tournament also featured Miss April, Brooke Carter, Roxie Cotton and Jennifer Cruz. The win garnered her another title shot that saw her battle Mercedes Martinez for 70 minutes in an ironwoman match, which Martinez won. Orsini would briefly team with and then feud with Rain before teaming up with her longtime rival Mercedes Martinez to win the tag team titles in November 2009. In 2010, Orsini returned to the finals of the J-Cup tournament but lost to Alicia.

Orsini created the "All Guts & No Glory Championship" at "WSU When the Tigers Broke Free" in August 2010, and defended the title that night against Awesome Kong, defeating her via DQ. Orsini would defend the title through the rest of 2010 against the likes of Alicia, Jamilia Craft, and the entire Cosmo Club. On January 22, 2011, Orsini faced Mercedes Martinez once again, this time in a ladder match with both Martinez's WSU Championship and Orsini's All Guts & No Glory Championship on the line to be unified. Mercedes defeated Orsini in what was the main event of WSU's Final Chapter iPPV.

In wrestling[link]

• Finishing moves
  • Kiss of Death (Reverse STO)
  • Undertow (Moonsault)

• Signature moves
  • Cradle suplex
  • Frankensteiner
  • Vertical suplex

Championships and accomplishments[link]

• Florida Championship Wrestling
  • FCW Women's Championship (4 times)

• Freestyle Championship Wrestling
  • FCW Lightweight Championship (1 time)

• Hot-TV Wrestling
  • HTVW Championship (1 time)

• Professional Girl Wrestling Association
  • PGWA Championship (1 time)

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI ranked her #22 of the best 50 female singles wrestlers in the PWI Female 50 in 2009^[8] and 2011^[9]

• Sunshine Wrestling Federation
  • SWF Women's Championship (1 time)

• Ultimate Wrestling Federation
  • UWF Women's Championship (1 time)

• Women's Extreme Wrestling
  • WEW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Simply Lucious
  • WEW World Championship (2 times)

• Women Superstars Uncensored
  • WSU Championship (1 time)
  • WSU Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Mercedes Martinez
  • All Guts, No Glory Championship (1 time)
  • J-Cup Tournament (2009)

References[link]

External links[link]

Professional wrestling portal

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Angel Orsini

• Online World of Wrestling profile
• Official website
• Angel Orsini Interview
• G.L.O.R.Y. Wrestling profile
• Wrestling Clothesline: Top 50 Independent Woman Wrestlers
• 3 Way With Fire & Ice radio show starring Angel Orsini & Amber O'Neal

Lacey Von Erich
Ring name(s)	Lacey Von Erich[1]
Height	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Born	(1986-07-17) July 17, 1986 (age 25)[2] Dallas, Texas[2]
Resides	Los Angeles, California
Billed from	Dallas, Texas
Trained by	Steve Keirn[3]
Debut	2007[3]

Lacey Dawn Adkisson^[3][4] (born July 17, 1986)^[2] is an American professional wrestler better known by her ring name Lacey Von Erich. She is the daughter of Kerry Von Erich and the granddaughter of Fritz Von Erich. She is best known for working for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling where she is a one-time TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champion, defending under the freebird rule and holding the longest reign for the championship with former Beautiful People partners Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne.

Professional wrestling career[link]

World Wrestling Entertainment (2007)[link]

Adkisson signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment in August 2007.^[4] She was assigned to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) in Tampa, Florida, and became the first third generation wrestler from the Von Erich family.^[4] She made her debut for FCW on September 15, 2007 managing Billy Kidman under the ring name Lacey Von Erich.^[5] On September 25, 2007, Lacey then appeared as the valet for Ryan O' Reilly along with Maryse Ouellet.^[6] On October 9, 2007 Von Erich made her in-ring debut in a loss against Nattie Neidhart.^[4][7] Von Erich made the decision to leave World Wrestling Entertainment due to heavy travel schedule and did not want to be away from her son.^[4]

Lacey made an appearance at WrestleMania XXV, where the Von Erich family was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. She was seen in the audience as her uncle, Kevin Von Erich, accepted the induction.

Independent circuit (2008–present)[link]

On March 8, 2008, Von Erich returned to the ring with Missy Hyatt in her corner in a match against Angel Orsini in Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey. Wrestling barefoot like her uncle Kevin, Von Erich won the match by defeating Orsini with the Iron Claw. On March 22, 2008, Von Erich made her debut in Professional Championship Wrestling in Arlington, Texas. She teamed up with Action Jackson to defeat Mike Foxx and Claudia in a mixed tag team match.^[8] Before the debut at PCW she wrestled in a mixed tag team match vs. JT Lamotta and MissDiss_lexia at SWWA in Granbury, TX/ Von Erich joined Pro Wrestling Revolution on June 7, 2008. In December 2008, she defeated Cheerleader Melissa at a Pro Wrestling Revolution show in San Francisco, California.^[2]

On July 10, 2009, Lacey Von Erich defeated Mia Martinez, Faith, Huntress, and Kimberly Kash to become the new WCPW Ladies Champion.^[9]

Wrestlicious (2009–2010)[link]

In 2009, Von Erich began working for an all-female wrestling promotion, Wrestlicious, which was created by Jimmy Hart and started airing in March 2010.^[10] She, however, had to be released by the company after the tapings of the first season of episodes, after signing with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.^[2] She debuted on March 17 edition of Takedown in a tag team main event, where she and Amber Lively defeated Draculetta and White Magic via disqualification.^[11] On the April 7 edition of Takedown, Von Erich participated in a battle royal to determine the top two contenders for the Wrestlicious Crown. She was eliminated by Kickstart Katie.^[12] On the May 19 edition of Takedown, Von Erich helped Alexandra the Great in her submission match against Kickstart Katie. She ended up putting Brooke Lynne in the Von Erich Claw to make her drop her towel and give Alexandra the victory over Katie.^[13]

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2009–2010)[link]

Von Erich with the Ugly Stick, as part of The Beautiful People.

On the October 1, 2009, episode of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's Impact!, Von Erich debuted as a heel, by aligning herself with the Beautiful People of Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne and attacking the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champions, Taylor Wilde and Sarita.^[14] On the October 15 edition of Impact! she made her in-ring debut teaming with Sky and Rayne in a six knockout tag team match, where they defeated the team of Awesome Kong, ODB and Tara.^[15] Two weeks later on Impact! she once again teamed with Sky and Rayne in a six knockouts tag team match, where they defeated ODB, Christy Hemme and Hamada, when Von Erich pinned Hemme after a chokeslam, scoring her first victory in TNA.^[16] On November 5, she started carrying a pink nightstick with her to the ring, dubbed "Lacey's Ugly Stick". At Turning Point, the Beautiful People were unsuccessful in gaining any gold in TNA, as ODB pinned Rayne in a six knockout tag team match with all the gold on the line to win the match for the reigning champions.^[17] The Beautiful People began appearing in backstage segments they dubbed as their reality show "The Meanest Girls", an allusion to the 2004 teen comedy Mean Girls.^[18] On the December 10 edition of Impact! Von Erich was defeated by Velvet Sky in a mud wrestling match refereed by Madison Rayne. The match was booked by Kevin Nash, who was in charge for the evening, in an attempt to get big ratings.^[19] On the January 14, 2010, edition of Impact! Sky, Rayne and Von Erich were attacked by the returning Angelina Love, whom Von Erich had replaced in the Beautiful People.^[20] On the March 8 Monday night edition of Impact! Rayne and Sky defeated the teams of Love and Tara and Sarita and Taylor Wilde in a three-way match to win the vacant TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship, which they defended with Von Erich under the Freebird rule.^[21] Her first title defense was on the April 19 edition of Impact!, where she teamed with Velvet Sky to defeat the team of Daffney and ODB.^[22] On the June 17 edition of Impact! Von Erich competed in her second singles match in TNA against Angelina Love, who was making a return from an injury, and won via disqualification after she was dropped on a steel chair with a DDT.^[23]

On July 11 at Victory Road, Rayne lost the Women's Knockout Championship to Angelina Love via disqualification due to outside interference from a person incognito in a motorcycle helmet. Prior to the match it was announced that the title would change hands via disqualification, if either Velvet Sky or Lacey Von Erich interfered in the match.^[24] On the following edition of Impact!, The Beautiful People imploded as Sky said she didn't approve of Rayne's recent attitude, behavior, and apparent affiliation with the mystery woman at the pay-per-view, to which Rayne responded by saying that she didn't need Sky anymore. Sky and Von Erich then walked out on Rayne as she and the mystery woman ganged up on Love.^[25] On the July 22 edition of Impact!, the Women's Knockout Championship was returned to Rayne, when it was declared that there was no proof that the person who had interfered in the match was either Sky or Von Erich. Later that same night Rayne managed to convince Von Erich to abandon Sky and leave with her and the mystery woman.^[26][27] On July 27, at the tapings of the August 5 edition of Impact!, Von Erich and Sky lost the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship to Hamada and Taylor Wilde, when Rayne's and the mystery woman's interference backfired. Later in the night, Sky and Rayne were seen fighting backstage, during which Sky shoved Von Erich, who tried to make peace between her team mates, inadvertently knocking her unconscious.^[28][29] The following week it was announced that Von Erich had suffered a broken cheek bone in the scuffle.^[30]

On the September 16 edition of Impact!, Von Erich returned from her injury teaming with Rayne against Wilde and Hamada for the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship. Von Erich and Rayne were unsuccessful in regaining the championships, after which Von Erich was attacked by Rayne and Tara, before being saved by Velvet Sky and Angelina Love, thus turning Von Erich face.^[31] On the October 28 edition of Impact! it was announced that Von Erich had agreed to train Miss Tessmacher to wrestle, after her stable mates had turned her down the previous week.^[32] However, on November 11, 2010, Adkisson announced her departure from TNA.^[33]

Hulkamania: Let the Battle Begin (2009)[link]

In November 2009, Von Erich took part in the Australian tour "Hulkamania: Let the Battle Begin" created by Hulk Hogan. On November 21 she won a bikini contest, which also included Koa Marie Turner, Stephanie Pietz and Kiara Dillon. She also interfered in the main event between Hogan and Ric Flair, on Flair's behalf but was stripped down by Hogan's manager, Jimmy Hart.^[34] In other matches on the tour she was used as Flair's manager.

Other media[link]

On January 25, 2010, Lacey appeared as a live guest on the weekly "Right After Wrestling" radio program on Hardcore Sports Radio on SIRIUS Radio Chanel 98 with host Arda Ocal.^[35] In November 2010 she was a contestant on an all TNA week of Family Feud, teaming with Angelina Love, Christy Hemme, Tara and Velvet Sky against Jay Lethal, Matt Morgan, Mick Foley, Mr. Anderson and Rob Van Dam.^[36]

Personal life[link]

Adkisson is part of the Von Erich family. Her grandfather was Fritz Von Erich, and she is the daughter of Kerry Von Erich.^[4] She has an older sister named Hollie.^[4] She has one child.^[4]

Adkisson runs her own advertising company in Southern California.^[4] In early 2009, she was diagnosed with meningitis after complaining of a migraine, but she made a full recovery.^[2]

In wrestling[link]

Von Erich applying the Von Erich Claw on Sarita.

Von Erich performing a chokeslam.

• Finishing moves
  • Chokeslam^[37]
  • Tornado Punch (Discus punch)^[3] – adopted from her father
  • Von Erich Claw (Clawhold)
• Signature moves
  • Back flip transitioned into an elbow drop, sometimes from the second rope
  • Variations of Suplex
    • Double underhook
    • Delayed vertical
    • Chickenwing
    • Snap
  • Spinning savate kick^[22]
• With Velvet Sky
  • Double DDT^[38]
• Nicknames
  • "The Heir Apparent to the Von Erich Throne"^[39]
  • "The Texas Twister"^[2][40]
• Managers
  • Missy Hyatt
• Wrestlers managed
  • Billy Kidman^[1][41]
  • Ric Flair^[1]
  • Victoria Crawford^[1]
  • Ryan O'Reilly^[41]
  • Alexandra the Great^[42]
  • Madison Rayne^[1]
  • Velvet Sky^[1]
• Entrance themes
  • "Angel on My Shoulder" by Dale Oliver^[43]

Championships and accomplishments[link]

Von Erich with a TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship belt.

• Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
  • TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship (1 time)¹ – with Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne^[44]

• Windy City Pro Wrestling
  • WCPW Ladies Championship (1 time)^[9][45]

¹Von Erich defended the title with either Rayne or Sky under the Freebird Rule.

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Lacey Von Erich

Professional wrestling portal

• Online World of Wrestling profile
• Gerweck profile

Mercedes Martinez
Ring name(s)	Maria Toro[1] Mercedes Martinez
Billed height	5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)[2][3]
Billed weight	147 lb (67 kg; 10.5 st)[3]
Born	(1980-11-17) November 17, 1980 (age 31) United States
Resides	Waterbury, Connecticut
Billed from	Waterbury, Connecticut
Trained by	Jason Knight
Debut	November 12, 2000[3]

Mercedes Martinez (born November 17, 1980) is a American professional wrestler, currently performing for Shimmer Women Athletes,^[4] as well as numerous independent promotions including World Xtreme Wrestling, Women Superstars Uncensored, and Full Impact Pro.

Professional wrestling career[link]

Early career[link]

Mercedes Martinez began her training under Jason Knight in October 2000.^[3] She defeated a male wrestler by the name of "Juice" in her first match on November 12, 2000.^[3] In 2001, she gained exposure under promoter Sheldon Goldberg.^[3] Goldberg subsequently formed a women's division in New England Championship Wrestling around Martinez, including bringing in foreign talent such as Yoshimoto Ladies Pro's Sumie Sakai.^[3] The duo traded the North American Women's Championship.^[3]

Through 2003 and 2004, Martinez competed in various promotions in New England such as Connecticut Championship Wrestling, Combat Zone Wrestling, and Ian Rotten's IWA Mid South. In IWA, Martinez was brought in to face the star of the women's division, Mickie Knuckles.^[3]

Shimmer and Ring of Honor (2005–present)[link]

On November 6, 2005 Mercedes wrestled in the inaugural event of the new exclusive women wrestling promotion, Shimmer Women Athletes run by Dave Prazak, who discovered her while watching a Kiryoku Pro DVD.^[3] Martinez wrestled Sara Del Rey in a 20-minute time limit draw,^[3] and both were given a standing ovation after their match.^[5] Martinez continued to wrestle for Shimmer and various independent promotions across America through 2006.^[6]

On March 25, 2006, Martinez made her Ring of Honor (ROH) debut in New York City where she competed in a Shimmer sanctioned match versus her counterparts of Allison Danger, Daizee Haze, and Lacey. On December 22, Martinez suffered an injury in an ROH match teaming with Jimmy Jacobs against Haze and B.J. Whitmer.^[7] She returned to Ring of Honor by the end of December 2007, aligning herself with The Vulture Squad. On May 27 it was announced that Martinez and ROH had amicably parted ways.^[8]

On May 2, 2009 she took part in Shimmer's Volume 23 where she lost to Awesome Kong. Later in the night, as part of Volume 24, she defeated Madison Eagles. The next day, she lost to Serena Deeb for Volume 25, and teamed with Deeb to take on Sara Del Rey and Kong for Volume 26, but had a losing effort in that match.

She lost against the debuting Ayako Hamada on November 8, 2009 after a Hama-Chan Cutter, but was able to score a pinfall over Cat Power as part of Volume 28 after hitting her with the Fisherman Buster.

On October 2, 2011, Martinez turned heel for the first time in her Shimmer career, starting a rivalry with Athena.^[9]

World Xtreme Wrestling (2005–2006; 2011–present)[link]

In 2005, Martinez joined World Xtreme Wrestling. She participated in several matches, and then started feud with Talia Madison for the WXW Women's Championship. On July 8, Martinez defated Madison to become the new Women's Champion. However, the title was declared vacant on September 3, when she won the WXW Cruiserweight Championship from Drew Blood on February 19, 2006. On January 6, 2007, Martinez defeated Cindy Rogers to regain the Women's Championship. She lost the championship to Kacee Carlisle on March 3. In the middle of 2007, Martinez left the company.

In August 2011, WXW announced that she will make her return after four years. On August 27, Martinez returned to the company, starting feud with Kimberly. On September 10, Martinez defeated her to become the first woman to hold the WXW Women's Championship three times. On February 11, 2012 Martinez defeated Kimberly in a two out of three falls match.

Independents (2006–present)[link]

Martinez wrestling Sara Del Rey in June 2010

Martinez also competed in ChickFight IV in April 2006. She made it to the final round before being eliminated by MsChif. Later in the night, MsChif also defeated Martinez and Cheerleader Melissa in a falls count anywhere match.^[10]

On May 27, 2006, Martinez competed in the debut MXWomen (MXW)'s match, one of the Quadruple Main Events at MXW MAYhem in Bristol, Connecticut. On November 12, 2006, she defeated Nikki Roxx in a match for MXW.^[3] The following month, Martinez appeared on World Wrestling Entertainment's Heat (taped June 12) in a losing effort against Victoria.^[3][6]

In Women Superstars Uncensored (WSU) in 2007, Martinez began teaming with Angel Orsini. In March 2008, they began feuding that culminated in many grueling matches throughout 2008 into 2009, including a Steel Cage on January 10, 2009; 2 months later, Martinez defeated Orsini in a Bullrope match on March 7, 2009 at the Second Anniversary Show in Boonton, New Jersey to win the WSU Championship, ending Orsini's record reign of just over nine months. They had one more match that rewrote the record books in a 60-minute Iron Woman Match on June 6, 2009 in Boonton NJ that went a total of 70 minutes including going 10 minutes into sudden death and resulted in Mercedes getting the pin after a fisherwoman's buster and retaining the title. Martinez would continue to defend the title against the likes of Nikki Roxx, Awesome Kong, Rain, and Portia Perez. Along the way, Martinez and Orsini briefly captured the WSU Tag Team Championships. Martinez continued her WSU Championship title reign by defending against more challengers including Alicia, Amber O'Neal, Mickie James, and Jazz throughout 2009-2010. In January of 2011, Martinez defeated Angel Orsini again in a ladder match to unify her title with Orsini's All Guts No Glory championship. Martinez then successfully defended her championship against Serena Deeb in the main event of WSU's 4 year anniversary show and also defeated Brittney Savage at WSU's Uncensored Rumble event. In August of 2011, Mercedes put her title on the line against Uncensored Rumble winner, Lexxus in a match that would become the longest women's wrestling match in history as the match continued past the 60 minute time limit until Martinez was able to get the win after 73 minutes. Martinez then became involved in a violent rivalry with Jessicka Havok that culminated in Havok putting an end to Martinez's unprecedented 3 year title reign at the WSU 5th Anniversary Show.

On February 10, 2008 for World Xtreme Wrestling (WXW) in Allentown, Pennsylvania, she took on WXW Women's Champion Kacee Carlisle. On July 19, 2009 Martinez returned to WXW C4 in Allentown and won a 20-person Battle Royal at WXW C4's Flagship show Sportsfest, earning a title shot of her choosing. On September 5, 2009 in Allentown, she opted to use the victory to create the WXW C4 Women's Championship, and she immediately won it in an Elimination Style 3-Way Dance over Jana and Nikki Roxx.

Martinez moved to Tampa, Florida in June 2008; she still worked a few of the regular shows that she worked while residing in Connecticut in WSU, Shimmer and Women's Extreme Wrestling, but also worked Full Impact Pro and the relocated WXW as a result of Afa Anoa'i moving to Florida from Pennsylvania, where she won the 2008 WXW Elite 8. Martinez suddenly returned to residing in her hometown of Waterbury Connecticut in March 2009.

Wrestlicious (2010)[link]

She also took part of Jimmy Hart's Wrestlicious series as a Bull Fighter character named "Maria Toro", managed by "Bandita." In the main event of the first episode she teamed up with Bandita and Felony in a winning effort against the team of Cousin Cassie, Tyler Texas and Charlotte.^[1]

NCW Femmes Fatales (2010–present)[link]

Mercedes Martinez debuted for NCW Femmes Fatales on February 6, 2010 taking on Portia Perez. At the end of the match Mercedes Martinez was able to hit with the Fisherman Buster to get the pin.

Personal life[link]

In high school, Martinez played both basketball and softball.^[3] Martinez then attended college at Teikyo Post University, where her major was criminal justice.^[3]

On June 9, 2008, Martinez launched a new website thelatinasensation.com. It features her audio update show "Stiff Shot To The Ear" where she gives fans news and updates on the goings on of Mercedes Martinez. Her site also has a Pay Per View section with her matches and videos, and a merchandise section where fans can buy her merchandise and get their own custom photo sets.

In wrestling[link]

• Finishing moves
  • Bull Run^[1] (Wrestlicious) / Fisherman buster^[11]

• Signature moves
  • Brainbuster
  • 3 Amigas (2 Vertical and 1 German) - Tribute to Eddie Guerrero
  • Multiple suplex variations
    • German
    • Saito^[11]
    • Snap
    • Vertical
  • Snap swinging neckbreaker, sometimes to a rope hung opponent
  • Spinebuster^[11]
  • Running big boot

Championships and accomplishments[link]

• Defiant Pro Wrestling
  • DPW Women's Championship (1 time)^[12]
• Green Mountain Wrestling
  • GMW Women's Championship (2 times)^[13]
• Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South
  • IWA Mid-South Women's Championship (1 time)^[14]
• NWA Midwest
  • NWA Midwest Women's Championship (1 time)^[13]
• New England Championship Wrestling
  • NECW/Yoshimoto Ladies Pro North American Women's Championship (1 time)^[3]
  • NECW World Women's Championship (1 time)^[13]
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI ranked her #2 of the best 50 female singles wrestlers in the PWI Female 50 in 2011^[15]
• Pro Wrestling Unplugged
  • PWU Women's Championship (1 time)
• Women Superstars Uncensored
  • All Guts, No Glory Championship (1 time)
  • WSU Championship (2 times)
  • WSU Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Angel Orsini
  • J-Cup (2008)^[16]
  • WSU/NWS King and Queen of the Ring (2011) - with Julio Dinero^[17]
• World Xtreme Wrestling
  • WXW C4 Women's Championship (1 time)
  • WXW Cruiserweight Championship (1 time)
  • WXW Women's Championship (3 times, current)
  • Elite 8 Tournament (2006, 2008)

References[link]

External links[link]

Professional wrestling portal

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Mercedes Martinez

• Official website
• Online World of Wrestling profile

Amy Lee
Lee at the 2003 Billboard Music Awards.
Background information
Birth name	Amy Lynn Lee
Born	(1981-12-13) December 13, 1981 (age 30) Riverside, California, U.S.
Origin	Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S.
Genres	Alternative metal
Occupations	Musician, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, pianist
Instruments	Vocals, piano, organ,[1] guitar, harp[2]
Years active	1995–present
Labels	Epic, Wind-up, EMI
Associated acts	Evanescence
Website	www.Evanescence.com
Notable instruments
Baldwin Piano Company

Amy Lynn Hartzler (née Lee; born December 13, 1981), known professionally as Amy Lee, is an American singer-songwriter and classically trained pianist. She is co-founder and lead vocalist of the rock band Evanescence. She cites influences ranging from classical musicians such as Mozart to modern artists Björk, Tori Amos, Danny Elfman^[3] and Plumb.^[4] Along with her contributions to Evanescence, Lee has also participated on numerous other musical projects including Walt Disney Records' 2008 release of The Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack. Lee has performed collaborations with artists such as Korn, Seether, and David Hodges. Lee is also the American chairperson for the international epilepsy awareness foundation, Out of the Shadows.^[5] Revolver Magazine named Lee the #1 Hottest Chick in Hard Rock for their 2011 annual issue and she appeared on the front cover.^[6][7]

Biography[link]

Early life[link]

Amy Lee was born to parents John Lee, a disc jockey and TV personality, and Sara Cargill. She has a brother named Robby and two sisters, Carrie and Lori. Lee had a younger sister who died in 1987 at the age of three from an unidentified illness.^[8] The song "Hello" from Fallen has been reported to have been written for her late sister, as well as the song "Like You" from The Open Door.^[9] Lee took classical piano lessons for nine years. Her family moved to many places, including Florida and Illinois,^[10] and eventually settled in Little Rock, Arkansas, where Evanescence started. She briefly attended Middle Tennessee State University to study music theory and composition and later dropped out to focus on Evanescence.^[11]

In an interview on AOL Music, Lee said that the first songs she remembered writing were called "Eternity of the Remorse" and "A Single Tear". The first was written when she was eleven years old and wanted to become a classical composer, and the second was for an assignment when she was in the eighth grade.^[12]

Engagement and marriage[link]

Lee revealed during the live broadcast of MuchMusic's January 9, 2007, episode of Live at Much that she had become engaged the prior evening. She later confirmed on EvThreads.com that Josh Hartzler, a therapist and long-time friend, proposed to her.^[13] She noted in an interview that the songs "Good Enough" and "Bring Me to Life" were inspired by him.^[14] The couple married on May 6, 2007, and honeymooned near The Bahamas.^[15] She has posted on EvThreads that she is "now officially Mrs. Amy Hartzler."^[16]

Evanescence[link]

Amy Lee performing during a Evanescence concert on October 25, 2011.

Founding[link]

Lee co-founded the rock band Evanescence with guitarist Ben Moody. The two met at a youth camp after Moody heard Lee playing Meat Loaf's "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)" on the piano.^[17] Within a month, the pair were playing acoustic sets at Arkansas book stores and coffee houses,^[18] and they eventually recorded two EPs, Evanescence EP (1998) and Sound Asleep EP (1999), selling them at various local venues. In 2000, Evanescence recorded the longer EP Origin. This demo contains three songs from the debut album Fallen and was written by Lee and Moody: "Whisper", "Imaginary" and "My Immortal". Whereas "Whisper" and "Imaginary" were altered before being included on Fallen, "My Immortal" is virtually unchanged, apart from additional string arrangements. A later band version of "My Immortal" was made available for download for those who had bought an official version of Fallen through their web site, but required that a CD checker program also be downloaded for verification before it would play.^[19] The band version was included on later copies of Fallen, notably the Brazilian, Bolivian, and Argentine editions.

On October 22, 2003, Moody left the band citing "creative differences". In an interview several months later, Amy said: "...we'd gotten to a point that if something didn't change, we wouldn't have been able to make a second record". She also said "We're finally a real band, not just Ben and I and a few others thrown together".^[18] Ex-Cold guitarist Terry Balsamo replaced Moody in the band, both on guitar and as Lee's writing partner.

Solo album[link]

During an October 2008 interview for Spin.com, Lee noted that she was writing new songs, possibly for a solo album project. Citing influences in folk and Celtic music, she says her current writings feel like she is going back to her "really old" roots. She gave no potential release date, but said of her reason for this new direction, "I need to show that I'm more than a one trick pony."^[20]

Lee stated during an October 2008 interview with The Gauntlet that she did not know whether or not she would begin a solo career, saying that she was "at a point where I don't know what is next." She noted that Evanescence was still together as a band but that she found touring to be monotonous. She reiterated that she was continuing to write songs, though she did not yet know what purpose they would serve.^[21]

In a Spin interview in March 2010, Lee stated that she was "in a very different creative space then" regarding her previous work on new material, and that while she wrote some songs that were good, nothing from those efforts would be included in the band's album Evanescence,^[22] which was released on October 11, 2011.^[23]

Appearance[link]

Lee has a recognizable fashion style, marked by her occasional use of gothic make-up and taste for Victorian-styled clothing.^[24] She also designs many of her own clothes, including those worn in the music video for "Going Under", and the dress worn for the cover of The Open Door and the dress she wore to the Noble Peace Prize concert in 2011. After she designed the dress she wore at the 2004 Grammy awards, she chose Japanese designer H. Naoto to make it for her.^[25] She at one point had a piercing on her left eyebrow, which is visible on the cover of Fallen. In an interview with VEVO stylized, Lee showcased and explained her fashion style, commenting that she’d rather make her own clothes because it’s hard to find what she exactly wants elsewhere.^[26] In an interview with AOL, Lee stated that her daily style is very different from when she performs; pointing out that she was wearing “something flowery” during the interview. She explained that her on-stage wardrobe was meant to preserve the atmosphere of the songs and complete the image. In another interview, she stated that when the band first started performing, she used to heavily wear corsets in fear of diluting the bands’ image, but has gradually become more comfortable with her own style. Her current on-stage style is often characterized by boots, a simple black tank top, a long skirt and various ornaments and accessories.

Furthermore, Lee dyes her hair dark black. She uses blue contact lenses though her natural eye color is green.

Lee at the 2007 Scream Awards.

She has stated on a number of occasions that she would never flash her breasts or engage in other publicity stunts that would draw attention to herself. In fact, in the music video for "Everybody's Fool", she aimed to mock such artists by suggesting that celebrities who use sex to appeal to an audience are, in fact, merely peddling "lies" (the unifying theme of the music video). Many fans praise Lee for her refusal to emulate other celebrities by using sex appeal in her music.^[27]

In 2006, Blender listed Lee as one of the hottest women in rock alongside such singers as Joan Jett, Courtney Love and Liz Phair.^[28]

Other projects[link]

In 2000, Lee sang on two of former Evanescence keyboardist David Hodges' songs: "Breathe" (The Summit Church: Summit Worship) and the unreleased "Fall Into You".^[29] She performed backup vocals for "Missing You", a song on Big Dismal's 2003 debut album Believe, and sang backup vocals on two songs with 'supergroup' The Damning Well, though her vocals were taken off the final release due to record label issues.^[30] Lee later performed a duet with her then-boyfriend Shaun Morgan on the track "Broken" for Seether's 2004 album Disclaimer II. The song was also featured as part of the soundtrack for the 2004 film The Punisher.

Lee on stage in 2007.

In 2004, Lee claimed to be working on music for The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, but that the music was rejected by the studio for being "too dark." However, the producers of Narnia stated that Lee was never asked to compose any music for the film, whose score was written by Harry Gregson-Williams, and that "No Evanescence music was planned for the soundtrack."^[31][32] While there was some speculation that one of the supposed songs had been cut and used in several tracks of The Open Door, Lee stated this was not true except for part of it being used to segue into the last track of the album, "Good Enough".^[33]

Lee became the American chairperson for Out of the Shadows in 2006. This organization is an international foundation with the goal of providing education about epilepsy. Lee's younger brother, Robby, was previously diagnosed with this condition.^[5] The singer also made a brief guest appearance in the music video for Johnny Cash's "God's Gonna Cut You Down" in late 2006.^[34] As each celebrity featured in the shoot was allowed to choose what they would be doing for the video, Lee chose to appear laying flowers on a grave. Her scene was recorded at Trinity Church in Manhattan, during which she wore a black velvet coat that previously belonged to Tim Burton.^[14]

In February 2007, MTV released MTV Unplugged: Korn to television and radio, in which Lee is featured during the song "Freak on a Leash". The song was also released as the first single from the album. In November 2007, VH1 produced a mockumentary in the style of Behind the Music, titled Rock Band Cometh: The Rock Band Band Story, to promote the video game Rock Band. Lee was one of the celebrity cameos featured on the show.^[35]

In June 2008, the National Music Publishers' Association presented Lee with their 2008 Songwriter Icon Award, which "recognizes outstanding songwriters for their personal achievement".^[36]

For Walt Disney Records' September 2008 release of Nightmare Revisited, Lee sang a remake of "Sally's Song". The album contains new material and covers of songs from the original Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack.^[37][38] Lee performed live renditions of "Sally's Song" during the October 17 Nightmare Before Christmas re-release premiere in Hollywood, and for an October 13 appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.^[39]

Discography[link]

Evanescence[link]

• Fallen (2003)
• The Open Door (2006)
• Evanescence (2011)

Collaborations and other songs[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Amy Lee

• Evanescence.com – Official U.S. website