Let’s get ready to rumble!!! If you’re a 90’s baby, you probably grew up watching some kind of wrestling. Well, it’s time to add another face to your roster. Amber Rodriguez has more than 6 years in the game, and she shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. Born in the Bronx, New York, this 5’3, 135 power house has made a name for herself in the wrestling world. In 2014 she won the MCW (Maryland Championship Wrestling) Women’s Championship. She’s been featured in several major promotions, such as AEW, Ohio Valley Wrestling, Title Match Wrestling, Thunder Rosa’s Mission Pro Wrestling. Amber is also a model, creative writer, military vet, and traveling esthetician. Amber gave us some insight into what drew her to wrestling, sexism in the industry, her signature moves, and what projects she has up next. Needless to say, we’re exciting to see what this jack of all trades does next.
What drew you to wrestling?
“I’ve always been a wrestling fan since my childhood, I’ll never forget my first wrestling memory of Chris Jericho debuting on Monday Night Raw and interrupting The Rock, I was sold. It’s the perfect balance of action, comedy and drama. When I was 15 my older brother had actually gone online and found a pro wrestling school by the name of Gillberg’s Pro Wrestling Academy. I began my training there with my brother Chuck Lennox and at the age of 19, lateraled over to Maryland Championship Wrestling.”
Do you have any female wrestlers that you look up to? Anyone you’d like to wrestle against?
“Growing up I’ve always been a huge fan of Mickie James, I’ve had the honor and privilege of facing her several times. It was a surreal experience for me to look up to someone for so long then to be in a ring with them years later and learn from them. I can also say the same about WWE Hall of Fame Lita, we’ve also shared the ring together a few times. I’d say the one legend I haven’t gotten to go against that I’ve been chomping at the bits for is Jazz. She broke barriers for women who look like me in this business. So to square off against such an icon would be amazing.”
Have you experienced any sexism in the industry?
“Unfortunately, I’ve experienced plenty. During the summer of 2020 is when the historic “Speaking Out” movement happened in wrestling which paralleled Hollywood’s “Me Too” movement. A powerful time for women wrestlers, my story was shared amongst many; thank you to Brian Waters Productions for giving me that platform to share my story of sexual misconduct in wrestling.”
“We have to continue to show everyone that misogyny and misconduct have no place in our business. We have to stick together and look out for each other, men and women alike. If you hear the stories about a promoter or booker not giving out opportunities unless there is a sexual favor involved, don’t work for them and encourage others not to. That’s how we support each other and get these cancers out.”
Any advice for women wanting to get into this industry?
“It’s all about having a good support system. You can’t succeed without it. I also have a strong faith in God, I owe it all to him and his glory. Have faith, stay encouraged and remember, be mindful of the company you keep. Surround yourself with like-minded people and strong mentors. If something doesn’t feel right, walk away and move on to the next.”
Do you have a signature move?
“Beso del Muerte. This move is me paying homage to Mickie James’ Long Kiss Goodnight. I put my own twist on it to make it my own but, it’s great to pay tribute to someone who’s a huge influence on my career and in ring style.”
If you could pick any song to walk out to before a match, what would it be? Why?
“My song is “La Reina Renegada” by Monteasy, it’s a custom song made by one of the most known artists in our business when it comes to theme songs, he is a close friend of mine like a brother and for him to tailor something special for me, that speaks to me and tells my story. It’s definitely a great moment for me every time I come through the curtain.”
What upcoming projects do you have coming up?
“I have co-founded a CBD infused skincare line with my sister, we’re calling it “Ashley Renée Beauty Company” and I am so excited for this new business venture! We have scrubs, bath salt, body lotions, lip gloss, etc.! We are set to launch in the spring of this year.”
“I have also been training to become an esthetician and aspire to become a traveling esthetician. I would love to also share this with my wrestling brothers and sisters in helping people reach their physical goals.”
You can keep up with Amber on her social media channels:
IG: LaReinaRenegada
Twitter: Amber1Rodriguez
Candace Green is a Birmingham, Alabama transplant by way of Washington DC. She enjoys reading, writing, cooking and eating amazing food, and Marvel movies. She is an author and blogger. You can follow her on IG: c_dog93.
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