What’s the story?
Former WWE performer Ariel aka Salinas of The Latin American Xchange (LAX) recently posted a video on her official YouTube channel, revealing that she has decided to retire from the sport of professional wrestling.
In case you didn’t know...
The 37-year old whose real name is Shelly Martinez is best known for her time as Ariel in WWE’s ECW brand from 2005-07, and as Salinas during her time with TNA/Impact Wrestling. She was apparently fired from the WWE after an altercation with Batista.
The heart of the matter
Shelly Martinez was a prominent part of LAX during her Impact Wrestling stint and has been a mainstay on the independent circuit since her departure from the company. She revealed her intention to hang up the boots after a 17-year long career as a pro-wrestler. Fans can watch the video below:
Martinez added that although she wasn’t offered to return to Impact Wrestling as a part of the new LAX, she isn’t upset; and is glad that the new female wrestler with the team gets to compete on TV in place of her. She alluded to the fact that the LAX and Impact snub was a tad surprising, but more of a ‘been there, done that’ situation.
Furthermore, she revealed that given the insane amount of damage she’s taken over the course of her career, sticking to in-ring competition doesn’t seem worth it anymore.
What’s next?
Shelly Martinez will bid adieu to the sport after completing her remaining dates in the indies and will apparently focus more on her modelling career from this point moving forward.
Author’s take
Shelly Martinez is an animal rights activist and a vocal advocate of medical marijuana as well. She may not have won a bevvy of professional wrestling titles, so to speak, but did indeed win over the hearts of fans the world over, particularly as Salinas in LAX.
Shelly leaves the sport that she’s competed in for nearly 2 decades with her head held high and we wish her the best of luck in her future endeavours.
