Shelly Martinez, once a prominent figure in WWE under the persona of Ariel, the vampiress, shares her experiences post-2007 departure. Her tenure was marked by both highs and lows, including an unexpected confrontation with Dave Batista that led to her release. Despite being initially included in the 2007 WWE video game, she was later removed from the roster. Years later, Martinez received a letter regarding an outstanding payment, which she never received. Reflecting on her time managing Kevin Thorne and her eventual reconciliation with both Thorne and Batista, Martinez offers a candid look at her career and its aftermath.
Shelly Martinez's WWE journey came to an abrupt halt after WrestleMania in 2007. Following a reported altercation with Dave Batista, she was unexpectedly let go from the company. Despite initial excitement over being scanned for the WWE video game that year, Martinez found herself cut from the roster shortly after. This sudden turn of events left her feeling forgotten and erased from WWE history. The company even omitted her from their alumni pages, further emphasizing her exclusion.
Martinez's frustrations deepened when she received a letter from an attorney stating that WWE owed her a small sum of money. Though the amount was less than a hundred dollars, it symbolized a larger issue of neglect. She attempted to follow up on the payment but received no response. Martinez expressed her disappointment, noting that regardless of the amount, she felt entitled to what was owed. “I want my money so I can buy tacos, cannabis, and vodka,” she remarked, highlighting the personal significance of this unresolved matter.
Despite the challenges during her WWE tenure, Martinez has since mended fences with key figures from her past. One significant relationship was with Kevin Thorne, whom she managed while in WWE. Initially, their partnership was fraught with tension, but over time, they have reconciled. Thorne has acknowledged the importance of Martinez's role in his career, something he only realized after her departure. This acknowledgment has helped heal past wounds and allowed for mutual respect.
Martinez also extended her efforts towards reconciliation with Dave Batista, the individual involved in the incident leading to her release. Their renewed relationship underscores a broader theme of growth and understanding. Reflecting on her career, Martinez now views these experiences as part of her personal journey. While WWE may have tried to erase her presence, her legacy remains intact through her resilience and ability to rebuild relationships. Her candid reflections offer a unique perspective on the complexities of professional wrestling careers and the importance of moving forward with grace.