Marina Shafir Bio
Marina Shafir is a Moldovan professional wrestler and former mixed martial artist, born on April 14, 1988, in Soroca, Moldavian SSR. She is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and is a member of the Death Riders. Shafir has also competed in mixed martial arts (MMA) and has made appearances in WWE and on the independent circuit. With a background in judo, she has transitioned into a successful wrestling career.
Early Life and Background
Marina Shafir moved from Moldova to the United States when she was five years old. Her father, a mechanic, and her mother, a teacher, settled in Latham, New York, along with Marina and her two older brothers. Shafir began training in judo when she was six years old and started competing at a high level in the sport when she was twelve. However, she stopped competing in judo in her late teens. Shafir is a graduate of Shaker High School.
Path to Professional Wrestling
Shafir began her mixed martial arts career at an amateur level in 2012. During a two-year spell, she was unbeaten, winning all five of her fights by submission. She turned professional in early 2014, with her first professional fight occurring on April 12, 2014, against Chandra Engel, where she won by submission in the first round. Later that year, Shafir suffered her first loss in a first-round defeat to Amanda Bell. The following year, she signed with Invicta Fighting Championships, marking her entry into professional MMA.
Marina Shafir Career
Early Career (2012–2016)
Shafir’s early career in MMA was marked by her impressive amateur record, where she won all five of her fights by submission. After transitioning to professional MMA, she faced challenges but continued to develop her skills. Shafir’s time with Invicta Fighting Championships helped her gain recognition in the sport.
Breakthrough (2018–2021)
On May 7, 2018, WWE announced that Shafir, along with Jessamyn Duke, had signed with the company and reported to their Performance Center for training. She made her WWE debut on October 28, 2018, at WWE Evolution, where she and Duke interfered in the NXT Women’s Championship match, helping Shayna Baszler regain the title. Shafir’s appearances on NXT showcased her talent and established her as a formidable competitor in the women’s division.
Notable Works and Milestones
Shafir’s signature work includes her time in WWE and AEW, where she has made significant contributions to women’s wrestling. She has participated in high-profile matches and storylines, earning respect within the wrestling community.
Marina Shafir Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Marina Shafir has received recognition for her contributions to professional wrestling, although specific nominations are not detailed in the available information.
Marina Shafir Awards Won
Marina Shafir has achieved notable success in her wrestling career, although specific awards won are not detailed in the available information.
Marina Shafir Family
Marina Shafir is married to professional wrestler Roderick Strong, and they have one son, born in 2017. The couple tied the knot on November 7, 2018.
Personal Life
Shafir is a close friend of Ronda Rousey, with whom she trained at Glendale Fighting Club. They lived together for several years in Venice, California, along with Shayna Baszler and Jessamyn Duke. Shafir identifies as Jewish and has maintained a private personal life outside of her professional endeavors.
