Mercedes Martinez Bio
Mercedes Martinez, whose real name is Jazmin Benitez, is an American professional wrestler currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). She also competes for AEW’s sister promotion, Ring of Honor (ROH), where she is a former ROH Women’s World Champion. Best known to fans by her ring name Mercedes Martinez, she has built a reputation as a hard-hitting veteran across more than two decades in the professional wrestling industry. She is also recognized for her time in WWE, primarily on the NXT brand.
Early Life and Background
Jazmin Benitez was born on November 17, 1980, in Waterbury, Connecticut, and is of Puerto Rican descent. She grew up in the city and attended local schools, where she stood out as an athlete. In high school, she played both basketball and softball, developing the competitive foundation that would later shape her career in the ring. Standing 5 feet 7 inches tall and competing at around 67 kilograms, she possessed the athletic frame suited for contact sports from an early age.
After high school, Benitez continued her education at Teikyo Post University, where she majored in criminal justice. She remained active in college basketball until an injury forced her to step away from the sport. While recovering, she discovered professional wrestling and decided to pursue it as a new athletic outlet. Her background in team sports gave her the discipline, conditioning, and confidence needed to transition into the physically demanding world of squared-circle competition.
Path to Professional Wrestling
Mercedes Martinez entered professional wrestling after her college basketball injury redirected her athletic ambitions. She began formal training under veteran wrestler Jason Knight in October 2000 and debuted on November 12, 2000, defeating a male opponent named Juice in her first match. Early in her career, she gained valuable exposure under New England promoter Sheldon Goldberg, who built a women’s division around her in New England Championship Wrestling.
Through 2003 and 2004, Martinez competed in several regional promotions across New England, including Connecticut Championship Wrestling, Combat Zone Wrestling, and IWA Mid South. In IWA, she was brought in to face Mickie Knuckles, one of the standout stars of that promotion’s women’s division. These early years helped her refine her in-ring craft and establish herself as a reliable main-event talent on the independent circuit before her national breakout.
Mercedes Martinez Career
Early Career (2000–2005)
Martinez spent her first five years traveling the New England and East Coast independent scene, working a demanding schedule that sharpened her technical and brawling abilities. She regularly traded the North American Women’s Championship with Sumie Sakai under Goldberg’s guidance, gaining recognition beyond her home region. Her willingness to work with male opponents and rising international stars set her apart as a pioneer of the early-2000s women’s wrestling revival.
In November 2005, Martinez was discovered by Shimmer Women Athletes promoter Dave Prazak while he watched a Kiryoku Pro DVD, leading to her invitation to the inaugural Shimmer event. Her 20-minute time-limit draw with Sara Del Rey earned a standing ovation and announced her arrival on the national women’s wrestling stage.
Shimmer Women Athletes Breakthrough (2005–2019)
Mercedes Martinez became a cornerstone of Shimmer Women Athletes following her debut, competing against top international talent including Awesome Kong, Madison Eagles, and Serena Deeb. She turned heel for the first time in Shimmer on October 2, 2011, beginning a memorable rivalry with Athena that shaped her character work for years to come.
After a two-year retirement, Martinez made a surprise return to Shimmer on June 26, 2016, defeating Madison Eagles to win the Shimmer Championship for the first time. She lost the title to Kellie Skater on November 12, 2016, but regained it the very next day. Her second Shimmer Championship reign ended on November 12, 2017, when she dropped the title to Nicole Savoy.
Women Superstars Uncensored Era (2007–2018)
Martinez became a defining champion in Women Superstars Uncensored (WSU), forming a tag team with Angel Orsini before their rivalry became one of the promotion’s most intense storylines. On March 7, 2009, she defeated Orsini in a Bullrope match to win the WSU Championship, ending Orsini’s record-setting reign. In a 60-minute Iron Woman Match on June 6, 2009, Martinez retained the title after 70 minutes, including sudden death, in one of the most physically punishing bouts of her career.
Her WSU reign stretched to historic length before Jessicka Havok ended it at the WSU 5th Anniversary Show. On February 11, 2017, Martinez defeated Cherry Bomb to become the first-ever three-time WSU Champion. She held the title for over a year before losing it to Tessa Blanchard on June 16, 2018.
WWE Mae Young Classic (2017–2018)
On July 13, 2017, Martinez entered WWE’s Mae Young Classic tournament, defeating Xia Li in the first round. The following day, she eliminated Princesa Sugehit and Abbey Laith before being eliminated in the semifinals by Shayna Baszler. She returned for the second Mae Young Classic, defeating Ashley Rayne before being eliminated by Meiko Satomura in the second round.
Return to WWE (2020–2021)
In January 2020, Martinez signed with WWE and reported to the Performance Center, assigned to the NXT brand. She competed in the 2020 Royal Rumble at Number 6, lasting over eight minutes before elimination. On July 22, 2020, she aligned with the Robert Stone Brand on NXT before being released from the group following a loss to Rhea Ripley in a steel cage match.
On September 21, 2020, Martinez debuted on Raw as the mysterious Retaliation, a member of the villainous Retribution faction. She requested her removal from the group soon after and returned to NXT, attacking Women’s Champion Io Shirai on December 23, 2020. She challenged for the NXT Women’s Championship at NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day in a triple threat match but came up short. On August 6, 2021, Martinez was released from her WWE contract.
Impact Wrestling (2021–2022)
On October 7, 2021, Martinez debuted on Impact!, teaming with Savannah Evans and Tasha Steelz in a winning effort. At Knockouts Knockdown, she defeated Brandi Lauren, Rachael Ellering, and Tasha Steelz to win the tournament, earning a future championship opportunity. Her title match against Mickie James at Turning Point was unsuccessful, and her final Impact match came on January 6, 2022, a loss to Deonna Purrazzo.
AEW and Ring of Honor Era (2021–Present)
On December 29, 2021, Martinez returned to AEW on Dynamite, assisting Jade Cargill against Thunder Rosa. She signed with the promotion shortly after and aligned with AEW Women’s World Champion Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. Following a No Disqualification loss to Thunder Rosa, Martinez turned face after hesitating to strike Rosa with a lead pipe.
On March 30, 2022, AEW president Tony Khan announced Martinez would face Willow Nightingale at Supercard of Honor XV for the Interim ROH Women’s World Championship. She defeated Nightingale and later unified the title by defeating Deonna Purrazzo on May 4, 2022, becoming the undisputed ROH Women’s World Champion. Her reign lasted 220 days before she lost the title to Athena at Final Battle on December 10, 2022.
On February 14, 2024, Martinez entered the inaugural ROH Women’s World Television Championship tournament, defeating Trish Adora in the first round and Abadon in the second round before being eliminated by Billie Starkz in the semifinals. She returned to AEW programming on June 9, 2023, competing in a four-way to determine the Number One contender for the AEW Women’s World Championship, won by Skye Blue.
Style and Strengths
Martinez is widely recognized for her hard-hitting style, exceptional stamina, and willingness to work long, physically demanding matches. Her signature Fisherman Buster and brutal striking combinations have ended countless bouts, and her conditioning allows her to thrive in marathon iron-woman style contests. She blends technical mat wrestling with brawling instincts, making her effective against a wide range of opponents across promotions.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among her signature moments, Martinez’s 70-minute Iron Woman Match against Angel Orsini in 2009 and her 73-minute defense against Lexxus in 2011 stand as historic achievements in women’s wrestling. Her reigns as a three-time WSU Champion, two-time Shimmer Champion, and ROH Women’s World Champion cement her legacy as one of the most decorated independent wrestlers of her generation.
Mercedes Martinez Career Wins
Mercedes Martinez has captured major championships across multiple promotions spanning more than two decades. Her verified title wins include three WSU Championships, two Shimmer Championships, the Shine Championship, the Phoenix of Rise Championship, the NCW Femmes Fatales Championship, the WXW C4 Women’s Championship, the WAWW World Championship, and the ROH Women’s World Championship.
Ring of Honor Highlights
Mercedes Martinez won the ROH Women’s World Championship in 2022, first capturing the interim title at Supercard of Honor XV by defeating Willow Nightingale. She then unified the championship by defeating Deonna Purrazzo on May 4, 2022. Her reign ended at 220 days when she lost the title to Athena at Final Battle on December 10, 2022.
Other Wins and Performances
Across the independent circuit, Martinez captured championships in New England Championship Wrestling, World Xtreme Wrestling, NCW Femmes Fatales, Shine Wrestling, and World Wonder Ring Stardom in Japan. Her 2019 victory over Sweet Saraya at WAW Fightmare III at Carrow Road in Norwich added the WAWW World Championship to her collection.
Mercedes Martinez Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Mercedes Martinez, born Jazmin Benitez, comes from a Puerto Rican family rooted in Waterbury, Connecticut. Her upbringing in the city shaped her work ethic and connection to community-based athletics throughout her career.
Personal Life
Martinez is married and has one son, born in 2008. In July 2019, she publicly came out as openly lesbian during an interview with NowThis News. She has battled asthma throughout her life and has cited Bret Hart as her favorite wrestler of all time, reflecting her appreciation for technical wrestling excellence.
2025 Season Performance
Mercedes Martinez continues to balance appearances across AEW and Ring of Honor programming heading into 2025. After her semifinal run in the inaugural ROH Women’s World Television Championship tournament in early 2024, she remains an established veteran presence within Tony Khan’s wrestling ecosystem. Her experience and credibility position her as a potential challenger for championships on either brand.
Throughout 2025, Martinez is expected to take on a mentorship and gatekeeper role for rising stars while pursuing additional title opportunities. Her past success against top-tier opponents and her durability make her a reliable main-event attraction whenever AEW or ROH need a tested veteran. Fans can expect her trademark intensity and willingness to work high-profile matches on both weekly television and pay-per-view events.
