Johnny Rodz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Johnny Rodz |
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Rodz, c. 2008
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| Birth name | John Rodriguez |
| Born | May 16, 1938 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) | Java Ruuk Johnny Rodz Super Medico II El Shafto Army Medic |
| Billed height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Billed weight | 239 lb (108 kg) |
| Billed from | "The Bronx" |
| Debut | 1965 |
| Retired | 1997 |
John Rodriguez (born May 16, 1938) is a retired American professional wrestler. He is much better known by his wrestling name, Johnny Rodz. He was often called the "Fire Brand From the Bronx" or the "Unpredictable" during his career.
Contents
Johnny Rodz's Wrestling Career
Early Years in WWWF/WWF (1965–1985)
Johnny Rodz started wrestling with the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) way back in 1965. He was a regular part of their shows for almost two decades. He wrestled famous opponents like Bob Backlund at Madison Square Garden.
Rodz was known as a "heel," which means he played the bad guy in wrestling matches. He was very good at making other wrestlers look strong. He often teamed up with other wrestlers like Jose Estrada and Frank "the Gypsy" Rodriguez.
He also wrestled in other places, including Japan and Puerto Rico. In 1980, he had a big match against "Polish Power" Ivan Putski at an event called Showdown at Shea. His last match with the WWF was in June 1985.
Wrestling in Hollywood (1976–1978)
For a while, Johnny Rodz also wrestled for NWA Hollywood Wrestling. There, he used the name "Arabian Wildman" Java Ruuk. He won more matches in this promotion. In 1976, he even won a big battle royal event.
After Retirement
After he stopped wrestling full-time, Johnny Rodz was honored for his career. In 1996, he was added to the WWF Hall of Fame. This is a special place for wrestling legends. Arnold Skaaland, another wrestling legend, introduced him into the Hall of Fame.
In 2007, Rodz made a special appearance on a wrestling show called Impact. He was part of a story where a group called the Latin American Xchange (LAX) attacked him. Later, he walked to the ring with Team 3D to support them in their match against LAX.
Training Future Wrestlers
Johnny Rodz has been a wrestling trainer for over 30 years. He teaches students at Gleason's Gym in Brooklyn, New York. Many of his students have become very successful in wrestling and other careers. Some have even become important people in television or government.
Rodz also started his own independent wrestling company called World of Unpredictable Wrestling.
Famous Wrestlers Trained by Johnny Rodz
- Vito LoGrasso
- Damien Demento
- Tommy Dreamer
- Big Dick Dudley
- Bubba Ray Dudley
- D-Von Dudley
- Bill DeMott
- Elektra
- Jason Knight
- The Batiri
- Vince Russo
- Matt Striker
- Prince Nana
- "The Redwood" Big Bill
- Angel Medina
- Tazz
- Ricky Vega
- S. D. Jones
- Marti Belle
- Kevin Matthews
- Masha Slamovich
Championships and Awards
Johnny Rodz won several championships and received many honors during his wrestling career:
- Cauliflower Alley Club
- Honoree (1995)
- Lutte Internationale
- Canadian International Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Northeast Championship Wrestling
- NCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time, final)
- Northeast Championship Wrestling (Tom Janette)
- NCW Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
- World Wrestling Council
- WWC World Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Super Medico I
- WWC North American Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Super Médico I
- WWC Caribbean Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- WWC Caribbean Tag Team Championship (3 times) – with Super Médico I
- World Wrestling Federation
- WWF Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)
See also
In Spanish: Johnny Rodz para niños
