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, 1941 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, 1941) is an American retired professional wrestler. He is much better known by his ring name Johnny Rodz. He was a popular wrestler for many years. After he stopped wrestling, he became a famous trainer.
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Johnny Rodz's Wrestling Career
Early Years in the WWWF
Johnny Rodz started wrestling in 1965. He joined the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF). This was a big wrestling company. He wrestled many matches in famous places like Madison Square Garden.
People called him the "Fire Brand From the Bronx." They also called him "the Unpredictable." He was known for being a tough wrestler. Johnny Rodz often teamed up with other wrestlers. Some of his partners were Jose Estrada and Frank "the Gypsy" Rodriguez.
For about 20 years, Johnny Rodz was a regular wrestler for the WWWF. He often helped other wrestlers look strong. This is called being an "enhancement talent." He was very good at it. Rodz also wrestled in other countries. He competed in Japan and Puerto Rico. In 1980, he wrestled against "Polish Power" Ivan Putski. His last match in the WWF was in 1985.
Wrestling in Hollywood
From 1976 to 1978, Johnny Rodz also wrestled for NWA Hollywood Wrestling. This company was run by Mike and Gene LeBell. During this time, he used the name "Arabian Wildman" Java Ruuk. He won many matches there. In 1976, he even won a big battle royal event.
After Wrestling
In 1996, Johnny Rodz was honored. He was put into the WWE Hall of Fame. This is a special place for wrestling legends. Arnold Skaaland helped induct him.
In 2007, Johnny Rodz appeared on a wrestling TV show. It was called Impact. He was part of a story between two wrestling teams. He walked to the ring with Team 3D.
Training Future Wrestlers
Johnny Rodz has been a wrestling trainer for over 30 years. He teaches students at Gleason's Gym in Brooklyn. Many of his students have become very successful. They have wrestled for big companies. Some have even become important people outside of wrestling.
Rodz has trained many famous wrestlers. Some of them include:
- Tazz
- Tommy Dreamer
- D-von Dudley
- Damien Demento
- Prince Nana
- Marti Belle
- Wendy Choo
- Big Vito
- Masha Slamovich
- William Morrissey
- Vince Russo
Some of his students have even started their own wrestling schools. Johnny Rodz also created his own wrestling company. It is called World of Unpredictable Wrestling.
List of Wrestlers Trained by Johnny Rodz
- Vito LoGrasso
- Damien Demento
- Tommy Dreamer
- Big ... 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
Awards and Achievements
Johnny Rodz has won many awards and championships. Here are some of them:
- Cauliflower Alley Club
- Honored in 1995
- Lutte Internationale
- Canadian International Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Northeast Championship Wrestling
- NCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- 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
- WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)
See also
In Spanish: Johnny Rodz para niños
