Ariel Shelly Leonor Martinez - WWE Diva Biography

Ariel Shelly Leonor Martinez - WWE Diva Biography

Shelly Leonor Martinez (born February 9, 1980) is an Mexican-American model, professional wrestler and valet. She is also known for her work with World Wrestling Entertainment on its ECW brand under the ring name Ariel and for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling under the ring name Salinas as valet to The Latin American Xchange (LAX).

Early career

Martinez was trained and first wrestled in Southern California under the ring name Desire, appearing in several independent promotions such as Revolution Pro Wrestling, Empire Wrestling Federation and Ultimate Pro Wrestling where she worked as the storyline sister of Kyra (WWE's Melina). While in UPW, she also competed under the name Halloween Barbie. She also had a run in Women's Extreme Wrestling, where she played the (kayfabe) cousin of Mercedes Martinez.
World Wrestling Entertainment (2005-2007)

Valley Wrestling

In April 2005, Martinez signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). By July of that year she was placed in their primary developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), for further training. Her first role there had her, along with Beth Phoenix, acting as co-manager for Aaron Stevens.

Martinez defeated Mickie James to win her debut singles match at an OVW house show on October 29. From there she engaged in numerous feuds with the likes of Beth Phoenix, Serena, Sosay, and Fuji Cakes. In late December, Martinez and Phoenix revived their "co-manager" gimmick to accompany Aaron Stevens to the ring at several SmackDown! house shows for tryout matches. They also appeared together on the January 27, 2006 episode of WWE Heat as part of The Heart Throbs (Romeo Roselli and Antonio Thomas) "Throb-o-Meter" section, dancing in the ring with the team and teasing a kiss, before being interrupted by Trevor Murdoch.

At the February 22, 2006 OVW TV Tapings, Shelly came to ringside and attacked Sosay during an Elijah Burke vs. Robbie Dawber match. Around this time she started a gimmick of being obsessed with Paul Burchill, who was using a pirate gimmick on SmackDown!. On the May 6, 2006 edition of WWE Velocity, Martinez appeared as Burchill's valet, Shelly, for his match against Road Warrior Animal, but before she could become a permanent fixture the entire gimmick was dropped. Returning to OVW, she became involved in Seth Skyfire's ongoing feud with Mike "The Miz" Mizanin and Roni Jonah.