Gabriella Cruz was born and raised in Manaus, the vibrant capital of Brazil’s vast Amazonas state. Nestled along the banks of the Negro River and surrounded by the dense Amazon rainforest, Gabriella grew up with nature as her playground—navigating winding rivers, scaling towering trees, and sharpening her innate athleticism. However, Brazil also ranks among the most dangerous places for women, with one of the highest rates of violence against females in the world. Standing just 5’2”, Gabriella became fiercely determined to protect herself, diving into martial arts, particularly jiu-jitsu, where she honed both her physical and mental toughness. Her passion for self-defense naturally led her to wrestling, where she discovered a platform to tell the story of her homeland through her unique fighting style.

In the ring, Gabriella’s combination of natural athleticism and jiu-jitsu mastery gives her a powerful advantage, allowing her to outmaneuver opponents and use their strength against them with flawless technique. Considering her Brazilian heritage, Gabriella feels a deep connection to WOW’s mission of female empowerment. She’s committed to showcasing women as powerful, skilled, and versatile fighters rather than mere spectacle. For her, wrestling is more than sport—it’s a way to craft a legacy, to inspire young women to stand up for themselves, and to prove that women are forces to be reckoned with.