Hailing from Manaus, Brazil, Gabriella Cruz takes time out of her busy schedule teaching young kids jiu jitsu, preparing for her world championship jiu jitsu match, and training in cross fit, to stop by the Official WOW Podcast. Cruz moved to the States seven years ago to challenge herself and find new opportunities in the wrestling industry. Cruz’s mother encouraged her daughter to start training in jiu jitsu purely for self defense purposes, but now she’s made a career out of it! Cruz trained in the WWE training center for five years before moving on to WOW.
Gabriella Cruz on coming to America for wrestling: “I like challenges…I want a challenge for my life, something different! I came to America… learning wresting…learning English, learning Spanish, everything is new for me…I love the experience, I love being here!”
Speaking of challenges, Cruz wanted to elevate her wrestling game even further, and after seeing the tough competitors on the WOW roster, she decided this might be her next challenge. David McLane called Cruz and welcomed her to WOW, so she got on a plane to Los Angeles!
Cruz on the WOW atmosphere: “The first day I’m a little bit shy, it’s scary, but everybody’s so nice…everybody at WOW has a different style…I’d love to stay here, everybody’s so good to me, I feel welcome!”
WOW live events weren’t the only thing bringing Cruz to Las Vegas however, she also traveled to compete in a judo championship tournament, placing second in the world!
After tagging with Lil J-Boogie for a bit, Cruz shifted back to singles wrestling. Cruz took on Genesis and earned a WOW World Championship Match against Penelope Pink! Even though Pink prevailed, fans rallied around Gabriella Cruz, showing love for her show stopping, high flying, awe-inspiring wrestling style! David McLane gushed that he has no doubt that Cruz will get another WOW World Championship Title match in the future.
Gabriella Cruz on her title match against Pink: “I know she’s very good, but I know I work hard…I do my best, I work very hard to get the belt for me. I want to be champion, everyone wants to be champion, me too, why not!!”
Gabriella Cruz on her friendship with Lil J-Boogie: “J-Boogie is always nice, she has good energy. She’s asking me to dance together or to class together. I told her, you teach me to dance, I’ll teach you jiu jitsu!”
Gabriella Cruz on wrestling with J-Boogie: “Me and J-Boogie have good chemistry for wrestling. I like jiu jitsu, I like lucha libre, mix it together, and have fun! It’s easy to work together, and have a good match together.”
Gabriella Cruz on working with Tormenta for the 10-Way Elimination Match: “Tormenta is an amazing luchadora. She always helps us training…I’m so grateful Tormenta is working together with us”
