Johnny Rodz

Infobox Wrestler
name=Johnny Rodriguez
names=Johnny Rodz
"Arabian Wildman" Java Ruuk
"The Unpredictable" Johnny Rodzcite web|url=http://www.wrestling-caricatures.com/id150.html|title=Interview with Prince Nana|author=Steve Urena|publisher=Wrestling Caricatures|accessdate=2008-03-20|date=January 6, 2006]
Super Medico II


image_size=
img_capt=
height=5 ft 8 incite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/halloffame/johnnyrodz/bio/|title=Hall of Fame: Johnny Rodz|publisher=WWE.com|accessdate=2008-03-20]
weight=230 lb
real_height=
real_weight=
birth_date=birth date and age|1938|5|16
birth_place=New York City, New York
death_date=
death_place=
resides=Brooklyn, New York
billed=Steubenville, Ohio
trainer=
debut=1960s
retired=
website=

Johnny Rodriguezcite web|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D00EFDC163CF93BA35753C1A9669C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=2|title= Dying to Drop-Kick And Body-Slam, And Make It Pay|author=Corey Kilgannon|publisher=NY Times|accessdate=2008-03-20|date=October 8, 2000] (born May 16, 1938) is a retired American professional wrestler. He has previously worked as a professional wrestler under the ring name Johnny Rodz.

Professional wrestling career

World Wide Wrestling Federation

He was part of the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) from its early years, appearing on WWWF cards as far back as 1965. He wrestled Bob Backlund in Madison Square Garden while working for the WWWF at the time. For much of the next two decades through mid-1985, Rodz was a mainstay of the federation, though largely used as a jobber. In 1980's Showdown at Shea, he was defeated by Ivan Putski.

NWA Hollywood

For a time, he also worked with Mike and Gene LeBell's NWA Hollywood Wrestling in the '70s. He won a greater share of matches wrestling as 'Arabian Wildman' Java Ruuk and even won the promotion's battle royal in 1976.

Post-retirement

In 1996, Rodz was inducted into the WWF Hall of Fame by Arnold Skaaland.

On the March 1 2007 episode of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's "Impact" showed the Latin American Exchange (LAX) attacking Johnny Rodz as part of their feud with Team 3D. Ten days later at Destination X, he accompanied Team 3D to the ring for their match with LAX.

Training

He also trains wrestlers out of Gleason's Gym in Brooklyn, New York.cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2004/08/06/pf-571552.html|title=Little Jeanne's destiny is old-school|author=Chris Sokol|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|accessdate=2008-03-20|date=August 11, 2004] At his school, named "Johnny Rodz' Unpredictable School", many famous wrestlers have been trained. He has trained wrestlers at the school for the past twenty-four years. Because he was a former recruiter for professional wrestling promotions, he uses his connections to help his students get hired by the top promotions.

Wrestlers trained

*Big Vito
*Damien Demento
*Tommy Dreamer
*Big Dick Dudley
*Bubba Ray Dudley
*D-Von Dudley
*Bill DeMott
*Elektra
*Jason Knight
*Matt Striker
*Prince Nana
*Spanish Angel
*Dr. Mongy
*Tazz
*Ricky Vega

In wrestling

*Finishing and signature moves
**Falling headbutthttp://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/65.htm]
**Single stomp from the second rope

Championships and accomplishments

*Lutte Internationale:*Canadian International Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

*World Wrestling Council:*WWC World Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Super Medico I

*World Wrestling Federation:*WWF Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)

References

External links

* [http://www.wwe.com/superstars/halloffame/johnnyrodz/bio/ Profile at WWE Hall of Fame]