Johnny Rodz

John Rodriguez[2] (born May 16, 1938) is an American retired professional wrestler. He has previously worked as a professional wrestler under the ring name Johnny Rodz.

Johnny Rodz
Rodz on October 25, 2008
Birth nameJohn Rodriguez
Born (1938-05-16) May 16, 1938
New York City, New York, United States[1]
ResidenceBrooklyn, New York City,
New York, United States[2]
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Java Ruuk
Johnny Rodz[3]
Super Medico II
Billed height5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)[1]
Billed weight239 lb (108 kg)[1]
Billed fromBronx, New York
Debut1964
Retired1999

Professional wrestling career

World Wide Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Federation (1965–1985)

He was part of the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) from its early years, appearing on WWWF cards as far back as 1965.[1] He wrestled Bob Backlund in Madison Square Garden while working for the WWWF at the time. Dubbed the "Fire Brand From the Bronx" and the "Unpredictable", he was a proficient worker and a solid heel. Johnny would often tag with Jose Estrada, and Frank "the Gypsy" Rodriguez. For much of the next two decades through mid-1985, Rodz was a mainstay of the federation, though largely used as enhancement talent.[4] On August 9, 1980, at the Showdown at Shea, he was defeated by "Polish Power" Ivan Putski. His last WWF match was a loss to Gama Singh on June 19, 1985.

NWA Hollywood (1970s)

For a time, he also worked with Mike and Gene LeBell's NWA Hollywood Wrestling in the 1970s. He won a greater share of matches wrestling as "Arabian Wildman" Java Ruuk and even won the promotion's battle royal in 1976.[1]

Post-retirement

In 1996, Rodz was inducted into the WWF Hall of Fame class of 1996 by Arnold Skaaland.[1]

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

Training

Johnny Rodz has been training students for over 24 years, out of Gleason's Gym in Brooklyn. Rodz has trained many students that have gone on to have successful careers in the ring and behind the scenes. Some of Rodz' students have even gone on to train other future superstars. Rodz founded the independent wrestling promotion known as World of Unpredictable Wrestling.[5]

Wrestlers trained

Championships and accomplishments

References
  1. "Hall of Fame: Johnny Rodz". WWE.com.
  2. Corey Kilgannon (October 8, 2000). "Dying to Drop-Kick And Body-Slam, And Make It Pay". NY Times. Retrieved 2008-03-20.
  3. Steve Urena (January 6, 2006). "Interview with Prince Nana". Wrestling Caricatures. Retrieved 2008-03-20.
  4. Benes, Ross (April 13, 2016). "The Profane Teachings Of Johnny Rodz, The Wrestler Who Jobbed His Way Into The Hall Of Fame". Deadspin. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  5. "World of Unpredictable Wrestling". World of Unpredictable Wrestling. Retrieved 2018-11-05.
  6. Chris Sokol (August 11, 2004). "Little Jeanne's destiny is old-school". SLAM! Wrestling. Retrieved 2008-03-20.
  7. Royal Duncan & Gary Will (2000). Wrestling Title Histories (4th ed.). Archeus Communications. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
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