Nora Greenwald

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Nora Greenwald
An image of Nora Greenwald.
Statistics
Ring name(s) Lady Ophelia[1]
Ophelia
Mighty Molly[1][2]
Miss Madness[1][2]
Molly Holly[2]
Molly[2]
Mona[1][2]
Miss Madness 99[2]
Starla Saxton[2]
Starla Sexton[2]
Nora Greenwald[1]
Billed height 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m)[3]
Billed weight 140 lb (64 kg/10 st)
Born September 7, 1977 (1977-09-07) (age 30)[4]
Forest Lake, Minnesota[3]
Resides White Bear Lake, Minnesota[5]
Billed from Forest Lake, Minnesota
Maple Grove, Minnesota
Mobile, Alabama
Trained by Dave Finlay
Tim Mahoney
Dean Malenko[4]
Tracy Smothers
WCW Power Plant
Jeff Bradley[6]
Debut August 2, 1997

Noreen "Nora" Kristina Greenwald[2][4] (born September 7, 1977) better known by her ring name Molly Holly, is an inactive American professional wrestler. Greenwald is best known for her appearances with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

Greenwald is a two-time former WWE Women's Champion and one of the few women to hold a male title in WWE, holding the WWE Hardcore Championship on one occasion. Moreover, while working in WCW, she trained many of the female wrestlers at the WCW Power Plant. Aside from professional wrestling, Greenwald is heavily involved in church activities and spends her time doing missions work in Guatemala.

Contents

[edit] Early life

Nora Greenwald was born to parents Rick and Bonnie Greenwald on September 7, 1977.[5] Growing up, Greenwald had no plans to be a wrestler, but she did want to be on American Gladiators for a while.[6] She trained to be a powerlifter from age 14 to age 18, and at age 14, she broke the Minnesota state powerlifting record (75 pounds) for her age group by lifting 100 pounds.[6][2] She also trained as a gymnast.[5][7] Later, she began wrestling for fun, not because she "wanted to be on TV."[6]

As soon as she graduated Forest Lake Area High School in 1996, Nora left home with $200 and a '65 Oldsmobile, which she drove from Minnesota to Florida.[5][8] Before training as a wrestler, Greenwald was employed at a Subway restaurant and as a telemarketer for Special Data Processing.[6][8] While working at Subway, it was suggested to Nora that she try out for wrestling, and out of curiosity, she did.[8]

[edit] Career

[edit] Early career

Greenwald began training as a wrestler under Dean Malenko in Tampa, Florida in 1997.[4][3][7] She debuted on August 2, 1997 in the World Professional Wrestling Federation (WPWF) under the ring name Starla Saxton. Greenwald wrestled on the independent circuit throughout 1997 and 1998, winning two championships. She eventually defeated the Wench to get the WPWF Womens Title. On August 21, 1998 she defeated Malia Hosaka to win the New Dimension Wrestling Women's Title, but lost it one day later back to Hosaka.[9]

She appeared with both World Championship Wrestling as Starla Sexton and the World Wrestling Federation as Starla Saxton as a jobber, unsuccessfully challenging Jacqueline for the WWF Women's Championship on an October 1998 episode of WWF Sunday Night HEAT.[2] In late 1999, she briefly feuded with Brandi Alexander while wrestling in the Florida independent circuit.[2]

[edit] World Championship Wrestling (1999–2000)

She debuted in WCW as Miss Madness, one of Randy Savage's valets along with Gorgeous George and Madusa.[4][3][10] Savage asked her and Madusa to train his then-girlfriend Gorgeous George in real life, highlights of this were shown on WCW TV. This heel stable, called Team Madness, would interfere in matches for the benefit of Savage by missle drop kicking and frankensteining Kevin Nash and slapping Hulk Hogan.[6] Behind the scenes, Nora and Madusa trained the other women of WCW at the WCW Power Plant. Eventually, Savage turned on her by firing her from Team Madness along with Madusa after they started fighing and blaming each other about Macho Mans title loss. She became Mona,[10] a face, who wrestled barefoot in a blue cocktail dress. She embarked on mini-feuds with Madusa, Little Jeannie, and Asya.[2] Independent female wrestlers, such as Dee Dee Venturi and Brandi Alexander, were also brought in to wrestle Mona.[10] However, WCW released Greenwald in August 2000 in a cost-cutting move.[6][11]

[edit] World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment

Upon signing a contract with the World Wrestling Federation, she was sent to their training ground in Memphis Championship Wrestling to work off ring-rust.[2] She became the manager of William Regal and was known as Lady Ophelia.[4] While there, she squared off against The Kat, Bobcat, and Victoria.

[edit] 2000–2001

In 2000, she reappeared in the World Wrestling Federation under the Lady Ophelia gimmick, wrestling dark matches and valeting for William Regal.[4] Greenwald, however, had her first major run in the company as Molly Holly, where she joined her "cousins" Bob Holly and Crash Holly.[4][5] At the time, The Holly Cousins were involved in a feud with T & A (Test, Albert, and manager Trish Stratus).[10] Greenwald admits that Stratus was one of her favorite people to work with.[10] Molly's arrival on the November 6, 2000 edition of RAW started a short feud with Stratus, leading to her first televised victory over Stratus in a Six-Person Intergender Tag Team Match at the Survivor Series 2000. In a match between Crash Holly and Dean Malenko, Molly distracted the referee by standing on the ring apron, interfering on Crash's behalf. Malenko then forcefully kissed Molly, annoying her who later helped out Crash by debuting her Molly-Go-Round also before on Trish Stratus after the six-person ta match in a singles but later used the finisher on Malenko, and enabling Crash to win. In 2001, Molly formed a kayfabe relationship with Spike Dudley, in the midst of the feud between her "cousins" (The Hollys) and Spike's "brothers" (The Dudley Boyz).[3][10] This relationship added more friction to the feud. A subsequent fallout between her and Crash even led to an intergender singles match, with Molly pinning Crash. In interviews in subsequent years, Greenwald recalled the "relationship" with Spike Dudley as the "best time of her career."[8][11]

[edit] 2002–2003

In September 2001, Molly dumped Spike to become Mighty Molly, the superhero sidekick of The Hurricane.[4][3] Molly, however, eventually left The Hurricane to become a full-time solo wrestler, taking his Hardcore Championship after whacking him with a frying pan at WrestleMania X8 on March 17, 2002 in Toronto. She promptly lost it to Christian an hour later after getting a door slammed in her face.[12]

After splitting up with The Hurricane in April 2002, she returned to her previous ring name, Molly Holly. Upon her return to the newly renamed World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), she drastically changed her look by shortening her trademark blonde hair and darkening it to autumn brown.[3] Greenwald's reasoning behind this was that it fit her new character better.[8] Greenwald adopted a self-righteous prude gimmick, similar to that of the Right to Censor faction, as she was kayfabe appalled by the other WWE Divas continually using their "assets" and degrading themselves. During this gimmick, she would often refer to herself as being "pure and wholesome." This led to a feud with the then-Women's Champion Trish Stratus, which culminated in her winning the championship at King of the Ring 2002 in June.[13][3] During the feud, Jerry Lawler also began to poke fun at Greenwald, which Greenwald later revealed genuinely hurt her feelings.[11][7] However, Greenwald initially did not mind the angle when Stephanie McMahon approached her with the idea.[8] The feud with Stratus continued for several months, and Molly later brought in Victoria as an enforcer to help deal with Trish. She would finally drop the title back to Stratus at Unforgiven 2002 in September.[14]

Greenwald earned her second WWE Women's Championship by defeating Gail Kim on RAW on July 28, 2003.[15] Kim would later turn heel and join Greenwald in her feud with Stratus. During an attack on Stratus, Lita made her return, helping Trish fend off her attackers. Greenwald and Kim then lost a tag team match to Lita and Trish at Unforgiven 2003, sparking a feud with Lita.[16] This led to a match against Lita at Survivor Series 2003 for the Women's title, which Greenwald retained.[17]

[edit] 2004–2005

Greenwald lost her championship to Victoria in a Fatal 4-Way Match on February 23, 2004.[18] She would feud vehemently with Victoria for the next few months, believing she had been robbed of her title. The feud led to a Hair vs Title match at WrestleMania XX in March 2004, which Greenwald lost when she tried to execute Victoria's Widow's Peak. The move was reversed, resulting in Greenwald having her head shaved.[5][19][3] Greenwald maintains that it was her idea to have her head shaved, suggesting the idea to Vince McMahon months before the match occurred because she wanted to do something shocking for WrestleMania.[5][11] Over the next few months, she desperately tred to disguise her bald head using loose-fitting wigs, a gimmick that Kurt Angle had also used two years prior. Later in 2004, she feuded with Stacy Keibler, with Keibler pinning Holly on three consecutive occasions, the last one occurring in a number one contender's match.[3]

Greenwald's final WWE pay-per-view appearance occurred at Taboo Tuesday 2004 as she appeared in the Fulfill Your Fantasy Battle Royal along with many other WWE Divas. The fans voted online for the Divas to wear schoolgirl uniforms, as opposed to French maid or nurse outfits. In contrast to the other girls who wore sexy schoolgirl uniforms, Greenwald decided to go retro with her wardrobe by wearing a demure 1980s-style schoolgirl uniform with large pink panties underneath. Greenwald failed to win the match when Stratus eliminated her by tossing her over the top rope for the win.[20] Greenwald's efforts in subsequent attempts to regain the title failed. Due to several wrestlers from the company's women's division being released in late 2004 and the introduction of the RAW Diva Search program, Greenwald was mostly left off television, only occasionally appearing on Sunday Night Heat and RAW in losing efforts to the likes of Lita, Trish Stratus, and Christy Hemme.

She left WWE and a full-time wrestling career in April 2005.[3] Reportedly, she was beginning to become disenchanted with WWE, who began to focus on looks rather than wrestling ability.[6] She also hated that her character had turned heel, but that is not the direct cause of her leaving the company.[8] However, Greenwald states that all of the aforementioned reasons are incorrect, but she would like to keep the real reason she left WWE private.[21] She decided to take a break from WWE and spend some time with her family and enjoy life.[21] Vince McMahon is leaving the doors open for her to return if she wants to in the future.[8]

[edit] Independent circuit

[edit] 2005–2007

On November 20, 2005, Greenwald made her first public appearance since her WWE departure at Northern IMPACT Wrestling's first ever card at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall in her hometown of Forest Lake, Minnesota. She signed autographs and sold copies of her DVD and was challenged by the promotion's Undisputed Champion "The Answer" Al B.C. and his manager the "C.E.O.". She turned down the challenge.

On January 8, 2006 in Amery, Wisconsin, Greenwald made her first in-ring appearance in nine months, appearing with Northern IMPACT Wrestling, a local Minnesota/Wisconsin wrestling promotion.[2] In addition to refereeing a match between Rain and Ann-Thraxx (Ann Brookstone), Greenwald counted the pin for the main event match between Team Revolution and Team Invasion.[2] She went on to referee an Impact Zone Wrestling match on February 14, 2006 in Tempe, Arizona and an XJAM Wrestling match on February 16, 2006 in Minot, North Dakota, where she challenged Ann-Thraxx to wrestle her, with Ann-Thraxx refusing.[2] On April 8, 2006, Greenwald appeared at the German Stampede Wrestling event International Impact III in Olsberg, Germany, commentating on a match along with former Pro Wrestling Illustrated senior editor Bill Apter and refereeing a women's match.[2] In subsequent months, she made (non-wrestling) appearances at several independent wrestling events.[7]

On October 7, 2006, Greenwald returned to in-ring action for the first time since April 2005 by defeating Jonny Fairplay after a quick low blow and pinfall in a WCWA event.[22][2] In November 2006, Greenwald filmed a scene for Bloodstained Memoirs, a wrestling documentary.[23]

Nora returned to several events as guest referee or for autograph signings. She first refereed an intergender match between Kassy Summers and Seito Hayashi for BAW Championship Wrestling on July 13 in McMinnville, Oregon, then was guest referee in a match between Ann Brookstone (aka Ann-Thraxx) and TNA's Christy Hemme for Heavy on Wrestling in Superior, Wisconsin on July 21. She appeared with Billy Kidman at an autograph signing during Family Fun Day in her hometown of Linwood Township on September 8, one day after celebrating her 30th birthday.

She made a brief appearance on the Raw 15th Anniversary Show on December 10, 2007 with Mickie James, William Regal and Hornswoggle in a backstage segment.

[edit] Bloodstained Memoirs

Greenwald is one of the stars of the wrestling documentary, Bloodstained Memoirs. She holds the distinction of being the only wrestler signed to the film who had their scene recorded in the United States.[24]

Molly Holly in Bloodstained Memoirs.
Molly Holly in Bloodstained Memoirs.

In March of 2007, a video of footage (featuring interviews with Rowdy Roddy Piper and Molly Holly) appeared on YouTube, claiming that it was hacked footage from the former official website. It is debated whether this was the true case, or whether the video was put up for publicity. Over 100,000 people to date have seen the video, and the news story was picked up by a number of publications, Including the highly respected Power Slam Magazine and NoDQ, which adds cause to the debate that it was in fact a planted video. In time, the video even made its way to the official website.[25][26]

Several topics were discussed in the video, including the death of Bruiser Brody.[27]

[edit] In wrestling

  • Finishing moves
  • Signature moves
  • Wrestlers managed by Nora Greenwald

[edit] Championships and accomplishments

  • New Dimension Wrestling
  • NDW Women's Championship (1 time)[9]
  • World Professional Wrestling Federation
  • WPWF Women's Championship (1 time)
  • Northern Impact Wrestling
  • Sanctioned referee

[edit] Personal life

Greenwald has two brothers. One, Luke, lives in Utah and the other, Chancey, is a dental hygienist.[5]

In 2002, Greenwald competed on a special WWF superstars edition of Fear Factor, where she was eliminated in the second round. She won $10,000 for Prison Fellowship Ministries.

Greenwald's wrestling injuries include a light concussion, torn knee cartilage, a broken finger and strained muscles.[5]

In August 2005, she released an autobiographical DVD entitled "Nora Greenwald: Shootin' the Shi Crap" that detailed the reasons behind her departure.[8] A portion of the profits from the sale of the DVD went to the education fund of the daughter of Mike Lockwood, after his death.[8][11]

On December 16, 2006, Nora returned to Guatemala for several months to learn Spanish and do missions work.[3] Afterwards, she stated that she had no plans to return to wrestling anytime soon, but said "never say never in this business."[3][2]

After leaving the wrestling business, Greenwald has made sporadic wrestling appearances, acts as a landlady with regards to her property holdings, invests in real estate, and performs charity work.[11] In addition, she took public speaking classes and earned a license in massage therapy.[7] Greenwald now works for Minnesota Teen Challenge, a one-year residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.[5] She joined the program because at least ten of her friends have died because of drug overdoses.[5] Greenwald, a born again Christian, ministers to the women in the program.[5]

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ a b c d e Molly Holly. IGN. Retrieved on May 23, 2008.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Online World of Wrestling. Molly Holly's Profile. Retrieved on May 18, 2007.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n WWE.com. WWE Alumni Profile. Retrieved on May 12, 2007.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i Molly Holly Biography. IGN. Retrieved on May 23, 2008.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Debra Neutkens (December 12, 2007). Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be... pro-wrestlers. PressPubs.com. Retrieved on 2008-03-22.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h Girls With Guns (March 2006). From Hair to Eternity...The Molly Holly Interview. Retrieved on May 12, 2007.
  7. ^ a b c d e Andrea Bailey of Cambridge Times (September 26, 2006). Holly survives industry's beatings. Retrieved on May 14, 2007.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Mike Roe (August 14, 2005). DVD review: Shootin' the Shi Crap with Nora Greenwald (aka Molly Holly). Retrieved on May 12, 2007.
  9. ^ a b NDWrestling. New Dimension Women's Title History. Retrieved on May 12, 2007.
  10. ^ a b c d e f John F. Molinaro (June 30, 2001). Molly Holly having a blast in the WWF. Retrieved on 2007-05-29.
  11. ^ a b c d e f James Walsh and Brendon Brooks (February 9, 2006). "Mighty Molly Holly" Nora Greenwald. Retrieved on May 14, 2007.
  12. ^ PWI Staff. "Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts", "Wrestling’s historical cards", Kappa Publishing, 2007, pp. 110. (English) 
  13. ^ PWI Staff. "Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts", "Wrestling’s historical cards", Kappa Publishing, 2007, pp. 111. (English) 
  14. ^ Martin, Finn. "Power Slam Magazine", "Dead Man Dictating" (Unforgiven 2002), SW Publishing., 2002-10-21. (English) 
  15. ^ Online World of Wrestling. RAW July 28, 2003 Results. Retrieved on May 15, 2007.
  16. ^ Martin, Finn. "Power Slam Magazine, issue 112", "Boldberg grabs gold" (Unforgiven 2003), SW Publishing., 2003-10-22, pp. 22-23. (English) 
  17. ^ PWI Staff. "Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts", "Wrestling’s historical cards", Kappa Publishing, 2007, pp. 114. (English) 
  18. ^ WWE.com. Victoria's Second Reign. Retrieved on May 14, 2007.
  19. ^ PWI Staff. "Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts", "Wrestling’s historical cards", Kappa Publishing, 2007, pp. 115. (English) 
  20. ^ PWI Staff. "Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts", "Wrestling’s historical cards", Kappa Publishing, 2007, pp. 116. (English) 
  21. ^ a b Nora Greenwald. Shootin' the Shi Crap [DVD].
  22. ^ Online World of Wrestling. Jonny Fairplay's Profile. Retrieved on May 12, 2007.
  23. ^ Bloodstained Memoirs Official Site
  24. ^ Official Site.
  25. ^ NoDQ Video. Retrieved on 2007-05-10.
  26. ^ Flak Magazine.
  27. ^ WWE.com. History of the Hardcore Championship. Retrieved on May 12, 2007.
  28. ^ WWE.com. Women's Title History. Retrieved on May 11, 2007.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

Professional wrestling
Portal


Persondata
NAME Noreen Greenwald
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Greenwald, Nora; Holly, Molly
SHORT DESCRIPTION Professional wrestler
DATE OF BIRTH September 7, 1977
PLACE OF BIRTH Forest Lake, Minnesota
DATE OF DEATH
PLACE OF DEATH