Ana Rocha

Ana Rocha (born December 28, 1984) is a Portuguese-American professional wrestler and manager known by her ring name "The Portuguese Princess" Ariel, who has competed in Northeastern independent promotions including Ring of Honor, IWA Mid-South and the National Wrestling Alliance.

Career

Early life and career

Born in São Miguel, Azores, Rocha immigrated with her family to the United States in 1996, settling in New Bedford, Massachusetts. An avid wrestling fan during the late 1990s, she and her brother began training for a career in professional wrestling at the Top Rope Academym studying under Brickhouse Baker, Scott Ashworth, and José Pérez. In January 2001, she and her brother began training at Yankee Pro Wrestling's wrestling school in Sunshine Plaza. Several months later, while still only a junior in New Bedford High School, Rocha made her professional debut in South Coast Championship Wrestling on May 12, 2001.

Originally appearing as a valet for "Heavenly" Johnny Angel, she was attacked by his opponent Adam Booker during their match on May 12, 2001, this being her first appearance in the promotion. After several weeks, during which time Johnny Angel had become the SCCW Heavyweight Champion, she would team with him in a mixed tag team match against Adam Booker and former champion Dr. Heresy, in which Booker pinned Ariel to win the title. The following night, she herself eventually made her own wrestling debut defeating Amanda Storm on July 21, and, although she sustained slight injury during the match, she soon began regularly competing on the independent circuit teaming with such wrestlers as The Blue Meanie, defeating Steve Corino and Gino Giovanni. By the end of the year, she had defeated The Crazy Mexican for the Women's Heavyweight title in Stars & Stripes Championship Wrestling on December 29, 2001.