Romantic storylines have been featured on WWE television for several decades. Shelly Martinez, aka Ariel in WWE, recently recalled that she didn't always see eye-to-eye with her on-screen love interest, Kevin Thorn.
Martinez worked in WWE between 2005 and 2007. In 2006, the 44-year-old began performing as Thorn's valet in ECW. The two are best remembered for their vampire characters and association with the New Breed faction.
in an interview about Call BelleBehind the scenes, Martinez revealed the details of her strained relationship with Thorn:
“Kevin and I often didn't get along when we were working together. That's because I'm a good actress! I'd talk cr*p to him. When he was like that (leaning in his face) to me, I'd be like that. 'F you, a**hole', blah blah blah, yeah, but how s*xual did I look, I'm just doing my thing.” (10:24 – 10:54)
AEW's top star called one of his co-stars “spoiled” and a “narcissist.” HERE.
Martinez also worked TNA in 2007 and 2008 under the name Salinas. He left wrestling in 2017.
Shelly Martinez made amends with Kevin Thorn after leaving WWE
During her brief TNA run, Shelly Martinez crossed paths with Kevin Thorn at an Applebee's restaurant.
Given their history, Martinez initially thought it would be “awkward” if she spoke to her former on-screen ally. However, she was pleased to learn that he was displeased with her treatment ECW:
“I remember Kevin was there and it was awkward, and then he had a private conversation with me and he said to me, 'You know, I realized how important you were until you left, and I was like, 'I didn't appreciate you the way I should have and I didn't treat you the way I should have.' . “I'm so sorry about that,” he said. It meant a lot to me,” continued Martinez. (13:55 – 14:15)
In the same interview, Martinez claimed that WWE tried to write him off and addressed whether he would consider returning to the company.
Do you have memories of the partnership of Kevin Thorn and Shelly Martinez? Hit the discuss button and let us know.
Please credit Ring the Belle and H/T Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.
Edited by Danny Hart