# Marina Shafir
**Marina Shafir** (born 1988) is a Moldovan professional wrestler and former mixed martial artist currently signed to [All Elite Wrestling](https://www.edgepedia.org/all-elite-wrestling) (AEW), where she performs as a member of The Death Riders faction. Known by the nicknames "The Problem" and "The Supernova from Moldova," she is recognized for her hard-hitting, MMA-based style built on judo throws, strikes, and submissions.[1](https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/Marina_Shafir) • [2](https://www.wwe.com/superstars/marina-shafir)
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | 1988, Soroca, Moldova[1](https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/Marina_Shafir) • [2](https://www.wwe.com/superstars/marina-shafir) |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in[2](https://www.wwe.com/superstars/marina-shafir) |
| Promotions | AEW (143 matches), WWE NXT (14), Ring of Honor (5), recorded between 2018 and 2026[3](https://wrestling.pro/en/performers/marina-shafir) |
| Pro wrestling record | 36 wins, 18 losses (67% win rate)[4](https://wearewrestling.net/wrestler/marina-shafir/) |
| Faction | The Death Riders[5](https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1800308/marina-shafir-details-journey-wwe-aew/) |
| Independent titles | BriiCombination Wrestling and DEFY[5](https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1800308/marina-shafir-details-journey-wwe-aew/) |
| Spouse | Roderick Strong[5](https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1800308/marina-shafir-details-journey-wwe-aew/) |
## Mixed martial arts career
Shafir began in judo, drawn to the sport for its structure and problem-solving nature rather than its popularity. She trained with [Gene LeBell](https://www.edgepedia.org/gene-lebell) in California, where she met [Ronda Rousey](https://www.edgepedia.org/ronda-rousey), and together they became part of the "Four Horsewomen" group alongside [Jessamyn Duke](https://www.edgepedia.org/jessamyn-duke) and Shayna Baszler.[6](https://prowrestlingpost.com/marina-shafir/)
She competed professionally in Invicta FC and Lights Out Promotions, developing a submission-based style that relied on closing distance, taking opponents down, and maintaining control rather than trading strikes.[2](https://www.wwe.com/superstars/marina-shafir) • [6](https://prowrestlingpost.com/marina-shafir/)
## Professional wrestling career
### WWE (2018–2021)
Shafir signed with WWE in 2018 and was assigned to the NXT brand, where she trained at the Performance Center. She debuted at a July 26 NXT house show, teaming with [Nikki Cross](https://www.edgepedia.org/nikki-cross) in a win over Aliyah and [Rhea Ripley](https://www.edgepedia.org/rhea-ripley).[1](https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/Marina_Shafir) She served as muscle alongside [Shayna Baszler](https://www.edgepedia.org/shayna-baszler) before being released in June 2021.[4](https://wearewrestling.net/wrestler/marina-shafir/)
### AEW (2021–present)
After leaving WWE, Shafir intended to build her career on the independent scene rather than sign with a major promotion. She appeared on the December 14, 2021 episode of [AEW Dark](https://www.edgepedia.org/aew-dark), losing to [Kris Statlander](https://www.edgepedia.org/kris-statlander), and her performance in that match led to a full-time contract with the company.[5](https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1800308/marina-shafir-details-journey-wwe-aew/)
She later joined [Jon Moxley](https://www.edgepedia.org/jon-moxley) and the group that became The Death Riders, a faction that views the ring as a place for real competition. Shafir has been described as the most intimidating member of the group, bringing a level of menace that complements her striking and grappling abilities.[6](https://prowrestlingpost.com/marina-shafir/) • [7](https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=20335)
### Independent circuit
Shafir has remained active on the independent scene, winning titles for both BriiCombination Wrestling and DEFY.[5](https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1800308/marina-shafir-details-journey-wwe-aew/) She has also competed in [Josh Barnett](https://www.edgepedia.org/josh-barnett)'s Bloodsport, a shoot-style promotion where her MMA background is a significant advantage; she defeated Zeda Zhang by submission at Bloodsport 8.[8](https://arnoldfurious.com/gcw-josh-barnetts-bloodsport-8-review)
## Wrestling style and reception
Shafir's style is built on her judo and MMA background, emphasizing hard strikes, judo throws, and submission holds rather than the high-flying moves common in modern wrestling. She is not considered a polished traditional wrestler, but her intensity and physical credibility give her matches a distinct danger that fans and reviewers have noted.[7](https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=20335) • [9](https://swnscotland.com/2026/09/28/review-mystery-wrestling-29-5-27-aug-2026/)
Her match against [Toni Storm](https://www.edgepedia.org/toni-storm) at [AEW Revolution](https://www.edgepedia.org/aew-revolution) 2026 on March 15 received a four-star rating from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, and her match against Alex Windsor at AEW Dynasty 2026 Zero Hour on April 12 was rated three and a quarter stars.[10](https://www.cagematch.net/?id=111&nr=134916) • [11](https://www.cagematch.net/?id=111&nr=2143)
## References
1. [Marina Shafir | Pro Wrestling | Fandom](https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/Marina_Shafir)
2. [Marina Shafir | WWE](https://www.wwe.com/superstars/marina-shafir)
3. [Marina Shafir – AEW Wrestler: 78 Matches – Pro Wrestling Archive](https://wrestling.pro/en/performers/marina-shafir)
4. [Marina Shafir Record: 36-18 (67% Win Rate) - We are Wrestling](https://wearewrestling.net/wrestler/marina-shafir/)
5. [Marina Shafir Details Journey From WWE To AEW - Wrestling Inc.](https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1800308/marina-shafir-details-journey-wwe-aew/)
6. [Marina Shafir - The Problem That Can't Be Solved - ProWrestlingPost.com](https://prowrestlingpost.com/marina-shafir/)
7. [Marina Shafir « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH](https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=20335)
8. [GCW Josh Barnett's Bloodsport 8 Review – Arn's Wrestling Reviews](https://arnoldfurious.com/gcw-josh-barnetts-bloodsport-8-review)
9. [Review: Mystery Wrestling '29.5' (27 Aug 2026) – SCOTTISH WRESTLING NETWORK](https://swnscotland.com/2026/09/28/review-mystery-wrestling-29-5-27-aug-2026/)
10. [Marina Shafir vs. Toni Storm « Matches « CAGEMATCH](https://www.cagematch.net/?id=111&nr=134916)
11. [Alex Windsor vs. Marina Shafir « Matches « CAGEMATCH](https://www.cagematch.net/?id=111&nr=2143)
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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Sports, games, and recreation › Individual sports and outdoor recreation › Combat sports and professional wrestling › Professional wrestlers and stables › Continental European wrestlers*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Oct 21, 2026 · Edited: Oct 12, 2026; Oct 15, 2026; Oct 21, 2026 · Last review: Oct 21, 2026*
*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*
License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license