AEW’s Marina Shafir Nearly Opened A Coffee Shop
Marina Shafir’s Journey: From MMA to Professional Wrestling and the Coffee Business
Marina Shafir has made a significant impact in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as part of the Death Riders in 2025. However, her career path was not always aimed at professional wrestling. Before stepping into the squared circle, Shafir had a background in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), but an unexpected life event shifted her trajectory.
From MMA to Motherhood and Coffee Ambitions
In 2015, Shafir decided to step away from MMA when she discovered she was expecting a child. This life-changing moment led her to relocate to Florida to be closer to her now-husband, Roderick Strong. While Strong was preparing to embark on his journey with WWE, Shafir found herself drawn to a completely different industry—the coffee business.
During her pregnancy, she worked at Buddy Brew Coffee in Tampa. Immersing herself in the coffee industry, she envisioned a future in it. “I was working there throughout my entire pregnancy, and I thought, ‘The world is my oyster. I’m going to own a coffee shop, manage it, and take the coffee industry by storm,'” she shared. Her passion for coffee was strong, but fate had other plans.
Return to Combat Sports and WWE’s Interest
After giving birth in 2017, Shafir returned to training in jiu-jitsu and combat sports. Around the same time, WWE began showing interest in the Four Horsewomen of MMA—a faction consisting of Shafir, Ronda Rousey, Shayna Baszler, and Jessamyn Duke. Although the group never gained full traction in WWE, Shafir’s involvement in wrestling grew.
Despite being pregnant during early discussions about the Four Horsewomen’s potential WWE run, she remained connected to the wrestling scene. She frequently attended WWE tapings to visit her husband, bringing their son, Troy, along. “I would go to tapings just to see Roderick, and then I would leave. But WWE was still interested in us as the Four Horsewomen,” she revealed.
A New Chapter in Professional Wrestling
WWE’s continued interest in the Four Horsewomen ultimately opened doors for Shafir in professional wrestling. She was presented with the opportunity to join NXT, and she knew it was a chance she couldn’t pass up. “I would have been an idiot to say no,” she admitted.
Her transition into wrestling showcased her versatility, determination, and adaptability. From her MMA background to nearly entering the coffee industry, Shafir’s journey has been full of unexpected turns. Now, as she thrives in AEW, her story serves as a testament to embracing opportunities and evolving with life’s changes.
Conclusion
Marina Shafir’s path from MMA to professional wrestling was anything but conventional. Her story highlights resilience, ambition, and adaptability—traits that have helped her succeed in multiple arenas. Whether inside the cage, the coffee industry, or the wrestling ring, Shafir’s journey continues to inspire fans worldwide. As she carves her legacy in AEW, it’s clear that her past experiences have shaped her into the fierce competitor she is today.