Mercedes Martinez Hall of Fame induction

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, the professional wrestling community gathered in Brooksville, Florida, to witness the enshrinement of one of the most respected figures in the history of the sport. Mercedes Martinez, widely known as the "Latina Sensation" and the "Brass City OG," was officially inducted into the Women’s Wrestling Hall of Fame.

The ceremony served as a milestone in a career that has defined the modern era of women’s wrestling, as Martinez was honored for a relentless 25-year journey that saw her compete for nearly every major organization in North America and beyond. Inducted by fellow veteran Penelope Paradise, Martinez stood as a testament to longevity in an industry that often overlooks its pioneers. The timing of the honor is particularly poignant, as she recently confirmed that 2026 will serve as her "last run" as a full-time active professional wrestler, concluding a tenure that spanned from her debut in 2000 through the heights of the modern television era.

During her induction, Martinez reflected on the uphill battle she faced during her early years, a time when women's wrestling was rarely afforded the respect or television time it receives today. She spoke with the signature candor that has made her a respected locker room leader across generations of talent. "Grateful beyond words," Martinez shared following the ceremony.

"Thank you to the Women’s Wrestling Hall of Fame and Leilani Kai for the support always. Wrestling gave me everything. It broke me, built me, and tested me. This induction isn't just about the titles; it’s about the 25 damn years of scars, sweat, and pride. I trust the universe to meet me where I’m at, just like it always has."

She addressed her upcoming retirement by noting that her final year is about legacy, stating that 2026 gets one more year of her body, her heart, and her fight because it is fundamentally about giving back, teaching, and passing on what was given to her the hard way.

The induction was met with an outpouring of support from peers who have shared the ring with her throughout her extensive travels. Martinez’s career is a virtual roadmap of the industry, having left an indelible mark on independent powerhouses like SHIMMER Women Athletes, SHINE Wrestling, Women Superstars Uncensored (WSU), Full Impact Pro (FIP), and Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW).

Her reach extended to international and specialized stages such as NCW Femmes Fatales, RISE Wrestling, and World Xtreme Wrestling (WXW). Even as she moved into the mainstream spotlight, she remained a constant force, competing in the WWE Mae Young Classic and NXT before becoming a cornerstone of the women's divisions in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Ring of Honor (ROH), and TNA Wrestling.

Leilani Kai, a wrestling legend and supporter of the Hall of Fame, has long been a vocal advocate for Martinez’s inclusion and spoke highly of her contributions.

"Mercedes is the definition of a professional,"

Kai noted.

"She stayed true to herself when the business didn't always have a place for a 'badass' female wrestler. She paved that road herself."

Former opponents and trainees echoed this sentiment on social media, celebrating the "OG" and noting that her influence is visible in every woman currently headlining major pay-per-views. From her legendary 75-minute Iron Woman match to her reign as the ROH Women’s World Champion, Martinez has proven her mettle in every environment.

With her contract with AEW and ROH having expired in early 2026, Martinez is choosing to end her storied career exactly where it began: on the independent circuit. She has explicitly stated that her final year will be a "no contracts, no agents, no creative" tour, focusing on the raw "grind and hustle" of the indies to remember exactly who she is before hanging up her boots for good. With this Hall Of Fame induction, she joins an elite class of trailblazers, entering these final months in the ring not just as a competitor, but as a permanent and revered fixture in the annals of wrestling history.

Kimster AFW