THURSDAY VETERAN SPOTLIGHT 3/14/24 - CINDY ROGERS
In this second edition of the THURSDAY VETERAN SPOTLIGHT, I wanted to shine eyes on an unsung hero in independent wrestling. In particular, a woman who helped bridge the gap into becoming and helping the next generation of women's wrestlers into the 2010s and beyond.
The spotlight is on the one and only CINDY ROGERS.
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The first time I saw Cindy Rogers wrestle live was at Ring of Honor's Death Before Dishonor 3 in Morristown, NJ against Lacey. Cindy held her own against the vile leader of Lacey's Angels, displaying her technical abilities in the home of pure wrestling. I was impressed as a fan to see the holds applied by Cindy in the match.
At the time, I had no clue she was "the Definition of Technician".
Trained by both Afa the Wild Samoan and the late, great Larry Sharpe, Cindy made her presence felt over her decade-long career on the independent circuit. She wrestled everywhere she could, from the UWC and East Coast Wrestling Association to Pro Wrestling Unplugged and CHIKARA.
However, Cindy's recognition came as an OG member of the SHIMMER Women Athletes roster. Cindy was on the first tapings at the Eagles Club in Berwyn, IL on November 6, 2005. After losing a tag match to Team Blondage on Volume 1, Cindy came back and defeated Krissy Vaine in singles competition later on in the night at Volume 2.
Cindy continued to perform at SHIMMER through 2008. These critically acclaimed shows with the best women's wrestlers on the planet helped boost fans' exposure to Cindy's talents. Her ability and passion for the business brought her to Women’s Superstars Uncensored, NYWC, and the National Wrestling Superstars under the direction of the late Eugene "Gino" Moore.
In my opinion, Cindy Rogers truly was underrated as a performer. Her matches over the years with Allison Danger, Mercedes Martinez, Alicia, Nikki Roxx, and Brittney Savage were ahead of its time. In the modern era of women's wrestling, the foundation was built off her hard work and determination.
Although Cindy had won championships across the circuit, to me, none was bigger than at NYWC April Reign on April 17, 2010 in Port Jefferson Station, NY, as she and her close friend Jana as the Cosmo Club won the WSU Tag Team Championships from Angel Orsini and WSU World Champion Mercedes Martinez. That championship brought legitimate credibility to “the Definition of Technician”, especially unseating a double champion and, in my opinion, the best women's wrestler on the planet in Martinez.
In her last match, on iPPV via GoFightLive, Cindy defeated her longtime rival and friend Allison Danger in her last match at WSU Uncensored Rumble IV at the ACE Arena in Union City, NJ on June 25, 2011.
After retiring from the ring, Cindy was inducted into the WSU Hall of Fame in 2012 and transitioned into the commentary booth with Jon Harder in WSU for several years. I asked the founder of this very website his opinions on working with Cindy and his quote was quite succinct:
"It was an honor to work with Cindy in the broadcast booth. Her experience and solid broadcasting skill helped make for a great time, especially with the pressures of internet pay-per-view and doing the commentary live. Cindy was great."
Many others have said similar pleasantries about Cindy over the years. A pleasure to wrestle and a positive influence in the locker room, "the Definition of Technician" was a true professional in the sport of wrestling. A true beacon of positivity.
For all wrestlers, men and women alike, please look up Cindy Rogers' work as a competitor in between the ropes. You'll learn a thing or two.
Congrats Cindy Rogers. The spotlight is on you.
