Shelly Martinez Calls Out WWE Over Unpaid Video Game Royalties

Shelly Martinez used to work as Ariel in WWE from 2005 to 2007 and fans mostly remember her during her time in ECW with Kevin Thorn. However, it appears she has claimed that WWE has not paid her royalties for using her likeness for a video game.

While speaking to Ring the Belle, it was pointed out to Shelly Martinez that she was part of SmackDown vs. RAW 2008 as her entrance was part of the game. Martinez noted that she scanned for the game shortly after WrestleMania that year. However, after she was released from WWE, she noticed that while her entrance was included in the game, she wasn’t credited or paid any royalties for it.

Martinez shared her frustration, saying she wasn’t compensated even though her likeness and signature entrance were used. She later got a letter from a lawyer’s office stating that WWE owed her less than $100, but it wasn’t clear if it was related to the game. Despite trying to follow up, she never got a response, and the issue remains unresolved. Martinez made it clear that she wants the $100 she is owed no matter what.

“Let me tell you the tea. After WrestleMania, they scanned me for the game. I was so excited, dude. I was so excited. I was like, ‘This is so freaking cool! I’m going to have an action figure come out, I’m going to be in this game. I just went to WrestleMania!’ Even though there was drama backstage at WrestleMania—but whatever.

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When I got released and time went on, that game got released, and people brought it to my attention. I received no credit or royalties from that. Now, I will say this—this is really weird, so I’m going to go ahead and put it out here, right here, exclusively on your show.

A few months back, I got a letter from some attorney’s office saying that WWE was trying to locate me because they owed me some money. It’s not much—less than $100—so it’s not a lot, but hey, tacos! They gave me until June to respond, so I wrote back with my new address. I heard nothing. Then I followed up and heard nothing again.

So, I don’t know if maybe that’s money owed to me from that game, but it seems like kind of a low number. Bottom line is, you owe me money. I don’t care if it’s less than $100. I want my money so I can get tacos, cannabis, and vodka.”

Shelly Martinez’s story brings up an important question about how wrestlers are paid when their image is used in things like games and merchandise. Even though less than $100 might not seem like a lot, it’s not just about the money—it’s about fairness. Ultimately, fans believe wrestlers should be paid properly for their work, especially when the merchandise or game keeps making money after they leave.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.