Born: 1973 (United States)
Biography:
Carlene Denise Moore-Begnaud, professionally known as Jazz, was born on August 27, 1973, in the United States. She is an American professional wrestler and manager who has made a significant impact in the world of wrestling. Jazz is best recognized for her time at World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where she held the prestigious WWE Women’s Championship twice. She has also competed in other wrestling promotions such as the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), and Impact Wrestling. Her contributions to the industry and her powerful in-ring presence have solidified her status as a trailblazer in women’s wrestling.
Jazz’s journey in professional wrestling began after she made the decision to drop out of college. She was approached with the opportunity to pursue a career in wrestling, which she eagerly embraced. Jazz joined a wrestling school in Louisiana, where she started training under the guidance of renowned wrestler Rod Price. Her initial inspiration to become a wrestler came from watching the legendary Jacqueline Moore’s performances. After six to eight months of intensive training, Jazz made her professional wrestling debut in a match against Moore, using the ring name Jazzmine.
In 1999, Jazz joined Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) as a member of an alliance known as the Impact Players. This group included notable wrestlers like Jason Knight, Lance Storm, and Justin Credible. During her time in ECW, Jazz engaged in a memorable feud with Jason and emerged victorious against him at Heat Wave in 1999. Although she made sporadic appearances, Jazz eventually parted ways with ECW before the company faced bankruptcy.
The World Wrestling Federation (later renamed World Wrestling Entertainment) saw tremendous potential in Jazz and expressed interest in signing her in late 2001. As part of her preparation, Jazz was sent to Ohio Valley Wrestling for six months, where she honed her skills further. Under her new ring name, she debuted in the company as a villain during the Survivor Series pay-per-view event. The match was a Six-Pack Challenge for the vacant WWF Women’s Championship, which had been left open after Chyna’s departure.
Jazz’s breakthrough came in 2002 when she began a riveting rivalry with the reigning Women’s Champion, Trish Stratus. On the January 14 episode of Raw, Jazz defeated Jacqueline to become the number one contender for the Women’s title. Her championship match against Stratus took place at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view, resulting in an unsuccessful title capture. However, on February 4, 2002, Jazz overcame Stratus and claimed the Women’s Championship for the first time.
One of Jazz’s most notable accomplishments occurred at WrestleMania X8 on March 17. In a thrilling triple-threat match, she successfully defended her title against Lita and Trish Stratus. The resilience and skill she displayed in the ring solidified her place as a dominant force in the women’s division.
Following the rebranding of the World Wrestling Federation to World Wrestling Entertainment in May 2002, the Women’s Championship was renamed the WWE Women’s Championship. Jazz’s reign as the champion marked the end of an era. Over the course of her career, Jazz continued to compete in various promotions, leaving an indelible mark wherever she went. She eventually retired from in-ring competition in Impact Wrestling.
A true trailblazer in the world of professional wrestling, Jazz’s contributions have left an indelible impact. Her skill, determination, and resilience have inspired countless aspiring wrestlers and helped pave the way for women in the industry. Jazz’s legacy serves as a reminder of the barriers she shattered and the milestones she achieved, making her a remarkable figure in women’s wrestling history.
Awards:
– WWE Women’s Championship (2 times)
– NWA World Women’s Championship (over 900 days)