Viva Van

American professional wrestler

Viva Van
Birth nameVictoria Tran
BornLos Angeles, California, U.S.
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Viva Van
Trained byRikishi
Debut2018

Victoria Tran, known by her ring name Viva Van,[1] is an American professional wrestler and model. She is known for her work on the independent circuit, having made small appearances for promotions such as All Elite Wrestling,[2] Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, Impact Wrestling, and Championship Wrestling from Hollywood.[3][4]

Early life

Van was born and raised in Los Angeles, California.[5] Growing up, she was a fan of professional wrestling and horror movies.[6] Her favorite wrestler growing up was The Undertaker.[6]

While pursuing a degree in accounting, Van recalled "I remember I was miserable in accounting, I wasn't good at it at all," and "I've always had this secret dream of wanting to be a pro wrestler" instead. She eventually decided to commit to finishing her studies, change her major from accounting to marketing, and then begin training in wrestling. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton in 2020 with a degree in marketing.[7]

Professional wrestling career

Training

Van was trained by WWE Hall of Famer and Anoaʻi family member Rikishi.[1] In an interview with Cultaholic, she talked about how a car accident led to her being able to begin her wrestling training, as well as her work with promotions like Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide.[8]

Independent circuit (2018–present)

Van made his professional wrestling debut in 2018. Since her debut, Van has worked for several promotions on the American independent circuit.[5] She worked for independent promotions of the West Coast such as PCW Ultra, Championship Wrestling from Hollywood, and Hoodslam.[9]

Van competed in the 2019 Young Lions Cup tournament, held jointly by All Pro Wrestling (APW) and Gold Rush Pro Wrestling (GRPW), where she defeated Eliza Hammer and Grace Li with tag team partner Aliyah Mia Sweets in the first round. Van then defeated Aliyah Mia Sweets in a singles match in the semi-final. She moved on to the final round to compete in a four-way elimination match against Preston Vance, Alpha Zo, and Titus Alexander.[10]

Van made her Hoodslam debut in January 2019 in a match against Lady K.[11] She returned on March 8, 2019, with Shakira Spears, to face Trish Adora and Heather Monroe.[12] On May 10, 2019, Van teamed with Rob Hands to wrestle a handicap match in a losing effort against Da Squaaad.[13] In June 2019, Van teamed with MVP to defeat Da Squad.[14] In 2020, Hoodslam's women's division, GLAM!, announced a tournament for the division's new Women's Championship, in which Van made it to the semi-finals by defeating Gia Roman[15] and Danika Della Rouge,[16] before subsequently losing to Lady K.[17]

Van made her debut at Expo Lucha in August 2019. She teamed with Shotzi Blackheart and Taya Valkyrie to defeat Zeda Zhang, Simone Sherie and Joey Ryan.[18]

Van made her debut for Suburban Fight Wrestling in October 2019, where she fought undefeated champion Tuna in a losing effort.[19]

Van also makes appearances in PCW Ultra, where she wrestles as part of the Warbeast stable. As a singles competitor, Van challenged for the PCW Ultra Women's Championship against Ring of Honor's Sumie Sakai in October 2019.[20] Viva returned to PCW Ultra at PCW Ultra: All Systems Go on October 22, 2021, and defeated Ruby Raze for the PCW Ultra Women's Championship.[21]

Van debuted on Future Stars of Wrestling in April 2021, where she was defeated by Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre luchadora Estrellita.[22] Van returned on August 22, 2021, where she defeated Jordan Blu in a singles match.[23]

Van made her debut for Thunder Rosa's Mission Pro Wrestling promotion in May 2021 in a triple threat match against Impact Wrestling wrestler Masha Slamovich and Vipress.[24]

Van made her DEFY Wrestling debut on August 27, 2021, for their two-day event, Leviathan, where she defeated Rebel Kel. Van returned on Night 2, where she and Lucha Ghoul were defeated in a tag team match against Rosas and Rebel Kel.[25] Viva defeated VertVixen at Defy: Dangerous on October 9, 2021.[26] Van returned to DEFY at Defy: Hell Bent, where she defeated Sandra Moone.[27] Van defeated Allie Katch on October 29, 2021, at Defy: Marauders.[28]

Impact Wrestling (2019)

Van made her debut for Impact Wrestling on March 8, 2019, where she was defeated in a match against former Impact Knockouts Champion Jessicka Havok.[29]

Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (2019–present)

In May 2019, Van teamed up with Jake Atlas, Lady Maravilla and Kamik-C in a losing effort against Faby Apache, Fantastik, Heather Monroe and Niño Hamburguesa.[30] On March 10, 2020, Van and Mirage were victorious over Extassis and Juve Venegas.[31] On March 13, 2020, Van teamed up with Black Destiny, Fantastik and Rayo Star in a losing effort against El Poder del Norte (Tito Santana, Carta Brava Jr. and Mocho Cota Jr.) on AAA vs MLW.[32]

Championship Wrestling from Hollywood (2019; 2021)

Van appeared in December 2019 to face AEW wrestler Thunder Rosa, in a losing effort.[33] Van made two appearances in March 2021, where she defeated Mylo Matters,[34] and had a match against Heather Monroe that ended in a no contest.[35] Van returned twice in April 2021 and defeated CeCe Chanel and Heather Monroe in a triple threat match.[36] Van returned in June 2021 for episode 526 of CWFH to wrestle alongside Bryn Thorne against Ruby Raze and CeCe Chanel, match that was won by Raze and Chanel.[37]

On the November 27, 2021 episode of UWN Primetime Live Championship Wrestling from Georgia, she defeated Savanna Stone.[38]

WWE (2020, 2022)

In 2020, Van had a tryout for WWE, but was not signed.[39][40] She subsequently tried out for WWE again in 2022, but was once again not signed.[40]

All Elite Wrestling (2021; 2024–present)

Van made her debut for All Elite Wrestling on the July 6, 2021 episode of Dark, being defeated by Kris Statlander.[41] Van returned to AEW on the October 24 episode of Dark, where she was defeated by former AEW Women's World Champion Nyla Rose.[42]

On the May 31, 2024 episode of Rampage, Van faced off against AEW Women's World Champion Toni Storm in a losing effort.[43] On the August 7, 2024 episode of Dynamite, Van made her Dynamite debut facing off against Storm's former protégé Mariah May, in a losing effort.[44][45]

Ring of Honor (2024–present)

On February 10, 2024, at a Ring of Honor taping, Van participated in the inaugural ROH Women's World Television Championship tournament and faced Abadon in the first round, but was unsuccessful.[46]

Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (2024–present)

On July 11, 2024, Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre announced a triple threat match involving Van, Willow Nightingale and Lluvia for the CMLL World Women's Championship after it was vacated.[47] Ultimately, Van was unsuccessful as Nightingale emerged victorious.[48][49]

New Japan Pro Wrestling (2024–present)

In August 2024, New Japan Pro Wrestling announced that Van would team with Trish Adora against Empress Nexus Venus (Mina Shirakawa and Hanako) at Capital Collision.[50]

Other endeavors

Van is the vocalist for the Southern California heavy metal band Mocking of the Trinity,[51] who appeared on the Last.fm show Maidens of Metal.[52]

Van regularly modeled for various publications and promotions under the name Victorya Van Tran. She appeared in the July 2013 issue of Petite Alternative magazine.[53] In March 2014, she appeared in Tattoo Envy as a centerfold model.[54] In June 2014, she appeared on the cover of Wheels & Heels magazine.[55] In May 2015, she was the cover model for Petite Alternative.[56] In September 2015, Van appeared again in Wheel & Heels magazine during Hot Import Nights in San Diego, California.[57] She also appeared in the December 2020 issue of Gothic Girl magazine, where she discussed both professional wrestling and heavy metal.[58]

Championships and accomplishments

  • Arizona Wrestling Federation
    • AWF Women's Championship (1 time) [5]
  • Big Time Wrestling
    • BTW Women's Championship (1 time) [59]
  • Future Stars of Wrestling
    • FSW Women's Championship (1 time) [60]
  • New Tradition Lucha Libre
    • NTLL Women's Championship (1 time) [60]
  • PCW Ultra
    • PCW Ultra Women's Championship (2 times) [21]
  • Tomahawk Professional Wrestling
    • Tomahawk Pro Women's Championship (1 time, inaugural)
  • Vietnam Pro Wrestling
    • VPW Hall of Fame (2023)
  • Venue Wrestling Entertainment
    • VWE Women's Championship (1 time)

References

  1. ^ a b "Viva Van- Bio, KnokX Pro Entertainment". KnokX Pro Entertainment. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  2. ^ "Mariah May vs. Viva Van Added To 8/7 AEW Dynamite | Fightful News". Fightful. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  3. ^ "Tetsuya Naito vs. TJP, Mina Shirakawa And HANAKO vs. Trish Adora And Viva Van, More Added To NJPW Capital Collision 2024 | Fightful News". Fightful. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  4. ^ Varsallone, Jim (July 14, 2023). "Viva Van's drive will be on display during the annual mega-show AAA TripleMania via FITE TV". Miami Herald.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ^ a b c "Viva Van". Cagematch. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  6. ^ a b "Juice Pro Wrestling: Hellbent Vixen with Viva Van". jpdubpodcast.libsyn.com. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  7. ^ Espinoza, Angelo (December 13, 2021). "Viva Van's journey from the classroom seat to the wrestling ring". Daily Titan. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  8. ^ "Cultaholic Wrestling: Viva Van | Desert Island Graps #43 on Apple Podcasts". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  9. ^ Greer, Jamie (January 4, 2020). "Viva Van Starts GoFundMe to Help Vietnamese Pro Wrestling". Last Word on Pro Wrestling. Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  10. ^ "2019 Young Lions Cup". Cagematch. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  11. ^ "Hoodslam: GLAM! Dawn of Victory". Cagematch. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  12. ^ "Hoodslam: GLAM! Deadly Alliance". Cagematch. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  13. ^ "GLAM - THE GATHERING STORM". Do the Bay. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  14. ^ "Hoodslam War Journal". Cagematch. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  15. ^ "Hoodslam: GLAM! Target Acquired - The Remake". Cagematch. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  16. ^ "Hoodslam: GLAM! Ever Onward". Cagematch. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  17. ^ "Hoodslam: GLAM! Steeled Hearts". Cagematch. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  18. ^ Bryant, Steve (August 19, 2019). "Expo Lucha - Mexico vs. The World - 18 August 2019 - Results". SoCalUNCENSORED.com. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  19. ^ "Suburban Fight Pro Wrestling Archives". SoCalUNCENSORED.com. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  20. ^ "10.18.19 | INTO THE VOID". PCW® ULTRA // THE FULL SPECTRUM OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING™. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  21. ^ a b "PCW ULTRA All Systems Go Results (10/22): Jacob Fatu, Hammerstone, 2 Cold Scorpio In Action". Fightful. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
  22. ^ "FSW Network - Play Estrellita vs. Viva Van | April 2, 2021". FSW Network. Archived from the original on July 18, 2021. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  23. ^ "UPDATED LIST OF INDEPENDENT WRESTLING EVENTS THIS WEEKEND IN SIN CITY". PWInsider. Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  24. ^ "MPW Locked N Loaded". Cagematch. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  25. ^ "8/27 AND 8/28 DEFY WRESTLING RESULTS WITH LANCE ARCHER, ALEX HAMMERSTONE AND MORE". PWInsider. Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  26. ^ "Defy Wrestling 'Dangerous' Results (10/9/21): Eddie Kingston, Brody King And More In Action". WrestleZone. October 11, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
  27. ^ "DEFY Wrestling Hell Bent Results (10/14): Daniel Garcia, Christopher Daniels, Eddie Kingston Compete". Fightful. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
  28. ^ "DEFY Wrestling Marauders Results: Homicide Wins Street Fight Main Event". 411Mania. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
  29. ^ "IMPACT Starstruck Results From Los Angeles, California 8/3/19". Wrestling Headlines. August 4, 2019. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  30. ^ "Lita and Essa Rios To Reunite For The First Time In Almost 20 Years This August". www.wrestling-news.net. June 27, 2019. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  31. ^ Koyote, Mr (October 6, 2020). "#EMWPromociones | Mirage & Viva Van vs Juve Venegas & Extasis | #AutoLuchas". La neta de las cuerdas (in European Spanish). Archived from the original on July 19, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  32. ^ "MLW Conquers Tijuana, EMW Promotions And AAA Wrestling". TJ Sports. March 14, 2020. Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  33. ^ "NWA talent to appear at CWFH Milestone". Alliance Wrestling.com. November 26, 2019. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  34. ^ "JORDAN CLEARWATER VS. JACK BANNING: CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM HOLLYWOOD TV REPORT". PWInsider. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  35. ^ "CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM HOLLYWOOD TV REPORT". PWInsider. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  36. ^ "COASTLINE CLASH PART ONE - CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM HOLLYWOOD TV REPORTS". PWInsider. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  37. ^ "CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM HOLLYWOOD TV REPORT". PWInsider. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  38. ^ "CWFH MATCH | Savanna Stone vs Viva Van". YouTube. November 27, 2021. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
  39. ^ Van, Viva (r/SquaredCircle) (April 13, 2022). "I had a WWE tryout in 2020. This is my first time sharing this. I was really hurt not being picked, but it lit a fire under me. Since then I've wrestled in so many places against great wrestlers. Thank you for always supporting me. I hope my story inspires you to keep fighting for your dreams. ❤️‍🔥". Reddit. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  40. ^ a b Jay, Ella (November 12, 2022). "Viva Van Wants More Southeast Asian Representation In Wrestling". WrestleZone. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  41. ^ "Statlander, Kingston & Penta, Archer part of 17-match AEW Dark lineup". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. July 6, 2021. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  42. ^ "SPOILERS: AEW: Dark Taping Results October 24". Cultaholic Wrestling. October 26, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
  43. ^ Powell, Jason (May 31, 2024). "AEW Rampage results (5/31): Powell's review of Konosuke Takeshita vs. Penta in a qualifier for the TNT Title ladder match, AEW Women's Champ Toni Storm vs. Viva Van". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  44. ^ Powell, Jason (August 7, 2024). "AEW Dynamite results (8/7): Powell's live review of MJF vs. Kyle Fletcher in an eliminator match, Bryan Danielson vs. Jeff Jarrett in an anything goes match with Ricky Steamboat as a special guest". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  45. ^ Taylor, Sanchez (August 7, 2024). "Debut Announced For AEW Dynamite". WrestleTalk. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  46. ^ Carey, Ian (February 11, 2024). "ROH spoilers from Henderson, Nevada Ring of Honor matches were filmed on Saturday". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  47. ^ Lambert, Jeremy. "Viva Van Is Happy For Stephanie Vaquer, Is Ready To Compete For CMLL Women's Title Despite Last Minute Change". Fightful. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  48. ^ Manolo Has Pizzazz. "Willow Nightingale wins CMLL Women's World Championship". Cageside Seats. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  49. ^ Thompson, Andrew (July 11, 2024). "Viva Van discusses getting CMLL World Women's Title opportunity as a result of Stephanie Vaquer's WWE signing". POST Wrestling | WWE AEW NXT NJPW Podcasts, News, Reviews. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  50. ^ "Tetsuya Naito vs. TJP, Mina Shirakawa And HANAKO vs. Trish Adora And Viva Van, More Added To NJPW Capital Collision 2024". Fightful. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  51. ^ "Victorya Van Tran". Tsunami Cables. Archived from the original on July 19, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  52. ^ "MAIDENS OF METAL II at The Vex Arts (Los Angeles) on 6 Apr 2013". Last.fm. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  53. ^ "The Petite Alternative - August - 20…". MagCloud. Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  54. ^ "Tattoo Envy - Vol 4. No 03 - Mar 201…". MagCloud. Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  55. ^ "Three Sweet Asian Models at 2014 KKT #OctaneFestival with @victoryavantrannn, @misslynaly @wen_imalay". Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  56. ^ "The Petite Alternative - May - 2015". MagCloud. Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  57. ^ "Hot Victorya Van Tran and Glamorous Karen Denise at @Hotimportnights San Diego 2015 #HIN @Victoryavantran @_KarenDenise_". Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  58. ^ "Magazines | Gothic Girl Magazine" (in Spanish). June 2, 2021. Archived from the original on September 7, 2021. Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  59. ^ "Roster | Big Time Wrestling". Retrieved November 1, 2021.[permanent dead link]
  60. ^ a b "Wrestlers Database - Viva Van".
  • Viva Van's profile at Cagematch.net, Wrestlingdata.com, Internet Wrestling Database