Viva Van

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Viva Van
Birth nameVictoria Tran
BornLos Angeles, California
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Viva Van
Billed height5 ft 4 in (163 cm)
Billed weight140 lb (64 kg)
Billed fromLos Angeles, California
Trained byRikishi
Debut2018

Victoria Tran, known by her ring name Viva Van[1] is an American professional wrestler and model. She is best known for her work on the Independent circuit, wrestling for promotions such as on All Elite Wrestling, Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, Impact Wrestling, Championship Wrestling from Hollywood, and PCW Ultra.

Van appeared on the Pro Wrestling Illustrated series "Behind the Curtain" in June 2020[2] where she talked about raising money to fund the construction of a wrestling ring for the first and only pro wrestling promotion in Vietnam, Vietnam Pro Wrestling (formerly known as Saigon Pro Wrestling Club).[3]

Early life[edit]

Van was born and raised in Los Angeles, California.[4] Growing up Viva was a big fan of horror films and wrestling.[5] Her favorite wrestler is The Undertaker.[5]

While pursuing her degree in marketing, she felt miserable, stating that she "wasn't good at it all." She had a passion of becoming a professional wrestler instead. She decided to commit to finishing her studies, switching her major from accounting to marketing, and start pro-wrestling training afterwards. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton in 2020 with a marketing degree. [6]

Professional Wrestling Career[edit]

Training[edit]

Viva Van was trained by WWE Hall of Fame Inductee Rikishi and Black Pearl of the Anoaʻi family and Samoan Dynasty.[1] On an interview with Cultaholic, Van talks about how a car accident lead to her being able to begin her wrestling training, as well as her work with promotions like Lucha Libre AAA.[7] In an interview with Voyage LA, Viva Van talks about the length of her training before making her wrestling debut, as well as challenges she faced along the way like racism, sexism and bullying.[8]

Independent circuit (2018–present)[edit]

Van made her debut into professional wrestling in 2018. Since her debut Viva Van has worked for several promotions in the Independent Circuit.[4] Viva Van was featured on Last Word on Sports, where they discuss her efforts to jumpstart a pro wrestling scene in Vietnam, as well as her work for West Coast Independent Promotions like PCW Ultra, Championship Wrestling from Hollywood, and Hoodslam.[9] Van elaborates on her journey within professional wrestling and how exactly she got in touch with Vietnam Pro Wrestling (FKA Saigon Pro Wrestling Club) in her feature for Inspiring East LA stories for Voyage Magazine.[10] Van was featured on FNX Network's segment, Women's Wrestling Month, where she talked about Professional Wrestling, Death Metal, and her career.[11]

APW / GRPW: Young Lions Cup (2019)[edit]

Van competed for the 2019 Young Lions Cup. Viva Defeated Eliza Hammer and Grace Li with her tag team partner Aliyah Mia Sweets in the 1st round. Van then defeated Aliyah Mia Sweets in a singles match in the Semi Final. Viva went on to the final round to compete in a 4-Way Elimination match against AEW's Vance / Number 10 of the Dark Order, Alpha Zo, and Titus alexander.[12]

Hoodslam: GLAM! (2019–2020)[edit]

Viva Van made her debut in January 2019 in a match against Lady K.[13] Van returned on March 8, 2019, with Shakira Spears to face off against Trish Adora and Heather Monroe.[14] On May 10, 2019, Viva Van teamed up with Rob Hands to wrestle a handicap match against Da Squaaad and ultimately were defeated.[15] June 2019, Viva teamed up with WWE wrestler MVP to and avenged her loss against Da Squad.[16] In 2020 GLAM! Announces the brand new Women's Championship tournament where contenders compete for the title. Viva Van made it to the Semi-Final defeating both Gia Roman[17] and Danika Della Rouge[18] before subsequently losing to Lady K.[19]

Rise Wrestling (2019)[edit]

Van made her debut on Rise Wrestling in May 2019 for their program Luminous. Viva Van defeated wrestler Auntie Hydie in a Dark Match.

Expo Lucha (2019)[edit]

Viva debuted for Expo Lucha in August 2019. She tag teamed with current WWE Wrestlers Shotzi Blackheart and Taya Valkyrie and defeated Zeda Zhang, Simone Sherie, and Joey Ryan.[20]

Suburban Fight (2019)[edit]

Viva made her debut at Suburban Fight Wrestling in October 2019. Van wrestled against undefeated Champion Tuna.[21]

Future Stars of Wrestling (2021)[edit]

Viva debuted on Future Stars of Wrestling PPV in April 2021. Van was defeated by CMLL Veteran Estrellita.[22] Van returned on August 22, 2021, where she defeated Jordan Blu in a singles match.[23]

Mission Pro Wrestling (2021)[edit]

Van made her debut for Thunder Rosa's Mission Pro Wrestling in May 2021 in a Triple Threat match against Impact Wrestler Masha Slamovich and Vipress.[24]

All Elite Wrestling (2021)[edit]

Viva Van made her debut for AEW Dark on July 6, 2021, in a match against Kris Statlander.[25] Van returned to All Elite Wrestling and was defeated by former AEW Women's Champion Nyla Rose.[26]

Championship Wrestling from Hollywood (2019; 2021)[edit]

Viva Van wrestled in December 2019 to face off against AEW Wrestler Thunder Rosa where she was defeated in a singles match.[27] Viva made two appearances in March 2021 where she defeated Mylo Matters[28] and had a Match against Heather Monroe ruled a No Contest.[29] Van returned twice in April 2021 and defeated CeCe Chanel and Heather Monroe in a triple threat match.[30] Viva wrestled again in June 2021 for CWFH Episode 526 to wrestle with Bryn Thorne against Ruby Raze and CeCe Chanel. Raze and Chanel won the match.[31]

On the November 27, 2021, episode of UWN Primetime Live Championship Wrestling from Georgia, she defeated Savanna Stone.[32]

DEFY Wrestling (2021)[edit]

Viva Van made her debut for the DEFY Wrestling on August 27, 2021, for their 2-Day Event: Leviathan. where she defeated Rebel Kel in a Singles Match. Van returned on Night 2, where her and Lucha Ghoul were defeated in a Tag-team match against Rosas and Rebel Kel.[33] Viva defeated Vert Vixen at Defy: Dangerous on October 9, 2021.[34] Van returned at Defy: Hell Bent, where she defeated Sandra Moone.[35] Viva retained her PCW Ultra Women's Champion against Allie Katch on October 29, 2021, at Defy: Marauders.[36]

IMPACT! Wrestling (2019)[edit]

Van made her debut for Impact Wrestling on March 8, 2019. Viva was defeated in a match against former Impact Knockout's Champion Jessicka Havok.[37]

Lucha Libre AAA (2019–present)[edit]

In May 2019 Van was defeated in a 6-Man Tag Team Match with former WWE NXT Wrestler Jake Atlas, Lady Maravilla, and Kamik-C against Faby Apache, Fantastik, Heather Monroe, and Nino Hamburguesa.[38] March 10, 2020 Viva and Mirage were victorious against Extassis and Juve Venegas.[39] On March 13, 2020, Van wrestled in tag-team with Black Destiny, Fantastik, and Rayo Star against El Poder del Norte (Tito Santana, Carta Brava Jr., and Mocho Cota Jr.) on the AAA vs MLW show.

PCW Ultra (2019; 2021)[edit]

Viva Van wrestles within the faction Warbeast. As a single's competitor Van challenged for the PCW Ultra Women's Championship against Ring of Honor's Sumie Sakai.[40] Viva returned at PCW Ultra: All Systems Go on October 22, 2021, and defeated Ruby Raze for the PCW Ultra Women's Championship.[41]

Ring of Honor (2023; 2024–present)[edit]

On January 9, 2023 on an episode of AEW Dark Elevation Viva Van took on ROH Women's World Champion Athena but was not successful.[42]

On February 10 2024's tapings of Ring of Honor Viva Van entered the inaugural ROH Women's World Television Championship tournament and faced Abadon in the first round but was not successful.[43]

Other ventures[edit]

Van is a vocalist of the Southern California heavy metal band Mocking of the Trinity,[44] which participated in the Last.fm: Maidens of Metal show.[45]

Viva modeled regularly for various publications and promotions under the name Victorya Van Tran. Viva was feature in the July 2013 Magazine Petite Alternative.[46] In March 2014 Viva was featured on Tattoo Envy as the centerfold model.[47] June 2014, Van was the cover shot for Wheels & Heels Magazine.[48] May 2015, Viva was Cover Model for Petite Alternative.[49] September 2015, Van was featured again on Wheel & Heels Magazine during Hot Import Nights in San Diego, California.[50] Viva was also featured on the December 2020 issue of Gothic Girl Magazine where she talks about professional wrestling and heavy metal.[51]

Championships and accomplishments[edit]

  • Arizona Wrestling Federation
    • AWF Women's Championship (1 time)[4]
  • Big Time Wrestling
    • BTW Women's Championship (1 time, current)[52]
  • Future Stars Of Wrestling
    • FSW Women's Championship (1 time)[53]
  • New Tradition Lucha Libre
    • NTLL Women's Championship (1 time, inaugural)[53]
  • PCW Ultra
    • PCW Ultra Women's Championship (2 times)[41]
  • SoCal Uncensored
    • Southern California Women's Wrestler of the Year (2021)[54]
  • Tomahawk Professional Wrestling
    • Tomahawk Pro Women's Championship (1 time, inaugural)
  • Vietnam Pro Wrestling
    • VPW Hall Of Fame (2023)
    • VPW Awards (1 time)
      • International Wrestler of the Year (2023)
  • Venue Wrestling Entertainment

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Viva Van- Bio, KnokX Pro Entertainment". KnokX Pro Entertainment. Retrieved 2021-07-19.
  2. ^ "2020 PWI Covers". www.pwi-online.com. Retrieved 2021-07-19.
  3. ^ Greer, Jamie (2020-01-04). "Viva Van Starts GoFundMe to Help Vietnamese Pro Wrestling". Last Word on Pro Wrestling. Retrieved 2021-07-18.
  4. ^ a b c "Viva Van". Cagematch. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  5. ^ a b "Juice Pro Wrestling: Hellbent Vixen with Viva Van". jpdubpodcast.libsyn.com. Retrieved 2021-07-19.
  6. ^ Espinoza, Angelo (2021-12-13). "Viva Van's journey from the classroom seat to the wrestling ring". Daily Titan. Retrieved 2024-04-22.
  7. ^ "Cultaholic Wrestling: Viva Van | Desert Island Graps #43 on Apple Podcasts". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved 2021-07-19.
  8. ^ Stories, Local (30 August 2021). "Daily Inspiration: Meet Viva Van - Voyage LA Magazine | LA City Guide". voyagela.com. Retrieved 2021-09-06.
  9. ^ Greer, Jamie (2020-01-04). "Viva Van Starts GoFundMe to Help Vietnamese Pro Wrestling". Last Word on Pro Wrestling. Retrieved 2021-09-06.
  10. ^ Stories, Local. "Inspiring East LA Stories - Voyage LA Magazine | LA City Guide". voyagela.com. Retrieved 2021-09-06.
  11. ^ "Women's Wrestling Month 2019 feat Viva Van – FNX Network". 8 May 2019. Retrieved 2021-09-06.
  12. ^ "2019 Young Lions Cup". Cagematch. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  13. ^ "Hoodslam: GLAM! Dawn of Victory". Cagematch. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  14. ^ "Hoodslam: GLAM! Deadly Alliance". Cagematch. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  15. ^ "GLAM - THE GATHERING STORM". Do the Bay. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  16. ^ "Hoodslam War Journal". Cagematch. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  17. ^ "Hoodslam: GLAM! Target Acquired - The Remake". Cagematch. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  18. ^ "Hoodslam: GLAM! Ever Onward". Cagematch. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  19. ^ "Hoodslam: GLAM! Steeled Hearts". Cagematch. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  20. ^ Bryant, Steve (2019-08-19). "Expo Lucha - Mexico vs. The World - 18 August 2019 - Results". SoCalUNCENSORED.com. Retrieved 2021-07-19.
  21. ^ "Suburban Fight Pro Wrestling Archives". SoCalUNCENSORED.com. Retrieved 2021-07-19.
  22. ^ "FSW Network - Play Estrellita vs. Viva Van | April 2, 2021". FSW Network. Retrieved 2021-07-18.
  23. ^ "UPDATED LIST OF INDEPENDENT WRESTLING EVENTS THIS WEEKEND IN SIN CITY | PWInsider.com". www.pwinsider.com. Retrieved 2021-09-06.
  24. ^ "MPW Locked N Loaded". Cagematch. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  25. ^ "Statlander, Kingston & Penta, Archer part of 17-match AEW Dark lineup". WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, UFC News, UFC results. 2021-07-06. Retrieved 2021-07-18.
  26. ^ "SPOILERS: AEW: Dark Taping Results October 24". Cultaholic Wrestling. 2021-10-26. Retrieved 2021-11-01.
  27. ^ "NWA talent to appear at CWFH Milestone". Alliance Wrestling.com. 2019-11-26. Retrieved 2021-07-19.
  28. ^ "JORDAN CLEARWATER VS. JACK BANNING: CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM HOLLYWOOD TV REPORT | PWInsider.com". www.pwinsider.com. Retrieved 2021-08-09.
  29. ^ "CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM HOLLYWOOD TV REPORT | PWInsider.com". www.pwinsider.com. Retrieved 2021-08-09.
  30. ^ "COASTLINE CLASH PART ONE - CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM HOLLYWOOD TV REPORTS | PWInsider.com". www.pwinsider.com. Retrieved 2021-08-09.
  31. ^ "CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM HOLLYWOOD TV REPORT | PWInsider.com". www.pwinsider.com. Retrieved 2021-07-19.
  32. ^ "CWFH MATCH | Savanna Stone vs Viva Van". Youtube.com. 2021-11-27. Retrieved 2021-12-24.
  33. ^ "8/27 AND 8/28 DEFY WRESTLING RESULTS WITH LANCE ARCHER, ALEX HAMMERSTONE AND MORE | PWInsider.com". www.pwinsider.com. Retrieved 2021-09-06.
  34. ^ "Defy Wrestling 'Dangerous' Results (10/9/21): Eddie Kingston, Brody King And More In Action". Wrestlezone. 2021-10-11. Retrieved 2021-11-01.
  35. ^ "DEFY Wrestling Hell Bent Results (10/14): Daniel Garcia, Christopher Daniels, Eddie Kingston Compete | Fightful News". www.fightful.com. Retrieved 2021-11-01.
  36. ^ "411MANIA". DEFY Wrestling Marauders Results: Homicide Wins Street Fight Main Event. Retrieved 2021-11-01.
  37. ^ "IMPACT Starstruck Results From Los Angeles, California 8/3/19". Wrestling Headlines. 2019-08-04. Retrieved 2021-07-18.
  38. ^ "Lita and Essa Rios To Reunite For The First Time In Almost 20 Years This August". www.wrestling-news.net. 2019-06-27. Retrieved 2021-07-18.
  39. ^ Koyote, Mr (2020-10-06). "| #EMWPromociones | Mirage & Viva Van vs Juve Venegas & Extasis | #AutoLuchas |". La neta de las cuerdas (in European Spanish). Retrieved 2021-07-19.
  40. ^ "10.18.19 | INTO THE VOID". PCW® ULTRA // THE FULL SPECTRUM OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING™. Retrieved 2021-07-18.
  41. ^ a b "PCW ULTRA All Systems Go Results (10/22): Jacob Fatu, Hammerstone, 2 Cold Scorpio In Action | Fightful News". www.fightful.com. Retrieved 2021-11-01.
  42. ^ Unknown, Throwawaytoday303 (17 January 2023). "On AEW Elevation: Athena vs Viva Van". Reddit.com. Retrieved February 12, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  43. ^ CAREY, IAN (11 February 2024). "ROH spoilers from Henderson, Nevada Ring of Honor matches were filmed on Saturday". F4wonline.com. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  44. ^ "Victorya Van Tran". Tsunami Cables. Retrieved 2021-07-19.
  45. ^ "MAIDENS OF METAL II at The Vex Arts (Los Angeles) on 6 Apr 2013". Last.fm. Retrieved 2021-07-19.
  46. ^ "The Petite Alternative - August - 20…". MagCloud. Retrieved 2021-09-06.
  47. ^ "Tattoo Envy - Vol 4. No 03 - Mar 201…". MagCloud. Retrieved 2021-09-06.
  48. ^ "Three Sweet Asian Models at 2014 KKT #OctaneFestival with @victoryavantrannn, @misslynaly @wen_imalay". Retrieved 2021-09-06.
  49. ^ "The Petite Alternative - May - 2015". MagCloud. Retrieved 2021-09-06.
  50. ^ "Hot Victorya Van Tran and Glamorous Karen Denise at @Hotimportnights San Diego 2015 #HIN @Victoryavantran @_KarenDenise_". Retrieved 2021-09-06.
  51. ^ "Magazines | Gothic Girl Magazine" (in Spanish). 2021-06-02. Retrieved 2021-09-06.
  52. ^ "Roster | Big Time Wrestling". Retrieved 2021-11-01.
  53. ^ a b "Wrestlers Database - Viva Van".
  54. ^ "Southern California Women's Wrestler of the Year | SoCalUncensored.com". Retrieved 2023-10-12.
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