Nora Greenwald is Still Mighty

Nora Greenwald's pro wrestling career wasn't too long, but it was very successful. Even better, Greenwald left on her own terms and is enjoying her post-wrestling life.
I always liked Greenwald, right from her debut in the WCW as Miss Madness, a member of Randy Savage's crew. Greenwald went onto bigger fame in the WWE as Mighty Molly Holly. Since leaving the WWE in 2005, she has made sporadic apprearances for them and other independent wrestling groups, although mostly not as an in-ring performer.
We talked to Greenwald earlier this year at the Motor City Comic Con. She said she was happy to see some of her old wrestling friends there, like Amy (Lita) Dumas and Lilian Garcia.
Greenwald is working for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program in her native Minnesota. She finds that work so fulfilling. While she sometimes misses the people and fans from wrestling, she doesn't miss the bumps and daily grind of wrestling. She also recently got engaged.
Wrestling misses her more than she misses it. Too bad she wasn't treated better during her time. She was stuck in some silly stories, but she was always professional. She performed at a high level and gave a great show every time. It's great to see her doing so well now.

JayHawk Evans, Nora Greenwald and me in Novi, MI-May 2010.

Nora Greenwald is Truly Mighty

Nora Greenwald gained her biggest success wrestling as Molly Holly in the WWF (now WWE). Previously, she wrestled as Miss Madness in the WCW and later as Mighty Molly in the WWF.
There is much speculation as to why Greenwald left the WWF in early 2005. Some say it is because she became disenchanted with the way WWF favored looks over wrestling ability. Some say she did not like wrestling as a villain. Some say she left to concentrate on her family and personal life.
Greenwald denies all of these options, but is mum about her actual reasons. Reportedly, WWE big cheese Vince McMahon has left the door open for her return if she ever desired.
Of course, I have no insight into Greenwald's mind. I do think all of the possible reasons are plausible. Looking at the WWE, it is not hard to see that looks (in both men and women) are often more important than the in-ring abilities of the person. Greenwald is a very attractive, athletic woman, however she does lack the extra plastic parts to allow her to better fit the current image of a WWE diva.
This is very disappointing on many levels. Greenwald was beloved by fans and could put on a great match, even with a poor opponent. Greenwald could have continued being an effective active performer, while helping the younger, less-talented women learn some moves. To me, Greenwald was the perfect female wrestler, an asset both in and out of the ring.
Fortunately, Greenwald has gone on to do a long and varied list of activities, from charity work to taking the Polar Bear Plunge earlier this year. Greenwald is a winner, whether the WWE realizes it or not.

Nora Greenwald and me in Kokomo, IN-October 2007.