Watching Molly Holly compete it’s easy to see that she knows her way around a ring. With a repertoire that consists of much more than throwing an opponent around by the hair, this Federation newcomer has proven that she can actually wrestle. And it’s no wonder, considering where she got her training.

In the spring of 1997, Molly Holly began preparing for a career in sports entertainment. She soon made her way to the independent circuit, where she competed under the name Starla Saxon. After meeting Malia Hosaka in the ring on several occasions, she developed a camaraderie with the Japanese-American veteran. This friendship would lead to bigger things.

Hosaka was acquainted with Terry Taylor, who at the time was a prominent official in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). When Taylor hired Hosaka to participate in dark matches at WCW television tapings, it was Molly Holly who she suggested as her opponent. Less than four months into her wrestling career, Molly Holly was working for the second largest sports entertainment organization in the United States.

Before long, she began appearing on television as a valet for Randy “Macho Man” Savage, using the names Mona and Miss Madness. Her time in the ring was scaled down, but she occasionally competed with Hosaka and others. It was in 1998, after a match with Hosaka at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, that she first met Dean Malenko, who was also in WCW.

“She was really gifted,” Malenko recalls. “When I first saw her, she was talented but very raw.”

Malenko invited “Miss Madness” to his wrestling school in Tampa. Established in 1978 by Dean’s father Boris Malenko, the Malenko wrestling school had produced graduates ranging from current Federation Superstars X-Pac and Kane, to WCW competitors Norman Smiley and Prince Iaukea, to past stars like Al Perez, Barry Horowitz and the Shockmaster.

“I was ecstatic,” says Molly of the opportunity. “I had been a huge fan of Dean Malenko and was really looking forward to training with him.”

She made the trip to Tampa to learn the ropes from the “Man of a Thousand Holds.” Malenko and other trainers worked with her on every aspect of her ring technique. Much like fellow Superstar Jacqueline, Molly was taught entirely by men. According to Malenko, that’s one of the things that have helped her make a name for herself: “The reason why she kind of sticks out is that she works more like a guy.”

One of the sport’s true masters of strategy, Malenko saw to it that his well-rounded knowledge of the game’s nuances was imparted to his student. Although it was often very difficult, Molly has nothing but glowing words about the experience.

“It was so fantastic because (Dean) didn’t just teach me a move, he would explain why you do it and how it relates to the match.”

Psychology was a major part of Molly’s wrestling lessons. For Malenko, simply knowing how to execute a hold or maneuver is not enough. There’s a lot more to being a successful grappler, and the second-generation veteran made sure that Molly, as well as all his pupils, understood that.

As grueling as the work may have been, Molly proved to be a quick study. Malenko has fond memories of her days at the school.

“She was a joy to work with,” he says. “It was fun working with her because she picked up on things immediately. She’s got a really good mind for the business.”

It wasn’t long before Molly’s ring work began to show a marked improvement. Nevertheless, WCW never quite used her to full potential, keeping her mainly in the role of valet. When her contract was up, she parted ways with the organization. Her past relationship with Malenko would soon come into play.

By 2000, Dean Malenko had left WCW and entered the World Wrestling Federation along with his three fellow Radicalz, Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, and Perry Saturn.

Shortly after Molly’s release from WCW became official, Malenko brought her to the attention of Federation senior vice president of talent relations and wrestling administrator Jim Ross and vice president of talent relations Bruce Prichard. Her former mentor truly believed that she would make a worthy addition to the Federation’s vibrant talent roster.

Since debuting in the Federation several months ago, Molly has rewarded his faith with quick success. She has received a great deal more exposure than she ever enjoyed in her days as Miss Madness. As she climbs the ranks, Malenko continues to keep his eye on her, offering advice whenever needed. And he continues to be impressed by what he sees.

“I think she’s doing really well,” says Malenko of Molly’s progress in the Federation. “She’s the type of person who adjusts well. She brings a lot to the table every time she steps in the ring. I wouldn’t label her as strictly ‘eye candy,’ either. She’s attractive, but I think fans are so infatuated with her wrestling ability that they’re not just looking at her body.”

Indeed, some of Molly’s matches against the likes of Ivory and Jacqueline have rivaled those of any male Superstar in terms of action and excitement. Her athletic background, which includes powerlifting and gymnastics, has naturally been a tremendous help in preparing her for the sport of kings. But her work in Tampa is what gave her the technical know-how to become the standout female competitor she is today.

When you’ve been taught by one of the most expert practitioners to ever step through the ropes, it would be foolish not to attempt to emulate your instructor. Molly is no different; she freely admits being greatly influenced by the masterful Malenko.

“I like to start my matches with chain wrestling, to show that I know how to wrestle,” she explains. “I use a lot of the things he taught me, a lot of the things I’ve seen him do in his matches with, say, Rey Mysterio, Jr. I try to copy certain things I admire about his work, but I have developed my own style along the way.”

So the next time you watch Molly Holly compete, don’t be surprised by what you see. A classic collar-and-elbow tie-up to start the match. A DDT delivered with pinpoint accuracy. Things you might not expect from a women’s bout. If you watch closely, you’ll see the Malenko influence plain and clear.

After more than 20 years of operation, the Malenko wrestling school was closed not long ago. Nevertheless, Molly Holly has kept the priceless insight and knowledge she gained there. As her opponents continue to find out, she’s much more than just a pretty face.