Unveiling the Unseen: Kris Statlander's WWE Debut Story
The wrestling world is abuzz with the recent revelations from Kris Statlander, the former AEW Women's Champion. In an exclusive interview with Chris Van Vliet, Statlander shed light on her journey, from the initial plans for her WWE debut to the iconic moments that shaped her career.
The Brooklyn Pizza Connection: A Tag Team Tale
One of the most intriguing aspects of Statlander's career is the story behind her tag team name. In 2019, she was set to make her SmackDown debut as part of a team called the Brooklyn Pizza Connection, with the team members known as Saucy and Cheesy. Statlander shared, "Well, originally, the team name was supposed to be the Brooklyn Pizza Connection, and we were supposed to be named Saucy and Cheesy. It was a fun and quirky concept, and I would have loved to debut under either moniker."
The IIconics vs. Brooklyn Belles: A Historic Match
On April 9, 2019, Statlander, billed as Kristen for this bout, was part of a historic match on SmackDown LIVE. The IIconics defended their tag titles against The Brooklyn Belles, a team that would become a memorable part of her early career. Peyton Royce emerged victorious, pinning Karissa Rivera. Statlander recalled, "I don't know, we never got that far, but those were the options. Then it was the Brooklyn Belles, and then just used our first names. But I was like, that would have been iconic to have been either saucy or cheesy, and my only match there was a tag title match."
AEW's Alien Sensation: Statlander's Rise
Despite the initial plans for her WWE debut, Statlander's career took an exciting turn when she made her AEW debut in November, alongside Big Swole. The company officially signed her to a contract a month later, and she has been an integral part of AEW ever since. Statlander's journey from the Brooklyn Pizza Connection to becoming the AEW Women's Champion is a testament to her resilience and talent.
As Statlander continues to captivate audiences, her story serves as a reminder that even in the world of professional wrestling, the path to success is filled with unexpected twists and turns. Stay tuned as we explore more behind-the-scenes tales from the wrestling realm!
