Imagine stepping into the wrestling ring for the very first time, only to be handed a name like 'Saucy' or 'Cheesy.' Sounds bizarre, right? Well, that was almost the reality for Kris Statlander during her planned WWE debut. But here's where it gets controversial... In a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, the former AEW Women's Champion spilled the beans on her original WWE plans, and let’s just say they were as unconventional as her 'Galaxy’s Greatest Alien' persona.
Statlander, who eventually made her mark in AEW, revealed that her 2019 SmackDown appearance was initially part of a tag team dubbed the Brooklyn Pizza Connection. Yes, you read that right. The duo, consisting of Statlander (billed as Kristen) and her partner, was slated to be named Saucy and Cheesy. While the idea never fully materialized—they ended up as the Brooklyn Belles and used their first names instead—Statlander admitted it would’ve been 'iconic' to debut with such quirky monikers.
And this is the part most people miss... Her WWE stint was brief, with her only match being a tag title bout against The IIconics on April 9, 2019. Peyton Royce secured the win for her team, but Statlander’s legacy was far from over. Just months later, she debuted in AEW alongside Big Swole, eventually signing a contract and becoming a staple of the promotion.
Now, here’s the kicker: Statlander jokingly hinted that she might revisit those pizza-themed names in AEW, suggesting Garlic or Oregano as potential aliases. Is this a playful nod to her past, or a subtle jab at WWE’s creative choices?
This revelation raises a thought-provoking question: How much do quirky gimmicks like these help or hinder a wrestler’s career? Would Statlander have thrived as 'Saucy' in WWE, or was her AEW success tied to her ability to embrace her unique, alien-inspired identity? Let’s spark some debate—do you think over-the-top gimmicks are a recipe for success, or do they overshadow a wrestler’s true potential? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
