'Fight Like A Girl': Meet 9 female superstars who will be using their life stories to mentor budding wrestlers
Short-form mobile video platform Quibi has collaborated with WWE to put together a unique show that will not only unite WWE superstars but also give them a new purpose, by challenging them to mentor budding talent and helping them to overcome their shortcomings.
The format is exciting because each episode is going to be condensed into 10-minute videos and in that limited time frame, every superstar and her mentee will have completed their journey from struggling to achieve a goal (it could be fitness, mental block, anything under the sun that is keeping her from moving forward) to be somewhat transformed and ready for the competitive world of wrestling. The wrestlers draw from their own life experiences to help their trainees overcome obstacles and become tougher, stronger and healthier versions of their former selves inside and out.
Hosted by Stephanie McMahon, the handful of episodes will drop on April 13, Monday on Quibi. Let's take a look at the superstars and their stories so far.
Sasha Banks
The Boston-born wrestler may have a quiet demeanor but that doesn't keep her from checking off milestones. She began her career with WWE NXT but it didn't stop at that. She continued her golden run by competing in the first-ever Women’s WWE Iron Man, Hell in a Cell, Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber Matches. And all this, while picking up Raw Women's titles.
Brie Bella
Brie is an apt representation of - one hat, many feathers. She is a full-time mother, a YouTube and reality TV star, and once a Divas Champion. Debuting on SmackDown, Brie and twin sister Nikki pulled their popular 'Twin Magic' move (in which they switch places during the matches) to defeat Victoria, Brie's first opponent. This tactic went on to help Brie win the Divas Championship as well. Brie has also competed against Stephanie McMahon and was a part of Mixed Tag Team Matches alongside her husband, Daniel Bryan.
Nikki Bella
No different from her sister, Brie, Nikki brings her A-game every time she is in the ring. She may not be juggling multiple aspects of her life like Brie, but she's got what it takes to be at the top of her game despite a leg injury that ended her soccer dreams. But, that didn't deter her spirit. She followed in Brie's footsteps and the rest is history. Nikki went on to prove she was more than just pretty face by holding on to the Divas Title for a record time of 301 days.
Alexa Bliss
At 5 ft 1, it's easy to dismiss Alexa as a petite wrestler who is an easy-defeat in the ring. But she is nothing that her appearance suggests. Fierce, strong, and competitive, Alexa has always been associated with sports, be it softball or kickboxing, even gymnastics, she has done it all. And that history explains why she is such a super-achiever. At one point, Alexa became one of the youngest competitors to receive IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness) Professional status.
Sonya Deville
A background in MMA is what makes Sonya Deville a force to reckon with in the ring. Her lightning-quick moves and her knowledge of striking, grappling, and ground fighting gives her an edge that's hard to compete with.
Charlotte Flair
She could easily have lived in the shadows of her father, Ric Flair, a 16-time World Champion. But she chose to achieve the heights of success all by herself. Charlotte Flair is athletic and the kind that only superstars are known to have. And that skill led her to defeat Natalya Neidhart, win the NXT TakeOver to win an eight-woman tournament six years ago. Charlotte then made her debut on Raw and was one of the first to walk home with the Divas Title. She also became the first to win Raw Women's Championship.
Nia Jax
How do you fight a 6-feet tall wrestler who has a history in Karate, kickboxing, and Judo? You don't. Nia Jax, also known as The Rock's cousin, was often asked to leave combat sports classes because she would end up hurting people, but that didn't lessen her hunger for competition. She took it to the ring and how. Soon after she recognized her expertise in the squared circle, Nia went on to set WWE Performance Center’s female lifting records.
Becky Lynch
Her career has been underlined by emotions that should have pushed her out of the league by now. But, it hasn't and that goes on to show the resilience and focus she has in her to keep it going. Becky has been betrayed and underestimated quite a bit, but she decided to take matters into her own hands and chart her path to the top. Last year, she won the Royal Rumble match that earned her an opportunity at Wrestle Mania 35. No doubt, the nickname 'The Man' is valid and suits her.
Natalya Neidhart
Much like Charlotte, Natalya Neidhart comes from a family of wrestlers. She too could have held on to her father, Jim 'The Anvil' Neidhart, to rise up the ladder but her "tough, forceful" in-ring style found fans organically. But, she's quite the reality star when not throwing kicks and punches. She is one of the lead cast members on 'Total Divas.'
The nine superstars of 'Fight Like A Girl' have inspiring stories to tell. Here's hoping the young women are able to draw inspiration from them and apply it to their personal and professional lives.