Vince McMahon has devised various gimmicks and names for wrestlers while running WWE over the last several decades. However, one name was inspired by a hit television show.
During her time in WWE, Barbie Blank portrayed Kelly Kelly. While speaking with Byron Scott’s Fastbreak, Kelly noted that McMahon came up with the name after watching an episode of “Cheers.”
– Kelly won a match at Wrestlemania 28; and got her own Wrestlemania moment. pic.twitter.com/ClI3f3vhkK
— anastasiia ۶ৎ (@justmenkk) April 27, 2024
“I wanted Barbie,” Kelly Kelly said. “I wanted Barbie so bad, but it’s trademarked. They gave me a list of ten or 15 names and Kelly was on there. ‘Oh, I like Kelly. That’s cute.’ She was a Barbie. There was a Kelly doll. It was Kelly. Then, I debut, and the next week it was Kelly Kelly. Vince, who knows the way he thinks, but he had seen a ‘Cheers’ episode, and I guess the girl bartender is Kelly. It was before my time. There was a song, ‘Kelly, Kelly, Kelly.’ That’s how Kelly Kelly became.”
Scott pointed out that Woody Harrelson’s character would perform “Kelly, Kelly, Kelly” at the bar, a detail Kelly herself confirmed she had no issue with. She added, “Nobody had two of the same name, so it would stand out.”
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Kelly, on her professional journey with WWE in 2006, was Initially presented as a performer in the revived ECW brand. Her early role involved provocative segments called “Kelly’s Exposé.”
However, she gradually shifted her focus, honing her wrestling abilities to become a legitimate competitor. Over the years, she ascended in popularity, winning some of the audience with her athletic skills and underdog spirit.
This led to her transfer to the prominent Raw and SmackDown brands, where she had an intense rivalry with formidable opponents such as Beth Phoenix, Michelle McCool, and Layla.
2011 marked the breakout year of Kelly’s WWE career, as she won the WWE Divas Championship from Brie Bella. Her reign, lasting over one hundred days, was eventually ended by Beth Phoenix, a rival with whom she shared a particularly contentious history.
Although she was not universally regarded as a wrestler with exceptional in-ring skills, her unwavering determination and genuine connection with the audience earned her widespread likeability. She remained a pivotal figure in the Divas division until her departure in 2012, when she opted to explore opportunities beyond the realm of professional wrestling.
Some people start their active wrestling career at 25. Kelly Kelly RETIRED at 25! pic.twitter.com/iGMUjlQcyM
— A Kenny For Your Thoughts (@_kennythoughts) February 22, 2024
Following her exit from WWE, Kelly made occasional, nostalgic returns, notably participating in the 2018 and 2020 Women’s Royal Rumble matches. In 2019, she briefly held the 24/7 Championship, becoming the first female champion of that title.
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