On a recent edition of the “Inside the Ropes” podcast, Damian Priest spoke about his Judgment Day ally Rhea Ripley and the origins of her ‘Mami’ nickname. He said,
“Obviously when Dom [Mysterio] started, when he joined the Judgment Day, she was kind of his boss in a way. We were doing all the talking about Eddie [Guerrero] and whatnot and it was like, ‘You should start calling yourself Papi.’ So that was the first idea, but obviously, that’s Eddie Guerrero.
“So it was like, well we can’t really just do that because that’s his thing and that’s completely being somebody else. So I was like, ‘Easy fix – Mami.’ We had the Mamacita [in Chyna], but not Mami. I pitched it, and I think she said it one time or something and it took off. There was signs everywhere [saying] ‘Mami, Mami, Mami.’ So, it’s cool.”
Priest has been with the faction since the very start when he and Edge aligned at WrestleMania 38, while Ripley would join the next month.
Dominik Mysterio would join the faction’s ranks at WWE Clash at the Castle, turning on his Hall of Fame father Rey Mysterio in the process.
In the world of professional wrestling, characters and nicknames play a significant role in shaping a wrestler’s persona and connecting with the audience. One such nickname that has gained popularity in recent times is “Mami,” which is associated with WWE superstar Rhea Ripley. In a recent interview on the “Inside the Ropes” podcast, Damian Priest shed light on the origins of this nickname and its connection to Ripley’s role in their faction, Judgment Day.
Priest explained that when Dominik Mysterio joined Judgment Day, Ripley became somewhat of a boss figure to him. As they were discussing their admiration for the legendary wrestler Eddie Guerrero, the idea of Ripley adopting the nickname “Papi” was initially considered. However, they quickly realized that it would be inappropriate as it was already associated with Guerrero’s persona.
To find an alternative, Priest suggested the term “Mami.” While the term “Mamacita” had been used before in reference to Chyna, they believed that “Mami” had a unique ring to it. Ripley tried it out once, and it instantly caught on with the audience. Soon, signs bearing the word “Mami” started appearing everywhere, solidifying its association with Ripley’s character.
Damian Priest has been a part of the Judgment Day faction since its inception, aligning with Edge at WrestleMania 38. Ripley joined the faction a month later, adding her own flair and intensity to the group. The faction gained further momentum when Dominik Mysterio joined their ranks at WWE Clash at the Castle, shocking fans by turning on his Hall of Fame father, Rey Mysterio.
The use of nicknames and personas in professional wrestling is not new. Wrestlers often adopt monikers that resonate with their character or help them connect with fans on a deeper level. These nicknames become an integral part of their brand and can even define their careers. Rhea Ripley’s adoption of the nickname “Mami” is a testament to the power of these personas and their ability to captivate audiences.
As the wrestling industry continues to evolve, it is essential for wrestlers to find unique ways to stand out and connect with fans. The use of catchy nicknames like “Mami” helps create a distinct identity for wrestlers like Rhea Ripley and adds an extra layer of excitement to their performances. With the continued support of the fans and the creativity of wrestlers and their allies, the world of professional wrestling will undoubtedly continue to thrive with memorable characters and unforgettable moments.