Nikki Cross discusses WWE departure and character origins

Professional wrestler Nikki Cross has reflected on her decade-long career with WWE and her recent departure from the company. In an interview with Chris Van Vliet, Cross described her release as unexpected and noted the emotional difficulty of moving on from the various personas she portrayed, including SAnitY, Nikki A.S.H., and Abby the Witch.

Cross also detailed the creative process behind her Nikki A.S.H. superhero character. She explained that she developed a comprehensive pitch involving market research on superhero box office figures to present to Vince McMahon. After presenting the idea, McMahon reportedly texted her on Mother's Day to call the concept “genius.”

Since leaving WWE following cuts related to WrestleMania 42, Cross has already returned to professional wrestling with Over the Top Wrestling and PROGRESS. She and her husband, Big Damo, have also acquired PROGRESS and DEFY Wrestling.