Nikki Cross, the WWE superstar, has opened up about her creative process in crafting her unique superhero character, 'Nikki Almost a SuperHero' (Nikki A.S.H.). In an interview with Chris Van Vliet, Cross revealed the behind-the-scenes collaboration with Vince McMahon, which led to the creation of this iconic character.
Cross, a self-proclaimed superhero enthusiast, drew inspiration from her childhood love for superheroes, particularly the X-Men. Her original ring name, NikkiStorm, was a nod to the X-Men character, Storm. However, it was her idea to create a superhero character for the WWE, which she pitched to McMahon.
The concept of Nikki A.S.H. was born from Cross's desire to stand out and fill a void in the WWE universe. She envisioned a superhero character with intricate gear, akin to Captain Marvel. But McMahon had a different vision. He wanted to make the character more relatable to the fans, especially little girls who might want to cosplay her.
McMahon suggested that the character take on a more accessible approach, similar to Spider-Man. He wanted the gear to seem like something Cross herself had created, rather than a blockbuster film superhero. This idea resonated with Cross, as she wanted to be relatable and inspire young girls.
The collaboration between Cross and McMahon resulted in a character that merged their visions. Cross embraced the idea of a superhero in training, someone who doesn't have superpowers but believes in the power within herself. This mindset aligned with McMahon's goal of creating a relatable and aspirational character.
Nikki A.S.H. became a massive success, with Cross reigning as the Raw Women's Champion. Her character's popularity and relatability are a testament to the successful collaboration between Cross and McMahon, showcasing how a creative vision can be transformed into a beloved WWE superstar persona.
