Priscilla Lee Kelly, known to the WWE Universe as Gigi Dolin, has captivated audiences with her unique persona and in-ring prowess. A former member of the notorious faction Toxic Attraction alongside Jacy Jayne and Mandy Rose, Dolin’s wrestling style is a blend of raw aggression, psychological manipulation, and technical precision. Before her rise in WWE, Dolin honed her craft in promotions like Major League Wrestling (MLW) and Shine Wrestling, where she became a Shine Nova Champion.
The Evolution of Gigi Dolin’s Persona
Gigi Dolin’s journey in professional wrestling is deeply intertwined with her evolving persona. Initially introduced to the public as Priscilla Kelly, a Romanichal Gypsy featured on the reality show “My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding,” her wrestling gimmick initially drew from her background, earning her the nicknames “Gypsy Princess” and “Gypsy Queen.” However, as she transitioned into the world of professional wrestling, Dolin’s character took on a darker, more gothic tone, embodying the persona of “Hell’s Favorite Harlot.”
This shift in character not only influenced her appearance but also her in-ring style. Dolin’s wrestling approach became more methodical and psychological, using her character’s dark and seductive traits to unnerve opponents. The incorporation of biting, licking, and other unconventional tactics became a signature part of her repertoire, echoing the mind games once employed by WWE legend Paige (Saraya-Jade Bevis).
Technical Proficiency and Aggression
At the core of Gigi Dolin’s in-ring style is a blend of technical proficiency and raw aggression. Trained in various wrestling styles, Dolin exhibits a well-rounded skill set that allows her to adapt to different opponents and match types. Her background in promotions like MLW and Shine Wrestling provided her with a solid foundation in both traditional and modern wrestling techniques.
Dolin’s technical skills are evident in her execution of moves like the German suplex, which she delivers with pinpoint precision. Her ability to transition smoothly between holds and strikes speaks to her technical prowess, making her a formidable opponent on the mat. This technical base is complemented by her aggressive approach, where she often uses strikes, forearms, and knee strikes to wear down her opponents.
One of Dolin’s signature moves is the “Avenue Saint-Michel,” a modified abdominal stretch that she applies with vicious intent. This move not only showcases her technical ability but also her understanding of psychology in the ring, as she often uses it to target her opponent’s midsection, setting them up for her finishing maneuvers.
Psychological Manipulation
Gigi Dolin’s success in the ring is not solely due to her physical abilities; her mastery of psychological manipulation plays a crucial role in her matches. From the moment she steps into the ring, Dolin exudes a dark, seductive energy that immediately puts her opponents on edge. Her entrance, with its gothic overtones and haunting music, sets the tone for what is to come.
Dolin’s in-ring psychology is evident in her use of mind games to disrupt her opponents’ focus. Her character’s sexual and gothic elements are employed strategically, whether through seductive gestures or unsettling tactics like biting and licking her opponents. These actions are not just for shock value; they serve to throw her opponents off balance, making them more susceptible to her offensive onslaught.
This psychological approach is particularly effective in high-stakes matches, where Dolin’s opponents are already under pressure. By playing with their emotions and exploiting their fears, Dolin gains a mental edge that often translates into victory.
Versatility in Match Types
One of the hallmarks of Gigi Dolin’s in-ring style is her versatility. Whether she is competing in singles matches, tag team bouts, or multi-woman contests, Dolin adapts her strategy to suit the situation. During her time as part of Toxic Attraction, Dolin demonstrated her ability to excel in tag team wrestling, where her chemistry with Jacy Jayne was a key factor in their success as NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions.
In tag team matches, Dolin often takes on the role of the aggressor, using her strikes and technical skills to wear down opponents before tagging in her partner. Her ability to work cohesively with Jayne was instrumental in their record-tying two-time reign as NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions. Dolin’s experience in tag team wrestling has also enhanced her understanding of in-ring psychology, particularly in terms of pacing and strategy.
In singles competition, Dolin’s versatility shines through in her ability to adjust her style based on her opponent. Against larger opponents, she relies on her speed and agility to outmaneuver them, using quick strikes and evasive maneuvers to gain the upper hand. Against smaller, more agile opponents, Dolin’s technical skills and psychological tactics come to the forefront, as she seeks to control the pace of the match and dictate the terms of engagement.
Signature Moves and Finishing Maneuvers
Gigi Dolin’s arsenal of signature moves and finishing maneuvers is a testament to her well-rounded in-ring style. These moves not only highlight her technical ability but also reinforce her character’s dark and dangerous persona.
- Avenue Saint-Michel: As mentioned earlier, this modified abdominal stretch is one of Dolin’s most effective signature moves. The move is designed to wear down her opponent’s core, making it difficult for them to mount a comeback. Dolin often uses this move to slow down the pace of the match, allowing her to maintain control and set up her finishing maneuvers.
- Crucifix Bomb: This move, which involves Dolin lifting her opponent onto her shoulders before driving them into the mat, is a powerful and visually striking maneuver. It showcases Dolin’s strength and ability to execute high-impact moves, often leading to a pinfall victory.
- Hell’s Harlot (modified STO): Dolin’s finishing maneuver, the Hell’s Harlot, is a modified STO (Space Tornado Ogawa) that she delivers with devastating force. The move involves Dolin sweeping her opponent’s legs out from under them while simultaneously driving them face-first into the mat. This finishing move is the culmination of Dolin’s psychological and physical dominance in the ring, often leaving her opponents unable to continue.
- The Black Widow: A tribute to her gothic persona, Dolin employs this submission hold to great effect. The move, which involves wrapping her legs around her opponent’s torso while pulling back on their arms, is both visually impressive and highly effective. It allows Dolin to apply intense pressure to her opponent’s upper body, often forcing them to submit.
The Influence of Gothic and Punk Elements
Gigi Dolin’s in-ring style is heavily influenced by gothic and punk aesthetics, which are integral to her character. From her ring gear to her entrance music, every aspect of Dolin’s presentation is designed to reinforce her dark and rebellious persona. This commitment to character extends to her in-ring style, where she incorporates elements of gothic culture into her moves and mannerisms.
Dolin’s use of gothic imagery is particularly evident in her choice of attire, which often features dark colors, leather, and spikes. This visual presentation adds to the aura of danger that surrounds her, making her a compelling figure in the WWE women’s division. Her punk influences, meanwhile, are reflected in her aggressive and defiant attitude, both in and out of the ring.
This blend of gothic and punk elements sets Dolin apart from her peers, giving her a distinct identity that resonates with fans. It also allows her to connect with a niche audience that appreciates her unique style and character.
Comparisons to WWE Legends
Gigi Dolin’s in-ring style and character have drawn comparisons to several WWE legends, most notably Paige (Saraya-Jade Bevis) and Lita (Amy Dumas). Like Paige, Dolin incorporates elements of gothic culture into her persona, using her dark and mysterious character to unsettle opponents. Both wrestlers also share a willingness to push boundaries, whether through their unconventional tactics or their defiance of traditional norms.
Lita, known for her punk-inspired character and high-flying moves, is another point of comparison for Dolin. While Dolin does not rely heavily on aerial maneuvers, her rebellious attitude and willingness to take risks in the ring echo Lita’s influence. Additionally, both Lita and Dolin have used their unique styles to carve out a niche for themselves in the WWE, standing out in a crowded and competitive women’s division.
These comparisons highlight Dolin’s potential to become a major star in WWE, following in the footsteps of the legends who came before her. By embracing her unique style and continuing to evolve as a performer, Dolin has the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in the world of professional wrestling.
Gigi Dolin’s in-ring style is a captivating blend of technical proficiency, psychological manipulation, and gothic aesthetics. Her ability to seamlessly transition between different styles and adapt to various match types makes her a versatile and formidable competitor in WWE’s NXT brand. As she continues to develop her character and refine her skills, Dolin is poised to become one of the most memorable and impactful performers in the women’s division.
With her dark and seductive persona, Dolin has carved out a unique niche for herself in the wrestling world. Her commitment to character, combined with her in-ring prowess, sets her apart from her peers and positions her as a rising star in WWE. As she continues to evolve and push the boundaries of her character, Gigi Dolin’s in-ring style will undoubtedly remain a topic of fascination for fans and analysts alike.
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