A Smoke Show
Rebecca DiPietro’s career is a fascinating blend of glamour, modeling, and wrestling. Best known for her role as a backstage interviewer for World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) ECW brand, DiPietro’s journey from the world of high-fashion modeling to the hard-hitting universe of professional wrestling highlights her versatility and adaptability. While her time in WWE may have been brief, her impact, particularly as an announcer, left a lasting impression on the ECW brand and its fans.
Early Beginnings in Modeling
Before stepping into the wrestling world, Rebecca DiPietro was already a familiar face in the modeling industry. Her career took off in the early 2000s when she began making waves in the adult modeling scene. In 2001, DiPietro’s appearance in Playboy magazine marked her as a rising star. This exposure opened doors to numerous opportunities, including being featured as “Cyber Girl of the Week” in June 2004, coinciding with the cover feature of WWE Divas Torrie Wilson and Sable. Her allure and charm captured the attention of many, further solidifying her status as a sought-after model.
DiPietro’s modeling career didn’t stop at Playboy. She graced the pages of other prestigious publications such as Maxim and Stuff magazine, where she showcased her beauty and poise as a cover girl and model. Her success in modeling competitions was equally impressive. In 2005, she won the USA title at the Miss Hawaiian Tropics International Pageant, and in 2008, she clinched the Miss MET-Rx Model Search contest. These accolades underscored her prominence in the modeling world, making her a well-known figure long before her wrestling career began.
The Transition to WWE
Rebecca DiPietro’s transition from modeling to wrestling was unexpected but not entirely surprising. In the mid-2000s, WWE was known for recruiting models and beauty queens to become Divas, leveraging their appeal to a broader audience. DiPietro’s entry into WWE began with the 2006 WWE Diva Search, a competition that aimed to discover new female talent for the company.
Though she did not make the Top Eight, DiPietro’s presence in the competition did not go unnoticed. Her elimination on the July 31, 2006, episode of Raw marked the end of her Diva Search journey, but it was far from the end of her WWE aspirations. Just four days after her elimination, WWE recognized her potential and signed her to a contract, a testament to her undeniable charisma and appeal.
Training in Deep South Wrestling
After being signed by WWE, DiPietro was sent to Deep South Wrestling (DSW), WWE’s developmental territory at the time, for training. This phase of her career was crucial as it introduced her to the fundamentals of the wrestling business, both in the ring and on the microphone. On September 3, 2006, she made her debut in DSW in a backstage segment with Matt Striker. Though she primarily appeared in segments and bikini contests, these appearances were instrumental in preparing her for the bigger stage.
DSW provided DiPietro with the platform to hone her skills, particularly in understanding the wrestling industry’s entertainment aspect. Her time in DSW, though brief, was a formative period that equipped her with the tools she would need as she transitioned to a more prominent role in WWE.
Becoming the Backstage Interviewer for ECW
Rebecca DiPietro’s most notable contribution to WWE came when she joined the ECW brand as a backstage interviewer. ECW, known for its hardcore wrestling style and loyal fanbase, was reintroduced by WWE in 2006 as a third brand alongside Raw and SmackDown. DiPietro’s role in ECW was crucial as she became the face that fans would associate with behind-the-scenes interviews, providing a bridge between the wrestlers and the audience.
On the October 17, 2006, episode of ECW on Sci-Fi, DiPietro made her debut as the brand’s backstage interviewer. Her role involved conducting interviews with some of the most prominent wrestlers in ECW, helping to build storylines and adding depth to the characters fans saw in the ring. DiPietro’s interviewing style was characterized by her poise and professionalism, qualities that endeared her to the ECW audience. Her presence added a touch of glamour to the otherwise gritty and intense world of ECW.
Pay-Per-View Appearances and Lumberjill Role
DiPietro’s contributions to WWE extended beyond her backstage interviews. She also made an appearance at the November 2006 Cyber Sunday pay-per-view event, where she took on the role of a “Lumberjill” for the WWE Women’s Championship match. A Lumberjill match involves female wrestlers surrounding the ring to prevent the competitors from escaping and to ensure that the action stays inside the ring.
While her role in the match was more symbolic than physical, it demonstrated WWE’s commitment to involving DiPietro in various aspects of their programming. The Lumberjill match at Cyber Sunday was a significant event, and DiPietro’s involvement further solidified her status as an integral part of the WWE Diva roster at the time.
Departure from WWE
Despite her growing role in WWE, Rebecca DiPietro’s time with the company was short-lived. On March 22, 2007, less than a year after she joined, DiPietro was released from her WWE contract at her request. Her departure marked the end of her brief but impactful stint in the wrestling world.
The reasons behind DiPietro’s departure have not been extensively documented, but it is speculated that she chose to leave WWE to pursue other opportunities. While her time in WWE was brief, DiPietro’s contributions, particularly as the backstage interviewer for ECW, left a lasting impression on the brand’s fans. Her work helped to enhance the storylines and added a layer of professionalism to the backstage segments that were crucial to the overall narrative of the shows.
Legacy in Wrestling and Beyond
Rebecca DiPietro’s legacy in the wrestling world is defined by her role as a backstage interviewer for ECW. Though her time in WWE was brief, she played a significant part in one of the most unique brands in wrestling history. Her ability to transition from a successful modeling career to the demanding world of wrestling speaks volumes about her versatility and talent.
Beyond wrestling, DiPietro’s career as a model continued to flourish. Her appearances in Playboy, Maxim, and other magazines, along with her success in beauty pageants, ensured that she remained a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Her work in both fields highlights the diverse talents that Rebecca DiPietro brought to the table, making her a memorable figure in both modeling and wrestling.
Rebecca DiPietro’s journey from the glamorous world of modeling to the intense environment of WWE’s ECW brand is a testament to her adaptability and talent. As a backstage interviewer, she played a pivotal role in the storytelling aspect of ECW, helping to connect the audience with the wrestlers and their narratives. Though her time in WWE was brief, her impact was significant, and she remains a respected figure for her contributions to the wrestling world.
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