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While speaking with Ryan Satin on Fox's Out of Character show, WWE RAW Women's Champion Nikki A.S.H. - who won the championship this past Monday by cashing in her Money In The Bank contract on Charlotte Flair - revealed what helped her win over management in regards to her new character: Marvel movies. More specifically superhero movies with female leads.
"What were the numbers at the box office for Wonder Woman?" Nikki A.S.H . explained to Satin, "It was successful, but how much money did it make? How much money did Captain Marvel make? Looking at the success, especially with female-led superhero movies and television shows... is what I wanted to focus on."
Nikki A.S.H. was inspired by Wonder Woman, Captain Marvel
While the financial aspect was certainly a vital component in appealing to Vince McMahon and others in management, it wasn't the only thing Nikki A.S.H. had in mind. It was also about what the character stood for, as well.
"When we started to explore (the character), it was going to be a super positive role model for children and the younger audience. You see how much [superheroes] can touch people's lives and at WWE, we also want to touch people's lives and connect with families and people with all ages."
In regards to when she actually pitched the idea, Nikki A.S.H. recalled it to be the day after this year's Royal Rumble.
"We had the Black Widow movie coming out," she said, "[WandaVision, featuring Elizabeth Olsen's Scarlet Witch character,] was so successful on Disney+ and it felt like the perfect time to think about [the character] and do it. I would pinpoint Royal Rumble and that was the natural start,"
It was a moment watching one of these films in the theater with a family member that really drove home for Nikki A.S.H. just how effective this character could be.
"I went to see Wonder Woman with my mom in Scotland and I was crying. I looked over at my mom and she had tears in her eyes. I have younger nephews and they are obsessed with superheroes. You see how much it can touch people's lives and at WWE, we also want to touch people's lives and connect with families... Superheroes and WWE, we want to unite people. For me, that's what I want to explore and make it relatable."
Nikki A.S.H. will address the WWE Universe for the first time since winning the RAW Women's Championship tonight on Monday Night RAW.
(H/T to Fightful)
