In a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, former AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander discussed the quirky original plans for her 2019 WWE SmackDown debut. Teaming with Karissa Rivera against The IIconics, the put-together pair were initially set to be named the Brooklyn Pizza Connection, with ring names Saucy and Cheesy. However, the idea evolved into the Brooklyn Belles, and they settled on using their first names, Kristin and Karissa. Statlander stated, “That would have been iconic to have been either Saucy or Cheesy.“
“Originally, the team name was supposed to be the Brooklyn Pizza Connection, and we were supposed to be named Saucy and Cheesy … Then it was the Brooklyn Belles, and then just used our first names. But I was like, that would have been iconic to have been either saucy or cheesy, and my only match there was a tag title match. So what a way to go, to go in and go out right away.” – Kris Statlander
30-year-old Statlander, signed with AEW in late 2019, debuting on Dark and quickly becoming a fan favorite with her alien gimmick and powerhouse style. Overcoming ACL injuries in 2020 and 2022, she returned to end Jade Cargill’s 60-match streak and win the TBS Championship at Double or Nothing 2023, and after a heel turn and feuds, she captured the AEW Women’s World Championship at All Out 2025 in a fatal four-way, becoming the first to hold both women’s singles titles.
