A Fractured Start on the Main Roster
Speaking on the Nikki and Brie Show, the Raw star revealed that her July 2022 debut—formerly as Sofia Cromwell in NXT—was hampered by a fractured ankle sustained in June. She arrived at the arena wearing a medical boot, lacking both rehearsal time and a wardrobe suited for the spotlight.
The Shadow of a CEO’s Exit
Her introduction as the director of talent for the Maximum Male Models faction coincided with a historic shift: July 22, 2022, the same day Vince McMahon announced his retirement as WWE chairman and CEO. With no black dress or appropriate heels on hand, Dupri spent the morning of her debut scouring a local mall, struggling to find footwear that wouldn’t aggravate her injury.
A Near-Disaster in the Ring
The original creative plan called for a five-minute in-ring promo, a daunting task for a performer who had never cut a promo in NXT or during her training classes. “I had never done an in-ring promo,” Dupri stated during the Nikki and Brie Show. “I don’t know why I would be here today if that happened.”
Saved by a Last-Minute Shift
The chaos of the day ultimately played in her favor. As internal company shifts forced the cancellation of rehearsals, the creative team moved her segment from the ring to a more controlled backstage setting. This adjustment allowed her to survive her debut. Afterward, she retreated to the WWE Performance Center, working alongside Brennan Williams and Mansoor Al-Shehail to sharpen her promo delivery, bracing for an in-ring segment that never came.
Developing Skills Through Mentorship
Dupri has since evolved from a valet into an active competitor, holding the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship and joining The Vision on Raw. Lacking a traditional wrestling background, she relies on veteran peers to fill the gaps in her technical knowledge. She frequently turns to performers like Chelsea Green for guidance on specific maneuvers, including how to safely navigate a move into a barricade. This real-time education remains the foundation of her ongoing professional development.
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