When discussing Black excellence in professional wrestling, Trinity “Naomi” Fatu must be mentioned. She’s not just a WWE superstar; Naomi is a multi-talented entertainer in rare form: a wrestler, dancer, singer, actress, and storyteller. She embodies resilience, reinvention, and that undeniable Black Girl GLOW.
Born on November 30, in Sanford, Florida, Naomi’s first love was dance, which she pursued relentlessly. In college, she earned a spot on Florida State University’s cheerleading team; in life, she earned a spot on the Orlando Magic dance team, even touring with hip-hop heavyweights like Flo Rida and Pitbull. That rhythmic vibe would become a signature part of her in-ring style, but Naomi was never one to settle; she knew she was destined for something bigger.
A Star in the Making: Embracing Her Inner GLOW
Naomi’s journey to WWE wasn’t traditional. In 2009, she auditioned for WWE’s Diva Search, a competition aimed at finding the next big female star. Although she didn’t win, she made such an impression that she got signed. From that moment, it was game on. At Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), WWE’s developmental system at the time, she adopted the ring name Naomi Knight. Her agility, speed, and character made her a standout. She became their inaugural FCW Divas Champion, defeating Serena on FCW TV, proving that she was more than ready for the big leagues.
Naomi made her main roster in 2012 as part of The Funkadactyls, alongside Cameron, dancing their way to the ring with Brodus Clay. While this may not have been the debut she envisioned, Naomi made it work. She and Cameron quickly became fan favorites and, soon enough, began showcasing her skills. She got her first big singles push in 2014, nearly winning the Divas Championship, but an unfortunate eye injury set her back. However, Naomi wasn’t one to let setbacks stop her. She returned stronger, more determined, and with a B.A.D. attitude.
Letting Us In on Reality
If you watched Total Divas, you’ll remember Naomi not wanting to turn heel at this stage of her career. She wasn’t confident she could pull off such a character change and feared letting her fans down. It was a hard transition, but with the help of her fellow Team B.A.D. teammates (Tamina and Sasha Banks), she pulled it off. Speaking of which, Naomi was a standout in the Total Divas era. Fans got a chance to see her personality shine outside the ring, her loving nature, her dedication to her craft, and her beautiful relationship with Jimmy Uso, as well as always being the voice of reason within her friendships.
While Total Divas helped make Naomi a household name, it also showcased the challenges Black women face in wrestling. She often had to fight for opportunities her white peers got handed to them, but she didn’t complain; she just worked harder.
Naomi, The Cultural Icon
Naomi’s influence extends far beyond the ring. Her fashion game is elite. Whether it’s her neon-infused ring gear, her stunning red-carpet looks with her husband, or her ability to mix prints and patterns effortlessly, she’s THAT GIRL.
In 2025’s Queen of the Ring, Naomi portrays Ethel Johnson in a performance that’s both powerful and deeply personal. Naomi helped capture the challenges of breaking racial and gender barriers in mid-20th-century pro wrestling. She has called the role “once in a lifetime,” using it to honor the Black women who paved the way for stars like herself.
And let’s not forget how her single “Dance All Night” showcased her versatility as a true artist. Naomi is a brand. She’s done it all: pro wrestling, reality TV, music, fashion, acting, while representing resilience, reinvention, empowerment… and now violence.
Making History as a Champion
Now 2017 was her year. At Elimination Chamber, Naomi defeated Alexa Bliss to become the SmackDown Women’s Champion, making history as the first Black woman to hold that title. In a cruel twist, she had to vacate the title due to injury. Did that stop her? No ma’am. She returned at WrestleMania 33 in Orlando to win back the championship, proving that her moment wasn’t a fluke. Naomi held the title for 140 days, demonstrating to the world that a Black woman could not only be a champion but also a dominant one.
At WrestleMania 38, Naomi teamed with Sasha Banks (now known as Mercedes Moné) to compete in a four-way Women’s tag match for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship, in which they defeated respective teams to become the new and first Black WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
Betting on TrinPACT
In 2022, Naomi and Sasha Banks walked out of WWE in protest, a bold move that shook the industry to its core. The internet imploded, fans were split, and management went radio silent, but Naomi didn’t fade away; she bet on herself. Like every real one who plays the long game, she cashed in.
Rebranded as Trinity in TNA’s Impact Wrestling, she dropped the glow and picked up the grind, capturing the Knockouts World Championship and delivering classics. In a space that often overlooked her in WWE, she showed out and showed them: the crowd, the critics, the suits, what happens when you finally hand her the mic and the main event slot.
The Return: WARNING
When Naomi returned during the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble, she didn’t just walk back in. She owned her moments. Teaming with Bianca Belair and later mentoring powerhouse rookie Jade Cargill, Naomi anchored what fans dubbed The Big 3. It was more than a girl gang; it was a movement. It was mentorship, sisterhood and storytelling done right. Her energy made her a veteran, leader, and role model for a new generation of Black wrestlers, living proof that you can step away, evolve, and return stronger. Still, even after proving herself time and time again, Naomi found herself sidelined until she made her own lane and committed the ultimate deception. Weeks after a mysterious “attack” on Jade Cargill, Naomi captured the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship with Bianca Belair, marking her second run with the belts. Little did we know, this would be the beginning of a sinister Naomi, one to Proceed with Caution.
Naomi’s “Proceed with Caution” persona is a career-defining reinvention: dark, calculated and dangerously compelling. Her in-ring work displays a refined sense of timing and psychology. She delivers fiery promos with conviction. Social media? She’s owning it; psychotic-esque posts, caution-tape aesthetics, and razor-sharp attitude that deepens the mania. It’s a full-on evolution, with Naomi showing unmatched dedication across the board. In short: along with Jade Cargill, the entire WWE Women’s roster should proceed with caution.
Money in History Making
The caution lights flashed real different last week in L.A., and on a sold-out night at the Intuit Dome, Naomi reminded the world that her warnings are not just words; they’re her destiny. With the world watching, Naomi made history by becoming the first Black woman to win the Money in the Bank briefcase. After 16 years in the game, she finally climbed the ladder, not just in the ring but in respect and recognition.
This year’s Money in the Bank Ladder Women’s Match was stacked with elite vets; however, Naomi was the People’s Pick and the only Black talent booked to perform for this PLE. The moment she walked down that ramp, we knew what time it was; it was HER TIME. While Naomi has this briefcase, no WWE Women’s Champion is safe. We saw what she did to Jade to get what she wants; every step you take… Proceed with Caution.
This season for the BRP50, we celebrate Trinity “Naomi” Fatu, a woman who refused to dim her glow, who fought for her spot, and who CAUTIONS you to try her. She fought for respect in an industry that often overlooks Black women.
A woman walked away on her terms, proved her worth, and came back with more than a spark.
Be sure to explore more of this year’s BRP50 content by visiting our website and joining our Black Rasslin’ Podcast Patreon for exclusive material.
Catch Mimi, also known as #TheWrestlingChic, co-hosting #TheBuckle: #TurnbuckleTalk, every Tuesday at 6:35PM ET on X Spaces and Thursday at 8:35PM ET w/the rest of the crew on The Black Rasslin’ Podcast on YouTube.