WWE star Trinity Fatu, known as Naomi, made a pivotal heel turn during a recent match in Philadelphia, moving away from her fan-favorite persona to a villain role, culminating in a high-stakes match at WrestleMania 41. During a powerful promo, Fatu expressed feelings of neglect and betrayal, reflecting her real-life struggles in the wrestling industry. Since her debut in 2012, she has faced significant challenges, including walking away from WWE due to creative differences. Fatu’s return and heel turn are significant not only for her career but also for Black representation in wrestling, aiming to inspire future generations of female wrestlers.
Last month, WWE star Trinity Fatu found herself in the center of a wrestling ring in Philadelphia, leaving thousands of fans in stunned silence as she broke down in tears.
“Every time I try to focus on myself and put in the effort,” she shouted to the audience, “you all turn your backs on me.”
This was a pivotal moment for Fatu’s on-screen persona, Naomi, who has captured the hearts of fans since her inception in 2012. That night, however, she made a bold move that could alter the trajectory of her career: she turned “heel,” embracing the role of a major villain for the first time, setting the stage for a storyline that leads to a match at WrestleMania 41 this weekend. The stakes have never been higher for her.
“There was definitely a sense of pressure,” Fatu shared with Andscape. Yet, she recognizes that authentic emotions are crucial to delivering a strong promo, as they stem from genuine feelings.
“It’s a lot about not feeling validated,” she continued, maintaining her character. “Not feeling respected or appreciated, and not receiving what I give to my friends in return.”
“We’re all incredibly talented,” she added. “We understand the weight of this, and we’re all putting our maximum effort into it, as it means so much to us.”
The success of a heel turn largely hinges on the opening promo—the moment when the new villain articulates their motivations. A compelling heel promo can redefine a character for years, reminiscent of iconic moments like The Rock joining the Nation of Domination in 1997 or Seth Rollins’ turn with The Authority in 2012. Conversely, a poorly executed promo risks alienating fans and jeopardizing a crucial WrestleMania match.
This was the weight on Fatu’s shoulders as she took the mic to explain her villainous actions: Last November, Jade Cargill, part of a trio that included Bianca Belair and Fatu, was found backstage after an off-camera assault from a mystery assailant. After months of speculation, it was revealed that Fatu, known as Naomi, was behind the attack.
This moment set the stage for her heel promo, where she laid out her reasoning for the betrayal while Belair observed. It was the pinnacle of her career, culminating in years of buildup.
Hailing from Sanford, Florida, Fatu began her entertainment journey as a dancer for the Orlando Magic, touring across the country. When WWE sought new talent, she joined Florida Championship Wrestling before officially joining the WWE roster in 2012. Early on, Fatu portrayed a “Funkadactyl,” assisting male wrestler Brodus Clay. Despite the inadequacies of the WWE “divas” era, where female wrestlers often faced limited airtime, she eventually carved her niche as a standout performer, a “glow” character that showcased her dance background and athleticism, becoming the first Black woman to hold the SmackDown Women’s Championship in 2017. She also gained wider recognition through her appearances on WWE’s reality series Total Divas.
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Fatu’s popularity soared until 2022 when creative disagreements with WWE led her to leave the company. At that time, she was part of the tag team champions with Sasha Banks, who also departed. The creative direction for their championship reign felt inadequate, and for Fatu, the disrespect became unbearable.
“I ultimately left that day due to how I was treated and spoken to,” she recounted in a 2023 interview with Busted Open Radio. “That day broke me. It had nothing to do with anything or anyone else. I just had to go.”
Becoming a WWE superstar is a dream for many in professional wrestling, but stepping away—especially while holding a championship—demands immense courage and self-belief. After leaving, Fatu grappled with self-doubt as she distanced herself from wrestling.
“I truly thought I was finished,” she confessed. “That was terrifying because performing had been my life since I was eight.”
Fortunately, calls from Gail Kim and Scott D’Amore at another wrestling organization, Total Nonstop Action, reignited her passion. “They literally got me off my couch to join TNA,” she explained.
At TNA, Fatu rediscovered her spark, eventually becoming the Knockouts champion. Her tenure there featured some of her best matches, despite facing online criticism for her WWE exit. The support from her fans kept her motivated. “The negativity on social media affected me,” she said in 2023. “I felt utterly broken, but the fans provided constant positivity that restored my confidence.”
Another significant boost to Fatu’s confidence came when she was offered the role of pioneering wrestler Ethel Page in the film Queen of the Ring.
“That was during my walkout as well,” she recalled. “I was navigating a tough time, and it uplifted me. Ethel’s story opened doors for me. I felt inspired by her journey and it reinforced my resolve to keep going.”
It’s rare for wrestlers to stay away from WWE after a falling out with management. Fatu was no exception, fully aware of her intention to finish her career there. However, her return would mark a pivotal moment in wrestling history.
Shortly after Fatu rejoined WWE, another talent, Jade Cargill, debuted. Cargill, who rose to prominence in All Elite Wrestling, possesses a natural charisma and athletic physique that make her a budding megastar. Almost immediately, the trio consisting of Fatu, Cargill, and Belair formed a powerful alliance, collectively referred to as The Big Three—celebrating their Black identity while dominating the ring and enchanting their fans.
“Our representation during that time was monumental,” Fatu stated. “It was historic, particularly for Black women, as there had typically been only one Black woman in the spotlight for several years.”
The Big Three made their highly-anticipated debut at WrestleMania in 2024 and followed it up with a series of viral moments celebrating Black womanhood. For instance, in August, they donned costumes designed by Bianca Belair that paid tribute to Simone Biles. Previously, they honored Beyoncé. Their genuine camaraderie in the ring allowed them to resonate with fans, particularly Black women who have seldom been represented in wrestling storylines. Belair, Cargill, and Fatu changed that narrative.
“It was breathtaking,” said Jaida Parker, an NXT star and an emerging talent. “WWE has rarely witnessed significant moments like this for Black women. Their achievements on such a grand stage were extraordinary. Seeing that unfold on national television was heartwarming and inspiring; it showed us that we can achieve greatness too.”
In wrestling, it’s understood that teams have a short lifespan, often dissolving in dramatic fashion through betrayals. This brings us back to that November episode of SmackDown!, where Cargill was discovered incapacitated backstage. Fans speculated for months about whether Belair or Fatu was responsible, ultimately learning that Fatu was the assailant, officially dissolving the trio and establishing her as a new villain.
This leads us back to the impactful heel promo.
“I was definitely nervous about it,” Fatu admitted. “There was uncertainty, especially considering the strong bond I’ve formed with my fanbase over the past decade. The fear of turning heel weighed heavily on me.”
The promo—a powerful exchange with Belair where Fatu bared her soul—was nothing short of extraordinary. With both acting chops and genuine tears, Fatu conveyed the anguish of a betrayal and a wrestler tired of always being in the support role. For her, the heel turn represented a necessary shift towards self-advocacy. The promo emerged from an authentic emotional core: Fatu has often been the one to uplift her teammates but felt pushed to her limit with Cargill.
“I let you all shine,” she shouted at Belair while tears streamed down her face.
“That promo encapsulated everything wonderful about our profession,” reflected WWE veteran Natalya Neidhart, who has collaborated and connected with Fatu for over a decade. “It was emotional, thought-provoking, and captivating. Watching her, you felt her passion, her tears, and the validity of her feelings. So many people relate to being pushed to their limits and the struggle of maintaining strength.”
“The bond Bianca and I share enhances the magic of our performances,” Fatu expressed. “We’ve been close since our first meeting, and when one of us is down, the other feels it. Much of the current chemistry stems from our connection.”
The promo was instantly iconic. It resonated particularly well with Black fans, due to its emotionally rich portrayal of friendships and conflicts among Black women in wrestling—a rarity in the sport. Almost immediately, fans filled the internet with memes and suggestions that Belair and Fatu deserved BET Awards, even joking that the segment was crafted by Tyler Perry. This promo was precisely what the storyline required, strong enough to elevate both Fatu and Cargill into a marquee WrestleMania match. Never before has a story between Black women in WWE been so thoughtfully portrayed.
Now, it falls to Fatu, as the seasoned veteran, to not only deliver an exceptional match but to also serve as the emotional anchor of a significant storyline, ensuring she uplifts a future star in the process. She does not take this responsibility lightly.
“Being able to channel my star power to the next generation of women is the greatest reward for me, and I take immense pride in that,” Fatu noted. “I intend to give WWE everything they desire from me to elevate this division. I take this seriously because it’s important, and my time here won’t last forever.”