Early Careers and WWE Debuts
Mandy Rose, born Amanda Saccomanno, entered WWE through the reality competition show Tough Enough in 2015, where she finished as the runner-up. Her athletic background and fitness modeling experience facilitated her transition into wrestling, leading to her main roster debut with Absolution alongside Paige and Sonya Deville in 2017. Rose's early WWE tenure was marked by her portrayal of a glamorous yet tough competitor, engaging in various storylines that emphasized her character's allure and in-ring prowess.
Gigi Dolin, born Priscilla Kelly, made her name on the independent wrestling circuit before joining WWE. Her tenure in promotions like EVOLVE and SHINE Wrestling showcased her as a fierce and unorthodox competitor, known for her edgy persona and willingness to push boundaries. Dolin's WWE debut came in 2021, aligning her with the NXT brand, where she quickly became a standout in the women's division.
Formation and Dominance of Toxic Attraction
In August 2021, WWE introduced Toxic Attraction, a villainous stable comprising Mandy Rose, Gigi Dolin, and Jacy Jayne. This faction revitalized the NXT women's division, with Rose emerging as the leader, bringing main roster experience and a revamped image that shed her previous "Golden Goddess" persona for a more ruthless character. Dolin and Jayne complemented Rose's leadership with their in-ring skills and rebellious personas, creating a cohesive and dominant group.
Under Rose's leadership, Toxic Attraction achieved significant milestones. Rose captured the NXT Women's Championship, holding the title for an impressive 413 days. Simultaneously, Dolin and Jayne secured the NXT Women's Tag Team Championships twice, tying the record for the most reigns with the titles. Their collective dominance positioned Toxic Attraction at the forefront of the NXT women's division during the NXT 2.0 era.
Individual Achievements and Styles
Mandy Rose's wrestling style combines strength and agility, often utilizing power moves that showcase her athletic background. Her character work evolved significantly with Toxic Attraction, embracing a more aggressive and commanding presence that resonated with audiences. Rose's in-ring psychology and ability to adapt her persona contributed to her lengthy championship reign and solidified her as a central figure in NXT.
Gigi Dolin's in-ring style is characterized by a blend of technical prowess and high-risk maneuvers, reflecting her diverse experiences on the independent scene. Her unorthodox approach and willingness to engage in unconventional tactics set her apart from her peers. Dolin's character work, marked by a rebellious and edgy persona, adds depth to her performances, making her a compelling competitor in the women's division.
Impact and Legacy
The partnership between Rose and Dolin within Toxic Attraction elevated both performers' careers. Rose's transition to NXT and alignment with Dolin and Jayne allowed her to reinvent herself, shedding previous character limitations and embracing a more serious and dominant role. Dolin's association with Rose provided exposure to a broader audience, enhancing her credibility and showcasing her talents on a larger platform.
Their collective impact is evident in the accolades they amassed. Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked Rose No. 21 and Dolin No. 48 in the top 150 female singles wrestlers in 2022, reflecting their prominence in the industry. Additionally, Dolin and Jayne were ranked No. 14 in the top 100 tag teams in 2022, underscoring their success as a duo within Toxic Attraction.
Post-Toxic Attraction Trajectories
Following Mandy Rose's departure from WWE in December 2022, Toxic Attraction's future became uncertain. Dolin and Jayne continued as a tag team briefly but eventually disbanded in February 2023 after Jayne turned on Dolin. This betrayal led to a heated rivalry between the former partners, culminating in a weaponized steel cage match that showcased both competitors' resilience and determination to establish themselves as singles competitors.
Dolin's post-Toxic Attraction journey involved redefining her persona, moving away from the group's image to establish her identity within the NXT women's division. She reflected on this transition, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and personal growth in her character development.
Conclusion
Gigi Dolin and Mandy Rose have each carved unique paths in professional wrestling, with their collaboration in Toxic Attraction serving as a pivotal chapter in their careers. Rose's experience and leadership combined with Dolin's innovative in-ring style to create a dominant force in NXT. Their individual and collective achievements have left an indelible mark on the women's division, influencing future generations of wrestlers and contributing to the evolving landscape of WWE.
For a visual representation of their in-ring chemistry, you might find this match between Gigi Dolin and Mandy Rose insightful:
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