Christie Ricci
One of the hottest women on the independent circuit, Ricci has battled many of the top female stars in the business. From humble beginnings to superstardom, Ricci has spent several years plying her trade to the enjoyment of the fans. She is this week's Wrestler of the Week.
An Interesting Start
Ricci, born Christie Mathis in 1982, grew up in MIssissippi. She would be introduced to professional wrestling through a most unusual avenue, a Sunday School class. One of Mathis' classmates in the Sunday School class was Ted DiBiase, Jr. Ted, Jr. introduced the impressionable Miss Mathis to his dad, Ted DiBiase, Sr. Mathis was convinced to become a wrestler but knew that an education was incredibly important, as well. Mathis left Mississippi to attend college in Nashville, TN. During her second year, she decided to transfer to the Georgia Institute of Technology. She never made it there, as she was introduced to female wrestling legend, Leilani Kai, who agreed to train her.
Mathis took the ring name Christie Ricci, which she uses to this day. The name was a take on one of her favorite actresses, Christina Ricci. Christie was voted the Rookie of the Year in 2002, by a group of all-women promotions. She worked the next couple of years in various independent organizations, taking gold from just about every place she worked.
Rising in the Rankings
By 2004, Ricci was one of the hottest prospects on the indy scene. In February of 2004, Ricci re-injured her knee while touring Mexico. She took five months off to recover from surgery. She returned to Mexico to compete in July and August of 2004. In October, Ricci competed in both nights of APW's Halloween Hell Night. She lost to Cheerleader Melissa in the second round of the "ChickFight Tournament" but rebounded to win a four way match against Hailey Hatred, Candace LaRae and Nikki Roxx (TNA's Roxxi).
After a Pacific Islands tour to support US troops, Ricci set her sights on the NWA World Women's title. She took the title from Lexie Fyfe on October 8, 2005, in a three-way dance that also included Tasha Simone. Ricci helped to launch Shimmer by appearing on their first two DVDs. Ricci held the NWA World Women's title for more than a year. She was defeated on January 27, 2007 by Ms. Chif.
After dropping the NWA Women's title, Ricci moved on to Women's Extreme Wrestling. She feuded with Talia Madison (Velvet Sky) and Jazz. In addition to WEW, she also appeared in Southern All-Star Wrestling, as well as tours of Mexico.
A New Identity
In early 2009, Ricci joined the Wrestlicious, which was an all-women wrestling group owned by Jimmy Hart and Jay Vargas. Ricci was rechristened Glory. Glory made her way to the final two in the April 7, 2010 "Hoedown Throwdown Battle Royal". Glory, along with Felony (TNA's Payton Banks), squared off on April 24, 2010 to determine the first Wrestlicious Champion. Glory took the glory (and the title). Glory ws the first champion. She still holds that title.
In Conclusion:
Christie Ricci/Glory has been working the independent scene for almost a decade now. She is the currect Wrestlicious champion and may well hold the belt for an extended period of time. She has yet to make a mark in either TNA or WWE but she has been scouted, numerous times. The next time a local show runs in your area, don't be surprised if Ricci/Glory is there, facing a Buggy Nova, Daffney, ODB, or Davina Rose. Her in-ring skills are evident on the various video clips available at ClickWrestle.com. Her extended profile and photos are yours to enjoy at OnlineWorldofWrestling.com.
--Jay Shannon
