Former WWE NXT star Priscilla Kelly, currently wrestling under her real name Gigi Dolin on the independent circuit, has finally shared in detail the story behind her infamous “tampon spot” that went viral and sparked intense debate across the wrestling community. During a candid conversation on Saraya’s Rulebreakers podcast, Kelly addressed the inspiration for the daring moment, the backlash she faced, and how support from fellow wrestlers helped her cope with the criticism.
The controversial spot originated in late 2018 during an adult-only indie show for Suburban Fight Pro Wrestling in Los Angeles, where Kelly shocked the audience by pulling a used tampon from her shorts and theatrically placing it in her opponent’s mouth. The moment quickly circulated on social media, triggering strong reactions from fans and industry insiders alike. Impact Hall of Famer Gail Kim openly condemned the spot on Twitter, calling it “a disgrace” and urging wrestlers to focus on storytelling rather than shock tactics[1].
In her recent podcast appearance, Kelly revealed that the tampon used was real, although the blood was simulated to achieve the intended theatrical effect[4]. She described the moment as a deliberate act of “too much” — aiming to push boundaries within the already intense and often transgressive world of independent wrestling. “It was a 21-plus show in a club setting. We were in a space where you can take risks without corporate limits,” Kelly explained[3].
Despite the viral success that brought her notoriety, Kelly admitted the intense online backlash nearly broke her mentally. She spoke openly about the emotional toll of receiving harsh criticism from some corners of the wrestling world, underscoring the fine line performers walk between creativity and public outrage[5]. “There were days I felt broken, but the support from other wrestlers and fans who understand the performance part kept me going,” she shared.
Sources close to Kelly revealed to Fightful that while WWE would never sanction such a controversial spot on their national television shows, the moment helped elevate Kelly’s profile long before her WWE signing. Industry insiders noted it was a rare example of a viral moment that simultaneously sparked admiration and condemnation, showcasing the complex relationship between shock value and wrestling artistry[3].
Kelly’s willingness to break taboos and test the limits of wrestling storytelling resonates with many fans who appreciate the genre’s experimental edge—even as it sparks debates about taste and appropriateness. As she now competes in WWE’s women’s division as Gigi Dolin, Kelly has evolved her in-ring style but still reflects on the tampon spot as a defining moment of her career that “put me on the map” despite the controversy[2].
With candid insights from her recent interviews and podcasts, Kelly’s story sheds light on the challenges wrestlers face when pushing creative boundaries in an era of instant social media judgment. Her journey from indie provocateur to WWE talent embodies a broader narrative about artistic expression and mental resilience in professional wrestling.
According to a WWE insider, Kelly’s story is a reminder that “wrestlers often carry the weight of their most controversial moments, but it’s how they learn and grow from them that shapes their legacy.” As fans continue to discuss the tampon spot years later, Kelly’s openness marks a new chapter of understanding and respect for performers willing to take risks in their craft.