Former WWE Superstar Aliyah (Nhooph Al-Areebi) recently opened up in an exclusive interview with PWMania.com’s Andy London about her memorable wrestling career, groundbreaking moments, and what lies ahead after her departure from WWE. Aliyah, known for her record-setting 3.17-second victory on WWE television—the fastest win in history—also made history as the first Arab woman to main event WWE’s SmackDown. Her candid reflections reveal a story of perseverance, cultural pride, and breaking new ground for Arab female wrestlers in the pro wrestling world.
Aliyah’s wrestling journey began with her signing to WWE in early 2015, at just 19 years old. Initially featured on the WWE Network’s Breaking Ground documentary series, Aliyah spent several years developing her craft in NXT, WWE’s developmental brand, primarily performing at house shows and dark matches. Despite limited main roster exposure early on, she steadily honed her skills while facing tough opponents like Io Shirai, Rhea Ripley, and Candice LeRae, often learning valuable lessons from these high-caliber bouts[1][5].
Her long wait to break into the main roster ended in late 2021 when she debuted on WWE SmackDown, teaming with Naomi and Sasha Banks in a six-woman tag match. This marked a new chapter for Aliyah, who expressed excitement about representing her Arab heritage on the biggest WWE stages. One of her biggest career goals has been to become the first Arab female superstar to wrestle in the Middle East, a feat WWE had the opportunity to realize with the 2022 Elimination Chamber event in Saudi Arabia, although Aliyah was not officially announced for the card[1].
The lightning-fast pinfall victory that Aliyah achieved—lasting only 3.17 seconds—is a record that still stands as the quickest match win in WWE history on their main roster programming. This moment, which has become part of WWE lore, underscores Aliyah’s ability to captivate audiences and make the most of her opportunities in the ring.
Beyond the ring, Aliyah’s impact transcends wrestling achievements. As the first Arab woman to main event SmackDown, she broke down significant cultural and representation barriers in a sport traditionally lacking in Middle Eastern female role models. In her interview with PWMania.com, she emphasized the pride she feels in paving the way for other female Arab wrestlers and inspiring young fans in the region to pursue their dreams regardless of their background[1].
After her WWE release in September 2023 during company-wide cuts, Aliyah has begun to focus on life after wrestling. Sources close to her have revealed that she is exploring new passions, including working with horses, which indicates a meaningful personal transition away from the squared circle[3]. According to WWE insiders, despite the conclusion of her in-ring career at WWE, Aliyah remains highly respected backstage for her professionalism and commitment to breaking barriers for future generations.
In reflecting on her career, Aliyah shared on various podcasts and interviews that the journey was as transformative off-screen as it was in-ring. Signing at such a young age required enormous growth physically, mentally, and culturally. She credits the mentorship of coaches and fellow wrestlers for helping her develop the resilience and skills needed to perform at WWE’s highest levels[2][5].
Her fans will remember not only her athletic displays but also her trailblazing role as a cultural ambassador within WWE. As global wrestling continues to expand into diverse markets, Aliyah’s legacy as the first Arab woman to shine on SmackDown sets a precedent for inclusion and diversity, reflecting WWE’s broader efforts to globalize its talent base.
Looking ahead, Aliyah’s story is far from over. While she embraces this new chapter outside WWE, she leaves behind an inspiring legacy—one marked by historic triumphs, pioneering representation, and an indelible mark on professional wrestling history.
Sources: PWMania.com interview with Aliyah, WWE.com archives, Fightful reports, exclusive backstage information