WWE superstar Naomi, whose real name is Trinity Fatu, has officially etched her name in the history books. On June 7, she became the first Black woman to win the Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match, solidifying a new chapter in her nearly two-decade-long career and earning a guaranteed shot at a WWE championship title of her choosing.
Naomi’s win came after a grueling match against top-tier competitors Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, Stephanie Vaquer, Roxanne Perez, and Giulia, as she scaled the ladder and unhooked the coveted briefcase in front of a roaring crowd. The match marked not just a turning point in Naomi’s career but a major moment for representation in WWE.
From “Feel the Glow” to Fearsome Heel
Once known for her vibrant “Feel the Glow” persona, Naomi’s recent heel turn has introduced fans to a darker, more aggressive side of her character. Wrapped in caution tape and channeling raw emotion, her transformation is not just a gimmick—it’s storytelling layered with history, defiance, and purpose.
“With what I did to Jade, and leaving a crime scene, it popped into my head – oh man, this is perfect. Caution tape is universal. Everybody knows what that means when they see it,” Naomi said in a Variety interview ahead of the match.
Her evolution from neon-lit positivity to ominous intensity wasn’t without nerves. Naomi admitted she was initially uncertain about how fans would react to her reinvention. But the live crowds have responded with enthusiasm and engagement, proving her risk was worth it.
“It feels good to be able to change the audience perspective of me in such a quick period of time… The fans are engaging with me and interacting with me during the show. That’s the key,” she said.
Redemption After Rebellion
Naomi’s triumph comes just two years after she and fellow Black wrestler Sasha Banks (now Mercedes Moné in AEW) made headlines by walking out of WWE in protest over creative direction. At the time, they held the Women’s Tag Team Championships and felt sidelined—a bold move that spotlighted issues of underutilization and creative neglect under then-leadership.
Since then, Naomi has wrestled across promotions—including a championship run in TNA—and returned to WWE with new fire. With Paul “Triple H” Levesque now steering creative, Naomi’s transformation and elevation are being recognized and rewarded.
Big E’s Flowers and Fan Validation
Post-match, Naomi appeared on WWE’s post-show with Big E, who gave her an emotional tribute, acknowledging her 16-year journey, her perseverance, and the battles fans never saw.
“To see you have your best run now… to see your growth… and I know that the people and I, we don’t even know the half of everything that you had to deal with,” he said, moving Naomi nearly to tears.
While fans chanted “You deserve it,” Naomi smiled and responded with her signature grit, reminding the WWE Universe that this is just the beginning. With a Money in the Bank briefcase in hand, a character fans can’t look away from, and momentum on her side, the rest of the women’s roster better tread carefully.
Because Naomi isn’t glowing anymore—she’s a storm wrapped in caution tape, and she’s coming for gold.
