Liv Morgan, also known as Gionna Jene Daddio, is a popular American Professional Wrestler performing for WWE’s SmackDown brand. Starting her journey in 2014 with NXT, Liv quickly rose to the main roster in 2017. Formerly part of the Riott Squad, she now competes as a singles competitor, captivating fans
Liv Morgan: Early Life in New Jersey”
Born on June 8th, 1994, in Paramus, New Jersey, Liv Morgan was raised in Elmwood Park. Coming from a big family with five siblings – four older brothers and a sister, she faced the loss of her father and was raised solely by her mother, who bravely raised all six kids herself.
Liv Morgan: A Wrestling Enthusiast since Childhood
Liv Morgan’s love for professional wrestling blossomed during her upbringing. Growing up with her siblings, they would emulate their favorite wrestlers in backyard matches, igniting a deep passion for the sport in her heart. Reflecting on those backyard wrestling days, Liv Morgan fondly shared her thoughts on the cherished memories.
Liv Morgan’s Wrestling Inspiration: Emulating Lita
“I would literally take pedigrees and powerbombs like it was my job. I always pretended to be Lita. All the Divas were so glamorous and girly, and I was such a tomboy and didn’t have nice clothes. When I saw Lita come out in baggy pants and sneakers, wrestling the boys, I thought she was the coolest thing ever. I related to her.”
Before embarking on her professional wrestling career, Liv Morgan ventured into various fields. She worked at the renowned restaurant chain Hooters and showcased her skills as a competitive cheerleader for a period of time.
Liv Morgan: The Journey of a Pro-Wrestling Superstar
In 2014, Liv Morgan was discovered at Joe DeFranco’s gym in Wyckoff, New Jersey, leading to her signing a WWE contract in October that year. Assigned to NXT, she made her first televised appearance at NXT TakeOver: Rival on February 11, 2015. Initially appearing as a planted fan, she later debuted as “Marley” on the November 4 episode of NXT. Let’s explore her rise from the developmental territory to her eventual path to the main roster.
Liv Morgan’s NXT journey took off on the December 2 episode, returning as “Liv Morgan” and facing Emma. She later competed in a battle royal for the NXT Women’s Championship. In August, she triumphed in a six-woman tag team match, securing her first singles win on August 31. Challenging NXT Women’s Champion Asuka didn’t go as planned, leading to a rivalry with The Iconic Duo. Despite some setbacks, Morgan’s team emerged victorious in a thrilling six-person tag team match.
Liv Morgan’s Impactful Main Roster Debut and WrestleMania Journey
On the November 21, 2017 episode of SmackDown Live, Liv Morgan made a memorable main roster debut alongside Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan. The trio, now known as “The Riott Squad,” established themselves as heels by attacking Becky Lynch and Naomi. They furthered their impact by interrupting a match between SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair and Natalya. The following week, they secured their in-ring debuts with a victory in a six-woman tag team match. Morgan’s journey continued as she participated in the first women’s Royal Rumble match at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view. Making her WrestleMania debut at WrestleMania 34, she joined the 20-woman WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal, aiming for victory.
Liv Morgan’s Raw and Pay-Per-View Highlights
In the 2018 Superstar Shake-Up, The Riott Squad moved to the Raw brand, causing a no contest between Bayley and Sasha Banks. On Raw, Morgan was accidentally knocked unconscious by Brie Bella during a match. At Evolution, The Riott Squad faced defeat against Natalya, Bayley, and Sasha Banks. In the women’s Royal Rumble match at Royal Rumble 2019, Morgan set a record for the shortest time. She also competed in the Elimination Chamber for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. Additionally, Morgan participated in the Women’s battle royal match at WrestleMania 35.
Liv Morgan’s WWE Journey: Brand Switches and Feuds
On April 16, Liv Morgan moved to the SmackDown brand during the Superstar Shake-up, leading to the dissolution of The Riott Squad. She later turned face on the July 16 episode of SmackDown Live when she confronted Charlotte Flair in a match. Despite the loss, it marked her first appearance outside of house shows since WrestleMania 35.
In October, Morgan returned to Raw as the final overall draft pick of the year. Throughout December, vignettes teased her return. On the December 30 episode of Raw, she interrupted Bobby Lashley and Lana’s wedding, expressing her love for Lana. After aligning herself with Rusev, Morgan defeated Lana in subsequent matches.
Her feud with Lana concluded, Morgan entered a rivalry with her former Riott Squad teammate Ruby Riott, who turned on her upon returning. On the March 2 episode of Raw, Morgan emerged victorious in a match against Riott with Sarah Logan as the special guest referee. She also participated in her second Elimination Chamber match at Elimination Chamber, eliminating her feud with Riott defeating her on the April 20 and April 27 episodes of Raw respectively.