Early Wrestling Career and Independent Circuit
Kimberly Benson, also known as Piper Niven, has established herself as a prominent professional wrestler with a strong presence in WWE. Born on May 6, 1991, in Scotland, Benson has had a successful career both in the United Kingdom and internationally. Here’s a deeper look at her journey through the wrestling industry and her accomplishments to date.
Benson began her professional wrestling career in the UK independent circuit, where she gained recognition under the ring name Viper. She quickly rose to prominence with her unique style and formidable presence in the ring.1
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International Success and World Wonder Ring Stardom
As her career progressed, Benson’s reputation expanded beyond the UK. She ventured into the Japanese wrestling scene, where she competed for World Wonder Ring Stardom, a well-known women’s wrestling promotion. This experience added an international dimension to her career and helped solidify her status as a talented wrestler capable of competing at a high level.
WWE and the Mae Young Classic
Benson’s first significant exposure to WWE audiences came in 2017 when she participated in the Mae Young Classic, a prestigious all-female wrestling tournament hosted by WWE. Her performances in the tournament impressed WWE officials and fans, leading to her eventual signing with the company in 2019.
WWE NXT UK and Doudrop
After joining WWE, Benson competed in NXT UK, the company’s UK-based brand, where she continued to use the ring name Piper Niven. Her performances in NXT UK were notable, and she quickly became a prominent figure in the division.
Return to Piper Niven and WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion
- In 2022, Benson reverted to her original ring name, Piper Niven, a move welcomed by fans and commentators who appreciated the return to her roots.
- Since then, she has continued to perform on the Raw brand, solidifying her position as a top talent in WWE’s women’s division.
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- One of the significant milestones in her career came when she became a WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion. This achievement marked a significant step in her WWE journey and demonstrated her ability to compete at the highest level in the company’s competitive landscape.
- Beyond her wrestling career, Kimberly Benson is known for her positive attitude and approachability. She has used her platform to connect with fans and promote inclusivity in professional wrestling.
- Her journey from the UK independent circuit to WWE’s main roster serves as an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers, showcasing the importance of perseverance and hard work.
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Early Love for Wrestling
From a young age, Benson was fascinated by professional wrestling. However, she felt the need to keep this interest a secret because her female peers perceived wrestling as a sport exclusively for men. The pressure to conform to societal norms made her hesitant to express her passion for wrestling openly.2
Rekindling the Passion
Benson’s rediscovery of wrestling came when she was 15 years old. The catalyst for this was her oldest nephew, who began watching wrestling and sharing his excitement with her. This rekindled her own enthusiasm for the sport, and she began to embrace her passion more openly.
Decision to Pursue Wrestling
With her passion reignited, Benson decided to pursue a career in professional wrestling. This decision was significant, considering the prevailing stereotypes and limited representation of women in the wrestling world at that time.
However, Benson’s determination and love for the sport outweighed any apprehensions she had about breaking into a predominantly male-dominated industry.
The Journey to Professional Wrestling
Benson’s journey from a teenage wrestling fan to a professional wrestler was not straightforward. Despite societal expectations and the pressure to fit in with her peers, she followed her heart and sought opportunities to train and compete.3
Her journey required dedication, hard work, and a willingness to break barriers in an industry with a long-standing gender imbalance.
Overcoming Challenges and Becoming Viper
- As Benson pursued her wrestling career, she faced various challenges, including finding the right training opportunities and gaining recognition in a competitive field.
- Despite these obstacles, she adopted the ring name Viper and began making a name for herself on the UK independent circuit.
- Her unique style and in-ring prowess quickly gained her a following, leading to opportunities to perform in other countries, including Japan.
Ice cold ❄️ pic.twitter.com/CUio7PmOvU
— Kim Piper Benson (@PiperNivenWWE) April 22, 2024
- Benson’s journey is a testament to breaking through stereotypes and societal expectations. By embracing her love for wrestling, she not only pursued her dreams but also inspired other women who shared similar interests.
- Her success in the wrestling industry proved that professional wrestling is not limited to one gender and that women can excel at the highest levels.
Piper Niven’s Net Worth in 2023: A Rising Star in Wrestling
Piper Niven, also known to WWE audiences as Doudrop, is a professional wrestler who has made a significant impact in the wrestling world. As of August 2023, her estimated net worth is $1 million, a testament to her success and rising popularity within the industry.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Piper Niven, whose real name is Kimberly Benson, began her wrestling career in Scotland, where she trained with various wrestling promotions.
She gained prominence in the UK wrestling scene through her appearances in promotions like Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW) and Pro-Wrestling: EVE, where she showcased her unique combination of power, agility, and charisma. Her performances in these promotions caught the attention of international audiences and led to her signing with WWE.
WWE Career and Success
- Niven made her WWE debut in 2017 as part of the inaugural Mae Young Classic tournament, where she impressed fans and WWE officials alike with her skill and presence. In 2021, she made her debut on WWE’s main roster under the name Doudrop, joining the RAW brand.
- Her partnership with Eva Marie and subsequent singles career brought her into the spotlight, leading to high-profile matches and storylines.
- Throughout her WWE career, Niven has been known for her versatility in the ring and her ability to connect with audiences.
- This versatility has helped her secure a steady stream of income from WWE contracts, match payouts, and other promotional opportunities.
Endorsements and Additional Income Sources
In addition to her wrestling salary, Piper Niven has earned income from endorsements, merchandise sales, and appearances at wrestling-related events.
Her unique look and engaging personality have made her a fan favorite, allowing her to sell merchandise and attract sponsorships. This additional revenue stream has contributed to her estimated net worth of $1 million as of August 2023.
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ICW Women’s Championship
Piper Niven’s career began in the UK independent wrestling scene, where she quickly gained recognition. In Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW), a leading Scottish promotion, Niven captured the ICW Women’s Championship. This victory was a significant milestone in her early career, establishing her as a top competitor in the UK wrestling scene.
WWE Mae Young Classic
Niven’s performance in the 2017 Mae Young Classic, a prestigious WWE tournament showcasing the best female wrestlers from around the world, further elevated her status. Her impressive showing caught the attention of WWE officials and fans alike, leading to her eventual signing with the company in 2019.
WWE 24/7 Championship
During her time in WWE, Piper Niven made a unique impact by winning the WWE 24/7 Championship. This title is known for its unconventional rules, allowing it to be defended at any time and in any place.
While this championship win was part of the 24/7 title’s chaotic nature, it demonstrated Niven’s versatility and ability to adapt to various storylines within WWE.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship
As of August 2023, Piper Niven achieved one of her most significant WWE accomplishments by becoming one-half of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions alongside Chelsea Green. This victory came at a critical time, solidifying Niven’s position in the main roster and providing her with greater visibility within WWE’s women’s division.
Impact on Women’s Wrestling
Piper Niven’s success and championship wins have contributed to the continued growth and recognition of women’s wrestling within WWE. Her distinctive style and background as a strong, powerful competitor have resonated with fans, challenging traditional stereotypes in the industry.
By holding the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship, she has become an important figure in representing diversity and strength within WWE’s women’s division.
WrestleKind: A Charity Initiative
In 2020, Piper Niven co-founded WrestleKind, an organization dedicated to addressing homelessness in the UK. The charity works to provide resources, support, and advocacy for individuals experiencing homelessness, a growing concern across the country.
By co-founding this initiative, Niven showcases her desire to make a tangible difference in society, using her status and influence to draw attention to this important cause.
Raising Awareness
Through WrestleKind, Piper Niven has been active in raising awareness about homelessness. The charity’s efforts focus on not just providing aid, but also educating the public about the complexities surrounding homelessness, including factors such as mental health, addiction, and economic disparities.
Niven’s involvement in such advocacy work underscores her commitment to fostering empathy and understanding within her community.
Collaborations and Partnerships
WrestleKind’s success relies on collaborations with other organizations, community groups, and fellow wrestlers who share a similar vision. Piper Niven’s role in these partnerships is critical, as she brings a high level of visibility to the cause.
Through public appearances, social media engagement, and events, she actively promotes WrestleKind’s mission, encouraging her fan base to contribute to the effort to combat homelessness.
Extending Her Influence
Piper Niven’s work with WrestleKind aligns with her broader approach to extending her influence beyond the wrestling ring. As a prominent figure in WWE, she understands the power of her platform and uses it to inspire others to take action.
By demonstrating that wrestlers can play a role in addressing social issues, Niven sets an example for her peers and fans alike.
FAQ’S
1. Who is Piper Niven?
Ans: Piper Niven, also known as Doudrop, is a professional wrestler currently signed with WWE. She gained recognition for her powerful in-ring style and charismatic presence, initially in the NXT UK brand and later on the main WWE roster. She has competed in various wrestling promotions before joining WWE, where she quickly established herself as a formidable competitor.
2. How old is Piper Niven?
Ans: Piper Niven was born on May 6, 1991, making her 33 years old as of 2024. Despite her relatively young age, she has accumulated significant experience in professional wrestling, showcasing her skills in different wrestling environments.
3. What is Piper Niven’s career background?
Ans: Piper Niven began her wrestling career in Scotland, competing in various independent promotions. She gained recognition through her work with Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW) and World of Sport Wrestling. In 2019, she joined WWE as part of the NXT UK brand, where she quickly became a key player.
She transitioned to the main WWE roster, performing under the ring name Doudrop, and has since participated in high-profile matches and storylines.
4. What is Piper Niven’s net worth?
Ans: Piper Niven’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $3 million. Her earnings come from her WWE contract, merchandise sales, and other wrestling-related endeavors. This estimate reflects her growing success and popularity in the professional wrestling industry.
5. What are some of Piper Niven’s achievements in wrestling?
Ans: Piper Niven has achieved success in various promotions, with notable achievements including winning the ICW Women’s Championship and competing in the WWE Women’s Royal Rumble. Her strength and agility have made her a standout performer, leading to opportunities for significant matches and storylines within WWE.
