Sexyy Red photographed Dec. 12, 2023, in New York.
Michael Tyrone Delaney
More than ever, hip-hop’s fondness of wrestling is becoming increasingly clear. Last night (May 28), Sexxy Red made her debut on WWE’s NXT, where she not only unveiled a new women’s title for the budding brand but announced she’ll also be heading to Vegas to host the company’s upcoming premium live event NXT Battle Ground on June 9.
Aside from her twerking skills and spunky attitude taking centerstage, Sexxy’s appearance last night on WWE TV minimized the gap between hip-hop and wrestling considerably. In past interviews, Cardi B has revealed her love for the sport and wanting to collide in the ring with some of today’s top superstars. Rappers including Wale and Westside Gunn have been longtime admirers of the sport and have even developed business endeavors that pay homage to wrestling, most notably Wale’s annual WaleMania event.
With WWE and now AEW proving to be staunch supporters of rap, it’s only a matter of time before more rappers take the plunge — and perhaps even getting in the ring one day, like Bad Bunny or Logan Paul.
“I think it’s just cool now, man,” WWE superstar Big E previously told Billboard. “I don’t know exactly what to point to, but you have The Rock involved now. You have [WWE president] Nick Khan involved. You have so many connections with sports and entertainment. I feel like a lot of people were closeted wrestling fans because it wasn’t cool, because it was the nerdy thing to do — but now that it’s becoming more accessible for people, I think a lot of people are coming out of the woodwork.”
Billboard compiled a list of the ten best wrestling moments featuring some of today’s biggest hip-hop stars.
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10. MGK
After performing his songs “Till I Die” and “Little More” during his Ohio homecoming on Monday Night Raw in 2015, MGK received a heavy dose of pain when Kevin Owens powerbombed him through the stage. Dazed and rattled, MGK never returned to WWE again, but don’t be surprised if he comes after Owens in search of revenge. — CARL LAMARRE
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9. Salt-N-Pepa
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8. Westside Gunn
You can almost guarantee that Gunn will be at every Mania event for the rest of his life. His adoration for the squared circle bleeds into his raps, as he’s previously released beloved projects with his Griselda brethren Conway, titled Nash & Hall, paying homage to revered tag-team duo Kevin Nash and Scott Hall.
“Scott Hall in nWo? That n—a was the illest,” Gunn told Billboard last October. That’s my favorite wrestler of all-time. That don’t take from the other [Razor Ramon] with the chains and the toothpick. I’m both. It’s like me in real life.”
Though Gunn has yet to get his hands dirty in WWE, he walked out AEW superstar Daniel Garcia in 2022 during an episode of Dynamite. Gunn even owns his wrestling company, 4thRope. — CL
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7. Run DMC
Who would’ve thought hip-hop would take it this far? The legendary Queens crew performed a “WrestleMania Rap” during WrestleMania V in Atlantic City. But this appearance wouldn’t have happened if DMC wasn’t such a big Hulk Hogan fan. The legendary emcee spoke with sportskeeda telling the outlet his road manager set it up as a birthday gift. He’s still a fan, too. DMC name-dropped Stone Cold and Randy Orton in the same interview, crediting wrestling magazines for making him a fan at a young age. —AD
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6. Wale
Wale is a wrestling enthusiast enamored with the action-packed, high-flying action produced by WWE. Not only has Wale teamed up with WWE Superstar Big E to create his theme song “Feel the Power,” but he walked out the New Day heavyweight ahead of his WrestleMania 37 match.
“It’s been a pleasure to have him perform for me at WrestleMania in my hometown,” Big E told Billboard earlier this year. “That was special. I’m so grateful to have Wale on my team. He’s also done so much to make wrestling cool.
In 2017, Wale was the judge for a comical freestyle battle between The New Day and The Usos. He also established his storied event, WaleMania, which celebrates the world of wrestling during every WrestleMania season. — CL
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5. Action Bronson
Not only does he make hella wrestling references in his raps, he also resembles a young Bam Bam Bigelow. Action took all that wrestling knowledge and applied it when he appeared in his hometown of Queens for AEW Rampage: Grand Slam in 2022. He performed his song “The Chairman’s Intent” while walking tag team partner Hook to the ring for their match against the Jericho Appreciation Society’s Angelo Parker and Daddy Magic. Fellow wrestling superfan Westside Gunn was ringside to watch his peer take home the W. — AD
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4. Rick Ross
Ross’ colorful commentary and meme-worthy moments are too good not to be on TV. In 2022, Rozay appeared on AEW. Channeling his boss energy to moderate a conversation between Keith Lee and Swerve Strickland, Ross drubbed Lee in the battle of words, calling him a “big motherfu–er” and “big funky” during his animated outings. Also, who can forget about the golden “false accusations” call by Rozay. — CL
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3. Sexxy Red
“Get it Sexyy, get it Sexyy.” That’s what the crowd chanted this Tuesday during the St. Louis rapper’s much anticipated appearance on WWE NXT. Sexyy Red had an eventful night. She met Shawn Michaels and sang his theme song “Sexy Boy” with him, unveiled the new NXT North American Women’s Championship belt, announced that she will be hosting NXT Battleground in Vegas in June, escorted Trick Williams and Je’Von Evans to the ring, twerked, did a split and ultimately drove announcer and legend Booker T crazy. Unfortunately, she didn’t get a chance to RKO anybody like she tweeted last week. — AD
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2. Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg is considered one of the greatest rappers of all time, and he’s also a WWE Hall of Famer. From guest hosting Raw in 2009 to commentating on a Philadelphia Street Fight at this year’s Mania, Snoop has shown that he has the mic skills and in-ring experience to tackle any wrestler in the locker room. After Shane McMahon went down due to an injury at WrestleMania 39, The Doggfather pounced on The Miz and delivered a staggering People’s Elbow to the delight of the crowd. — CL
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1. Bad Bunny
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Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande, “Rain on Me” (2020)
Duet Type: Icons Only
Why It Works: A dance-pop banger where two dancefloor divas unleash a flood of emotional catharsis, “Rain on Me” instantly entered the queer karaoke canon, and it’s a reliable pick for anyone looking to crank up the room’s energy when it’s in danger of flagging.
Which Part Is Better Though? Gaga’s spoken word segment in the eye of this vocal storm (not to mention her staccato intonation of “rain – on – me” throughout) is the campy highlight of this duet. — J. Lynch