'I'm a buff WWE wrestler but I've always struggled with body image'
WWE superstars are known for being larger than life, stepping in the ring with incredible physiques on display for millions of fans around the world.
However, it's easy to forget that these massive characters have real insecurities and hang-ups like anyone else, especially in such an aesthetically-driven industry.
Speaking exclusively to Metro from WWE 2K25's booth in Las Vegas, Raw star Ivy Nile admitted she 'never felt cool' growing up because of her body.
'It sounds like a weird problem to have. Growing up, I couldn't wear normal clothes my friends were wearing because I'm so buff,' she recalled.
'And then, you kind of think, 'boys aren't gonna like me because I'm bigger than them', which is funny.'
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When it comes to stepping out in front of thousands of fans in an arena every week, the 33-year-old star admitted she has to put herself in a 'weird mentality'.
'Sometimes I just play a game with myself, it's all a simulation, it's not happening,' she laughed.
Growing up as 'a fit kind with muscles', Ivy – who recently wrestled Stephania Carter, a rising star in WWE 2K25's New Wave DLC pack – revealed she 'never felt cool', but now being in the gym and the wrestling ring has helped her grow.
'That's what I had to learn, just getting more confident. I'm kinda in my element in the gym and in my gear,' she explained.
'I can be a Hulk and show my muscles. But right now I'm in a dress suit, and I feel kind of uncomfortable, but that's okay!'
She has also taken inspiration from other athletes, name-dropping Olympic hero Simone Biles, 28, as someone to look up to.
'She's in my stature, she's shorter, she's stocky. That's how we're built. And we found beauty, we found strength through that in our sports. And I think we just embrace ourselves so much, even though we're different,' she smiled.
'Clothes fit weird, but that's okay. So it's cool how we embrace who we are, turn it into a strength, and we are both in amazing businesses.'
Ivy is also helped by her partnership with Chad Gable and the Creed Brothers, with real-life siblings Julius and Brutus providing a solid rock on screen and behind the scenes.
'I've been with them for three years, I started with them in NXT in Diamond Mine, I started with them day one,' she reflected. 'They are a pain in my butt, but I love them. They got my back, and I love growing with them.'
She hopes all three can 'get some gold this year', while Ivy also has some dream matches in mind for 2025, given the way fans have almost limitless possibilities in WWE 2K25.
'I already had one of mine with Rhea [Ripley], I would love to throw that back. I think I would grow so much, continuing to work with her,' she smiled.
'I've always wanted to work with Iyo [Sky], I haven't worked with Iyo. I have so many people on my list that I want to – Liv [Morgan]. Bianca [Belair], of course, we're from the same hometown.' More Trending
Beyond video game dream matches and championship ambitions, Ivy has her sights set on a major WrestleMania goal to truly leave her mark.
'One day I want to have a bunch of fit kids, girls with muscles,' she said. 'I never felt cool – I always had muscles and stuff. So whenever it's my time, I'm gonna have a bunch of fit kids flexing with me up on stage.'
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WWE 2K25 is available now. WWE returns to the UK and Europe this summer for the Road to Clash In Paris Tour.
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