Maxxine Dupri has quickly become one of WWE’s most intriguing personalities, blending athleticism, charisma, and a unique in-ring style that sets her apart from the pack. But it’s not just her moves or her Alpha Academy affiliation that’s catching fans’ attention it’s her signature backwards “Worm” that’s sparked curiosity across social media and wrestling circles. In a recent sit-down with Chris Van Vliet on the INSIGHT podcast, Dupri opened up about the deeply personal reason behind her unconventional finisher, as well as how WWE’s use of her real-life tragedy in storylines has impacted her both emotionally and professionally.
The Backwards Worm: More Than Just a Move
For those unfamiliar, “The Worm” is a classic wrestling move popularized by D-Von Dudley, where a wrestler slides headfirst between their opponent’s legs and pops up behind them. Dupri, however, performs the move in reverse—starting from behind and sliding forward, then popping up in front. It’s a subtle but noticeable difference, and fans have long wondered why she does it that way.
During her interview, Dupri revealed that the backwards Worm is a tribute to her late brother, who was a major influence in her life. “He was always the one who taught me to do things differently,” she said. “He had this way of flipping things on their head, making them his own. When I started wrestling, I wanted to honor him in a way that felt authentic. The backwards Worm was my way of saying, ‘Hey, I’m doing this for you.’”
Dupri’s brother passed away unexpectedly, and WWE later incorporated elements of her real-life loss into her on-screen storyline. While some fans praised the company for adding depth to her character, Dupri admitted that it was an emotional experience. “It was tough at first,” she shared. “Seeing my mom’s reaction when they aired the tribute segment—it was a lot. But I also felt proud that his memory was being honored in such a big way.”
WWE’s Storyline Decision: A Double-Edged Sword
WWE’s decision to use Dupri’s personal tragedy in her storyline was met with mixed reactions. Some fans appreciated the authenticity and emotional weight it brought to her character, while others questioned whether it was appropriate to blend real-life grief with scripted entertainment.
According to a WWE insider who spoke to Pro Wrestling Insider, the creative team approached Dupri with the idea after learning about her brother’s passing. “They wanted to make her story more relatable and give her a deeper connection to the audience,” the insider said. “Maxxine was hesitant at first, but after talking with her family, she agreed. She felt it was important to keep his memory alive.”
Dupri confirmed that her mother was initially uncomfortable with the storyline but eventually came around. “She told me she was proud of me for being brave enough to share our story,” Dupri said. “It’s not easy, but it’s helped me process things in a way I didn’t expect.”
Alpha Academy and the Road to Main Roster Stardom
Dupri’s journey to WWE’s main roster has been anything but conventional. Before stepping into the ring, she was a cheerleader for the LA Rams and Phoenix Suns, and even performed at Super Bowl LIII. Her background in dance and gymnastics gave her a unique edge, but transitioning to professional wrestling required a steep learning curve.
“I had to learn everything from scratch,” she admitted. “Promos, in-ring psychology, timing—none of it came naturally at first. But I was lucky to have Chad Gable, Otis, and the rest of Alpha Academy to guide me. They’ve been like a second family.”
Dupri also credited LA Knight, who she considers a mentor and “brother” in the business, for helping her adjust to WWE’s fast-paced environment. “LA was one of the first people to reach out when I got called up,” she said. “He gave me pointers, helped me with promos, and just made me feel welcome. I wouldn’t be where I am without him.”
Fan Criticism and the Pressure to Perform
Like many rising stars, Dupri has faced her share of criticism from fans and online detractors. Some have questioned her in-ring ability, while others have taken issue with her character and storylines. But Dupri says she’s learned to tune out the noise and focus on her growth.
“You don’t get results by focusing on results,” she said, echoing a mantra she’s adopted from her gymnastics days. “You get results by focusing on the habits and behaviors that produce results. Every match, every promo, every moment backstage—I’m trying to get better.”
Dupri’s resilience hasn’t gone unnoticed. Chelsea Green recently praised her for her work ethic, telling Fightful that Dupri is “working her ass off behind the scenes.” According to sources close to the locker room, Dupri is known for staying late after shows to review footage and work on new moves with veteran wrestlers like Natalya and TJ Perkins.
What’s Next for Maxxine Dupri?
With her recent title match against Becky Lynch and a growing list of accomplishments, Dupri is poised for even bigger opportunities in 2025. She’s set to face Lynch again on the upcoming episode of Raw, and fans are eager to see how her character evolves.
“I’m excited for what’s next,” Dupri said. “I know I still have a lot to learn, but I’m ready to keep pushing forward. Every time I step in the ring, I want to honor my brother, my family, and everyone who’s supported me along the way.”
As Maxxine Dupri continues to make her mark in WWE, one thing is clear: her backwards Worm is more than just a move—it’s a symbol of resilience, tribute, and the power of doing things your own way.