Kelly Kelly
She transformed from a WWE Diva Search contestant into a popular champion who helped redefine women's roles in sports entertainment.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American professional wrestler·Birthday: January 15·Millennials
Biography
Entering the WWE universe as a wide-eyed 19-year-old from Jacksonville, Florida, Barbie Blank was repackaged as Kelly Kelly, an exuberant and athletic performer who quickly connected with the audience. Debuting on the ECW brand in 2006, she initially fit the 'Diva' mold of the era but gradually carved out a more substantive in-ring presence. Her partnership with Extreme Exposé highlighted her dance background, but it was her feuds and matches that showcased a growing toughness and willingness to engage in hardcore stipulations. Kelly Kelly's popularity peaked when she captured the WWE Divas Championship in 2011, a title change met with genuine fan euphoria. Her style blended high-flying moves with a palpable sense of vulnerability, making her victories feel earned. While her tenure preceded the 'Women's Revolution,' her sustained popularity and evolution from valet to champion demonstrated an audience appetite for more developed female characters. After stepping away from full-time wrestling, she remained a part of the WWE family as an ambassador, a testament to her enduring appeal.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Kelly was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kelly Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Kelly's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the WWE Divas Champion in 2011 by defeating Brie Bella at the Capitol Punishment pay-per-view.
- Was the first-ever Divas Search contestant to win a WWE championship.
- Competed in the first-ever women's Tables Match on WWE television in 2010.
- Named the 2009 Diva of the Year by WWE Magazine.
Did You Know?
She was a competitive gymnast for over a decade before joining WWE.
She posed for the cover of the May 2012 issue of 'Muscle & Fitness Hers' magazine.
She made her WWE debut on the ECW brand alongside Brooke and Layla as part of Extreme Exposé.
Her real name is Barbara Jean Blank, and she initially used the ring name Barbie Blank.
“I learned to turn my smile into my biggest weapon.”
