Before rejoining WWE in 2022, Cathy Kelley had previously worked with the company from 2016 to 2020
During that time, she established herself as a digital host and interviewer, often handling pre-show segments and exclusive interviews for WWE.com and social media. Outside of WWE, she worked with AfterBuzz TV and even dabbled in acting.
Her return was met with excitement, and many fans were hopeful that she would evolve further into a key backstage presence. Whether this current controversy derails that momentum remains to be seen.
Whether or not the criticism from Tommy Carlucci holds long-term weight, it puts Cathy Kelley at a crossroads.
If she continues as a backstage interviewer, there will be greater scrutiny regarding her research, professionalism, and engagement with storylines.
If she pivots into a new role, it will be interesting to see if she can silence critics and establish a fresh legacy.
Ultimately, time and performance will be the deciding factors. Wrestling, like any entertainment field, is both forgiving and unforgiving—talent can redefine themselves, but public perception is often slow to change.
Also Read: Cathy Kelley (Journalist): Who Is She? Bio, Wiki, Age, Career, Net Worth 2024 and Adventure
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Cathy Kelley Makes Major Career Announcement Ahead of SmackDown
WWE backstage interviewer Cathy Kelley has taken the wrestling world by surprise with a major announcement just ahead of the latest edition of Friday Night SmackDown.1
Known for her charisma, poise, and insightful interviews, Kelley is now expanding her horizons beyond WWE — and fans are buzzing.
Cathy Kelley, whose real name is Catherine Anne Kelley, has built a loyal fan base through her work in WWE. This week, she took to her official X (formerly Twitter) account to share exciting news: she has landed her first movie role.
“First movie role: coming soon,” she wrote, along with a photo that concealed the name of her character.
The announcement marks her official entry into the film industry — a significant milestone for someone whose career has primarily revolved around sports entertainment broadcasting.
A Key Fixture in WWE’s Broadcast Team
Kelley has long been considered one of the most professional and articulate voices behind the scenes in WWE.
She returned to the Stamford-based company in 2022 after a brief hiatus and has been a regular presence on Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown, conducting interviews with some of the biggest names in professional wrestling.
Her smooth delivery, genuine enthusiasm, and ability to create chemistry with WWE Superstars have made her a standout figure in WWE’s presentation.
Cathy Kelley’s journey with WWE originally began in 2016. Before her first run with the company, she had already made a name for herself in sports broadcasting, working with outlets like AfterBuzz TV and contributing to various pop culture and entertainment shows.
Her love for wrestling, combined with her media expertise, helped her carve a unique niche.
During her initial WWE stint, she worked extensively on WWE Digital platforms, hosting shows like WWE Now and This Week in WWE, providing engaging content that resonated with younger fans on social media.
Cathy Kelley: Return to WWE in 2022
A Bigger Role and Broader Impact
After departing from WWE in early 2020, Kelley returned in October 2022. This time, her role was even more prominent.2
She became a regular backstage interviewer on both Raw and SmackDown, often featured in pivotal segments that helped build storylines or debriefed Superstars post-match.
Her return was welcomed warmly by fans and colleagues alike. Many noted that she brought a sense of professionalism and consistency that enriched WWE’s on-screen product.
first movie role: coming soon pic.twitter.com/0PGI4SR8WB
— Cathy Kelley (@catherinekelley) May 16, 2025
Preparing for More Than Interviews: Managerial Training at the WWE PC
In a development that could lead to another big transition within WWE, it has been reported that Cathy Kelley is currently training at the WWE Performance Center. The purpose? To possibly take on an on-screen managerial role.
While not officially confirmed by WWE, sources indicate Kelley has been working on in-ring psychology, promo delivery, and other managerial skills — a sign that the company may want to utilize her talents in a more storyline-driven capacity.
This wouldn’t be a stretch for Kelley, whose screen presence and confidence make her a natural fit for a character role.
Cathy Kelley: Crossing Over to the Big Screen
Although details about her debut movie role remain under wraps, the significance of this opportunity can’t be overstated.3
Kelley’s transition from sports entertainment to mainstream entertainment mirrors similar paths taken by other WWE talents, including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, John Cena, and more recently, Liv Morgan and Charlotte Flair.
While her role may not be action-based or heavily physical, it signals the broader versatility of WWE talent and how they are viewed by casting agents in Hollywood.
WWE’s Supportive Environment for Crossover Stars
WWE has increasingly encouraged its talent to pursue external opportunities, especially if those roles can raise their profile and bring more mainstream attention to the brand.
Kelley’s announcement appears to be one more example of WWE being open to crossover success — a concept that Vince McMahon once pioneered and Triple H now continues to embrace under the new leadership structure.
It’s likely that Kelley’s new role will be accommodated within her WWE schedule, allowing her to balance both projects.
With her upcoming film role, questions naturally arise about her future as a backstage interviewer. While she hasn’t confirmed whether she’ll take time off from WWE, her cryptic post has stirred speculation.
Could we see less of Kelley on SmackDown? Will her film shoot coincide with a hiatus from WWE television? Or could WWE incorporate her new success into a storyline? All options seem to be on the table.
Reaction from the WWE Universe
The fan response to Kelley’s announcement has been overwhelmingly positive. Many took to social media to congratulate her, noting how deserving she is of this opportunity.
“You’ve been killing it backstage. So excited to see you on the big screen too,” one fan wrote.
“WWE to Hollywood pipeline in full effect. Congrats Cathy!” another chimed in.
Kelley’s grounded demeanor and relatable personality have earned her a reputation as one of the most respected figures behind the scenes in WWE. Her fanbase includes not just viewers, but WWE Superstars and peers who often speak highly of her.
Could Cathy Kelley Be WWE’s Next Big Managerial Star?
- If reports about Kelley’s Performance Center training are accurate, fans could soon see a major shift in her WWE role.
- Given her screen charisma and storytelling skills, she could easily manage a rising talent or faction on television.
- A managerial role would open creative doors for Kelley and add depth to WWE’s weekly programming. It would also be a strategic use of her existing fanbase and media skills.
- For Kelley, the challenge now becomes managing dual roles — a backstage presence in WWE and an emerging actor in Hollywood. Fortunately, she seems well-equipped for the task.
- Balancing both worlds will not only showcase her versatility but also raise her profile significantly in both industries.
- From digital host to WWE broadcaster, and now to actress and potential manager, Kelley is on a path that could redefine what it means to be a broadcaster in WWE.
- As fans eagerly await more information about her film, her journey remains one of the most intriguing to watch in professional wrestling.
- Whatever the future holds, Cathy Kelley’s star continues to rise — and she’s taking her fans along for the ride.
Also Read: Who is Cathy Kelly ? Bio, Age, Career, Family, Net Worth And More
Cathy Kelley Under Fire
The Criticism Behind the Curtain
Backstage correspondents in WWE play a crucial role in shaping narratives, engaging superstars, and relaying storylines to the audience.
One such prominent figure in recent years has been Cathy Kelley. Known for her confident presence and poised delivery, Kelley has been a regular face on WWE programming, particularly on Monday Night RAW.
However, her professional conduct and work ethic have recently come under scrutiny, with former WWE personnel openly questioning her dedication to her craft.
A Question That Sparked Controversy
The controversy began earlier this year during a backstage segment involving Ivy Nile.
Kelley asked the American Made member if her attack on Dakota Kai was an attempt to reinsert herself into the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship scene.
However, wrestling fans and insiders quickly pointed out a glaring issue: Ivy Nile had never competed for the title.
In fact, she lost a number one contender’s match against Kai in the first round of the tournament that crowned the inaugural champion.
This misstep in factual accuracy did not go unnoticed and ignited discussion about Kelley’s preparation and understanding of WWE storylines.
Cathy Kelley: Behind The Turnbuckle
A Harsh Review
On an episode of Behind The Turnbuckle: The Last Word, a wrestling podcast known for its candid takes on the industry, former WWE commentator Jonathan Coachman brought up the questionable line of inquiry.
He wondered aloud why such a basic factual error was made on air, especially during a high-profile segment.
The discussion took a sharper turn when Tommy Carlucci, a former WWE employee who worked behind the scenes, weighed in. Carlucci didn’t mince words when expressing his views on Cathy Kelley.
“She’s Clueless”: Carlucci’s Stinging Remarks
Carlucci accused Kelley of prioritizing her image over her job performance. “Because Cathy Kelley is clueless, that’s why,” he said bluntly. “She’s worried about what kind of glasses she’s gonna wear and try to be this really good reporter. And she never does prep.”
According to Carlucci, the issue with Kelley’s work ethic is not new. He claimed that during his time with WWE, she displayed the same lack of preparation.
“It’s all about the look for her and shooting that she’s working out in the gym with Maxxine Dupri instead of working out her craft like Jackie Redmond does.”
The comparison to Redmond, another WWE interviewer known for her in-depth knowledge and preparation, highlighted the gulf in perceived professionalism between the two.
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WWE’s Demanding Environment
Working in WWE isn’t easy. It demands a deep understanding of ongoing storylines, character arcs, historical context, and the ability to adapt on the fly.
Backstage interviewers are expected to know the history and motivations of the talent they interview, especially when titles, rivalries, and tournament standings are at play.
Given the fast-paced nature of WWE programming, mistakes can happen. However, Carlucci’s criticism implies a pattern rather than an isolated oversight, painting a picture of someone who has not fully embraced the behind-the-scenes responsibilities of their role.
The Role of Image in Sports Entertainment
- While Carlucci’s comments were cutting, they also opened a broader conversation about the balance between appearance and substance in professional wrestling.
- WWE is a visual medium, where branding, charisma, and image often go hand-in-hand with talent. Kelley, with her polished look and media-savvy presence, fits the mold of a modern wrestling personality.
- However, the expectation is that professionalism must accompany aesthetics. The critique suggests that Kelley may be leaning too heavily on her image, neglecting the deeper preparation required to succeed in her position.
- Carlucci specifically mentioned Kelley’s social media posts and her gym sessions with Maxxine Dupri, a fellow WWE personality.
- While it’s not uncommon for WWE talent to share their workouts or training regimens online, Carlucci implied that these displays were more about optics than substance.
- This criticism hinges on the perception that Kelley may be more invested in being seen as part of the WWE scene rather than contributing meaningfully behind the microphone.
Also Read: Pete Dunne (WWE): Who Is He? Bio, Wiki, Age, Career, Legacy, Net Worth 2024 and More
