A new wrestler made her in-ring debut on WWE TV on Tuesday, fully committing to her metal-inspired character with a callout that Iron Maiden fans surely recognize.
The wrestler known as Lizzy Rain is now part of WWE’s NXT roster and will appear on the brand’s programming.
How Did Lizzy Rain Pay Tribute to Iron Maiden?
Rain had her debut match for WWE during Tuesday’s episode of NXT’s weekly show when she faced Nikkita Lyons. From her look to her attitude, Rain’s character embodies the essence of metal.
The lights were dimmed in the arena before Rain’s entrance, accompanied by a metal guitar riff. That’s when she addressed the crowd in one of the most metal ways.
“Scream for me, NXT. Lizzy Rain is bringing heavy metal tonight, and the world is about to find out that Lizzy Rain and heavy metal will never ever die!”
Iron Maiden fans watching NXT likely zeroed in on the “scream for me” line, as it’s often used by Bruce Dickinson during live shows.
There was a significant reason why Rain chose to incorporate Iron Maiden into her character.
What is Lizzy Rain’s Connection to Iron Maiden?
Before signing a contract with WWE, Rain wrestled as Rayne Leverkusen in the UK independent scene, which helped her establish her metal-centric in-ring persona.
Rain is also notable as the niece of the late Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr, who was a member of the band from 1979 to 1982 and played on their first three albums. Burr passed away in 2013 after battling multiple sclerosis for several years.
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“I didn’t get to have these amazing conversations with him about the band because he was quite ill when I knew him,” Rain shared on a 2023 episode of the Wrestling With Johners Podcast. “It’s a pretty cool connection. It must just run in my family, this whole rock music thing.”
In addition to instructing fans to “scream with me,” Rain also pays tribute to Burr and Iron Maiden with her choice of ring gear.
“The jacket I wear during my entrance is actually my Uncle Clive’s jacket,” she revealed in a recent post on X. “I wear this jacket with pride and honor every single time.”
Rain was victorious in her first WWE match on Tuesday, using a jumping kick she calls “thunderstruck.”
Think you know WWE? Test your knowledge with this list of wrestlers and their real names.
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Step between the ropes to test your knowledge of current and former WWE superstars. Can you guess the real names of these superstars of the squared circle?
Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll
