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Leva Bates
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Leva Bates
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Leva Bates
Bates in 2023
Personal information
BornLeva Kay Bates
(1983-05-21) May 21, 1983 (age 42)[4]
Madisonville, Kentucky, U.S.[5]
Alma materMurray State University
Websitelevabates.com
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Blue Pants
Leva[1]
Leva Bates[1]
Baby Cakes Dejo
Bimbo
Emo Leigh
Billed height5 ft 2 in (157 cm)[2]
Billed weight115 lb (52 kg)[2]
Billed from"Gotham City, Florida"[2]
"The Clearance Rack" (as Blue Pants)[3]
Fairvale, California (As "The Librarian")
Trained byBubba Ray Dudley[2]
D-Von Dudley[2]
Debut2006[2]

Leva Bates (/ˈliːvə/ LEE-və,) (born May 21, 1983) is an American professional wrestler. She is best known for her time with All Elite Wrestling. She also had a successful tenure on the independent circuit, most notably for Shimmer Women Athletes. She has also appeared in WWE on their developmental territory NXT under the ring name Blue Pants.

Professional wrestling career

[edit]

Early career (2006–2009)

[edit]

Leva Bates[6] was trained at the Team 3D Academy under D-Von Dudley and Bubba Ray Dudley (The Dudley Boyz), and made her professional wrestling debut in 2006.[2] She spent the next three years wrestling primarily in the Southeastern United States, for promotions such as Southeastern Championship Wrestling (SCW) and Coastal Championship Wrestling. In SCW, she won the SCW Women's Championship on November 8, 2008, by defeating Betsy Ruth and Lexie Fyfe in a three-way match. She also appeared for World Xtreme Wrestling, beginning in 2009, wrestling against Betsy Ruth and Malia Hosaka, among others.[4]

Shimmer Women Athletes (2009–2019)

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Bates debuted for Shimmer Women Athletes in 2009 at Volume 28, when she and Kimberly Kash lost a tag team match to Kacey Diamond and Sassy Stephie. She returned at the next show in 2010, defeating She Nay Nay in a dark match, before losing to Malia Hosaka on Volume 30. At Volumes 33 and 34, she lost to Allison Danger and Melanie Cruise respectively, before defeating Cat Power at Volume 36. Beginning at Volume 37 in March 2011, Bates formed a tag team with Allison Danger, known as Regeneration X. Over the next year, they defeated the teams of Jamilia Craft and Mia Yim, and Sassy Stephie and Nevaeh, but lost to Nikki Roxx and Ariel and The Knight Dynasty (Britani and Saraya Knight). On March 17, 2012, Regeneration X failed to win the Shimmer Tag Team Championship from Ayako Hamada and Ayumi Kurihara, and were unsuccessful again in a four-way match at Volume 48 the next day.[4] In 2013, Bates returned to singles competition, and unsuccessfully challenged Cheerleader Melissa for the Shimmer Championship on October 19 at Volume 58.[7] She spent the rest of 2013 and 2014 wrestling matches against Nikki Storm, Marti Belle, Veda Scott, and Jessicka Havok.[4][7][8]

Shine Wrestling (2012–2019)

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The Lucha Sisters (Bates, left, and Mia Yim) in November 2014

Bates debuted in Shine Wrestling at their first event in July 2012. Initially a singles competitor, she faced Mercedes Martinez, Portia Perez, and Jessicka Havok, before having a series of matches with Kimberly, with the pair trading wins.[4] This prompted at a Last Woman Standing match at Shine 7, which Bates won. After being attacked post-match by Kimberly,[9] they faced off again at Shine 8 in a Fans Bring the Weapons I Quit match, which Kimberly won by referee stoppage.[10] The feud ended at Shine 9, when Bates won an "Arkham Asylum" steel cage match.[11] Bates then competed in the tournament to determine the inaugural Shine Champion; she defeated Taylor Made before losing to Mia Yim.[12][13] This was followed by a feud with Nevaeh, which culminated in a hardcore match at Shine 15 won by Bates.[4]

In February 2014, Bates teamed with Mia Yim to enter the tournament to determine the inaugural Shine Tag Team Champions. Collectively known as The Lucha Sisters, Bates and Yim defeated The Kimber Bombs (Cherry Bomb and Kimber Lee) and Jessie Belle Smothers and Sassy Stephie en route to the final, where they defeated Made in Sin (Taylor Made and Allysin Kay) to win the championship.[14] They successfully defended the title against Evie and Madison Eagles, and Candice LeRae and Ivelisse, before losing to Legendary (Brandi Wine and Malia Hosaka) at Shine 20 on June 27, 2014.[4][15][16] The Lucha Sisters failed to regain the championship in a rematch at Shine 21 in August.[17] Bates then transitioned back in singles competition, and unsuccessfully challenged LuFisto for the Shine Championship in 2017.[18]

WWE NXT (2014–2015)

[edit]

Bates first appeared in WWE, accompanying Adam Rose as one of his "Rosebuds".[19] Bates made her debut in WWE's developmental territory on the October 16, 2014, episode of NXT, as an enhancement talent, losing to the debuting Carmella. She was introduced as "Blue Pants" by Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady because of her blue ring attire, and retained the name for her subsequent appearances.[19][20] She returned at the NXT television tapings on October 23, losing again to Carmella; the match aired on November 27.[21] Blue Pants earned her first victory on the January 1, 2015, episode of NXT, defeating Carmella in their third match.[22] She made further appearances on the February 18, April 15, and June 10 episodes, losing to NXT Women's Champion Sasha Banks, Dana Brooke, and Emma respectively.[23][24] Blue Pants made a surprise appearance at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn on August 22, managing The Vaudevillains (Aiden English and Simon Gotch) to a NXT Tag Team Championship. During the match, she had an altercation with Alexa Bliss, prompting a match on the September 2 episode of NXT, which Bliss won.[25][26] Blue Pants made her final appearance on the December 2 episode of NXT, facing Nia Jax in a losing effort.[27]

Bates described the character of Blue Pants as the "ultimate fangirl", and felt the character became so popular because the audience connected with the joy the character felt in wrestling.[19] Blue Pants was noted to be very popular with the crowd at NXT shows, receiving enthusiastic applause and cheering when she appeared, despite being intended initially only as an enhancement talent and not being under contract with WWE.[19][28][29]

Other promotions (2008–2019)

[edit]
Bates in 2014, wearing Frozen-inspired attire

Bates appeared on the May 28, 2008, episode of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's Impact!, accepting Awesome Kong's $25,000 challenge, which she would lose. She later had a try-out match for the company against Isis the Amazon in February 2011, but lost the match.[4] In September 2012, Bates made a further appearance on Impact Wrestling, portraying a villainous stagehand who helped the Aces & Eights faction abduct Sting and Hulk Hogan.[30] Bates made a brief return to TNA for the Knockouts Knockdown 2016 pay-per-view as her cosplayer character losing a well received match to TNA Knockouts champion Jade. Bates returned to Impact Wrestling again for One Night Only: Victory Road – Knockouts Knockdown defeating Allie. Later the same night she teamed with ODB, Alisha, and Santana Garrett in an eight-man tag team match where they defeated Angelina Love, Rosemary, Diamanté, and Laurel Van Ness.[31]

Bates debuted in Full Impact Pro (FIP) in May 2008, when she and Rain defeated Portia Perez and Mimi in a tag team match. She returned five years later,[4] as part of a Shine Wrestling showcase match against Solo Darling on August 9, 2013. She continued making appearances for FIP throughout 2013 and 2014, as the manager of Dos Ben Dejos (Jay Rios and Eddie Cruz), along with Mia Yim. She also made sporadic wrestling appearances for the company, usually against Darling or Su Yung.[32]

All Elite Wrestling (2019–2023)

[edit]

On April 22, 2019, it was announced that Bates would join the women's roster of All Elite Wrestling as The Librarian. She debuted at Fyter Fest, losing to Allie in a singles match after a superkick. She turned face after slapping Peter Avalon as part of an ongoing story between himself and Brandon Cutler. On May 1, 2023, Bates announced that after 4 years of working for AEW, her contract with the company had expired. She was under contract in a wrestling role and a backstage role, where she originally assisted former Chief Brand Officer Brandi Rhodes, but eventually took over many roles, most notably with her work on the AEW Heels fan club alongside AEW referee Aubrey Edwards and Amanda Huber.

Other media

[edit]

Bates has been a livestreamer on Twitch since 2016. She is a Twitch Partner as well.

Key Information

In 2023, Bates took part in the Netflix reality show, Squid Game: The Challenge, where she was eliminated in the first round, Red Light, Green Light.

Personal life

[edit]
Bates dressed as The Bride from Kill Bill in March 2014

Bates holds two bachelor's degrees in theater and radio and television production with a minor in dance from Murray State University. On October 17, 2024, she was recognized by Murray State University as one of their Outstanding Young Alumni in the Fine Arts.[33] She also used to work as one of the entertainers at the Universal Orlando theme park.[19] She also video blogs for The Geek Soapbox.[34]

Bates is known for her use of cosplay in her ring outfits; she regularly dresses as characters from TV, movies, video games, and comic books.[19][35] While cosplaying, she incorporates aspects of the character into her wrestling style.[19]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Leva Bates

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Leva Bates (born May 21, 1983) is an American professional wrestler, actress, and entertainer renowned for her cosplay-inspired characters and versatile performances in the ring and on screen. Standing at 5 feet 2 inches (158 cm) and weighing 114 pounds (52 kg), she debuted in professional wrestling on April 21, 2007, and has since become a prominent figure on the independent circuit and major promotions. Bates gained widespread recognition for her tenure with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in NXT from 2014 to 2015, where she performed under the gimmick "Blue Pants," portraying an enthusiastic, underdog fan character often dressed in blue attire to homage classic wrestling ensembles. She later signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2019, adopting the role of "The Librarian," a quirky, book-carrying valet and occasional competitor who emphasized her love for pop culture and geek references. Her career also includes stints with promotions such as SHIMMER Women Athletes, SHINE Wrestling, and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA, now Impact Wrestling), where she competed as a singles and tag team wrestler. Bates has won multiple championships, including the SHIMMER Tag Team Championship once, the SHINE Tag Team Championship once, and the WSU Spirit Championship once, highlighting her success in women's tag team divisions. Beyond wrestling, Bates has pursued acting roles in television and film, appearing in episodes of WWE Raw, WWE NXT, and AEW Dark, as well as smaller parts like Druid #3 in the 2014 short film Meet Me There. She has also worked as a performer at Universal Studios Orlando in attractions such as The 8th Voyage of Sindbad and Terminator 2: Battle Across Time, and contributed to commercials, video game voice-overs, and film festivals. As of 2025, Bates remains active as a freelancer, participating in independent matches—such as a victory over Kaci Lennox in March 2025—and attending conventions like GalaxyCon, while maintaining her reputation as the "Queen of Cosplay" through her geek culture enthusiasm.

Early life

Childhood in Kentucky

Leva Bates was born on May 21, 1983, in . She grew up in this small town in western , a community known for its rural charm and population of around 19,000, which provided a close-knit environment during her formative years. Bates graduated from Madisonville High School. From an early age, Bates developed a passion for , gaining hands-on experience at the Double J Dude Ranch near her hometown. There, she performed as a stunt woman, , and , participating in local events that highlighted her emerging performative talents and introduced her to the excitement of live audiences in a Western-themed setting. These activities in Kentucky's rodeo culture fostered her initial interest in physical performance and showmanship, shaping her path toward broader entertainment pursuits. This early foundation in Madisonville's small-town setting transitioned into her academic journey at , where she continued to explore her creative interests.

Education and early entertainment pursuits

Bates attended in , where she double majored in theater and radio/television production, earning two bachelor's degrees while minoring in . Her coursework emphasized practical skills in , production, and movement, providing a comprehensive grounding in the . These academic pursuits cultivated her ability to embody characters and engage audiences through dynamic storytelling and physical expression. During her university years and shortly after graduation, Bates immersed herself in early entertainment roles that built on her formal training. Additionally, she took on amateur acting gigs, further developing her improvisational and on-stage presence in community and regional productions. Following her studies, Bates expanded into broader entertainment work, including roles as a character performer and dancer at dude ranches, theme parks, and . These positions allowed her to apply theater and media skills in live audience settings, sparking a deeper interest in performative professions. Connections formed through these entertainment circles, particularly from colleagues at Universal Studios, ultimately introduced her to the world of , where she saw parallels to the character-driven spectacle she had honed.

Professional wrestling career

Training and debut (2007)

In 2006, Leva Bates began her entry into by enrolling at FXE Wrestling School in , initially with the intention of training as a manager to leverage her background in theater and . However, her instructors quickly recognized her potential as an in-ring performer and encouraged her to pursue wrestling instead, shifting her focus toward learning the fundamentals of matches, including strikes, holds, and ring psychology. This transition marked the start of her hands-on preparation, where she honed basic athletic skills while drawing on her performance experience to build and storytelling in the ring. Bates made her debut on April 21, 2007, competing for various independent promotions across the . Early matches saw her performing under her real name, Leva Bates, as she established herself on the indie circuit against other up-and-coming talents. These initial bouts focused on building her technical foundation, with an emphasis on agile, high-energy maneuvers suited to her 5'2" frame. From the outset, Bates' style incorporated elements of character-driven performance, influenced by her entertainment roots, and she began experimenting with subtle cosplay-inspired attire and mannerisms to engage audiences, foreshadowing her later signature geek culture integrations. This approach helped differentiate her in the male-dominated indie scene, blending athleticism with theatrical flair to create memorable personas even in her foundational years.

Early independent career (2007–2012)

Bates established herself on the independent wrestling circuit following her professional debut, primarily competing in Florida-based promotions including Coastal Championship Wrestling (CCW), Southern Championship Wrestling (SCW), and Championship Wrestling (USCW). These appearances allowed her to hone her skills against regional talent, building a reputation for her athleticism and commitment to women's matches in smaller venues. A breakthrough came in 2008 with SCW, where Bates won the SCW Women's Championship on November 8 by defeating Betsy Ruth and Lexie Fyfe in a three-way match. This victory marked her first major title on the indie scene and highlighted her ability to compete in multi-person bouts. Later that month, on November 15, she entered the (WXW) Women's Elite 8 Tournament, advancing past Betsy Ruth in the first round before falling to Lexie Fyfe in the quarterfinals. These showcased her resilience and positioned her as an emerging contender in tournament formats. Bates continued her momentum into the early , securing the CCW Women's Championship on November 20, 2011, with a win over Jessika Haze. She defended the title successfully on February 11, 2012, against , demonstrating her growing dominance in CCW. Additionally, she captured the USCW Women's Championship during this foundational period, further solidifying her championship pedigree across multiple promotions. Throughout these years, Bates began evolving her in-ring presentation, laying the groundwork for her "Blue Pants" persona through consistent use of distinctive blue ring gear that emphasized her energetic, fan-friendly style. This approach gradually incorporated early elements into indie performances, blending pop culture references with wrestling to engage audiences in smaller shows.

Major women's promotions (2012–2019)

Bates made her debut for in 2009 at Volume 28, teaming with Kimberly Kash in a losing effort against Kacey Diamond and in a match. Over the next decade, she became a mainstay in the promotion, competing regularly through and contributing to its reputation as a premier all-women's wrestling league. Her work in SHIMMER highlighted her versatility in singles and competition, often showcasing athletic maneuvers and character-driven performances that aligned with the promotion's emphasis on technical prowess and storytelling. A pivotal achievement came in 2017 when Bates, partnering with Delilah Doom as the Totally Tubular Tag Team, captured the on November 11 by defeating the previous champions in . Their reign lasted 344 days, marked by several high-profile defenses, including successful outings against and Ashley Lane at Volume 98, Courtney Rush and at Volume 99, and Hudson Envy and at Volume 100. The duo retained the titles in multi-team matches, such as a four-way elimination bout at Volume 107 against and , as well as and , before ultimately losing them to Melissa and Martinez later that same event on October 21, 2018. This extended title run solidified Bates' status as a key figure in SHIMMER's tag division, helping to elevate the promotion's profile during a period of growing interest in women's wrestling. In parallel, Bates debuted for on July 20, 2012, at the promotion's inaugural event, where she fell to in a singles match. She quickly established herself as a core competitor, wrestling through 2019 and participating in various storylines that advanced Shine's narrative-driven format. Bates' tag team prowess shone brightest in 2014 when, as part of The Lucha Sisters with , she won the inaugural SHINE Tag Team Championship on February 28 by defeating Made In Sin ( and Taylor Made) in the tournament final held in , . The partnership held the titles for approximately four months, defending them in key bouts that underscored their high-flying synergy and helped establish the division's competitive foundation. They vacated the championships after losing to Legendary ( and Brandi Wine) on June 27, 2014, but Bates continued to influence Shine's growth through subsequent tournaments and matches. Throughout her tenures in both promotions, Bates engaged in notable rivalries that blended athleticism with entertainment, such as her clashes in SHIMMER against established duos like and , which highlighted endurance and strategy in multi-woman contests. In Shine, her partnerships and feuds, including those tied to the tag titles, contributed to the promotion's evolution by attracting diverse talent and fostering crossover appeal. Bates' signature entrances, drawing from pop culture icons, added a unique flair to events in both leagues, enhancing audience engagement and distinguishing her as an innovative performer who bridged wrestling and geek culture. These elements played a role in the broader advancement of women's promotions during the , as provided platforms for female wrestlers to showcase skills amid increasing mainstream recognition.

WWE NXT (2014–2015)

In 2014, Leva Bates signed a short-term deal with WWE to perform as an enhancement talent on its developmental brand NXT, following a tryout where she filled out the company's recruit application online and was subsequently contacted to appear at tapings. She made her television debut on the October 16, 2014, episode of NXT, competing in a losing effort against the debuting Carmella in a match that lasted under three minutes, during which she was spontaneously nicknamed "Blue Pants" by Big Cass of the tag team Enzo Amore and Big Cass due to her distinctive blue attire. Bates primarily worked as a jobber throughout her NXT tenure, putting over established and rising stars in squash matches to highlight their skills while occasionally allying with Amore and Cass for comedic segments. Notable bouts included a loss to Sasha Banks on the March 4, 2015, episode and to on the April 15, 2015, episode, where Bates' high-energy style provided a contrast to her opponents' dominance. Her sole televised victory came on the January 1, 2015, episode against Carmella via a surprise small package roll-up, marking a rare upset that amplified her underdog appeal. The "Blue Pants" persona quickly evolved into a favorite among NXT fans at , fueled by Bates' incorporation of elements into her entrances—drawing from her prior experience in promotions like SHIMMER—such as video game-inspired outfits that added whimsy to her matches. This gimmick, complete with Big Cass' humorous serenades of a customized theme during her walkouts, led to enthusiastic crowd chants and signs, surprising Bates with its organic popularity; as she later noted, "It completely caught me by surprise. It was a nice, pleasant surprise." Her popularity peaked with a surprise appearance at : Brooklyn on August 22, 2015, where she received a full entrance to aid Amore and Cass, solidifying her status as an unlikely fan icon despite her limited in-ring success.

All Elite Wrestling (2019–2023)

Bates signed with (AEW) in 2019 as one of the promotion's inaugural women's division talents, debuting at Fyter Fest that June. Her entry stemmed from a promotional contest on the Being the Elite series, where she won a spot that unexpectedly led to a full-time contract proposed by executive vice president . In AEW, Bates primarily portrayed the "Librarian," a comedic valet role alongside wrestler Peter Avalon as part of the "Librarians" tag team gimmick. She accompanied Avalon to matches and appearances, often carrying stacks of books, shushing crowds to generate heel heat, and participating in humorous segments that emphasized the characters' obsession with library etiquette and trivia. The pairing, conceived by AEW president Tony Khan and developed through Being the Elite, highlighted Bates' background in character-driven performances. Bates made occasional in-ring appearances during her AEW tenure, competing primarily on untelevised shows like AEW Dark and AEW Dark: Elevation. Across 25 matches, she recorded 6 wins and 19 losses, often in multi-woman bouts or against established roster members. Her final match occurred in March 2021. On May 1, 2023, Bates announced that her AEW contract had expired after four years, marking the end of her time with the company. The departure was amicable, with Bates reflecting positively on her growth in the role, though her unique contract arrangement was not renewed.

Return to the independent circuit (2023–present)

Following her departure from in 2023, Leva Bates resumed wrestling on the independent circuit, emphasizing in-ring performances across regional promotions while continuing her cosplay-themed entrances. She quickly established a presence in Florida-based events, competing in high-profile cosplay-integrated shows that aligned with her performer background. In 2025, Bates appeared in 14 matches for Galaxy Wrestling Entertainment, primarily during GalaxyCon-affiliated events like Animate! series, where she portrayed characters such as Lucy from Fallout in singles bouts against opponents including Jude Mackenzie and Jazmyne Hao. These appearances highlighted her adaptability in themed environments, with matches often featuring elaborate costumes that enhanced the spectacle for convention audiences. Earlier in 2024, she secured a victory as Lucy against Kaitlyn Marie at Animate! Columbus, defeating Miss Trunchbull in a cosplay singles match. Bates also competed in five matches for Atomic Legacy Wrestling during this period, including a successful defense of the ALW Women's Title in a three-way against Izzy Moreno and Kaci Lennox in 2024, though she later lost the championship in a three-way to Aleah James and Renee Michelle in February 2025. A standout encounter was her I Quit match against Kaci Lennox on October 10, 2025, at ALW Atomic Horror Story: Sideshow Slam, which she won, showcasing intense stipulation wrestling. On November 15, 2025, Bates challenged for the Horror Nights Championship but was defeated by Blackheart. Bates participated in four matches for Mayhem On Mills in 2024 and 2025, often in tag team formats that leveraged her versatility. Teaming with The Handsome Man of Science, she defeated & (Devlyn & Kelsey Raegan) on November 3, 2024, and Creeps on June 22, 2025, in bouts emphasizing chaotic, character-driven action at venues like Hourglass Brewing in . She also won a Coal Miner's Glove on a Pole Four-Way against Budd Heavy, Drennen, and Mikey on October 5, 2025. Key 2024–2025 highlights extended to FSCW events, including Animate! in February 2025, where Bates wrestled as Lucy Maclean in a triple threat against (Jazmyne Hao) and Shego (Cosmic) on the event's final day. In smaller independent venues, Bates has refined her cosplay approach, scaling down production elements to fit intimate crowds while maintaining thematic immersion, such as incorporating convention-inspired attire into standard indie cards. As of November 17, 2025, she continues as an active singles and wrestler on the circuit, competing regularly.

Other media and appearances

Acting and roles

Following her theater degree from , Bates began her acting career with stunt and minor roles in entertainment productions. She performed as a stunt woman in major shows at Universal Studios Orlando, including The 8th Voyage of Sindbad and Terminator 2: Battle Across Time, where she portrayed Sarah Connor. In film, she appeared in a minor role as Druid #3 in the supernatural thriller Meet Me There (2014). Bates has also pursued , particularly in video games and . She provided voice work as the Binjpipe streamer in You Don't Know Jack: Full Stream, part of The Jackbox Party Pack 5 (2018). In 2025, she announced a voice role as a main character in the upcoming survival tactical Deadlight Manor. Beyond scripted roles, Bates has engaged in broader media appearances tied to her multifaceted entertainer , including hosting and modeling. She has served as a hostess and moderator at pop culture conventions across the for nearly a decade, facilitating panels and events, including at PalmCon in October 2025. In modeling, she has taken on small gigs, including appearances in music videos and promotional work, as part of efforts to build her acting portfolio. Bates has also appeared in commercials and independent films currently screening at festivals.

Gaming and streaming career

Leva Bates, an avid , launched her professional streaming career on Twitch under the username "wrestlingleva," where she broadcasts gameplay sessions that blend entertainment with her wrestling persona. Her streams emphasize interactive and high-energy content, often described as chaotic, inviting viewers to "join my chaos" during sessions featuring popular video games. As a Twitch Partner, Bates regularly engages her audience through live playthroughs, fostering a dedicated community of fans who appreciate her enthusiastic approach to gaming. Bates frequently incorporates cosplay-themed elements into her streams, drawing from her broader interests in geek culture to create immersive and fun experiences. Her content extends beyond standard gameplay to include integrations like (D&D) and tabletop gaming, where she builds collaborative sessions that bridge her wrestling fanbase with gaming enthusiasts. A notable example is her participation in All Elite Wrestling's inaugural D&D Twitch stream in August 2020, alongside wrestlers such as , , and , marking a crossover event that highlighted her role in merging with tabletop role-playing. In addition to streaming, Bates has contributed to gaming media as a voice actor, lending her talents to interactive titles that align with her pop culture expertise. These roles underscore her versatility in the gaming industry, complementing her efforts by adding pre-recorded elements to her overall digital presence.

Television and reality show appearances

Bates competed on the first season of Netflix's reality competition series Squid Game: The Challenge in 2023, portraying Player 060. She was eliminated during the initial challenge, Red Light, Green Light, highlighting her competitive spirit outside the . This appearance marked one of her notable crossovers into mainstream , drawing on her energetic persona to engage with a global audience. Beyond scripted and streaming endeavors, Bates has taken on hosting and panel roles at fan conventions, leveraging her passion for geek culture. At events like Pensacon in 2023, she served as a guest host and panelist, discussing topics from to pop culture icons, which resonated with attendees through her authentic enthusiasm for . These engagements often feature her in cameos or special segments on convention-related broadcasts, such as live streams or highlight reels that emphasize her multifaceted identity, including cosplay tributes to characters from video games and comics.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Details about her parents and immediate family remain private, with Bates rarely discussing them. Bates maintains a high level of regarding her personal relationships, avoiding public disclosures about romantic partners in interviews and media appearances. As of , she has been in a relationship with professional Josh Shibata. No further updates on her or family expansions have been shared publicly, underscoring her preference for keeping such matters out of the spotlight.

Interests and cosplay passion

Leva Bates has expressed a strong affection for cats, identifying as a "cat person" due to their independence, which aligns with her frequent travel schedule as a performer. She has owned cats for many years, including a longtime companion she referred to as her 14-year-old pet at one point, emphasizing how these animals provide low-maintenance companionship that fits her lifestyle. This fondness extends into her public persona, where she occasionally highlights her cats in discussions about personal life and streaming content, portraying them as integral to her everyday experiences beyond the ring. Bates' passion for cosplay stems deeply from her immersion in geek culture, including , video games, and movies, which she has pursued as a dedicated since her early adulthood. What began as personal costume creation and convention attendance evolved into a defining element of her wrestling career, where she seamlessly blends pop culture references into her entrances and attire to create immersive character personas. For instance, she has cosplayed as figures like from during independent matches, transforming the hobby into a signature style that enhances her performances and engages fans familiar with the source material. This fusion not only originated from her love for make-believe and but has become a hallmark of her identity in , allowing her to portray icons such as and Chucky in themed bouts. In addition to cosplay, Bates maintains interests in dance and performance arts, building on her academic foundation with a minor in alongside her theater degree from . Post-graduation, she applied these skills professionally as a dancer and at Universal Studios Orlando, participating in high-energy shows like Terminator 2: 3D, where she embodied characters requiring athletic precision and theatrical flair. These pursuits continue to influence her multifaceted career, informing her expressive style in wrestling and other entertainment endeavors.

Championships and accomplishments

Wrestling championships

Leva Bates has captured several women's championships during her career, primarily in regional promotions early on and in prominent all-women's leagues later. Her solo title reigns established her as a reliable performer in the Southeast wrestling scene, while her successes highlighted her versatility in teaming with close allies. Bates won the SCW Women's Championship on November 8, 2008, defeating Betsy Ruth and Lexie Fyfe in a three-way match to claim the vacant title. She held the championship for a record 1,351 days, the longest reign in its history, defending it against notable challengers before losing it to on July 21, 2012, at SCW Ring Wars, which underscored her dominance in Southeastern Championship Wrestling during a formative period of her career. On November 20, 2011, Bates captured the CCW Women's Championship by defeating Jessika Haze in Coastal Championship Wrestling. She successfully defended the title against on February 11, 2012, in a match that highlighted her technical skills and resilience against rising talents. This one-time reign, though relatively short, represented a key achievement in her early-to-mid indie bookings, solidifying her status in Florida-based promotions before transitioning to larger stages. Bates also secured the USCW Women's Championship once during her independent tenure, contributing to her collection of regional accolades in the late and early . Specific details on the win and defenses remain limited in public records, but it affirmed her early success in United States Championship Wrestling circuits. Bates won the vacant WSU Spirit Championship on July 11, 2015, defeating Hania in the tournament final. She held the title for 497 days, defending it four times, before losing to on November 19, 2016. In more recent years, Bates won the PPW Women's Championship on June 17, 2023, holding it for 56 days until August 12, 2023. She then captured the ALW Women's Championship for a fourth time on February 23, 2024, reigning for 296 days until losing it on December 15, 2024. In tag team competition, Bates teamed with Doom as the Totally Tubular Tag Team to win the on November 11, 2017, at Volume 97, defeating Mount Tessa ( and ) to end their year-long reign. The duo held the titles for 344 days, making successful defenses against teams including and at Volume 106 on October 20, 2018, and retaining through Volumes 101 and 103 against various challengers. Their reign concluded on October 21, 2018, at Volume 108, when they lost to an incoming team, but it remains one of Bates' most celebrated accomplishments, showcasing her chemistry and entertainment value in , a cornerstone promotion for women's wrestling. Earlier, Bates partnered with as the Lucha Sisters to win the inaugural Shine Championship on February 28, 2014, at SHINE 17, defeating Made in Sin ( and Taylor Made) in the tournament final. Their 119-day reign included a key defense on April 18, 2014, at SHINE 18 against and Evie, demonstrating their high-flying synergy and popularity in . The titles were lost on June 27, 2014, at SHINE 20 to ( and Nikki Valentine), ending a foundational run that helped launch the division and elevated Bates' profile in the southeast indie scene.

Rankings and awards

Leva Bates has received recognition from industry publications and promotions for her performances in . In Pro Wrestling Illustrated's annual Female 50 rankings, she was placed at No. 49 in 2012, reflecting her rising profile on the independent circuit. The following year, Bates improved to No. 40 in 2013, acknowledging her consistent work across multiple promotions. Her placement reached No. 31 in 2014, bolstered by notable successes that highlighted her versatility and in-ring contributions. In 2016, Bates achieved her career-high ranking of No. 20. One of Bates' key accolades was her victory in the inaugural SHINE Tag Team Championship Tournament in 2014, where she partnered with as The Lucha Sisters to defeat Made in Sin ( and Taylor Made) in the finals on February 28. This tournament win not only established the new title division but also earned Bates praise for her athleticism and teamwork in a competitive eight-team bracket. She also won the WSU Spirit Championship Tournament in 2015. Bates' integration of into her wrestling persona has garnered fan appreciation and informal recognition within wrestling and convention communities, often highlighted in media as a unique contribution to the sport's entertainment value.

References

  1. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wrestlers/leva-bates
  2. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5793408/
  3. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=2485
  4. http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/leva-bates-3958.html
  5. https://galaxycon.com/blogs/wrestlers/leva-bates
  6. https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=15983
  7. https://www.wkms.org/sports/2013-03-07/meet-leva-bates-madisonville-native-msu-graduate-and-professional-wrestler
  8. https://www.levabates.com/about
  9. https://www.sportskeeda.com/aew/10-aew-stars-college-degree
  10. https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/leva-bates/
  11. https://gerweck.net/2019/10/10/leva-bates/
  12. https://comicmix.com/2015/07/20/into-the-blue-pants-the-weird-wild-world-of-leva-bates/
  13. http://www.shimmerwrestling.com/p/title-history.html
  14. https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/il/shimmer/shimmer-t.html
  15. https://www.cagesideseats.com/2012/7/21/3174012/shine-wrestling-quick-results-from-july-20-2012-the-sara-del-rey
  16. https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/fl/shine/shine-t.html
  17. https://www.wwe.com/inside/wwe-divas/blue-pants-interview
  18. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/leva-bates-talks-her-time-blue-pants-nxt-reason-she-was-nixed-smackdown-segments
  19. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2317063-wwe-nxt-results-biggest-winners-losers-and-moments-from-january-1
  20. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/leva-bates-had-no-idea-aew-would-sign-her-librarian-says-it-was-all-cody-rhodes-plan/
  21. https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/07/14/peter-avalon-on-his-status-with-aew-training-david-arquette-the-librarian-gimmick-and-being-paired-with-leva-bates-coming-up-with-ass-boys-before-danhausen-his-time-in-impact-wrestling/
  22. http://www.profightdb.com/winlossrecord/leva-bates-3958.html
  23. https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/2023/5/2/23708063/aew-original-leva-bates-contract-end-goodbye-brandi-rhodes-amanda-huber-react
  24. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/more-leva-bates-aew-departure/
  25. https://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/leva-bates-3958.html
  26. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=424069
  27. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=2485&page=4
  28. https://itrwrestling.com/news/former-wwe-star-massive-feat/
  29. https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/fighting/article300001334.html
  30. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3043176/
  31. https://www.backstage.com/u/leva-bates/
  32. https://www.facebook.com/LevaBates/posts/i-can-officially-announce-that-i-voice-a-main-character-in-deadlight-manor-you-c/1384352649720944/
  33. https://www.instagram.com/p/DQXIKjVjvXT/
  34. https://www.postwrestling.com/2022/07/05/leva-bates-has-a-double-contract-with-aew-discusses-her-other-duties-in-the-company/
  35. https://www.twitch.tv/wrestlingleva
  36. https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2020/08/04/aew-stars-set-for-first-ever-dungeons-and-dragons-twitch-stream/
  37. https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1424277-leva-bates-and-allision-danger-compete-on-squid-game-the-challenge
  38. https://squid-game-the-challenge-players.fandom.com/wiki/Leva_Bates
  39. https://411mania.com/wrestling/leva-bates-allison-danger-are-in-netflixs-squid-game-the-challenge/
  40. https://www.pensacon.com/guest/leva-bates/
  41. https://weartv.com/news/local/whos-coming-to-pensacon-2023-heres-the-entire-list-of-guests
  42. https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ring-announcer-josh-shibata-pro-wrestling-enforcer/id1478182993?i=1000475145057
  43. https://www.cagesideseats.com/2016/4/25/11503576/wrestler-interview-cat-dog-pet-animal
  44. https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-sports/whos-nxt-can-blue-pants-wrestlings-cosplay-queen-break-out-126212/
  45. https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/leva-bates-talks-about-mixing-wrestling-and-cosplay/
  46. https://tvovermind.com/leva-bates/
  47. https://prowrestlingpost.com/leva-bates/
  48. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=82746
  49. http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/leva-bates-3958.html?prom_id=191&res=10&title=624
  50. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=3524
  51. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=4060
  52. https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/delilah-doom/
  53. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=15226&page=11
  54. https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/SHINE_Tag_Team_Championship
  55. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=2180
  56. http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-female-50/2012.html
  57. http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-female-50/2013.html
  58. http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-female-50/2014.html
  59. https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/Leva_Bates
  60. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=2849
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