Hubbry Logo
Piper NivenPiper NivenMain
Open search
Piper Niven
Community hub
Piper Niven
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Piper Niven
Piper Niven
Piper Niven
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Kimberly Benson (born 6 May 1991) is a Scottish professional wrestler. She is signed to WWE, where she performs on the SmackDown brand under the ring name Piper Niven, and is a member of The Green Regime stable.

Key Information

Benson began her career on the UK independent circuit under the ring name Viper, also performing in the American independent promotion Shimmer Women Athletes and in Japan for World Wonder Ring Stardom. After participating in the 2017 Mae Young Classic, she was signed to a contract by WWE in 2019. She is a former one-time Artist of Stardom Champion, two-time ICW Women's Champion, one-time SWA World Champion, two-time WWE 24/7 Champion, and one-time WWE Women's Tag Team Champion.

Early life

[edit]

Kimberly Benson was born on 6 May 1991, in Kilbirnie, Scotland.[2][5][6] Growing up, she kept her love for professional wrestling a secret due to being worried that her female friends thought she was weird as they believed that it was only a sport for men.[6] It wasn't until Benson was fifteen, and when her oldest nephew began to watch wrestling, that her passion was rekindled and she was open about enjoying wrestling.[6]

Professional wrestling career

[edit]

Independent circuit (2007–2019)

[edit]
Viper faces off with Vanessa Kraven during a SHIMMER show in 2016

Benson began training in professional wrestling at age fifteen, and according to her, she debuted one year after beginning her training.[6] About her training, she said: "I got beat up, totally beat up. I remember lying in bed the next day, being so sore and in absolute agony, but I just loved it, I had to go back."[6]

She was part of the special program of ITV World of Sport Wrestling celebrated on New Year's Eve 2016, and until April of that year, she was programmed to appear on a revival of the series.[6] However, a month later before filming was set to begin, the project was postponed indefinitely.[6][7] Benson's last match in independent circuit was at Scottish Wrestling Alliance Lion's Den in November 2019.[8]

Insane Championship Wrestling (2013–2019)

[edit]

Benson made her debut for Insane Championship Wrestling at Tramspotting on 17 February 2013 under the ring name Viper.[9] She became the inaugural ICW Women's Champion at Fear & Loathing VIII in a tournament final victory over Kay Lee Ray and Nikki Storm in November 2015.[10] She regained the title in 2018 on an episode of ICW Fight Club before losing the title after 283 days to Kay Lee Ray in the inaugural Queen of Insanity match.[11] She competed against ICW's men roster for a shot at the ICW World Heavyweight Championship in the 2019 Square Go! match which included the likes of Jeff Jarrett, Wolfgang, Andy Wild, Leyton Buzzard, Kez Evans, BT Gunn, Grado, Jackie Polo, Mark Coffey, Joe Hendry, Kenny Williams and others.[12]

World Wonder Ring Stardom (2016–2019)

[edit]

In 2017, Benson worked in Japan as Viper for the company World Wonder Ring Stardom. On 7 January of that year, at the event Stardom New Years Stars 2017 – Tag 2, she was part of the team "Oedo Tai" with Kagetsu and Kyoko Kimura as a replacement for Hana Kimura who was injured, where she tried to help the team to retain the Artist of Stardom Championship against "Queen's Quest" a team integrated by HZK, Io Shirai and Momo Watanabe, in which they were defeated and they lost the title.[13] On 13 August, she joined Queen's Quest along with Shirai and HZK to face the team "Team Jungle" integrated by Hiroyo Matsumoto, Jungle Kyona and Kaori Yoneyama in a match for the Artist of Stardom Championship at the event Midsummer Champions 2017, in which they achieved to win the title and Viper crown herself champion.[14][15] On 16 September, Viper participated at the event 5★Star Grand Prix 2017 of Stardom, where she draw with Mayu Iwatani both with 10 points.[16] Along with Queen's Quest, managed to defend and retain the Artistic Championship three times[17] before they left it vacant on 15 April 2018 after a draft executed by Stardom, ending their reign with 245.[18] One month before that same year, on 28 March, she faced Toni Storm at the Stardom Dream Slam in Tokyo event in a match for her SWA World Championship, in which the ICW Women's Championship of Viper was also in the line, where she defeated Storm to capture the title, emerging victorious with both championships.[19] Defended and retained the championship twice[20] before losing it in a match against Utami Hayashishita at the Stardom 8th Anniversary event held on 14 January 2019, in which she also put her EVE International Championship at stake, where she was defeated and lost both titles,[21] ending her reign with the SWA Championship in 292 days[22] and with the EVE Championship in 92 days.[23]

WWE (2017, 2019–present)

[edit]

Mae Young Classic (2017)

[edit]

In 2017, WWE contacted Benson, asking her to participate in the women's tournament, Mae Young Classic.[6][7] The event took place in 2017 and was an all-women tournament. Benson asked World of Sport Wrestling to release her from her contract to participate in the competition.[24] She competed as "Piper Niven" because the ring name she had been competing under, Viper, had already become the nickname of fellow WWE superstar Randy Orton, and because she had played the bagpipes as a child, in addition to Niven being her father's first name.[6] She defeated Santana Garrett in the first round[25] and Serena Deeb in the second round,[26] before being defeated by Toni Storm in the quarterfinals.[27]

NXT UK (2019–2021)

[edit]

In early 2019, a rumour started spreading in which it was said and expected that Benson signed with WWE,[28][29] which came out to be true when she appeared and debuted on 27 March episode of NXT UK that year, where, under the ring name Piper Niven, she confronted Rhea Ripley.[30] Niven had her first televised match with WWE after being signed on a special program entitled WWE Worlds Collide on 24 April, which consisted on various matches that involved wrestlers from all the brands; Raw, SmackDown, NXT, 205 Live and NXT UK, this last one was the brand that she belonged to and represented, defeating Zelina Vega of SmackDown.[31] On 19 June episode of NXT UK, Niven competed in a battle royal to determine who would have a future opportunity to face the NXT UK Women's Champion Toni Storm. In the match, Niven was eliminated by Xia Brookside.[32]

On 12 January 2020 at the NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool II event, Niven competed in a triple threat match against Storm and Kay Lee Ray for the NXT UK Women's Championship, where Niven was defeated and pinned by Kay Lee.[33] Niven returned to NXT UK television on 24 September of that year, where she challenged Kay Lee Ray in a match for the NXT UK Women's Championship, where she was defeated.[34] On 19 November, Niven challenged Ray in a Falls Count Anywhere match for the NXT UK Women's Championship, where she lost due to an interference made by Jinny.[35]

Niven lost to Jinny in a No. 1 contenders match for the NXT UK Women's Championship on episode 7 January 2021 of NXT UK.[36] On 11 March, in what would be Niven's final appearance for NXT UK, she teamed up with Jack Starz against Jinny and Joseph Conners in the brand's first-ever mixed tag team match, where Niven and Starz would emerge victorious.[37][38]

Doudrop (2021–2022)

[edit]

On 14 June 2021 episode of Raw, Niven was traded to the Raw brand as Eva Marie's unnamed protégé, defeating Naomi in her debut match. However, Marie would declare herself the winner despite not taking part in the match.[39] The following week on Raw, Marie introduced her as Doudrop. Later that night, she and Marie were defeated in a tag team match by Asuka and Naomi.[40] At SummerSlam, Doudrop turned against Marie,[41] and on the following episode of Raw, Marie attacked Doudrop during an interview; starting a feud between them.[42] Doudrop made her WWE Main Event debut in September.[43] After defeating Marie twice on 13 and 20 September episodes of Raw,[44][45] on the next episode, Doudrop challenged Charlotte Flair for the Raw Women's Championship in a losing effort due to a distraction by Marie.[46] In October, Doudrop entered the Queen's Crown tournament, where she defeated Natalya in the first round and Shayna Baszler in the semi-finals, but lost to Zelina Vega in the finals at Crown Jewel.[47][48][49]

In 2022, after winning a triple threat No. 1 contendership match against Bianca Belair and Liv Morgan on an episode of Raw, Doudrop challenged Raw Women's Champion Becky Lynch for the title at Royal Rumble in a losing effort.[50][51] At Elimination Chamber, she entered the Elimination Chamber match for a Raw Women's Championship match at WrestleMania 38, but was eliminated by Liv Morgan.[52] Since June, she would chase the WWE 24/7 Championship, winning the title twice.[53][54][55]

On 2 May episode of Raw, Doudrop approached Nikki A.S.H. backstage, suggesting to align together, which A.S.H. accepted.[56] The following week on Raw, Doudrop alongside A. S. H. challenged the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Naomi and Sasha Banks in a non-title match, but they were unsuccessful.[57] After the Women's Tag Team Championship was vacated on May, A.S.H. and Doudrop entered a tournament to crown a new champions which began in August.[58] They lost in the first round to Alexa Bliss and Asuka.[59] On 26 August episode of SmackDown, A. S. H. and Doudrop entered a second chance four-way match to return to the tournament among other three teams, which was won by Natalya and Sonya Deville.[60] On 30 August episode of NXT, A. S. H. and Doudrop made a surprise appearance as they challenged the NXT Women's Tag Team Champions Katana Chance and Kayden Carter for their titles at Worlds Collide.[61] At the event, they failed to win the titles due to interference from Toxic Attraction (Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne).[62] After a tag team match against Toxic Attraction on 6 September episode of NXT,[63] Doudrop went on a hiatus due to illness.[64]

The Green Regime (2023–present)

[edit]
See also: The Green Regime
Niven as the Secret Hervice character in 2025

On 28 January 2023, Doudrop returned as Piper Niven and participated at the Royal Rumble event in the namesake match as the 18th entrant. She lasted over 28 minutes and eliminated two wrestlers before being eliminated by Raquel Rodriguez.[65] On 14 August episode of Raw, Niven returned to the show and declared herself as Chelsea Green's new tag partner to claim the other half of the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship after Green's former partner, Sonya Deville, relinquished her half of the title due to an ACL injury.[66] WWE recognizes Niven's reign as a continuation of Deville's.[67] On October 31, they successfully defended their titles against Chase University (Thea Hail and Jacy Jayne) at Night 2 of NXT: Halloween Havoc.[68] On the November 27 episode of Raw, Niven and Green had another successful title defense against number one contenders Natalya and Tegan Nox.[69] On December 11, it was announced that Niven and Green would defend their tag team titles against the new number one contenders Kayden Carter and Katana Chance.[70] The following week on Raw, Niven and Green would lose the tag team titles to Carter and Chance, ending their reign at 126 days.[71] On the January 8, 2024 episode of Raw, Niven and Green were unsuccessful in an attempt to regain the titles in a championship rematch.[72]

At Night 2 of the 2024 WWE Draft, Niven and Green were drafted to the SmackDown brand.[73] At Clash at the Castle: Scotland on June 15, Niven faced Bayley for the WWE Women’s Championship, but was unsuccessful.[74] On November 2, at Crown Jewel, Niven and Green completed in a fatal four-way tag team match for the Women’s Tag Team Championship in a losing effort.[75] After Green became the inaugural Women's United States Championship at Saturday Night's Main Event on 14 December, Niven took on the role as Green's bodyguard (dubbed as Green's Secret Hervice, a pun on Secret Service).[76] On the 8 March 2025 episode of SmackDown, fellow Scot Alba Fyre aligned herself with Green[77] and formed a tag team with Niven as the Secret Hervice, with the stable being known as The Green Regime.[78] In September, it was reported that Niven had suffered a serious neck injury and would be out of action indefinitely.[79]

Professional wrestling style and persona

[edit]

Benson's finishing move is the Loch Ness Slam, a spinning side slam.[80]

During her alliance with Chelsea Green following the loss of the Women's Tag Team Championships and Green's coronation as the inaugural Women's United States Champion, Benson's character took on the role of the United States Secret Service protection agent.[76]

Other media

[edit]

Benson is the subject of the episode Fight Like a Girl of the documentary series Our Lives by BBC. The episode is about her life as a professional wrestler.[81][82]

Benson made her video game debut in the Clowning Around Pack DLC for WWE 2K22[83][84] and appeared in WWE 2K23,WWE 2K24 and WWE 2K25.[85]

Personal life

[edit]

On Celebrate Bisexuality Day 2019, Benson came out as bisexual.[86] She has also shared that she has Bell's palsy.[87] Benson married her husband in September 2021.[88]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

References

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

Piper Niven

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Piper Niven (born Kimberly Benson; May 6, 1991) is a Scottish professional wrestler signed to , where she last competed on the SmackDown brand as a powerhouse competitor and one half of the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. Known for her dominant in-ring style emphasizing strength and impactful maneuvers, Niven has achieved success across the global wrestling landscape, including multiple titles and high-profile WWE appearances such as the Mae Young Classic and . Born in , , , Benson initially concealed her passion for out of concern for potential ridicule but reignited her interest after watching matches with her nephew, leading her to pursue training on the United Kingdom's independent scene. She debuted in 2008 under the ring name Viper, quickly establishing herself in promotions like (ICW), where she captured the ICW Women's Championship twice, as well as Pro-Wrestling: EVE (twice), Scottish Wrestling Entertainment Future Division Championship, Absolute Intense Wrestling, and others. Niven also ventured internationally, competing for in and winning the 2019 Trios Tournament. Niven signed with in 2017, debuting in the inaugural Mae Young Classic tournament and advancing to the quarterfinals before joining in 2019, where she challenged for the in notable matches against and . She transitioned to the main roster in 2021 as Doudrop, aligning briefly with before breaking out independently and competing against top stars like at the 2022 . Reverting to her Piper Niven moniker in 2023, she joined as tag team partner, winning the on August 14, 2023, and holding the titles for 126 days, while also securing the 24/7 Championship twice earlier that year. As of December 2025, Niven has been sidelined by a serious sustained in August, placing her career status under evaluation.

Background and personal life

Early life

Kimberly Benson was born on May 6, 1991, in , , . Growing up in the region, Benson attended local schools, where she described herself as a who struggled to form a close group of friends. Her family, including her mother and stepfather Niven—who raised her, whom she considers her real dad, and from whom she took part of her —operated a bus-hire business; they initially viewed her interest in wrestling as a passing phase. At age nine, while home sick from school, Benson stumbled upon a program on television, igniting her fascination with the . She kept this passion hidden for years, occasionally revisiting it through family connections like watching with her nephew. As a child, she also played the , which later inspired the "Piper" portion of her wrestling . By her mid-teens, Benson's interest resurfaced strongly; at around age 15, her nephew helped rekindle her enthusiasm, and shortly after, at 16, her then-boyfriend informed her of a nearby wrestling training school in . She began attending sessions there, marking her first hands-on exposure to wrestling techniques before turning professional.

Family and relationships

Piper Niven, born Kimberly Benson, married her longtime partner, a non-wrestler, in September 2021 following an engagement announced in 2019. The couple held a private ceremony, sharing select photos on that highlighted a low-key celebration away from the public eye. As of 2025, Niven and her continue to maintain a private personal life, with occasional joint appearances that underscore their preference for discretion amid her demanding schedule. Niven has no publicly documented children, and her family life appears centered on her and close-knit Scottish heritage. Her travel-intensive as a professional wrestler intersects with her personal commitments through careful planning, allowing her to balance international tours with time at home in . Tied to her roots in Ayrshire, , Niven co-founded the WrestleKind charity in 2020 alongside fellow Scottish wrestler to combat homelessness. Officially registered on January 14, 2021, the initiative provided essential support to vulnerable individuals across through wrestling-related events and activities, reflecting Niven's commitment to community welfare in her home country. The organization raised funds for winter aid and assistance programs for the houseless, including at least £1,500 through initial fundraisers for essential items in collaboration with local teams such as the Humanist Society's StreetCare, until its cessation on October 3, 2025.

Professional wrestling career

Independent circuit (2007–2013)

Kimberly Benson, who performed under the ring name Viper during this period, began her professional wrestling journey at the age of 16 in 2007 by training with the Scottish Wrestling Alliance (SWA), a prominent promotion focused on developing local talent. Under the guidance of local mentors including Damian O'Connor and , she built foundational skills in a male-dominated environment, emphasizing physicality and resilience that would define her style. Her rigorous training regimen prepared her for the demands of the ring, where she quickly adapted to performing high-impact moves despite her imposing size. Viper made her in-ring debut in 2008, marking the start of her independent circuit tenure with matches that showcased her raw power and athleticism. By 2009, she secured her first professional booking with the SWA, competing in events that highlighted emerging Scottish wrestlers. She also appeared for Pro Wrestling Pride, another key UK indie promotion, where she participated in bouts against established competitors, often positioning herself as an underdog babyface relying on strength-based offense like clotheslines and splashes to overcome opponents. These early appearances helped forge rivalries, such as skirmishes with local heels challenging her legitimacy as a dominant force in women's divisions still gaining traction in the UK scene. Throughout 2010–2013, Viper expanded her reach across various independent promotions, traveling to shows in and to gain exposure and refine her in-ring . Her performances emphasized a powerhouse babyface , portraying her as a relatable yet formidable athlete who connected with audiences through displays of perseverance and explosive power moves. A pivotal moment came in 2012 when she captured the SWA Women's Championship, solidifying her status as a top contender in the regional women's landscape and demonstrating her growth from novice to titleholder. This achievement underscored her rapid ascent, setting the stage for further opportunities in larger promotions.

Insane Championship Wrestling (2013–2019)

Kimberly Benson, performing under the ring name Viper, made her debut for (ICW) on February 17, 2013, at the Tramspotting event, where she defeated Bete Noire in a qualifying match for the Fierce Females Championship tournament. This appearance marked her entry into Scotland's premier wrestling promotion, where she quickly established herself as a dominant force in the women's division due to her size and power-based style. Throughout her early tenure, Viper competed in various house shows and special events, building momentum on the Scottish independent scene while occasionally crossing over to other promotions. Viper's rise culminated in her becoming the inaugural ICW Women's Champion on November 15, 2015, at Fear & Loathing VIII, defeating Kasey Owens, Carmel, and in a fatal four-way elimination match to claim the newly created title. Her first lasted 343 days until October 23, 2016, when she lost the to at ICW's 10th anniversary show, setting the record for the longest in the title's history at that time. Viper regained the title on February 12, 2018, defeating at an ICW television taping, beginning her second that emphasized global defenses and elevated the belt's prestige through cross-promotional appearances in . This period solidified her as a cornerstone of ICW's women's division, with defenses at major events like Fear & Loathing IX in 2017, where she participated in a steel cage triple threat match involving and Kasey Owens. A defining aspect of Viper's ICW career was her intense rivalry with , which spanned multiple years and over 50 matches across various promotions, highlighting their contrasting styles—Viper's brute strength against Ray's technical agility and hardcore tendencies. The peaked at Fear & Loathing XI on December 2, 2018, in the inaugural Queen of Insanity match, a no-holds-barred stipulation featuring weapons like kendo sticks, , and thumbtacks; Ray emerged victorious via submission, ending Viper's second reign after 294 days and becoming the first three-time champion. During this time, Viper transitioned into a more aggressive persona, incorporating heelish tactics in defenses to assert dominance, though she remained a fan favorite for her in-ring intensity. Her final ICW appearance came on May 26, 2019, defeating in a non-title match, amid growing rumors of a contract that ultimately led to her departure from the promotion.

World Wonder Ring Stardom (2016–2019)

In January 2016, Viper, the ring name used by Piper Niven in Japan, embarked on her first tour with , marking her introduction to the landscape. During this period, she underwent a trial with the promotion, training under its demanding system that emphasized high-speed athleticism and stiff strikes, which contrasted with her power-based approach developed in the UK. This experience allowed her to compete against elite wrestlers, including a loss to Kairi Hojo in a match on February 28, 2016. Returning for extended excursions in 2017, Viper integrated into Stardom's roster and joined the faction , replacing the injured to capture the alongside HZK and Io Shirai on August 13 at Midsummer Champions 2017. The trio successfully defended the title three times over 245 days, including victories over international challengers such as Oedo Tai's , , and on October 8, 2017, showcasing Viper's adaptability in multi-person tag dynamics. Additionally, she secured the SWA Undisputed World Women's Championship by defeating on January 3, 2017, in a match where her ICW Women's Championship was also at stake, and retained it against challengers like . Viper further highlighted her standing by participating in the 2017 5★Star Grand Prix tournament in the Stars block, where she earned 10 points across seven matches, tying for first place with Yoko Bito and before a final-round draw against Bito prevented advancement to the . These tours influenced her in-ring style, blending her brute strength with precision, though cultural and language barriers required significant adjustment during her time living and performing in . Viper continued appearing sporadically with through early 2019, including defenses of her titles, before departing full-time to pursue opportunities with .

Mae Young Classic (2017)

Piper Niven, competing under her real name as a representative from , was one of 32 international competitors invited to participate in the inaugural Classic tournament held by in 2017. The event served as her introduction to the American audience, showcasing talents from around the world in a single-elimination bracket taped at in . Niven's selection highlighted her growing reputation on the independent circuit in the UK and , where she had established herself as a powerhouse wrestler known for her strength and technical ability. In preparation for the tournament, Niven joined the other participants for an intensive training camp at the in Orlando, where she adapted to WWE's in-ring style and worked under coaches like Sara Amato and . This marked her first extended exposure to the facility's rigorous regimen, which emphasized athletic conditioning, match psychology, and safety protocols tailored for television production. During this period, Niven also competed in her debut matches on U.S. , including the tournament bouts, which were her initial encounters with WWE's production and live crowd dynamics. These experiences provided her with valuable feedback and helped refine her performance for a global streaming audience on the . Niven advanced in the tournament by defeating American indie star in the first round on August 28, 2017, securing the victory with a Michinoku Driver after a hard-fought match that showcased her power advantage. In the second round (round of 16), she faced veteran on September 4, 2017, defeating her via pinfall with a Michinoku Driver after a competitive clash that highlighted contrasting styles—Niven's brawling offense against Deeb's technical grappling. In the quarterfinals on September 12, 2017, Niven lost to via submission, ending her run in the final eight. Her performances garnered positive attention from officials and fans alike. The Classic significantly boosted Niven's visibility within , positioning her as a promising international talent and paving the way for future developmental opportunities. Her strong showings demonstrated her potential as a dominant big-woman competitor, influencing subsequent scouting efforts that culminated in her signing a developmental contract with in 2019. This exposure also enhanced her profile back home, bridging her indie career with aspirations in a major promotion.

NXT UK (2019–2021)

In early 2019, Piper Niven signed a developmental contract with and was assigned to the brand, marking her full-time entry into the promotion following her appearance in the 2017 Mae Young Classic. She made her on-screen debut on the March 27 episode of , interrupting a match involving then-champion to establish herself as a formidable powerhouse challenging the division's top talents. Niven's early run positioned her as a dominant force, leveraging her size and strength to overpower opponents in a roster known for technical prowess and athleticism. Niven secured her first victory on television on the April 10, 2019, episode, defeating with a Michinoku Driver in a hard-fought bout that showcased her aggressive style. This win propelled her into a brief feud with , culminating in a singles match on the July 3 episode where Niven upset the former champion via pinfall after a series of , including a senton splash. Later that year, on October 3, she continued her momentum by defeating in her in-ring debut taped at a live event, countering Dawn's supernatural gimmick with relentless physicality to secure the win with a running senton. These encounters solidified Niven's role as an enforcer in the women's division, often portrayed as an unyielding threat to more agile competitors. As 2019 progressed, Niven's ambitions turned toward the , leading to tensions with , a former titleholder and close real-life friend. On the January 2, 2020, episode of , the two engaged in a heated brawl after Storm demanded Niven's allegiance against champion , highlighting their competitive dynamic and setting the stage for a high-stakes confrontation. This rivalry peaked at TakeOver: Blackpool II on January 12, 2020, where Niven challenged Ray for the title in a triple threat match also involving Storm; despite strong showings, including a near-fall after her signature Michinoku Driver on Storm, Niven was eliminated when Ray pinned Storm following interference, allowing Ray to retain. The event underscored Niven's emergence as a credible main event contender, with her performance earning praise for blending power with resilience in the 13-minute clash. Niven's championship pursuits continued into late 2020 amid the , which suspended tapings from March to , resulting in limited exposure during that period. Upon the brand's return, she reignited her feud with , facing the champion in a non-title match on the September 24 episode, where Ray retained her edge with a KLR Driver after a competitive exchange that saw Niven dominate early with suplexes. The animosity escalated to a Falls Count Anywhere match on November 19, 's first of its kind in the women's division; Niven pushed Ray through tables and barricades in a brutal affair, but Jinny's interference allowed Ray to secure the pinfall victory outside the ring. These pandemic-era bouts emphasized Niven's versatility, adapting her powerhouse persona to no-holds-barred environments while navigating the brand's irregular schedule. In early 2021, as resumed more consistent programming, Niven vied for another title opportunity in a number one contender's match against Jinny on the January 7 episode, losing via submission to the House of Black's armbar after a back-and-forth contest that highlighted her endurance. She then participated in 's inaugural match on March 11, teaming with Jack to defeat Jinny and by pinfall, pinning Conners after a double-team sequence that reinforced her potential. Niven's tenure concluded shortly thereafter amid brand restructuring and her impending transition, leaving her mark as a key pillar in the women's division's evolution during a challenging period.

Main roster and Doudrop (2021–2023)

Piper Niven made her main roster debut on the June 14, 2021, episode of Raw, appearing as the unnamed enforcer for the returning and defeating Naomi via Michinoku in a match intended for Marie. The following week on June 21, Niven's new , Doudrop, was revealed by Marie after Doudrop attacked , solidifying her role as Marie's dominant and muscle in a heel alliance aimed at reestablishing Marie's presence. This partnership positioned Doudrop as a monstrous , leveraging her size and power for aggressive interventions, though tensions built as Doudrop sought greater independence. The alliance fractured on the August 30, 2021, episode of Raw, when Doudrop turned on by attacking her before their scheduled match against and Nikki A.S.H., embracing the "Doudrop" moniker as her own despite its origins as an insult from Marie. Now a solo competitor, Doudrop pursued the Raw Women's Championship, challenging and losing to champion on the September 27, 2021, episode of Raw in a high-stakes title match that highlighted her brute force against Flair's technical prowess. This period marked Doudrop's establishment as a formidable antagonist on Raw, with her character evolving from a silent enforcer to a vocal, intimidating presence driven by personal ambition. Entering 2022, Doudrop engaged in prominent s on Raw, including rivalries with and Raw Women's Champion . Doudrop earned her opportunity through victories in her with Belair, including a win by disqualification on December 27, 2021. The intensified with tag team clashes, such as Doudrop teaming with Lynch against Belair and on January 17, where post-match tensions underscored Doudrop's growing threat level. At on January 29, 2022, Doudrop challenged Lynch for the Raw Women's Championship in her first pay-per-view match on the main roster, delivering a competitive bout but ultimately submitting to the Dis-Arm-Her. Doudrop also participated in the women's that night, entering at number 27 and being eliminated shortly after by . Following the Royal Rumble, Doudrop continued midcard competition on Raw, facing top talents like Belair in singles matches, such as their February 21, 2022, encounter where Belair secured the win with the KOD. In the October 2022 , Doudrop was selected by SmackDown, shifting her to the blue brand for a fresh slate of opportunities amid ongoing midcard pushes. On SmackDown, she competed in multi-woman matches and contention, including bouts alongside Nikki A.S.H. as part of midcard contention. Her gimmick began to nuance beyond the initial "monster " archetype, incorporating more personality-driven promos that emphasized her Scottish heritage and resilience, allowing for layered storytelling in feuds. By early 2023, after a brief hiatus due to illness, Doudrop returned at the Royal Rumble on January 28, rebranded as Piper Niven and eliminating before being thrown out by the eventual winner, . This reversion to her original name signaled a character reset, distancing from the Doudrop persona's limitations and aiming for broader appeal. In the April , Niven was assigned to Raw, though her immediate post-draft storyline remained underdeveloped, focusing instead on establishing her as a renewed powerhouse in the women's division.

The Green Regime and tag team run (2023–2025)

In mid-2023, Piper Niven aligned with on following Sonya Deville's season-ending injury, replacing her as Green's partner and co-WWE Women's Tag Team Champion. The duo, who had won the titles together as Green and Deville on July 17, continued the reign with Niven officially recognized as champion starting August 14. They defended the championships against various challengers, including a successful retention over Natalya and on November 27, before losing the titles to Katana Chance and on December 18. Following the title loss, and Niven persisted as a dominant on Raw through early 2024, competing in high-profile matches such as a non-title bout against Chance and Carter on January 8. In the 2024 , both were selected by SmackDown in the fourth round, transitioning their partnership to the blue brand alongside other women's division talents like Naomi. On the SmackDown roster, they pursued the tag team titles anew, challenging for the titles in multi-team matches throughout 2024, including at premium live events like Crown Jewel on October 21. Niven also received a singles opportunity at Clash at the Castle on June 15, challenging Bayley for the with Green in her corner, though she fell short in the bout held in her home country of . The partnership evolved further in 2025 when Alba Fyre joined them on the March 8 episode of SmackDown, forming the stable known as —a group emphasizing Green's leadership, Niven's power, and Fyre's agility to dominate the women's division. This trio dynamic was showcased in coordinated entrances and interventions, strengthening their presence on SmackDown. The Secret Service's impact peaked on August 22 during a SmackDown episode, where Niven secured a pivotal singles victory over . With Fyre distracting the referee and Green raking Flair's eyes, Niven capitalized by delivering her signature Michinoku Driver for the pinfall, marking one of Niven's most significant main roster triumphs and elevating the stable's storyline momentum heading into late 2025.

Injury hiatus (2025)

In late August 2025, Piper Niven sustained a serious that led to her indefinite hiatus from programming, with the issue discovered and addressed in September when she was pulled from the road schedule. The , described by sources as involving potential nerve damage, has raised significant backstage concerns within about its severity and long-term implications for her in-ring career. Niven's last match occurred on the August 22, 2025, episode of SmackDown, where she defeated via pinfall following interference from her partners and Alba Fyre. Medical evaluations have been ongoing, with WWE's team and Niven exploring recovery options, though no official timeline for return has been established as of December 2025; while some insiders believe she can eventually compete again, others fear it could prove career-threatening, with reports indicating the injury might be career-ending. In response, WWE adjusted storylines for , her successful faction that had recently captured the , by having Green publicly affirm they would not replace Niven and instead pause major arcs pending her status. On social media, Niven shared a personal update in October 2025, posting about a road trip across the with the caption, "Road Trip pt 1. Exploring America one holler at a time," reflecting a focus on personal exploration during her recovery period amid the uncertainty of her future. In late December 2025, Niven responded to a warning from William Regal about the risks of neck injuries in wrestling, stating, "The line between I feel fine and I just want to feel ok again is horrifically thin," highlighting the ongoing challenges of her condition.

In-ring style and personas

Wrestling style

Piper Niven employs a powerhouse wrestling style defined by overwhelming strength, stiff strikes, and high-impact maneuvers, drawing heavily from British strong style traditions honed during her early career in promotions like (ICW). This foundation emphasizes suplexes, powerslams, and intense brawling exchanges, allowing her to dominate opponents through physicality and relentless pressure. Her time in from 2016 to 2019 further refined her approach with joshi puroresu influences, incorporating agile sentons and technical holds that blend power with precision, despite her imposing 5-foot-8-inch, 220-pound frame. Niven's signature moveset highlights her explosive capabilities, including the Piper Driver—a sitout that plants foes with authority—and the Michinoku Driver, a bridging inverted often used to secure victories. She frequently deploys the Cannonball Senton and Vader Bomb as crushing aerial assaults, targeting the midsection to wear down larger adversaries, while powerslams and avalanches underscore her brawling prowess in close-quarters combat. These techniques capitalize on her strengths in raw power and resilience, enabling high-impact spots that belie her size. Transitioning from the independent circuit and to WWE's in 2019 and the main roster thereafter, Niven adapted her style to a more televised, athletic format, evolving to mitigate speed limitations through smarter positioning and opportunistic bursts of agility. While her deliberate pace can expose vulnerabilities against faster strikers, post- refinements have amplified her versatility, allowing seamless integration of chains and senton variations into WWE's high-stakes environments.

Gimmicks and character development

In her early career on the independent circuit from 2007 to 2013, Kimberly Benson performed under the ring name Viper, portraying a versatile babyface emphasizing technical skill and emerging strength against various opponents. This persona drew from her training in Scottish wrestling schools and earned her initial acclaim in promotions like Scottish Wrestling Entertainment. Benson continued using the ring name Viper upon joining Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW) in 2013, evolving into a dominant powerhouse leveraging her size and strength to overpower competitors in a more intimidating role. This shift continued during her 2016–2019 stint in , where she further solidified her image as an unyielding force, capturing the and adapting her style to the promotion's hard-hitting environment while maintaining a alignment focused on brute dominance. Upon signing with in 2017, Niven debuted in the Mae Young Classic as herself before moving to in 2019, where she was reimagined as a silent, monstrous —a stoic enforcer who rarely spoke, relying on physical to challenge top stars like and Jinny. This character development highlighted her as an unstoppable giant in the women's division, building on her ICW dominance but stripping away verbal flair for a more menacing presence. She adopted the ring name due to a conflict with another wrestler using Viper in . Niven's main roster call-up in 2021 marked a heel turn on June 14, when she aligned with as her protégé under the renamed Doudrop gimmick, shifting to a comical persona that paired her with valets like Lana () for humorous segments emphasizing over-the-top antics and mismatched partnerships. Fan reception was largely negative, with widespread criticism focusing on the comical persona and its departure from her established powerhouse identity, though her Scottish heritage occasionally surfaced in promos to evoke national pride, resonating with audiences during events like Clash at the Castle. Another heel turn occurred on August 14, 2023, when she aggressively inserted herself into Chelsea Green's corner to win the , evolving into an aggressive heel within The Green Regime stable, including the Secret Hervice subunit with Green and Alba Fyre. In her 2023–2025 role with The Green Regime, Niven embodied loyalty as the group's brute enforcer, using her physicality to protect allies and dominate rivals in a faction dynamic that amplified her intimidating traits while incorporating subtle Scottish pride elements, such as attire, which garnered positive fan support from her . This persona peaked in multi-woman matches and title defenses, portraying her as a steadfast, force-of-nature guardian. As of November 2025, her alignment remains with , though her in-ring activities are paused (see Injury hiatus section).

Media and other ventures

Video games

Piper Niven debuted in video games as Doudrop in the Clowning Around Pack DLC for , released on June 28, 2022, where she was featured as a playable character with her signature entrance animation and a moveset emphasizing power-based strikes and submissions. She returned as Doudrop in before appearing under her Piper Niven ring name in WWE 2K24 and WWE 2K25, with updated attires reflecting her tag team era partnership with on the Raw and SmackDown brands. In these titles, Niven remains a playable character classified as a , boasting an overall rating of 79 in both WWE 2K24 and WWE 2K25.

Television and endorsements

Piper Niven has appeared in several non-wrestling television features that explore her career and personal experiences in . In November 2017, Niven was interviewed by , where she discussed discovering wrestling as a , adopting her inspired by her bagpipe-playing background and father's name, and the physical demands of competing alongside male wrestlers in Scotland's independent scene. In June 2018, she starred in the documentary episode "Fight Like a " from the "Our Lives" series, which chronicled her daily training regimen in , international tours including a trip to for events, and the personal motivations driving her pursuit of a full-time wrestling career despite size-related stereotypes.

Championships and achievements

Major titles

Piper Niven, known earlier in her career as Viper, has captured several prestigious championships that highlight her dominance in women's wrestling across independent circuits and . Her major title wins include multiple reigns with the (ICW) Women's Championship, a significant run with the Stardom-affiliated SWA Undisputed World Women's Championship, two reigns with the WWE 24/7 Championship, and a reign alongside . These accomplishments underscore her versatility and power-based style in high-profile matches.

ICW Women's Championship

Niven won the ICW Women's Championship twice between 2015 and 2018, establishing herself as a cornerstone of the promotion's women's division. Her first reign began on , 2015, when she defeated and Nikki Storm in a final at Fear & Loathing VIII to become the inaugural champion; she held the title for 49 days before losing it to Carmel on January 3, 2016. Her second reign started on February 12, 2018, after defeating at ICW's event, and lasted 293 days until she dropped the title to on December 2, 2018, at ICW's . Across both reigns, Niven accumulated 342 days as champion, during which she defended the title against notable opponents, solidifying the belt's prestige on the indie scene.

SWA Undisputed World Women's Championship

Niven captured the SWA Undisputed World Women's Championship once on March 28, 2018, defeating in a title-vs.-title match at 's Dream Slam 2018, where her ICW Women's Championship was also at stake. She held the title for 292 days, losing it to on January 14, 2019, at 's World Big Summer in . This reign was significant as one of the longest in the title's up to that point, with Niven making multiple defenses in against top talent, elevating the championship's international profile through cross-promotional bouts.

WWE 24/7 Championship

Niven won the WWE 24/7 Championship twice in 2022. Her first reign occurred on June 23, 2022, lasting less than one day before losing it. Her second reign began on July 18, 2022, also lasting less than one day. These short reigns marked her first WWE championship successes during her time on the main roster as Doudrop.

WWE Women's Tag Team Championship

Niven and Chelsea Green won the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship on August 14, 2023, when Niven replaced the injured Sonya Deville as Green's partner following Green's initial win on July 17, 2023. The duo held the titles for 126 days, defending successfully against teams like Damage CTRL (Kairi Sane and IYO SKY) and Indi Hartwell and Zoey Stark before losing to Katana Chance and Kayden Carter on December 18, 2023, at WWE Raw. This reign marked Niven's first WWE championship gold on the main roster and highlighted the pair's chemistry within The Green Regime stable, contributing to the division's tag team emphasis during their tenure.
TitleReignsTotal Days HeldNotable Opponents in Defenses
ICW Women's Championship2342Session Moth Martina (win for second reign)
SWA Undisputed World Women's Championship1292,
WWE 24/7 Championship2<1 (each)N/A (short reigns)
WWE Women's Tag Team Championship (w/ )1126, &

Other accolades

In 2017, Niven competed in the inaugural Mae Young Classic tournament, advancing to the quarterfinals where she faced fellow Scottish wrestler before being eliminated. Niven received recognition from , ranking No. 37 in the 2017 PWI Female 50, No. 54 in the 2018 PWI Top 100 Female Wrestlers, No. 75 in the 2019 PWI Top 100 Female Wrestlers, No. 142 in the 2023 PWI Women's 250, and No. 105 in the 2025 PWI Women's 250. Alongside partner , Niven earned a nomination for Best Female in the 2023 SLAM! Wrestling Awards and won the Women's of the Year at the 2023 Fightful Awards, which were determined by fan nominations and votes.

References

  1. https://www.thesportster.com/wwe-piper-niven-age-height-relationship-fatcs-trivia/
  2. https://www.wwe.com/superstars/piper-niven
  3. https://www.espn.com/espnw/culture/feature/article/20454690/the-mae-young-classic-matchups-need-watch
  4. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9746203/bio/
  5. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wrestlers/piper-niven
  6. https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxtuk/nxt-uk-takeover-blackpool-2/article/piper-niven-vs-toni-storm-vs-kay-lee-ray-results
  7. https://411mania.com/wrestling/piper-niven-status-amid-injury/
  8. https://www.newsweek.com/sports/wrestling/former-wwe-champion-may-never-wrestle-again-2-11283878
  9. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9746203/
  10. https://nypost.com/2018/06/06/this-global-wrestling-star-was-a-body-hating-tomboy-growing-up/
  11. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/piper-niven-reveals-real-reason-144900940.html
  12. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-42001532
  13. https://www.diva-dirt.com/doudrop-gets-married-shares-wedding-photos/
  14. https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/piper-niven-net-worth
  15. https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2020/11/30/scottish-stars-launch-wrestlekind-campaign/
  16. https://www.oscr.org.uk/about-charities/search-the-register/charity-details?number=SC050688
  17. https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wrestlekind
  18. https://twitter.com/wrestlekind
  19. https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/news/wwe/piper-niven-neck-injury-update
  20. https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/rumor-current-smackdown-star-s-wwe-career-might-due-devastating-injury-reports
  21. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/piper-niven-on-william-regals-warning-about-neck-injuries-the-line-between-i-feel-fine-and-i-just-want-to-feel-ok-again-is-horrifically-thin/
  22. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=13153
  23. https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/Insane_Championship_Wrestling
  24. https://www.wwe.com/article/piper-niven
  25. https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2018/03/01/2018-beginners-guide-stardom-wrestlers-titles-tournaments/
  26. https://globalwrestlingnetwork.com/wrestling/wwe-2025/piper-niven/
  27. https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxtuk/2019-5-15/article/piper-niven-def-jamie-hayter
  28. https://www.thesportster.com/gimmicks-wwe-stars-used-indies/
  29. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2944891-piper-nivens-name-change-to-doudrop-continues-wwes-trend-of-failing-nxt-talent
  30. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/doudrop-grew-her-new-name-i-get-it-i-m-not-playing-piper-niven-anymore/
  31. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/roster/wwe-face-heel-turns-list?year=2021
  32. https://metro.co.uk/2024/06/08/wwe-star-savagely-hits-back-disrespectful-fans-3-word-roast-20997436/
  33. https://www.thesportster.com/wwe-raw/eva-marie-wwe-raw-return-disaster/
  34. https://www.ringsidenews.com/mark-henry-believes-doudrops-wwe-gimmick-beneath-her/
  35. https://whatculture.com/wwe/10-absolute-worst-gimmicks-in-wwe-right-now?page=9
  36. https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1465035-piper-niven-on-wwe-clash-at-the-castle-in-glasgow-the-scottish-people-deserve-this
  37. https://www.ringsidenews.com/piper-nivens-wwe-future-jeopardy-company-evaluates-career-threatening-neck-injury/
  38. https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-doudrop-reacts-joining-wwe-2k22-roster
  39. https://wwe.2k.com/2k24/roster-list/
  40. https://wwe.2k.com/2k25/roster/
  41. https://www.thesportster.com/wwe-2k24-complete-game-roster-dlc-legends-wrestlers/
  42. https://gamerant.com/wwe-2k25-full-roster-all-superstars-ratings/
  43. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-44381620
  44. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=114959
  45. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=195839
  46. https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2018/03/29/andnew-viper-wins-stardom-swa-championship/
  47. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=212746
  48. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=2998
  49. https://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/24-7-championship
  50. https://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwe-womens-tag-team-championship
  51. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=378194
  52. https://www.wwe.com/videos/piper-niven-vs-toni-storm-quarterfinal-match-mae-young-classic-sept-4-2017
  53. https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/Piper_Niven
  54. https://www.outsports.com/2025/11/14/24122095/pwi-womens-250-out-lgbtq-wrestlers-list/
  55. https://slamwrestling.net/features/slam-2023-awards-best-female-tag-team/
  56. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/full-fightful-awards-2023-winners-list/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.