Kris Statlander has transformed from an alien to become “More Than A Woman” on AEW programming.
Amidst her recent return to All Elite Wrestling, Kris Statlander has traded in her alien-like persona to become “More Than A Woman.” In speaking with Steel Chair Magazine, Statlander revealed what prompted the decision to change her character:
“Presenting myself differently was something that I wanted to do, it was 100 percent my decision. I felt like as many opportunities as I may have been getting, I was never really being fully taken seriously. I wasn’t sure what was holding me back, maybe it was because I was too fun, too lovable, I guess, too goofy and easygoing. As I said, I know my potential and I know how much more I have to offer. If I wasn’t given the opportunity to show everything that I can, presenting myself in that other way, then maybe a new look, a new perspective will grab the attention of the people that really need to see it and we’ll finally kind of flip the switch in their mind and be like, ‘oh she’s actually someone not to be messed,’” Statlander admitted.
“I got tired of people looking down on me and making fun of me and being like, ‘oh she’s too nice,’ and stuff like, ‘oh you can take advantage of her,’ which has happened with my former friendships multiple times,” she continued. “I’m just here to show that you can’t walk all over me, I’m not just some fun little quirky alien. Being ‘More Than A Woman’ alludes to being different and that’s really what I’m all about, just being okay with being different but in a more serious way.”
The power of @callmekrisstat is out of this world! It’s #AEWRampage on @tntdrama! pic.twitter.com/zwH7RKSBL1
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 20, 2022
Statlander also went on to explain what she believes defines her “More Than A Woman” mantra and how she aims to break stereotypes.
“The whole idea of ‘More Than A Woman’ is that, so many times, people see a female and they’ll have these preconceived notions and whatnot. Every time I go and step into the ring, I always do something no one expects me to do, I always show something new. It’s just always different with me and you never know what you’re going to get with me. I’m not saying I’m a wild card but it’s more than what meets the eye, it’s more than what you’ll ever expect, and it’s a constant exceeding of expectations,” she explained.
“That’s kind of what ‘More Than A Woman’ is, it’s not even about being better than other women, it’s more like me trying to show that the term woman is just so like one standard type thing and it’s not fair to us that work harder to better ourselves. In fact, it’s me trying to explain to the world that there’s more to everybody, in a way. You can have your preconceived notions but those need to be changed most of the time.”