Adriana Rizzo, born Anna Jade Keefer on December 26, 1998, in St. Michael-Albertville, Minnesota, is an American professional wrestler currently signed with WWE and performing on the NXT brand.
After distinguishing herself as a collegiate track and field athlete, Rizzo transitioned into pro wrestling and has rapidly emerged as a multi-talented performer combining athleticism, character work, and in-ring presence.
Her journey reflects resilience, adaptation, and ambition as she has navigated injuries and storyline developments to carve out her identity in the world of sports entertainment.
Early life and background
Adriana was raised in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region of Minnesota, where her athletic promise first manifested in high-school competition.
She pursued higher education at the University of North Carolina (UNC), majoring in media productions and interdisciplinary studies, underscoring her interest not only in athletic performance but in the broader storytelling and presentation aspects of sport.
During her time at UNC, she competed as a member of the track and field team and earned multiple NCAA All-American honors, as well as becoming the ACC Indoor Long Jump Champion in 2022.
Career beginnings
Rizzo’s transition from collegiate athletics to professional wrestling began when she signed with WWE as part of the WWE Performance Center’s Fall 2022 rookie class. She made her in-ring debut on October 28, 2022, at an NXT live event, participating in a battle royal.
Early in her journey, she faced a major setback when she suffered an Achilles tendon rupture in 2023, sidelining her for several months and delaying the start of her televised wrestling career.
Despite these challenges, she remained committed to training and development, honing her in-ring skills and character work behind the scenes.
Rise to fame
Rizzo’s rise to prominence began when she adopted the ring name “Adriana Rizzo.” In November 2023, she aligned herself with the faction known as the D’Angelo Family, alongside Tony D’Angelo and Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo, on NXT.
Her involvement with the group gave her valuable exposure and allowed her to showcase both her athletic and acting abilities through compelling storytelling. On the February 13, 2024, episode of NXT, she wrestled her first televised singles match, marking a defining moment in her young career.
Her performance drew widespread attention and praise, helping her gain recognition among fans and within the WWE community. Though she had not yet captured a championship at that point, her charisma, athletic background, and growing confidence made her one of NXT’s most promising newcomers.
Major achievements and career highlights
Although still early in her wrestling career, Rizzo already has several notable achievements. In her track and field days, she earned five NCAA All-American honors and claimed the ACC Indoor Long Jump title in 2022.
In wrestling, she made her debut on October 28, 2022, and went on to compete in key matches, including a Gauntlet match on the August 20, 2024, edition of NXT for the NXT Women’s Championship number-one contender opportunity. Her power, agility, and ring awareness have been widely noted, and her performances continue to build momentum.
In August 2025, she announced she had suffered a torn ACL and meniscus, another significant injury that tested her resilience but also highlighted her commitment to recovery and return.