Inside the wild NXT naming process that shaped Liv Morgan’s identity
Summary
– Liv Morgan revealed WWE almost approved the name Oprah during her NXT days
– Multiple name pitches were rejected before Liv Morgan was assigned
– The story was shared during Stephanie McMahon’s podcast appearance
Liv Morgan has never been shy about sharing behind-the-scenes stories, but this one surprised even longtime fans. During an appearance on Stephanie McMahon’s What’s Your Story podcast, Morgan explained just how unpredictable WWE’s naming process was when she arrived in NXT.
Morgan revealed that incoming talent was required to submit lists of potential ring names, many of which were immediately rejected. Her early preferences leaned toward something unconventional, as she wanted a name that did not sound like a traditional real-world identity.
After seeing multiple lists turned down, frustration set in. Morgan admitted she jokingly added the name Oprah to the bottom of a later submission, never expecting it to be taken seriously. Instead, the name stuck internally, becoming a running joke among WWE executives and trainers.
Stephanie McMahon confirmed the story, recalling conversations with Triple H about the unusual pitch. The idea of calling a new performer “Oprah” raised eyebrows backstage, but it also highlighted how unpredictable the naming process was at the time.
Ironically, Morgan also clarified that she did not personally choose the name Liv Morgan. While she liked Liv, she was initially unsure about Morgan. Over time, the name grew on her and eventually became inseparable from her identity.
Looking back, Morgan acknowledged how close her career came to taking a very different turn. While Oprah never made it to television, the story adds another layer to the winding road that led to Liv Morgan becoming a global WWE star.
