Darby Allin has become a household name in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is set to partake in the highly anticipated Four Pillars match for the prestigious AEW World Championship. Known for his fearless demeanor and captivating in-ring style, he has captivated audiences across the globe.
However, his journey to stardom began with something other than AEW. A remarkable chapter in his life involves a deep connection with someone equally talented – his wife, Gigi Dolin.
In her pre-WWE days, Dolin, formerly Priscilla Kelly, is a well-known name in the wrestling industry. Before her time in WWE, she was a two-time NXT Tag Team Champion, dominating the ring alongside Jacy Jayne as a part of the now-defunct faction known as Toxic Attraction.
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However, the wrestling journeys of Allin and Dolin commenced long before their time with AEW and WWE, respectively. During this period, these two exceptional athletes crossed paths, forming a deep connection that transcended the wrestling ring. They were formerly married, and their love story intertwined with their shared passion for the sport.
Darby Allin married Gigi Dolin in 2018
In November 2018, the wrestling world witnessed a remarkable union when Allin and Dolin tied the knot. However, their journey to the altar was not just a result of their connection but also a witness to their shared passion for the sport they loved.
Darby Alling got married to his wife Gigi Dolin in 2018 (Source: Ring the damn Bell)
Allin’s wrestling career began in 2014 when he burst onto the scene with his carefree, high-flying style. Competing in various promotions such as EVOLVE Wrestling, Full Impact Pro, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, GCW, Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, and Progress Wrestling, he faced off against some of wrestling’s future stars, engaging in thrilling battles with the likes of Sammy Guevara Brian Cage, and Sami Callihan.
During these formative years of his career, he crossed paths with Dolin. Their paths intersected, leading to the development of a deep connection. Within four months of their encounter, the duo boldly decided to exchange vows, solidifying their commitment to each other and their wrestling careers.
The prospect of incorporating their real-life relationship into their professional wrestling personas soon arose. Offers were made for Dolin to join AEW and be paired with Allin as his on-screen wife. However, she recognized the potential challenges and limitations of such a role. She expressed her concerns about being forever known as “just his wife” and having her accomplishments overshadowed by the comparison to her husband.
Dolin emphasized her desire be seen as an equal powerhouse within the wrestling industry, where both partners bring their unique talents. Her refusal to be labeled Allin’s wife highlighted her determination to carve out her path, separate from her spouse’s success.
Darby Allin and his wife announced divorce after two years
The journey of Allin and his wife took an unexpected turn as the couple announced their divorce less than two years after their marriage. On August 10, 2020, Dolin took to Twitter to share the news, revealing they were parting ways.
In a subsequent interview on Vickie Guerrero’s Excuse Me podcast, Dolin confirmed the separation, shedding light on their decision’s circumstances. She addressed the assumptions and speculations of fans, stating that people often assumed it was a one-sided breakup or that she regretted the separation because of Allin’s rising superstar status.
She emphasized that these assumptions were far from the truth and that the reasons behind their divorce were more complex and personal. She explained that they realized they had gotten married at a young age and at a rapid pace.
The couple had only dated for four months before Allin proposed. While such quick commitments may work for some, they realize they weren’t emotionally mature enough to handle the weight and expectations of marriage. They acknowledged that the label of marriage had added significant pressure and stress to their relationship, causing strain and difficulties.
With a mature perspective, she revealed that they decided to remove the label of marriage from their relationship and allow themselves to reassess and navigate their connection without the added pressure. In their case, the divorce wasn’t driven by any dramatic or acrimonious events but rather a mutual recognition of their individual growth and the need for space to evolve independently.
Darby Allin and Gigi Dolin do not have bad blood between them
Despite their divorce, Allin and Dolin have managed to maintain a positive and amicable relationship. In her interview, she spoke openly about the current dynamic between her and him, emphasizing that they have a strong friendship and spend significant time together.
Darby Allin remains good friends with his ex-wife, Gigi Dolin (Source: TIM International)
Removing the label of marriage has allowed them to redefine their connection and focus on their individual growth without the pressure and conflict often accompanying the dissolution of a romantic relationship.
She described their post-divorce relationship as one of mutual support and understanding. She mentioned they no longer experience conflicts and have established a harmonious rapport.
Acknowledging their youth and the ongoing process of self-discovery, Dolin recognized that she and him are still navigating their career paths and determining their aspirations in life. They have approached this transitional phase with maturity, recognizing that personal growth takes time, and are still exploring their ways.
Furthermore, she encouraged people to challenge the negative connotations of divorce, asserting that it doesn’t always signify a disastrous ending or animosity between ex-partners. She advocated for a perspective that allows for personal development and the potential for second chances.