Sonny Kiss facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sonny Kiss
Kiss in Feb 2025
Born	(1993-12-11) December 11, 1993 (age 31) Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
Alma mater	Bryan University (AA, BSc)
Relatives	Rodney Tate (uncle) Emmitt Smith (cousin)
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)	Sonny Kiss XO Lishus
Billed height	5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Billed weight	190 lb (86 kg)
Billed from	Jersey City, New Jersey
Trained by	Dustin Rhodes Gino Caruso
Debut	November 4, 2011

Sunny Aziza Tate (born December 11, 1993), better known as Sonny Kiss, is an American professional wrestler, dancer, and manager. Kiss started in wrestling in 2011 as a manager and began wrestling two years later.

In 2018, Kiss became known across the country while wrestling in Lucha Underground with the ring name XO Lishus. After Lucha Underground, Kiss signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2019 and stayed with the company until 2023.

Early Life and Training

Sonny Kiss was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on December 11, 1993. Kiss went to a performing arts high school and studied dance. Kiss learned many styles, including modern, ballet, jazz, and hip hop.

Before becoming a wrestler, Kiss was a background dancer and choreographer for musicians. This dance background helped create a unique and athletic wrestling style.

Professional Wrestling Career

Getting Started on the Independent Circuit

Sonny Kiss first appeared in wrestling as a manager in November 2011. A manager in wrestling helps a wrestler and often speaks for them. In September 2013, Kiss had a first official match in New Jersey.

After that, Kiss wrestled for different independent promotions. These are smaller wrestling companies where many stars get their start.

Lucha Underground (2018)

In 2018, Kiss joined a popular TV show called Lucha Underground as the character XO Lishus. On June 27, Kiss won a debut match against Jack Evans.

Kiss also teamed up with other wrestlers like Ivelisse and Joey Ryan. They competed for the Trios Title, which is a championship for teams of three.

All Elite Wrestling (2019–2023)

In February 2019, it was announced that Sonny Kiss had signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a major wrestling company.

First Matches in AEW

Kiss's first big match in AEW was at the Double or Nothing event. Kiss competed in a 21-person match called the Casino Battle Royale. Later, at Fight for the Fallen, Kiss defeated Peter Avalon to get a first win in AEW.

Teaming with Joey Janela

In March 2020, Kiss formed a tag team with Joey Janela. They had several matches together on AEW's shows, Dynamite and Dark. The team became popular with fans.

On July 15, 2020, Kiss had a major opportunity at Fight for the Fallen. Kiss challenged Cody for the AEW TNT Championship but did not win the match.

Feuds and Challenges

At the All Out event, Kiss eliminated the much larger Jake Hager from the Casino Battle Royale. This led to a No Disqualification Tag Team match where Kiss and Janela faced Hager and Chris Jericho.

In October 2020, Kiss entered a tournament to become the number one contender for the AEW World Championship. Kiss faced Kenny Omega in the first round but was eliminated.

The End of a Tag Team

In 2021, problems started to grow between Kiss and Joey Janela. After a series of losses, Janela attacked Kiss, ending their team. This started a feud between the two former partners. They had several matches against each other to settle their differences.

The Trustbusters and Leaving AEW

On August 12, 2022, Kiss returned to TV after almost two years. Kiss joined a group called The Trustbusters, led by Ari Daivari. This was a surprise to fans, as Kiss turned against Orange Cassidy. In September 2023, Kiss's contract with AEW was not renewed, and Kiss left the company.

Impact Wrestling (2023)

Kiss made a surprise debut in Impact Wrestling on October 21, 2023. Kiss competed in a 20-person match at the Bound for Glory event. A few weeks later, Kiss challenged Trinity for the Knockouts World Championship but was unsuccessful.

Personal Life

Kiss is a certified yoga instructor and earned a degree in Exercise Science in 2020. Kiss enjoys pop culture from the 1990s and early 2000s, including fashion, video games, and music.

Some of Kiss's biggest wrestling influences include Chyna, Rob Van Dam, Rey Mysterio, and Trish Stratus.

On January 3, 2025, Kiss got engaged to fellow wrestler Billy Dixon. They were married on March 8, 2025.

Music Career

In February 2022, Sonny Kiss recorded a song called "Whatcha Lookin' At". The song was part of an AEW music album and was also featured in the video game AEW Fight Forever.

Championships and Accomplishments

• American Championship Wrestling
  • ACE Fight or Flight Champion (1 time)
• Capitol Wrestling
  • Catalyst Wrestling Championship (1 time)
• East Coast Professional Wrestling
  • East Coast Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • Ranked No. 164 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2020
• Tier 1 Wrestling
  • Tier 1 Championship (1 time)
• Warriors of Wrestling
  • WOW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • WOW No Limits Championship (1 time)
  • King of New York (2018)
  • Woman of the Year (2022 and 2023)
• Women's Wrestling Hall of Fame
  • WWHOF Award (1 time)
    • Pride Award (2024)

See also

In Spanish: Sonny Kiss para niños