Sonny Kiss

Sonny Kiss, born Sunny Aziza Tate on December 11, 1993, in Jersey City, New Jersey, embarked on their professional wrestling journey in 2011. Prior to entering professional wrestling, Kiss developed a strong foundation in performing arts, attending a performing arts high school where studies included musical theatre and various dance styles such as modern, ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop. In 2011, Kiss participated in the New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s (NJPAC) Summer Youth Performance Workshop and later won first place in dance at the Hudson County Teen Arts Festival. This early exposure to performance informed Kiss’s later professional identity as a captivating presence in the wrestling ring. By 2013, Kiss became a certified personal trainer and yoga instructor, further solidifying their commitment to physical discipline and wellness.

Kiss transitioned from a manager/valet debut in November 2011 to an in-ring performer in September 2013 at East Coast Pro Wrestling in New Jersey. The national spotlight found Kiss in 2018 with their debut in Lucha Underground under the ring name XO Lishus. During this period, Kiss engaged in notable matches, including an initial victory over Jack Evans and later teaming with Ivelisse in various contests, including a Trios Title match loss to the Reptile Tribe on September 29, 2018. The following year, in February 2019, Kiss signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), marking a significant career progression. Their AEW debut occurred at the inaugural Double or Nothing pay-per-view on May 25, 2019, participating in the Casino Battle Royale. Kiss secured their first AEW win against Peter Avalon at Fight for the Fallen on July 13, 2019.

Within AEW, Kiss formed a tag team with Joey Janela in March 2020. This partnership led to appearances on AEW Dark and AEW Dynamite, including a notable challenge against Cody for the AEW TNT Championship at Fight for the Fallen on July 15, 2020, though Kiss was unsuccessful. Over time, the tag team faced dissension, culminating in Janela attacking Kiss in August 2021, leading to a brief feud. Kiss made a return to television on AEW Rampage on August 12, 2022, and later aligned with The Trustbusters stable as a heel. In September 2023, Kiss’s contract with AEW was not renewed, leading to their debut in Impact Wrestling on October 21, 2023, at Bound for Glory, participating in the Call Your Shot Gauntlet match. Kiss also competed in a non-title match against Knockouts World Champion Trinity on November 16, 2023. Beyond wrestling, Kiss released a song titled “Whatcha Lookin’ At” featuring Brinson in February 2022, which was included in the AEW: Who We Are soundtrack and the AEW Fight Forever video game. Kiss earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology in November 2020.