Biography

Stephanie Finochio: How former WWE diva became a top stuntwoman in Hollywood

Stephanie Finochio: How former WWE diva became a top stuntwoman in Hollywood

Stephanie Finochio, best known by her wrestling name “Trinity”, initially gained fame as a WWE Diva and TNA Knockout. She has since successfully transitioned from the wrestling ring to the film industry, establishing herself as a skilled stuntwoman and actress. 

Here is all you need to know about the former WWE star.

Stephanie Finochio biography

Stephanie Finochio posing
Photo Source: (X)

Stephanie Finochio was born on December 1, 1971, in Long Island, New York, United States. An American by nationality, she has Italian roots that reflect in her surname and adds to her rich cultural background. Finochio grew up in a typical suburban environment on Long Island, where she nurtured a passion for physical activity and performance from a young age. 

Finochio attended Lindenhurst Senior High School, where she graduated in 1989. Her interest in academics was as strong as her passion for physical activities, which led her to pursue further studies at Dowling College. There, she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1994. Demonstrating her commitment to education, she later returned to Dowling and obtained a master’s degree in education in 2000.

Finochio developed an interest in dance and physical fitness. She has over 20 years of experience as a dancer and is a certified aerobics instructor. This combination of physical prowess and academic achievement provided a strong foundation for her diverse career, which eventually spanned the worlds of professional wrestling, stunt work and acting.

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Stephanie Finochio career

Stephanie Finochio during her wrestling days
Photo Source: (Blogspot.com)

Finochio’s professional journey began in the world of wrestling. After completing her training, she made her debut on October 10, 2002, using the ring name “Stephanie Trinity”. This marked the start of her wrestling career and she quickly gained attention for her athleticism and charisma. Her first victory came shortly after, when she defeated Simply Luscious on October 13, 2002.

One of Finochio’s notable appearances was in Chikara, a well-known wrestling promotion, where she wrestled under the ring name “Stephanie Starr”. Although she lost her debut match to Mercedes Martinez, her determination never wavered. She continued to participate in various wrestling events, including competing for the NWA Canadian Women’s Championship against Bam Bam Bambi in January 2003, although she did not win the title.

In September 2003, Finochio achieved a significant milestone by winning the CSWF Women’s Championship after defeating April Hunter. She held onto this title for nearly a year, defending it successfully until losing it in a four-way match in August 2004. Her reign lasted an impressive 350 days, solidifying her status as a formidable competitor in the wrestling world.

Finochio’s talent soon caught the attention of NWA Total Nonstop Action (TNA), where she began appearing under the ring name “Trinity.” She made her debut as a valet for the tag team Divine Storm in November 2002. Although initially managing other wrestlers, Finochio’s wrestling abilities soon took centre stage. She made her in-ring debut in January 2003, teaming with Kid Kash to defeat Desire and Sonny Siaki in a mixed tag team match.

Throughout her time in TNA, Trinity became known for her fearless attitude and willingness to take on challenging roles. In March 2003, she competed in a three-way match for the X Division Championship, becoming only the second woman in TNA history to compete for one of the promotion’s male championships. Though she did not win, this match highlighted her versatility and competitiveness.

As her career progressed, Trinity’s character evolved. She turned heel or villainous in June 2003 by attacking Goldylock and later aligning with Vince Russo. This marked a turning point in her career as she embraced a darker persona. In April 2004, she formed the New York Connection (NYC) alongside Glenn Gilbertti, Vito LoGrasso and Johnny Swinger. The group engaged in various feuds, with Finochio often facing off against Desire in heated matches. One of their most memorable bouts was a stretcher match, where Finochio emerged victorious.

In 2004, Finochio further cemented her reputation by defeating Jacqueline Moore at TNA’s inaugural Victory Road pay-per-view. Her involvement in TNA also included a storyline with Tracy Brooks and Dusty Rhodes over the position of Rhodes’ assistant. Although Finochio’s team lost the decisive match, her presence in the promotion remained strong as she managed wrestlers like Michael Shane and continued her feud with Brooks.

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)

After her successful run in TNA, Finochio sought new opportunities and received a tryout with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in November 2005. Following this, she was signed by WWE and sent to their developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), where she made her debut in March 2006. During her time in OVW, she participated in various matches, often playing the role of a tough and determined competitor.

In June 2006, Trinity made her WWE debut on the ECW brand as the manager for The Full Blooded Italians (FBI), a group consisting of Little Guido, Tony Mamaluke, and Big Guido. Her time with ECW was eventful, though it was also marred by an unfortunate knee injury sustained during a match in June 2006. This injury required surgery and kept her out of action for several months.

Stephanie Finochio in the ring
Photo Source: (Devianart)

After recovering, Trinity returned to in-ring competition, though her time in WWE was relatively brief. She won the first-ever “ECW Diva Halloween Costume Contest” in October 2006, showcasing her popularity among fans. However, her wrestling career with WWE came to an end in January 2007, after which she was released from her contract in June of that year.

Transition to stunt work and acting

Following her departure from WWE, Finochio retired from professional wrestling and focused on her work as a stuntwoman and actress. Her experience in physical performance and her background in dance made her a natural fit for the world of stunts. Over the years, she contributed to a variety of films and television shows, often performing dangerous and complex stunts that required both skill and bravery.

Finochio’s filmography is extensive and includes work in major films such as Anaconda (1997), Spider-Man 2 (2004), and The Bourne Ultimatum (2007). Her television credits include appearances in popular series like Oz (2002) and Sex and the City (2003). Throughout her stunt career, Finochio demonstrated the same determination and physical prowess that had made her a success in wrestling.

Even after stepping away from the wrestling ring, Finochio remained active in the world of sports. In April 2012, she began competing in roller derby as a member of the Strong Island Derby Revolution. In 2013, she made a one-night return to TNA at their Knockouts Knockdown event, where she faced ODB in a match that aired in September of that year.

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Stephanie Finochio movies

Stephanie Finochio in a movie
Photo Source: (Patch)

Finochio has had a prolific career as a stunt performer and coordinator, contributing her skills to a wide range of films and television shows. 

Here are some of her works:

  • Homicide (1991) – Stunts
  • U Turn (1997) – Stunt Double for Jennifer Lopez
  • Anaconda (1997) – Stunt Double for Jennifer Lopez
  • The Tic Code (1998) – Utility Stunts
  • A Murder of Crows (1998) – Stunt Driver
  • USMA West Point (1998) – Stunt Double
  • Fever (1999) – Stunts
  • Stringer (1999) – Stunt Double
  • Jesus’ Son (1999) – Stunts
  • Nora (2000) – Stunts
  • Keeping the Faith (2000) – Stunt Double
  • Frequency (2000) – Utility Stunts
  • Pollock (2000) – Stunts (credited as Stephanie Finnocchio)
  • Brooklyn Babylon (2001) – Stunt Double
  • Last Request (2001) – Stunts
  • Oz (2002) – Stunts (1 episode)
  • Bad Company (2002) – Stunt Double
  • Stuart Little 2 (2002) – Stunts
  • Swimfan (2002) – Stunts
  • The Beat (2003) – Stunts
  • Daredevil (2003) – Stunt Double for Jennifer Garner / Stunts (Uncredited)
  • Sex and the City (2003) – Stunt Double for Samantha (1 episode)
  • School of Rock (2003) – Stunts
  • Solos (2003) – Stunts
  • Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) – Stunt Player
  • Spider-Man 2 (2004) – Stunt Driver (Uncredited)
  • Taxi (2004) – Stunts
  • Coalition (2004) – Stunt Coordinator
  • Nikki and Nora (2004) – Stunt Double
  • Strangers with Candy (2005) – Stunts
  • War of the Worlds (2005) – Stunts
  • World Trade Center (2006) – Stunts
  • The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) – Stunt Performer (US)
  • Awake (2007) – Stunt Double for Lilith
  • Knock Knock (2007) – Stunt Coordinator
  • Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) – Stunts
  • Burn After Reading (2008) – Stunts
  • Duplicity (2009) – Stunts
  • Sex and the City 2 (2010) – Stunts
  • Arthur (2011) – Stunts
  • Tower Heist (2011) – Stunt Player
  • Gotham (2014) – Stunts (1 episode, uncredited)
  • I Smile Back (2015) – Stunt Performer
  • Run All Night (2015) – Stunts
  • 3 Generations (2015) – Stunt Double for Maggie
  • Broad City (2016) – Stunt Performer (1 episode)
  • Happy! (2018) – Stunt Double for Lili Mirojnick (Uncredited, 1 episode)
  • Red Dead Redemption II (2018) – Stunt Performer (Video Game)
  • Tales of the City (2019) – Stunt Double for Olympia Dukakis (1 episode)

Stephanie Finochio’s net worth

Finochio’s net worth is not publicly available as detailed financial information about her earnings is not widely reported.

Stephanie Finochio family

Finochio has a sibling, a brother named Michael Finochio, who has occasionally appeared in the public eye, often alongside her at various events.

Regarding her immediate family, Finochio is married to Trent, who is notably 17 years her junior. The couple has one child, a son named Dalton Trent Mitchum, born on May 7, 2016.

The family enjoys a close-knit dynamic, with Finochio and Trent often seen together with their son on social media, balancing their professional and personal lives.

Stephanie Finochio age

Finochio was born on October 11, 1974. She is currently 49 years old and will turn 50 in 2024.

Stephanie Finochio now

Currently, Stephanie Finochio is involved in several exciting ventures. She is working on WR: Director’s Statement, a TV movie that is currently in production, in which she is contributing her expertise as a stunt performer. Additionally, she is set to appear in West Ridge, another TV movie in pre-production, where she will take on the role of Erica ‘The Stuntgirl’.

Beyond her film and television work, Finochio is also active on social media, where she maintains a presence under the handle @actiontrinity.

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