CANDICE MICHELLE was the first ever Divas Search Contestant to hold WWE gold. She would go on to not only become women’s champion but also Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s most improved wrestler of the year in 2007 and, years later, even the WWE’s 24/7 champion. One of the most recognisable names from the WWE’s divas era, Candice Michelle personifies what it means to be a champ both inside and outside of the ring.
Mom to three girls and happily married for close to 20 years, Candice Michelle is now an emotional alignment specialist and on a personal mission to help others go from great to champ.
Candice Michelle joins the #wrestlinglifepod for episode 031 to look back on the highlights of her wrestling career, share the challenges that she faced personally since leaving the squared circle behind. and talk about the purpose-driven life that she is now living alongside husband KenGee Ehrlich out of The Good Chiropractor House of Healing sanctuary in Austin, Texas.
CANDICE MICHELLE ON MEETING WRESTLING FANS 20 YEARS ON
It's been two decades like Candice Michelle energetically burst onto WWE screens for the first time, yet the former women's champion still delights in meeting with fans whenever the opportunity presents itself. "I feel so grateful that somebody still wants to come out and meet me [at conventions]" shares Candice. "I'm just filled with gratitude. It makes me feel so good, knowing that we had a connection ... now when I'm doing a signing, we can remember times and shared memories together. Fans have a moment in time and I have a moment in time too. It's really beautiful when I get to meet fans."
CANDICE MICHELLE ON BEATING MELINA FOR THE WWE WOMEN'S TITLE
Winning the WWE Women's Championship at Vengeance 2007 was the culmination of a life-long dream for the young wrestling fan who grew up playing with a Hulk Hogan doll instead of a Barbie doll. "I found out a few hours before the match [that I was winning the title," shares Candice, reflecting back on the biggest night of her WWE career. "We were flying by the seat of our pants ... how could I even process that [news] in a couple of hours? By that point I'd been working in WWE for around three years towards that goal, and then suddenly they're like, today's the day. It was crazy. And then we were told, by the way, you have like three minutes with entrances to make all that happen. I just remember telling myself: enjoy the moment."
WHY CANDICE MICHELLE'S WWE 24/7 TITLE WIN MEANT SO MUCH
"Becoming a [women's] champ was an incredible time in my life, but I really loved becoming the 24/7 champ," shares Candice, when looking back at the night that she pinned Kelly Kelly backstage on WWE Raw in 2019 to win the now-retired green strap. "That wasn't planned: I was called back and they [WWE] don't tell you what you're going to do. All of these former wrestlers were being called back for this special ... I figured I'd get a sentence or would just be seen in a promo. I wasn't expecting anything. But what they [WWE] didn't know was that I had been working diligently on creating my champ program and on my motivational speaking and my TedX talk. So when I got there and they told me I was going to win the 24/7 title, I was like: that's when consistency, over time, equals results."
EPISODE 031 HIGHLIGHTS: CANDICE MICHELLE
Candice discusses her transition from a successful wrestling life to becoming a mom and life in Texas.
She reflects on her groundbreaking achievements, including being the first Diva Search contestant to hold WWE gold.
Candice emphasises the importance of emotional healing alongside physical recovery in her new career.
She shares insights on balancing motherhood with her professional life.
Candice talks openly about facing panic attacks and how former WWE star Michelle McCool helped her.
Candice reveals her dedication to helping others through her emotional alignment programs.
She reflects on her final wrestling match with Lisa Marie Varon as a meaningful conclusion to her wrestling career.
KEY INSIGHTS FROM CANDICE MICHELLE
Emotional Healing is Key: Candice emphasises the necessity of addressing emotional trauma for holistic healing, especially after physical injuries. This perspective can help others understand the interconnectedness of mental and physical health.
Community Matters: The support from friends like Michelle McCool during tough times illustrates the importance of community in overcoming personal challenges. Relationships can be vital lifelines.
Achievement Through Perseverance: Candice Michelle’s journey from being a model to becoming a champion wrestler underscores that hard work and resilience can lead to unexpected and fulfilling achievements, inspiring others to chase their dreams regardless of obstacles.
Mind-Body Connection: Her approach to emotional alignment highlights the significance of mental well-being in physical health, encouraging a more comprehensive perspective on personal wellness.
Redefining Success: Candice’s transition from wrestling to emotional coaching demonstrates a broader definition of success beyond titles and accolades, with personal growth and supporting others’ lives taking priority over performing in front of packed arenas.
Finding Safe Spaces: Candice's move to Texas for a safer environment for her family illustrates the importance of prioritising mental and emotional safety in one’s living situation.
Learning from the Past: Candice’s experience of seeking extra training upon her return to the ring in 2017 shows that continuous self-improvement is always essential, no matter how far you’ve come or how successful you've been in the past. Never stop learning!
REAL TALK FROM REAL TALENT
Wrestling Life with Ben Veal shines the spotlight brightly and positively on those who shaped wrestling's past, drive its present and influence its future. The show is widely available and features honest, open and inspiring conversations with many of the sport's biggest names, including Kurt Angle, Rob Van Dam, Mick Foley, Lilian Garcia, Candice Michelle, Marc Mero, Buff Bagwell, Doug Williams, Eric Bischoff and many more.
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