Candice Michelle: Wrestling Life Hall of Fame 2025 Induction

CANDICE MICHELLE has officially been inducted into the Wrestling Life Hall of Fame Class of 2025! As a standout of the WWE’s Diva era, Candice became one of the most recognisable faces of women’s wrestling during a time of rapid change and growing spotlight.

A trailblazer from the moment she stepped through the curtain, Candice became one of WWE’s most recognisable and fearless superstars during a pivotal era for women’s wrestling. Known for her charisma, resilience and all-out attitude, Candice carved out a legacy through unforgettable matches and rivalries, from going toe-to-toe with Trish Stratus, Melina and Beth Phoenix, to teaming with Torrie Wilson, Mickie James and Maria Kanellis in Diva era-defining tag bouts.

A former WWE Women’s Champion trained by legends Arn Anderson and Fit Finlay, her journey from Diva Search hopeful to Wrestling Life Hall of Famer is one of determination, heart, and breaking barriers.

In this very special Wrestling Life with Ben Veal induction episode, Candice reflects on her path to the top: the setbacks, the spotlight, and the moments that made her a fan favourite. In this must-see conversation, she opens up about the journey in her own words:

• Getting the unexpected call to audition for WWE

• What the Diva Search audition process was really like behind the scenes

• How it felt to be passed over, only to be offered a WWE contract soon after

• The challenges of earning respect from the established women on the roster

• Her unforgettable rivalry with Beth Phoenix, one of the most intense of her career

• The validation that came with winning the WWE Women’s Championship

• Coping with the tragic loss of close friend and fellow wrestler Ashley Massaro

• Life on the road and how the WWE travel schedule took its toll

• Why she wasn’t invited back for WWE’s all-women Evolution pay-per-view

• Whether she still follows WWE today

• The emotional journey from centre stage to motherhood and what it taught her

• Her friendship with Michelle McCool and thoughts on Michelle’s 2025 WWE Hall of Fame induction

Candice Michelle on Winning the WWE Women’s Championship

At Vengeance 2007, Candice Michelle defeated Melina to become WWE Women’s Champion. For a performer who entered through the Diva Search, it was a moment of validation and proof that hard work pays off.

“It’s super validating. Vince – who was running the company at the time – he doesn't give the title to anybody. You know that you’re showing up and showing out when he says, ‘You’re going to take the title tonight.’

“It just really came by surprise. Back then, you didn’t know a week before – you’d find out the day of! There’s no preparation… everything is authentically how you feel in that moment.

“I just remember, like, I knew I was working so hard for that. But when you get caught up in the working hard, you forget – that’s what I was working hard for, you know? So I said to myself, just take that moment. You know when you’re out there, just take a moment. It’s going to go by so fast.”

Candice Michelle on the Diva Search and Becoming a WWE Star

Before becoming a WWE Women’s Champion and one of the most iconic Divas of her generation, Candice Michelle was just another hopeful in the WWE Diva Search. But what really happened behind the scenes?

“I’ll never forget my agent calling me. I was in California doing modelling and acting – so this was obviously a very different type of audition. He called me so nonchalantly; I can just envision him: he lived by the beach, his feet kicked up, in a surfer outfit, and he’s like, ‘I’m not sure if you’re gonna be interested in this or not, but the winner gets $100,000.’ He was just excited about his 10% of $100,000!

“He proceeded to tell me about this Diva Search contest, and that you’d get a one-year contract with WWE. I’m sitting there thinking this is crazy, because I grew up watching wrestling and I never really knew you could be a wrestler. They were legit superstars to me. I never thought you could go to wrestling school, or train to be one. They were heroes.”

Candice Michelle on Being Hired by WWE’s John Laurinaitis

The Diva Search didn’t go Candice’s way and rejection was tough. Then a call from John Laurinaitis changed everything. From a career in modeling to the WWE ring, hear the untold story of how her journey into sports entertainment began.

“I think he brought me back for one show. You know, ‘Come back, we want to see you again.’ Something of that nature, ‘cause I remember being backstage and they actually brought up a contract to me.

“They’re like, ‘We want to offer you a three-year deal.’ And I just remember… it’s like you’re winning the lottery, just so shocked that that’s even happening. It was just an incredible opportunity and experience.”

WWE’s Underdog Queen: Candice Michelle Talks Battling Beth Phoenix

WWE’s ultimate underdog Candice Michelle opens up about one of the most intense rivalries of her career – her unforgettable battles with Beth Phoenix. From injury setbacks to proving her critics wrong, Candice shares what it really took to step into the ring with one of WWE’s most dominant forces and how those showdowns helped cement her legacy.

“Beth was my ultimate favourite opponent because we both wanted to make a great match. We’d do anything to show up for that, getting there early, talking with the agents, working on our characters. Our dynamic just made a great storyline.

“She was obviously the stronger ‘Glamazon’ professional wrestler, where I was completely the underdog and that brought out my strong suit. My strong suit is selling for other people, you know, making them look good. And when I make my opponent look good, it makes me look good.

“With her, it’s kind of easy to sell her giving me a big whack on the back – she’s a lot bigger than me! She was really motivated, and so was I. The dynamics and timing of everything was just amazing.”

Candice Michelle Reacts to Michelle McCool’s WWE Hall of Fame Induction

Women’s wrestling legend Michelle McCool has officially joined the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025 and fellow Women’s Champion Candice Michelle was there to celebrate the moment. Candice reflects on Michelle’s incredible legacy, her impact on women’s wrestling, and the strong bond they shared behind the scenes.

“I just think she’s such an incredible person and I’m actually excited to go watch her this year be inducted into the Hall of Fame because she really, truly deserves it.

“She’s also one of those people that does so much behind the scenes that I think a lot of people don’t see. That’s what I’ve been blessed with, being able to see that side of her.

“She’s done a lot in the wrestling business, and she deserves this from every standpoint.”

Candice Michelle on Being Left Out of WWE Evolution

The historic all-female WWE Evolution show featured many returning legends, but Candice Michelle wasn’t among them. In this honest conversation, the former Women’s Champion addresses the elephant in the room: why wasn’t she invited?

“I don’t know why. When you’re not invited to something really big like that, of course you try to make up stories in your mind. But the biggest thing I always land on is: it just wasn’t meant for me. I’m not meant to be there, it’s not the right timing.

“If I make up all the other stories, I’m just gonna feel bad or hurt… or think I wasn’t good enough. There was no reason ever given. I know there are a lot of incredible women now, it just wasn’t my time.”

Candice Michelle on Her Transformation from WWE Star to Emotional Healer

Candice Michelle captured the hearts of millions during her unforgettable run in WWE, becoming a Women’s Champion and one of the defining stars of her era. But her journey didn’t end when she stepped away from the ring.

Today, Candice serves as an Emotional Alignment Specialist at the House of Healing in Texas, helping others reconnect with themselves, find purpose, and transform pain into personal power.

“When you go through a trauma, it gets triggered in your life, right? But I work with people on having that trauma trigger your greatness. And when people can shift that mindset, so that every time that trauma comes up they think, ‘Oh, this is for my greater good.’ Now that trauma is their biggest gift instead of a trauma.

“It’s a slight mind shift, but I can help people uncover that – and when they do, their whole life opens up. This weight, this heavy weight comes off their shoulders and they have forgiveness and gratitude and grace and can live their life again. It’s a really beautiful process that I’ve been able to create.”

From breaking into WWE through the unlikeliest of pathways, to becoming a champion, a trailblazer, and now a Wrestling Life Hall of Famer, Candice Michelle’s journey is a testament to perseverance, passion, and believing in your place – even when others don’t see it yet.

For the fans who watched her fight from the underdog role to the top of the division, her legacy is unforgettable. Her story continues to inspire a new generation of women chasing their wrestling dreams and it’s forever etched in WWE history.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lee Herbert is the author of the forthcoming book Rampage — a heartfelt tribute to the glory days of the WWF’s first UK boom. Packed with moments, merch, and memories, it explores how a golden era of American wrestling turned a generation of British kids into lifelong fans. Lee’s writing is a celebration of everything that’s great about professional wrestling. Follow the book's progress at @wwframpagebook.

WRESTLING LIFE ONLINE: 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. Widely available, the show 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, Buff Bagwell, Doug Williams, Eric Bischoff and many more. The show is presented by award-winning journalist and content creator Ben Veal, co-author of Marc Mero's autobiography, Badd To Good: The Inspiring Story of a Wrestling Wildman.

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