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Women Of Wrestling
The Official Website of Women Of WrestlingPhoenix Flying: How a Pro Athlete Arose From Bad Coaching 25 Mar 2025, 2:54 am
Phoenix Flying: How a Pro Athlete Arose From Bad Coaching
Rising from the ashes of a negative youth sports experience to athletic stardom.
March 24, 2025
Key points
- Coach by empowering athletes, not by exerting oppressive power over them.
- Abusive coaching can lead to both physical and emotional injury and damage.
- A “mentor mindset” combines high expectations and caring support of the athlete to empower their achievement.
“Coach through empowerment instead of coaching through power.”
Wise advice from WOW (Women Of Wrestling) Superhero Kandi Krush, who coaches youth athletes in addition to being a professional grappler.
Many coaches use coercive force with young athletes, turning participants off to a previously loved sport and often leading them to quit it. Empowering people is the more effective approach for coaches, parents, teachers, and anyone working with young people.
“Coach through empowerment instead of coaching through power.”
Wise advice from WOW (Women Of Wrestling) Superhero Kandi Krush, who coaches youth athletes in addition to being a professional grappler.
Many coaches use coercive force with young athletes, turning participants off to a previously loved sport and often leading them to quit it. Empowering people is the more effective approach for coaches, parents, teachers, and anyone working with young people.
“I made a vow to do that (empowering athletes) as a result of abusive coaching I experienced,” explained Krush. “Now that I coach, I take it on as this huge responsibility, because athletes—especially young athletes—are so impressionable. You’re holding somebody’s heart, dreams, and their psyche in your hands.”
Valuable wisdom and sensitivity are characteristics not usually associated with wrestling, but Krush is not your typical wrestler.
Let’s take a closer look at this multidimensional athlete/coach extraordinaire.
Kandi Krush Sporting Thumbnail
Amberley Shaw—Krush’s birth name—developed a passion for synchronized swimming while growing up in St. Paul, Minnesota. After her trek through those enjoyable, and later, troubled waters, she transitioned to boxing and then professional wrestling.
A “toxic” environment pushed Krush out of synchronized swimming and potential Olympic opportunities. A boxing career followed, ending when the COVID pandemic closed her training gym and a bout with pneumonia knocked her out of a big professional fight. Frustrated and disappointed, Krush tried out and earned a spot with Women Of Wrestling in 2021 at the athletically advanced age of 37.
Amberley Shaw—Krush’s birth name—developed a passion for synchronized swimming while growing up in St. Paul, Minnesota. After her trek through those enjoyable, and later, troubled waters, she transitioned to boxing and then professional wrestling.
A “toxic” environment pushed Krush out of synchronized swimming and potential Olympic opportunities. A boxing career followed, ending when the COVID pandemic closed her training gym and a bout with pneumonia knocked her out of a big professional fight. Frustrated and disappointed, Krush tried out and earned a spot with Women Of Wrestling in 2021 at the athletically advanced age of 37.
Despite her age and brief time with Women Of Wrestling, she has achieved remarkable success. Krush is currently ranked in the upper third of the WOW’s top tier, winning a first-ever WOW World Trio Tag Team championship.
“I plan on having every other belt around my waist—the tag team and the singles,” Krush said. “There here are no limits if you put your mind and body behind what you believe in.”
Synchronized Swimming Rise
“I started in synchronized swimming with my mom as my coach,” Krush shared, “and that was my foundation for understanding what a good, supportive coach is. I had a great experience. I always admired Olympians when I was little, and when I found my love for synchronized swimming, I attached my Olympic dreams to that.”
“I left home when I was 16 and went to the West Coast to pursue my Olympic dreams,” Krush continued. “I eventually ended up in Santa Clara, California, where many prospective Olympians trained.”
“I met a lot of pushbacks, even from the athletes, when I got there,” lamented Krush. “They’d say, ‘What is she doing here?’ ‘She doesn’t deserve to be here.’ ‘She’s not good enough.’ Not to my face, but I could hear. That’s when I learned that if I wanted something, it was up to me. So I put on blinders and put on hard work.”
Another wise perspective.
“I focused and worked my way up from the bottom of that squad all the way to number two in the nation within a year,” shared Krush. “I was flying high, and my Olympic dreams were within range.”
Synchronized Swimming Sink
“There came a day when I showed up and felt like I was drowning while I was swimming,” Krush shared. “I felt very sad and hopeless. I physically over-trained and was extremely fatigued. I had a lot of injuries, but you can work through those.”
“It was the mental and emotional toll that I was taking as a result of the coaching and training conditions that really took me out of the game,” Krush reflected. “The coach was gaslighting me and just so mentally destructive to me and my teammates. It wasn’t just what I endured, but what I observed my teammates going through.”
“Synchronized swimming is a sport of perfection and precision,” Krush explained. “You learn through feedback if your leg is in the right spot, on the right count, at the right height. A good coach will say, ‘You’re on your back’ or ‘You’re on your face’ or ‘You need to get higher.’”
Not this coach.
“We would come up (from the water) and she would say, ‘You look like the sh*t on the bottom of my shoe after I just stepped in a pile of it,’ Krush shared. “It was constant. Outside of the pool, she was so nice, huggy, and supportive, but in training, nothing was good enough.”
“I was banking my self-worth on her words, kind of unknowingly,” reflected Krush. “You realize that you’re a puppet of theirs.”
That’s what many young athletes experience. They become marionettes dangling from strings, getting twisted and pulled by coaches who unwittingly abuse them, physically and emotionally.
Phoenix Rising and Coaching
Krush eventually recovered from a dislocated shoulder, a torn hip flexor, a dislocated knee, and spinal injuries. We won’t detail the physical and emotional recovery journey Krush experienced. Just understand that the emotional recovery process was tougher than the physical.
“I have a phoenix tattoo up my arm,” Krush shared. “It says ‘I Rise’ written inside a quill pen. That quill is the feather of the phoenix. I believe I am a phoenix. You can burn me down to ashes, and I’ll still find a way to rise, to reinvent myself.”
Krush eventually recovered from a dislocated shoulder, a torn hip flexor, a dislocated knee, and spinal injuries. We won’t detail the physical and emotional recovery journey Krush experienced. Just understand that the emotional recovery process was tougher than the physical.
“I have a phoenix tattoo up my arm,” Krush shared. “It says ‘I Rise’ written inside a quill pen. That quill is the feather of the phoenix. I believe I am a phoenix. You can burn me down to ashes, and I’ll still find a way to rise, to reinvent myself.”
“I coach synchronized swimming, which is now called ‘artistic swimming,’ predominantly with young girls,” shared Krush, “and now I coach women with WOW.”
“What drives me is seeing people make progress,” she explained. “I’ll exhaust myself trying to find the thing that resonates with you and clicks with what I’m trying to teach. There are different things to get somebody to understand.”
“I don’t support the participation award culture,” added Krush. “I believe in hard work, which can help elevate you, and pushing towards excellence. I believe in rewarding that hard work, but I don’t believe in abuse. You can drive an athlete to their greatest potential and still love, embrace, and support them.”
Krushing It
Kandi Krush exemplifies a great approach to athletics and coaching.
She navigates the middle ground between an abusive approach and a protector, “participation trophy” way of doing things. Maintain high, realistic expectations without endangering the athlete’s physical and emotional well-being. Tend to both the improvement of performance and the athlete’s heart, dreams, and psyche.
It’s what developmental psychologist David Yeager calls a “mentor mindset” in his groundbreaking book 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating People. A mentor mindset is defined as, “High standards that expect a lot of the young person, but coupled with the support to help them meet those high standards.”
Athletes are empowered to achieve high expectations with caring support. I would argue that this is an effective approach with everyone in all endeavors, not just young athletes.
It’s well represented by Kandi Krush, who went through hell and high water en route to becoming a supportive, caring coach who inspires hard work and optimal achievement.
“Coach through empowerment, instead of coaching through power.”
About the Author
David Udelf, Psy.D., has extensive and diverse experience as a clinical and sport psychologist, combined with 40-plus years of coaching. He’s in private practice at Becker, Udelf, and Associates.
The post Phoenix Flying: How a Pro Athlete Arose From Bad Coaching first appeared on Women Of Wrestling.
Ashley Blaze Lights Up the WOW Women Of Wrestling Ring 24 Feb 2025, 7:41 pm
Ashley Blaze Lights Up the WOW Women Of Wrestling Ring – Interview
Multi-sport Athlete, WOW Superhero Ashley Blaze, lights up the wrestling ring and her opponents in the WOW—Women of Wrestling ring.
I recently had the chance to sit down with WOW Superhero Ashley Blaze, and let me tell you—this woman’s passion for wrestling is absolutely contagious. Growing up in a fiercely loyal, tight-knit family, competition was in her blood. She told me that her first taste of professional wrestling came when her cousin flipped on a match one day, and Blaze was instantly captivated by the electrifying brawls, dazzling costumes, and larger-than-life personalities. She fell head over heels for wrestling, and from that moment, there was no turning back. It became her destiny.
As a teenager, Blaze threw herself into every sport imaginable—track, volleyball, gymnastics, basketball, you name it. She excelled in them all, dominating competitions with a trophy case that was practically bursting at the seams. I could hear the pride in her voice as she told me how, even in those early years, giving up was never an option for her. She wanted to prove to her younger self that anything was possible, and that drive continues to fuel her today.
Now, Blaze is living her dream in a women-only promotion, smashing through glass ceilings and lighting a fire for the next generation of girls who want to make their mark in the wrestling world. She’s passionate about showing them that they don’t have to be delicate or quiet—they can be fierce, strong, and unapologetically tough—just like her.
She shared a funny story about trying to get her cousin back into the ring. After seeing her potential, Blaze worked tirelessly to inspire her cousin to get back in the ring, determined to help her see the greatness within herself. That’s just the kind of leader Blaze is—always encouraging others to push their limits and chase their dreams.
Learning how to run the ropes was a challenge at first, and Blaze was open about how the bruising your ribs take if you hit them wrong. But instead of backing down, she kept pushing forward until it became second nature. Every step she takes in her wrestling journey shows just how much heart and determination she’s put into mastering her craft.
Blaze and I also joked about her rivalry with Gloria Glitter and Top Tier. Apparently, they think she’s too tough to keep up with, all thanks to her superior cardio on the treadmill. But that’s not all there is to it—Ashley’s learned from every match, and especially from her loss against Genesis, which taught her valuable lessons in how to level up. It wasn’t easy, but Blaze took that loss as a challenge to come back stronger and better prepared for the future.
Teaming up with the Dojo Defenders in WOW is another highlight of Blaze’s career. She told me how much she enjoys the teamwork and trust that comes with being part of such a close-knit group. But she’s not stopping there. Blaze is hungry for gold. Whether it’s a trios title, a tag team championship, or the World Title, she’s determined to prove she’s one of the best in the business.
What excites Blaze the most about being part of WOW—Women of Wrestling—is the opportunity to inspire others and break down barriers. She’s not just here to compete—she’s here to make an impact and redefine what it means to be a successful woman in the wrestling world. Every time she steps into the ring, Ashley is fighting for more than just herself; she’s fighting for every young girl watching who dreams of following in her footsteps. And she’s on a mission to show the world that anything is possible.
The post Ashley Blaze Lights Up the WOW Women Of Wrestling Ring first appeared on Women Of Wrestling.
Paola Mayfield Joins WOW – From Reality TV to Wrestling Star 29 Jan 2025, 7:51 pm
Paola Mayfield Joins WOW – From Reality TV to Wrestling Star
The post Paola Mayfield Joins WOW – From Reality TV to Wrestling Star first appeared on Women Of Wrestling.
(video/mp4)
Sibley Scoles on Journey From ‘Access Hollywood’ and ‘E!’ to ‘WOW’ 29 Jan 2025, 7:00 pm
Sibley Scoles on Journey From ‘Access Hollywood’ and ‘E!’ to ‘WOW – Women Of Wrestling’
WOW – Women Of Wrestling fans may have noticed a new face on the broadcast team. Long-time Access Hollywood and E! host and red carpet reporter Sibley Scoles made her debut during the syndicated show’s January 18 weekend episode.
Scoles, who now also works as in-game host for the Las Vegas Raiders, will serve as WOW backstage and field reporter alongside broadcasters David McLane and Nigel Zane. The 37-year-old Emmy-winner is no stranger to big events, having covered the 2024 Super Bowl in Sin City, the 2023 NFL Pro Bowl and the record-breaking Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight.
We caught up Sibley to find out all about her switch to WOW, favorite celeb interactions and career moments.
How did the opportunity with WOW come about?
Sibley Scoles: If my memory serves me correctly, someone from the team saw me and what I was doing with the Raiders. Obviously, all the live shows were shot in Vegas, so they were looking for someone in that space. It kind of grew from there with the backstage reporting and getting involved. It also took availability and making scheduling work, but it transpired after those conversations.
How much of a pro wrestling fan were you before taking on the job?
I’ve been a pro wrestling fan for years. I still have those front row chairs you get at live events at my parent’s house. I’ve watched ever since I was a kid. The last few years I’ve also gotten to see what WOW has done. The WOW Superheros, now to be here with them and face-to-face with them and going backstage. My love for it has grown even more, especially seeing the fanbase. I’m really locked in with everyone and learning the ins and outs of everything this organization has been doing from jump. It has been cool, but yeah, I’ve been a fan pretty much my whole life.
What was that first day on the job like?
It was definitely different than anything I’ve stepped into before. It was special to see the Superheroes, to see such strong and powerful women go out there and put it all on the line. The interviews we have backstage, they get spicy. They get fun. It just shows the character everyone has. It wasn’t overwhelming. It felt beautiful and big. I was like a kid in a candy shop. I learned that there is so much that goes into this, from the wardrobe to the Superheroes to the fanbase. It was crazy to see it all live.
From your first interview with Xena Phoenix you seem totally at home in the wrestling world. How are you approaching this in comparison to your other gigs?
From your first interview with Xena Phoenix you seem totally at home in the wrestling world. How are you approaching this in comparison to your other gigs?
I love stepping into new spaces. I come from boxing as well. I’ve been doing that for the last three years. I definitely don’t go the technical route. I try to get to know who the person is, even if I only have a brief moment with them and just watch how they are, whether it’s in the ring or out of the ring, how they are on socials. I do my homework really quickly if I have to and don’t have a lot of time with that person. I go into it talking to how I’m talking to you right now. We’ve never met, but it’s still comfortable for me. Conversations for me are easy. And the WOW Superheroes make it so much fun. It’s not hard for me to get in there to get some great feedback from them.
The WOW Superheroes all bring such unique stories and backgrounds. Whose story really stands out to you so far?
I would say everyone had a great story. You brought up Xena earlier. It was cool for me to know that she is the first Albanian wrestler that is out there right now. To know that she is doing something not just for herself personally, but also for her to show others they can do it too. To be the first of anything is not easy. She is going out there and doing it with pure heart. I really liked her story. It did resonate with me. I think for a lot of girls out there who want to be a part of WOW and be a Superhero, they can say if they are Albanian specifically. They can say, “I can go out there and do what she is doing.” She is setting a precedent for herself and her culture. I think that is great what she is doing.
The WOW Superheroes all bring such unique stories and backgrounds. Whose story really stands out to you so far?
I would say everyone had a great story. You brought up Xena earlier. It was cool for me to know that she is the first Albanian wrestler that is out there right now. To know that she is doing something not just for herself personally, but also for her to show others they can do it too. To be the first of anything is not easy. She is going out there and doing it with pure heart. I really liked her story. It did resonate with me. I think for a lot of girls out there who want to be a part of WOW and be a Superhero, they can say if they are Albanian specifically. They can say, “I can go out there and do what she is doing.” She is setting a precedent for herself and her culture. I think that is great what she is doing.
Where do you think we are when it comes to women in broadcasting these days?
I think it’s great right now at this point. I think it could always be better. There is always room to grow to bring more women to these fields. I think what I enjoy about what I’m doing with my career specifically is I’m not putting a limit on what I do. I cover basketball, boxing, and football. I’ve done red carpets for 10 plus years. I think what people need to realize with sports and entertainment is that it all merges together. It’s not separate. I think women are showing we own that space as well. It’s ours to own too. I think for anyone reading this, specifically women, do not limit yourself for anything. I don’t care what anyone has to say. We are supposed to be in this space and continue to own it and dominate.
Who are some of the celebs you’ve had the most memorable interactions with?
The Rock was always fun, if we’re keeping it with the wrestling side. He is always a great interviewer. A well-spoken man, funny, charming. Oprah was another fun one. I never thought I would say I would be interviewing her. She was great. Denzel Washington would have to be my most memorable. The first time I interviewed him I was still green, new to doing interviews with anyone. Not just celebrities. It didn’t go the way I wanted it to go because I was still a little nervous. The second time around I actually got a great interview with him that was a pretty emotional response from a film he did The Little Things. It was with Rami Malik and Jared Leto. That was a special moment with us. Then fast-forward to last year where I actually presented the star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to Lenny Kravitz. Denzel Washington was there. So, he and I got to share a moment as well to discuss that interview and how it helped me push me forward.
Yeah. I think that’s the one pinned to your Instagram, right?
It is! You did your homework!
Is there anyone that surprised you when meeting them?
You know who was cool to find out more about? I’ve interviewed her before, but it was always kind of business as usual. Reese Witherspoon was one of those cool ones where I would see her when I would cover the Vanity Fair party or those days when I was in heels running all over the place getting interviews. She actually stopped me one time and said, “I love your work and what you’re doing.” She was just really sweet. I know it’s all in passing, and we’re not best friends, but it was cool to know her a little more in some way and that other side. Not just an interview, but being just a sweet human being where she didn’t have to say anything to me.
Jeanie Buss has waved the WOW flag for so long and been more than a business owner for this brand. Have you gotten to share any time with her yet?
I haven’t had personal time with her yet. It’s funny I was just talking about seeing her at one of the Lakers games recently. We’re sitting across from each other. I didn’t want to bug her. I definitely plan on sitting down with her and thanking her for this opportunity. I think she is a figure in sports and entertainment that can show young women the possibilities that are out there. She doesn’t just use her platform for herself, but for everyone. She shows what it is to be a boss and has that desire to give back. I think the visibility she has created for WOW is going to this organization grow as further than it has already has.
What kind of feedback have you gotten about your WOW debut so far?
What kind of feedback have you gotten about your WOW debut so far?
It has been positive, which I‘m so happy about. I’ve actually been talking on DMs with different fans. They’ve been posting the interviews. Once I was announced I’ve gotten a lot of love. A lot of those fans too have been Raiders fans. It helps when they already know what I’m capable of and what I have done so far. It has been cool to be welcomed with open arms. You never know what will happen when you go into different spaces. I do want to let the fans know I’m going to continue to do the best I can and bring the best out of the WOW Superheroes. I know they will do that for me as well.
It has been positive, which I‘m so happy about. I’ve actually been talking on DMs with different fans. They’ve been posting the interviews. Once I was announced I’ve gotten a lot of love. A lot of those fans too have been Raiders fans. It helps when they already know what I’m capable of and what I have done so far.
It has been cool to be welcomed with open arms. You never know what will happen when you go into different spaces. I do want to let the fans know I’m going to continue to do the best I can and bring the best out of the WOW Superheroes. I know they will do that for me as well.
Have you gotten responses from your colleagues like maybe the Access Hollywood peeps?
Yes. They were mad I didn’t tell them. I’m usually very quiet about announcing things unless it’s a collab post or something. I just keep moving with a lot of things going on, but this was very special. Even for my family members who watch wrestling, we used to sit together and watch all the time growing up. My family is super excited about it. My co-workers are excited as well and just mad I didn’t tell them. Like how could you hide this from us?
With your run on Access Hollywood, what are some of your favorite moments?
Being able to work with the production company there and create my own segment called “Sibly Spotlight.” I come from music originally, so I was able to curate a space. Sweety was one of the first guests I had booked on to highlight artists that were emerging. This was a few years back and she has blown up since. It was those spaces where these artists were on the verge of breaking massively, so I was able to take my relationships and book talents and book them on the segment. I loved having that with Access Hollywood. Also, our viewership was number one on our weekend show, and I became the co-host of that once I was working with them. Those moments I will never forget. I learned a lot.
Is there anyone you are inspired by as an interviewer?
I throw on Anthony Bourdain every day. I watch his interviews over and over again. He is someone I could honestly say I wish I had the opportunity to sit down with . It’s great to see what he has left behind, so I could watch that and get inspired.
What do you want to say to fans that will be seeing you on WOW moving forward?
You’re going to see so many storylines involving this season. There is a lot happening. The fans will be happy. As for anything else, you’ll just have to stay tuned.
What other things do you have in the works?
I started my production company two years ago Teeny Rich Production. I have a film I just finished up principal photography on. I’m looking to get that sold. I’m in meetings right now. I want to get that done. It is about a boxer I’ve followed for the last two years. He is a deaf boxer. It’s definitely a touching story. It’s a beautiful story. That is my number one bucket list is getting that sold.
The post Sibley Scoles on Journey From ‘Access Hollywood’ and ‘E!’ to ‘WOW’ first appeared on Women Of Wrestling.
Paola Mayfield Would Face Off Against ANGELA In The Ring 23 Jan 2025, 4:56 pm
‘90 Day Fiancé’s’ Paola Mayfield Would Face Off Against ANGELA In The Wrestling Ring
Paola Mayfield is making her mark in the world of wrestling! The reality star spoke with Access Hollywood about being the new WOW – Women of Wrestling superhero! She says she’d face off with fellow “90 Day” star Angela in the ring, and also give a relationship update with her husband Russ Mayfield. Check out Paola Mayfield on WOW – Women of Wrestling. Watch new episodes every weekend, check your local listings at www.wowe.com.
The post Paola Mayfield Would Face Off Against ANGELA In The Ring first appeared on Women Of Wrestling.
Battle Royal 25 Years in the Making! 22 Jan 2025, 9:09 pm
25 Years in the Making!
WOW hosted the first Over-The-Top Rope Championship Battle Royal since crowning its very first WOW World Champion, Terri Gold, in 2000. The rules are the same, one ring, 12 women enter, 11 competitors will be eliminated over the top rope when both feet hit the floor and only one will stand at the end as the WOW World Champion.
It’s the year 2000, the year of the new millennium. WOW – Women of Wrestling is showcasing well known superheroes from GLOW, as well as a new era of female athletes. In a booming voice David McLane announces the start of Battle Royal competition, and 20 women begin a battle for their legacy. Each competitor has one goal in mind – to make history in a single match and become the first ever WOW World Champion. But this match is no ordinary match. This match is a minefield of ring warriors trying to eliminate each other at no expense, anything goes. The referees can only eliminate a competitor when they’ve gone over the top rope, and their feet hit the ground.
After several Superheroes are eliminated from competition, an elite few remain to battle it out. The high-flying Jungle Grrrl is sent over the third rope and is subsequently eliminated. 20 year wrestling veteran, Thug, sends “The Perfect 10” Terri Gold over the top rope. It all comes down to long time bitter rivals Thug and “The Real Deal” Selina Majors. But suddenly, the referee notices that Terri Gold’s feet never hit the floor! Gold was able to grab the top rope and suspend herself above the floor, stalling elimination. Thug and Majors start exchanging blows, but Majors gets the upper hand and sends Thug flying over the top rope. Majors thinks she’s become the first WOW World Champion, but, in an act of revenge, Thug slides back into the ring with a steel chair, nailing Majors and taking her out of Battle Royal action. As Thug boasts her victory with her back turned, Terri Gold is able to “skin the cat”, flipping over the top rope and landing in the middle of the ring. In a quick maneuver, Gold drop kicks Thug over the top rope and out of the ring to become the last woman standing, the winner of the Battle Royal, and the first WOW World Champion!!
This history is etched into the gold title that passes from Champion to Champion, and it’s finally found its way back to the Battle Royal stage. As David McLane, the very man who started it all, announces the second ever Battle Royal competition, one can’t help but take in the full circle moment. New and old faces crowd the WOW ring as the 2025 Battle Royal commences. Abilene Maverick sits at the commentary table to talk up her new recruit Paola Mayfield, the Colombian G.O.A.T., and Samantha Smart and Lana Star wait anxiously at ringside to see how their clients will fare. After a rollercoaster of action Tormenta and The Classmaster are the last two to face off. Competing with an entirely different set of skills from each other, one standing at a massive 6 ‘2 with power and strength, the other with quick agility and a lucha libre background, the tension starts to heat up. Tormenta seems to have the upper hand, and as she sends The Classmaster over the top rope, she already starts celebrating her win. But no! Samantha Smart gives The Classmaster a shove and back into the ring she goes, escaping elimination! Seizing the opportunity to take Tormenta by surprise while she’s still falsely celebrating, The Classmaster grabs hold of Tormenta and sends her sailing over the top rope and onto the floor. Just like that The Classmaster has become the new WOW World Champion and the second ever Battle Royal winner. Welcome to the reign of IQ Superior. (check out https://www.youtube.com/c/WOWSuperheroes for the full match)
The post Battle Royal 25 Years in the Making! first appeared on Women Of Wrestling.
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From ‘90 Day Fiancé’ to Wrestling Star: The Epic Journey of Paola Mayfield 14 Jan 2025, 3:11 am
From ‘90 Day Fiancé’ to Wrestling Star: The Epic Journey of Paola Mayfield
Paola Mayfield first captivated audiences as the fiery Colombian seeking love in 90 Day Fiancé Season 1, but her journey since those early days has been nothing short of extraordinary. Once an unfit partner adjusting to life in the United States, Mayfield has undergone a dramatic transformation, emerging as a powerhouse in the wrestling world. Known now as “The Colombian G.O.A.T.,” she is proving her mettle in the Women of Wrestling (WOW) promotion and inspiring fans with her remarkable evolution.
Moving to the United States in 2013 to marry Russ Mayfield wasn’t an easy transition for Paola. The shift in lifestyle and diet posed unexpected challenges. Coming from Bogotá, Colombia, where fresh fruits and home-cooked meals were staples, she found herself indulging in fast food and convenience meals. These changes, combined with the stress of filming 90 Day Fiancé, led to weight gain and a lack of energy.
From Reality TV to the Wrestling Ring
Paola recalls a pivotal moment at Lake Hefner in Oklahoma City, where she struggled to complete a simple run. “I couldn’t even run around the lake,” as mentioned in an interview by Muscle & Fitness. “I realized I wasn’t taking care of myself.” Determined to turn her life around, she began a fitness journey that would eventually change her life. Over time, Paola pushed herself to conquer the nine-mile stretch around Lake Hefner, breaking the distance into manageable goals. “The first time, I ran six miles. Then seven. Finally, I made it the full nine miles,” she said. This persistence ignited her passion for fitness and set her on the path to becoming a pro wrestler.
In 2021, inspired by the wrestling biopic Fighting with My Family, Paola took the plunge into the world of professional wrestling. Her early days in the ring required her to prove she was more than just a reality TV star. “I know I got opportunities because of my background,” she admitted. “But when I step into the ring, I prove that I’m more than that. I love this business, and I’m willing to put my body on the line to give a great show.” Paola’s hard work and dedication paid off. In January 2024, she won The GOAT, a competition series on Amazon Prime, solidifying her status as a reality-TV icon turned wrestling sensation. By September, she had signed with WOW—Women Of Wrestling, where she now competes against formidable opponents like The Beast.
A Champion In The Making
From a struggling newcomer in 90 Day Fiancé to a wrestling superstar with aspirations of championship gold, Paola Mayfield has redefined what it means to overcome obstacles and chase dreams. As her Instagram bio proudly proclaims: The winner of The GOAT on #Amazonprime GOAT OG of 90DF #TLC & Pro Wrestler. Paola Mayfield is just getting started. You can stream WOW- Women of Wrestling on Pluto TV or YouTube TV.
The post From ‘90 Day Fiancé’ to Wrestling Star: The Epic Journey of Paola Mayfield first appeared on Women Of Wrestling.
Paola Mayfield: From 90 Day Fiancé to WOW Wrestler 22 Nov 2024, 5:28 am
How Paola Mayfield Went From Unfit ‘Fiancé’ to Super-Fit Wrestler
The “The Colombian G.O.A.T.” is now a force in Women Of Wrestling.
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Paola Mayfield shot to fame as the charismatic Colombian looking to find love in the first season of 90 Day Fiancé, but settling in the United States has been a challenge both physically and emotionally. Thankfully, this fierce female is now in a great place, and shares how she went from exhausted partner to explosive pro wrestler in this exclusive chat with M&F.
Paola Mayfield has made no secret of the fact that moving to the United States in 2013, in order to commit to her 90 Day Fiancé partner Russ, came with its ups and downs. But the couple have weathered the storm and are finding their groove as a solid couple.
Aside from a new relationship, Mayfield also had to navigate a whole new diet: Originally from Bogota, Colombia, the beauty found herself putting on weight when she found herself swapping staples from home such as fresh fruit and home-cooked meals for more convenient fast foods. Back in 2013, on a trip to Lake Hefner in Oklahoma City, she realized that she couldn’t run around it like she’d hoped. “I moved to United States. I started filming 90 Day Fiancé, and I came to this new life, new food,” explains the star. “So, I started eating a lot and because I was filming, I was not paying attention to what I was eating, not taking care of myself.”
For Paola Mayfield, Lake Hefner became the equivalent of the Rocky steps
Around the time she got married, Mayfield says she decided to stake stock of her health. While the pounds had crept up, the star was frustrated with her inability to run, and decided to make changes to her lifestyle. She stayed consistent and eventually made that run around Lake Hefner.
“I actually [tried] it like, three times,” she reflects. “First one was 6 miles, then 7 miles, and then for the last one, I was able to do the full 9 miles around the whole lake. But being able to do that compared to when I started, I feel like it’s such a huge impact. People tend to quit so easy, because it’s not easy at the beginning, and everybody wants easy. But there’s a process, and there are so many times that I quit. There are so many times that I had to start over. But the good thing is, I was able to start.”
Not only did Mayfield start on her fitness journey, but in 2024 she has gone from that unfit 90 Day Fiancé to the complete other extreme, becoming a super fit pro wrestler instead. Incredibly, it was a chance viewing of the movie Fighting with My Family, based on Saraya “Paige” Bevis that sparked her desire to get in the ring.
Mayfield made her pro wrestling debut in 2021 and has proved her doubters wrong. Much like other grapplers that appeared on reality television first, like The Miz, the star has been expected to prove that she can hang in a world where everything is shot live as it happens, and you can’t simply re-do a move to get a different camera angle.
“I know that because of my background, I know that I got opportunities. But also, when I get into the ring I prove that I’m more than just a reality TV star,” she says. “I’m willing to actually take bumps. I’m willing to put my body in there and give a great show because I love this business. I really I have so much passion for it.”
Mayfield’s fitter, stronger, pro wrestling physique also helped her to win the first series of The GOAT, in January 2024, earning the right to call herself the Greatest of All Time as it relates to reality star. She lost a tooth on one of those challenges, but now she’s in an environment where losing a tooth is a minor inconvenience. Having hit the road to gain ring experience, Mayfield worked for the National Wrestling Alliance before making the announcement in September, 2024, that she had signed for WOW—Women Of Wrestling. Now, the grappler will be sharing the ring with imposing foes like The Beast.
Paola Mayfield is willing to pay a heavy price for pro wrestling greatness
To improve her craft, “The Colombian G.O.A.T.” has been lifting heavy to improve her ability to throw opponents around the ring, and has switched from being a vegan to eating meat in order to sustain her muscle building and recovery requirements.
In trying to stay lean for the cameras, the pro wrestler explains that meat also allows her to eat less carbs. It’s a personally conflicting issue for Mayfield, who is an avid supporter of animal welfare, and says that while she understands that her own body is working better with animal protein, she is keen to make sure that all her foods are responsibility sourced.
Mayfield’s workouts involve a warmup on the treadmill followed by an average of three heavy sets in the 8- to-12-rep range for hypotrophy. The star says that she keeps track of the weights that she lifts, and chases progressive overload for muscle and strength gains. After her gym sessions, Mayfield also likes to get outside and run anywhere from 5 to 10 miles depending on how she feels on any particular day.
“I want to be the champion,” she says of her new career with WOW. “But, of course I want to make my way up in the way it’s supposed to be. I want to prove to all the girls in there that I deserve to be the next WOW Women’s Champion, and I know that I have everything it takes. I want to show everybody that it doesn’t matter when you start as long as you start with the right intentions. You can accomplish, and you can make it big.”
Paola Mayfield will make her television debut on WOW—Women Of Wrestling, starting Jan. 4, 2025. WOW airs on Pluto TV and is in national syndication in the U.S. Check your local listings.
Follow Paola Mayfield on Instagram
The post Paola Mayfield: From 90 Day Fiancé to WOW Wrestler first appeared on Women Of Wrestling.
WOW Star Twana Barnett’s Quad Workout will Help Unleash Your ‘Beast’ 5 Nov 2024, 10:35 pm
WOW Star Twana Barnett’s Quad Workout will Help Unleash Your ‘Beast’
The bodybuilder turned WOW star is empowering girls to express their own strength.
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While Twana Barnett is currently banging heads in the larger-than-life world of pro wrestling, the beauty they call “The Beast” will be familiar to bodybuilding aficionados as well. Having earned her IFBB pro card in the Women’s Physique division around a decade ago, Barnett racked up a number of impressive showings on stage during her flexing career. Now, however, she is dominating in a different arena, WOWing pro wrestling fans with her captivating blend of size, speed, and power.
M&F sat down with “The Beast” to find out how she came to forge a career in pro wrestling, and why she loves any outlet that allows her to express her individuality. And, for those wondering how this Californian builds her killer quads, we’ve got a monstrous workout for you to try.
Between WWE’s RAW, Smackdown, and NXT, coupled with AEW’s Dynamite, Rampage, and Collision television shows, there’s certainly no shortage of adrenaline thumping action on our screens each week, and that’s not to mention exciting up-and-coming brands like IMPACT and the NWA—also seeing audience figures increase during what is undoubtedly a hot time in the pro wrestling industry.
But, despite all that bone-bending, body-slamming mayhem, one criticism that is levied at almost all the major wrestling promotions is the distinct lack of primetime focus that is given to the women of the ring. Fortunately, “Women of Wrestling” (also known as WOW) is putting that right. Founded in the year 2000 by David McLane (the man behind the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling aka G.L.O.W.) WOW is also co-owned by the Los Angeles Lakers owner and president, Jeanie Buss.
Outside of WWE and AEW, WOW is now the most watched wrestling TV show in the United States, and is also broadcast internationally in countries such as Canada, Australia, and Indonesia. There’s no doubt that many pro wrestling fans need their fix of female action, and WOW delivers in abundance, becoming a go-to destination for ladies to learn the ropes.
Twana ‘The Beast’ Barnett Learned Life-Lessons From Charles Glass
“Somebody in the gym told me that I had shoulders like Lenda Murray,” says Barnett, recalling how she became inspired to forge a career in bodybuilding. Within four weeks of that comment, she was commanding the stage. “Getting my pro card was a big achievement for me,” adds Barnett. “I always did my contest preps coach-less, which is kind of unheard of in the industry, and so to do that as a hobby for myself, and to get to that point … I feel like once I got my pro card, ‘yeah!’ I proved (the doubters wrong) to myself.”
The powerhouse explains that she was born “aggressively” competitive, and as the youngest sibling with seven older brothers, it’s easy to see why. While Twana Barnett may not have hired a dedicated coach for her contest preparations, she was still able to share gyms with legends in bodybuilding, and soaked up the wisdom like a sponge. “I had the pleasure of having a few training sessions with Charles Glass,” shares The Beast, who notes that ‘The Godfather of Bodybuilding’ changed her perceptions of working out. “That was humbling,” she recalls. “When you go around as a bodybuilder, there’s a part where you ego-lift, you bang around the big weight with the big boys, and he is a legend, he’s a true master of what he does, and he was able to break me down with five-pound weights.”
These days, Twana Barnett uses many of the same principles in her own workouts such as time under tension, drop sets, and plenty of variation to sharpen the mind-muscle connection. “Even with wrestling, it’s all about intention,” she explains. “What’s my intention? When I was a bodybuilder, my intention was symmetry, and now my intention is power, explosive strength, and endurance.”
Growing up as a crash dummy for her older brothers who were all big wrestling fanatics, it seems like a call of destiny that The Beast would later become a champion between the ropes. “When I saw the opportunity to become a part of WOW, I jumped at it,” she says. “I went, kicked-in David McLane’s door, and I told him I was going to be his next champion! And I made good on that promise.” Indeed, Barnett held the WOW title for 1,275 days and is looking to add a second reign to her resume. And, while championships are impressive, the chance to empower the next generation of women is priceless. “They (WOW) take the time to highlight each individual woman on the show,” says the Beast. “To show her strengths, and to show other people that this is possible. Like, you can be a teacher and a wrestler. You can be a lawyer and a wrestler. These women are strong in so many different ways and this show gets to highlight that, which I feel so fortunate to be a part of.”
Now, as a gifted grappler, Twana Barnett still channels Charles Glass’s influence to out-condition her opponents. “A wrestling match, you’re looking at ten, fifteen, twenty minutes so you have to have more endurance, more energy in the end of the match than you do in the beginning,” she explains, leaving M&F Hers readers with a brutal leg day workout that is typical of The Beast’s intense gym sessions. And, as if this finisher doesn’t already look tough enough, Barnett adds that she cycles through it, completing it as rounds until she is completely slayed.
It’s no wonder they call her “The Beast!” For more information on how to watch WOW visit: wowe.com.
The Beast’s Quad Focused Leg Day
As noted, Twana Barnett favors lot’s of variations with rep schemes, and is an advanced athlete, so you may want to start with a lower set or rep range, building your way up to beast level.
Warm up
- Indoor Bicycle: 5 minutes
Leg Day: Quad Workout
- Barbell Weighted Walking Lunges: 4 Sets x 10 Reps
- Elevated Front Foot Smith Machine Lunges: (4 Sets x 20/15/10/Failure. Ascending Pyramid)
- Leg Extension: 4 Sets x 15 Reps Superset with Dumbbell Goblet Squat (4 Sets x10 Reps. Pause for 3 seconds at bottom of the squat)
- Seated Leg Curl Machine
- Set 1: Choose a weight you’d fail at 12-15 reps
- Set 2: Strip weight by 10 pounds/ 10 reps
- Set 3: Strip weight by 10 pounds/ 10 reps rest and repeat this 5 times
- Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat
- Set 1: Choose a weight you’d fail at 12-15 reps
- Set 2: Strip weight by 10 pounds/ 10 reps
- Set 3: Strip weight by 10 pounds/ 10 reps rest and repeat this 5 times
The Beast Quad Builder Finisher
Jump Squat: x 10
Burpee Box Jumpover : x 10
Switch Lunge Jumps: x10
Sled Push: 50 yds
Sled Pull: 50 yds
Squat: Hold 20 seconds
The post WOW Star Twana Barnett’s Quad Workout will Help Unleash Your ‘Beast’ first appeared on Women Of Wrestling.
WOW Returns to Las Vegas 17 Sep 2024, 6:49 pm
WOW Returns to Las Vegas for Nationally Televised Event on September 28
Women Of Wrestling (WOW) is making an exciting return to “Sin City” for a special live event later this month.
On Friday, WOW officially announced that a free, nationally televised live event will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, September 28, 2024.
Below, you will find the official press release with all the event details.
WOW – WOMEN OF WRESTLING TAKES OVER THE LAS VEGAS FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE
Jeanie Buss and David McLane’s all-female wrestling organization comes to downtown Las Vegas for a Saturday night spectacular featuring WOW Superheroes, Chainsaw, Penelope Pink, Tag Team Champions Miami’s Sweet Heat and reality TV star, Paola Mayfield
LOS ANGELES – September 13, 2024 – Today, WOW – Women Of Wrestling announced they will present a special live event in Las Vegas on Saturday, September 28, 2024 with live matches featuring fan favorites and new WOW Superhero, reality star Paola Mayfield (The GOAT winner, 90 Day Fiance).
For the first time and for one night only, WOW – Women Of Wrestling invites fans to come to downtown Las Vegas for live matches at the Fremont Street Experience. The matches will be nationally televised, featuring four-time tag team champions, the Carlson Twins Miami’s Sweet Heat made up of Luscious Lindsey and Lovely Laurie. Australia’s Princess Aussie and Genesis will also be returning along with former WOW champion Penelope Pink and Mother Truckers Holly Swag and her mom, Big Rig Betty. Newcomers including Nikki Nashville, Xena Phoenix and the Albanian Grappler will also take the ring in Vegas. All the action gets under way starting at 8 PM.
The live event will include the introduction to the “Buss Belt,” named fondly after co-owner and co-founder of WOW Jeanie Buss, as a new title to compete for by the WOW Superheroes. Season three premieres this weekend, September 14th in national syndication and will be available beginning this fall on Pluto TV via the new exclusive WOW – Women Of Wrestling channel.
About WOW – WOMEN OF WRESTLING
WOW – WOMEN OF WRESTLING is the premier all-female sports entertainment property, co-owned and co-founded by trailblazing sports executive Jeanie Buss and David McLane, who is the founder of the original GLOW: Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. Led by the larger-than-life WOW Superheroes and their in-ring rivalries, WOW is an action-packed saga that plays out at high-energy live events and in weekly syndication across the U.S., on VICE TV and internationally including in Australia, Canada, Germany, India and Asia. Additionally, this September, Pluto TV will launch a dedicated WOW channel with all episodes from seasons one and two, and season three will be available after its syndication launch. As the only all-female wrestling organization with a global footprint, WOW showcases supreme athleticism, dramatic and inspiring stories, and is centered 24/7 around empowering and uplifting women and fans around the world. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
About Paramount Global Content Distribution
Paramount Global Content Distribution is the leading distributor of premium content across multiple media platforms throughout the global marketplace. The division’s portfolio is comprised of some of the world’s most recognized brands, including feature films and television programs from Paramount Pictures, Republic Pictures,CBS Studios, CBS Media Ventures, CBS News, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, Nickelodeon, MTV Entertainment Studios, Miramax and third-party partners. The division also has the largest distributed library of series and film titles, including global franchises such as “CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION,” “NCIS,” “STAR TREK,” “SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS,” “TRANSFORMERS,” “MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE” and more. In addition, the division licenses a diverse lineup of scripted and unscripted formats for local production and international co-productions. Paramount Global Content Distribution is a division of Paramount.
The post WOW Returns to Las Vegas first appeared on Women Of Wrestling.