Candice Michelle: From Model to WWE Champion
Candice Michelle Beckman, better known simply as Candice Michelle, is an American model, actress, and professional wrestler who left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling. Born on September 30, 1978, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Candice’s journey to WWE stardom is a unique blend of glamour, grit, and athleticism. From her early days as a model to becoming the WWE Women’s Champion, her career trajectory is a story of perseverance and transformation.
This article delves into her wrestling career, analyzing her rise to prominence, her in-ring skills, and the impact she made on the WWE landscape.
Early Career and WWE Diva Search
Candice Michelle’s career in the entertainment industry began with modeling and acting gigs. She became widely recognized as the “Go Daddy Girl” in GoDaddy’s annual Super Bowl commercials. Her fame as a model, combined with her Playboy features, made her an ideal candidate for WWE’s Diva Search in 2004.
Although Candice didn’t win the Diva Search, she was offered a contract by WWE due to her popularity and potential as an entertainer. Initially, Candice Michelle was cast in more of a glamorous, eye-candy role, where she participated in bikini contests and non-wrestling segments, but she was determined to become more than just a model in the wrestling world. Her passion for the sport drove her to improve her in-ring abilities, making her transition from a novelty act to a legitimate wrestler.
Training and Development: From Glamour to Grit
After signing with WWE, Candice was eager to shed her image as just a model and develop herself as a wrestler. She underwent intense training to improve her in-ring skills, working with respected WWE trainers and gaining valuable experience. Her progression was evident over time, as she went from being a valet and background character to competing in wrestling matches on WWE Raw.
In her early WWE years, Candice was often involved in tag team matches and gimmick-heavy segments, but her ambition to become a credible wrestler shone through. Her work ethic in training was noted by her peers, and her gradual development as an in-ring performer became apparent as she took on more substantial roles in WWE storylines.
Wrestling Style: A Mix of Athleticism and Showmanship
Candice Michelle’s in-ring style was a combination of athleticism, flexibility, and striking moves. Standing at 5’7” with a toned physique, she had a natural agility that lent itself well to the fast-paced nature of WWE’s women’s division. As her wrestling skills developed, she incorporated various offensive maneuvers, including dropkicks, crossbody blocks, and martial arts-inspired kicks into her repertoire. Her finishing move, The Candywrapper, was a modified reverse neckbreaker that showcased her strength and agility.
One of the standout aspects of Candice Michelle’s in-ring persona was her ability to combine her natural charisma and glamor with legitimate wrestling prowess. This duality made her a fan favorite and helped her rise above the typical “Diva” archetype. She embraced the entertainment side of wrestling while showing that she could hold her own in the ring.
Feud with Melina: A Turning Point
Candice’s wrestling career reached a pivotal point in 2007 when she entered into a heated feud with fellow WWE Diva Melina Perez. What began as an off-screen disagreement over in-ring moves spilled into WWE’s storylines and became one of the central rivalries in the women’s division at the time.
The rivalry between Candice and Melina became more than just a personal feud. It was a showcase of Candice’s growing abilities as a wrestler. Melina, who was known for her technical wrestling skills and heel persona, often belittled Candice in promos, mocking her background as a model and claiming superiority as a wrestler. However, Candice’s determination to prove herself resulted in a series of matches that elevated both women in the division.
Their feud culminated in a high-profile match at Vengeance: Night of Champions in June 2007, where Candice Michelle defeated Melina to win her first WWE Women’s Championship. This victory was not only significant because Candice became the first WWE Diva Search contestant to win the prestigious title, but it also marked a defining moment in her wrestling career. The victory solidified her position as a serious competitor in the women’s division, moving beyond the role of a glamorous Diva to a bona fide champion.
WWE Women’s Championship Reign
Candice’s reign as WWE Women’s Champion was an important milestone in her career. Holding the championship for 105 days, she successfully defended her title against formidable opponents like Beth Phoenix and Melina, continuing to show her growth as a wrestler. Her title defenses demonstrated her ability to adapt her wrestling style to face different types of competitors, whether it was the powerhouse strength of Phoenix or the technical acumen of Melina.
However, Candice’s championship reign wasn’t without its challenges. In October 2007, during a match with Phoenix on WWE Raw, Candice suffered a serious injury when she fell from the top rope, breaking her collarbone. The injury sidelined her for several months, but her determination to return to the ring remained strong.
Injury and Recovery: The Battle to Return
Candice Michelle’s injury in 2007 was a significant setback. Breaking her collarbone not only interrupted her momentum as WWE Women’s Champion but also forced her to rethink her approach to wrestling. Her road to recovery was long and arduous, but she remained committed to making a comeback.
During her recovery, Candice documented her journey, including getting a tattoo of the word “faith” on her wrist as a reminder to believe in herself and her ability to overcome challenges. The injury also gave her time to reflect on her career and how far she had come from her early days in the WWE Diva Search. Her focus remained on returning to the ring stronger and better than before.
Candice made her return to WWE in 2008, but injuries continued to plague her career. After a second collarbone injury in a match against Beth Phoenix, Candice’s in-ring activity became more sporadic. Despite her best efforts, she was unable to recapture the same momentum she had prior to her injuries, and her WWE career began to wind down.
Life After WWE
Candice Michelle officially left WWE in 2009, but her impact on the company and the women’s division remains notable. Her career, while cut short by injury, is remembered as one of perseverance and transformation. Candice was able to successfully transition from a model and actress to a respected WWE Women’s Champion, something not many expected when she first entered the company.
Outside of wrestling, Candice has continued to make appearances in the entertainment industry and has focused on her family. She married Dr. Ken Gee Ehrlich in 2005, and together they have two daughters. Candice has also maintained a connection with WWE, occasionally appearing at WWE events and staying active on social media, where she interacts with fans and shares updates about her life.
Legacy: A Pioneer for WWE Divas
Candice Michelle’s journey in WWE is often seen as a pioneering one for women who entered the company from non-wrestling backgrounds. Her dedication to improving her in-ring skills and her determination to be taken seriously as a competitor paved the way for future WWE Divas and Superstars to transition from roles outside wrestling into legitimate performers.
Her role in popularizing the WWE Divas division during the 2000s cannot be understated. Candice brought mainstream attention to WWE through her modeling career, including her Playboy appearances and Go Daddy Super Bowl commercials. However, she was able to transcend the role of a glamour model by proving that she had the grit, work ethic, and passion to become a WWE Women’s Champion.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Perseverance
Candice Michelle’s wrestling career may have been relatively short, but her impact on the WWE women’s division is lasting. She broke barriers as the first Diva Search contestant to win the WWE Women’s Championship, and her feud with Melina remains one of the most memorable storylines of the mid-2000s. Candice’s story is one of transformation, from a model and actress to a respected professional wrestler, demonstrating her ability to adapt and thrive in the competitive world of WWE.
Her journey is a testament to perseverance, proving that even in the face of injuries and challenges, success can be achieved with hard work and determination. Candice Michelle’s legacy in WWE is one of inspiration, especially for those who may not have started their careers in wrestling but dream of making an impact in the squared circle.
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