Kandi Krush is known as a formidable competitor in the Women of Wrestling (WOW) circuit. Once part of the trio called Top Tier, along with Coach Campanelli and Gloria Glitter, Krush and Campanelli eventually turned against Glitter, leading to her departure from the group. Like many journeys in professional wrestling, Krush’s ascent was not without challenges.
Kandi Krush began her athletic pursuits with hopes of competing in the Olympics as a synchronized swimmer. However, injuries and a ‘toxic environment’ caused her to abandon that path. ‘My dreams were essentially stripped from me,’ she shared in a conversation with Fox News Digital. Despite setbacks, she adapted by channeling her efforts into boxing, quickly rising through the ranks to achieve an undefeated record as a professional. COVID-19, however, disrupted her progress as it did for many others.
‘I worked my way up, turned pro, and then COVID hit like a punch from Mike Tyson,’ she explained. ‘With gyms shutting down, I took time to reflect on my future.’ Krush’s inclination toward performance led her to consider professional wrestling, despite not having followed it in her youth. Inspired by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, she pursued a tryout with WOW, determined to succeed in the new arena.
Despite doubts, Krush dedicated herself fully to the sport. ‘Even if they called to tell me I was cut, I’d still show up,’ she recounted with tenacity. ‘I was the first one at tryouts and the last to leave.’ Krush’s success in WOW isn’t just due to her perseverance but also her willingness to study wrestlers of the past. Her mindset of continuous learning and pushing forward defines her career.
Krush attributes her resilience to lessons learned in boxing and life, lessons imparted by her mother. ‘Failure is part of the journey, but I don’t quit. I fail, I learn, I get better, and I move on,’ she commented, emphasizing that setbacks are merely opportunities for growth.
Viewing herself as an inspiration for others, Krush recalls a pivotal moment early in her wrestling career. ‘I was on the canvas with an injured arm during a match. A little girl in the audience encouraged me to keep fighting,’ Krush reflected. ‘Her belief in me inspired me to continue, and I hope my actions motivate her and others in their own struggles.’
Kandi Krush’s commitment to inspiring others through her performances is central to her ambition. Though her initial dreams of Olympic gold were sidetracked, she continues to achieve her goals through wrestling with WOW.
WOW co-founded by Jeanie Buss, features weekly episodes streamed on Tubi and Vice TV, currently transitioning to L.A. Live in Los Angeles for Season 5. ‘This season is personal for me,’ Buss shared, emphasizing the importance of creating a platform for women in sports.
Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.