Former WWE Women’s Champion Candice Michelle has taken a new backstage role with TNA and says the job could spark her in-ring return. She signed with the company earlier in March and now sees a path back to wrestling.
New role at TNA
TNA posted a video showing Michelle signing a contract alongside Tommy Dreamer and TNA President Carlos Silva. The company did not give many details at first, but Michelle explained more in a recent interview.
Tommy Dreamer offered her work as an agent. Michelle said Dreamer told her to shadow him the first weekend and then step into the agent role the next weekend. She recalled, “All I could think about is like, ‘That is wrestling.’ ‘We’re going to see if you’re going to survive or not and if you can do it or not and throw them to the wolves. I was like, ‘Okay. Let’s go. I’m back.'” (on “Insight with Chris Van Vliet”; h/t Wrestling Inc. for transcription).
From wrestler to backstage staff
Michelle left WWE in June 2009. She later wrestled what she called her retirement match on the independent scene, winning against former Victoria, Lisa Marie Vachon, in 2017.
She told the interviewer that even though she has not been active as a full-time wrestler for many years, she has stayed involved and kept working on her skills. The new job at TNA begins with backstage work and agent duties, which she hopes will open doors to more opportunities.
| Fighter | Recent Result |
|---|---|
| Candice Michelle | Retirement match win (2017) vs. Lisa Marie Vachon |
| Lisa Marie Vachon | Loss (2017) vs. Candice Michelle |
Eyeing a comeback
Michelle said this initial call from TNA feels like the right spot to start. “I think that this initial call was my hope spot,” she said. “I think it’s going to lead into my comeback… I was at WrestleCon and I was doing an appearance and my promotor had Dustin [Rhodes] on. Something [in me] said, ‘Go up to him and tell him you want to wrestle again…’ I just feel it coming. I don’t know when it’s coming, but it’s coming.” (on “Insight with Chris Van Vliet”; h/t Wrestling Inc. for transcription).
For now, Michelle will work behind the scenes as an agent and shadow experienced staff. She sees that role as a training ground and a possible step back into the ring in the future.
What to watch next
Fans should watch TNA programming and appearances where Michelle is listed. Her backstage role could lead to on-screen work or a return match, but she has not announced any specific in-ring plans or dates yet. Her comments make clear she is excited and ready to take on new challenges at TNA.
