Candice Michelle looked back on two very different title moments in her WWE career: a surprise win of the Women’s Championship in 2007 and a flash 24/7 Championship win years later. She spoke about both on the podcast Insight With Chris Van Vliet.
The surprise at Vengeance Night of Champions
Candice won the WWE Women’s Championship by defeating Melina at the 2007 Vengeance Night of Champions pay-per-view. She said the decision came only hours before the match. “It was like hours before the match [I was told about the title win],” she told the podcast. “We’re literally down in the ring. I think it was Fit Finlay and he’s like ‘You’re going over tonight.’ It’s so casual and I’m like ‘What do you mean?’ He’s like ‘You’re taking the title tonight.’ I’m like ‘Okay.’ That match got cut. I think it was three minutes. It got cut so short.” (Insight With Chris Van Vliet, h/t Wrestling Inc.)
The match lasted about four minutes in total. Melina used heavy offense, but Candice ran the ropes, built momentum and landed a spinning heel kick for the pin. It gave her a big moment in front of the crowd, even if it felt sudden behind the scenes.
Being champion and losing the belt
Candice said she tried to savor the win, but the reality of being champion came quickly. “What I learned is when I won the championship, I remember telling myself, take a moment because I know it’s going to go fast,” she said. “But what I learned is that moment lasts for a second. And right when you walk through the curtains, now you have a whole locker room chasing you.” (Insight With Chris Van Vliet, h/t Wrestling Inc.)
Her WWE Women’s Championship reign lasted 105 days. She lost the title to Beth Phoenix at No Mercy in October 2007.
The quick 24/7 title moment in 2019
Twelve years after her first title, Candice returned to win the WWE 24/7 Championship on a WWE Raw reunion special. She pinned Kelly Kelly after a surprise attack while Kelly was celebrating a win with friends Melina and Naomi. Melina, who had become a referee for the moment, counted the pin.
Candice said she had gone into the reunion with low expectations and a grateful attitude. She was surprised when producers told her she would win the 24/7 title minutes before the moment. “I’m like, ‘I’m what?’” she recalled on the podcast. (Insight With Chris Van Vliet, h/t Wrestling Inc.)
The 24/7 reign lasted about 30 seconds. While Candice was celebrating, WWE Hall of Famer Alundra Blayze surprised her, put her in a chokehold and forced her to submit. Blayze then sold the title to Ted DiBiase as part of the post-win storyline.
| Fighter | Recent Result |
|---|---|
| Candice Michelle | Won WWE Women’s Championship at 2007 Vengeance; 105-day reign. Brief WWE 24/7 Championship win on 2019 Raw (about 30 seconds). |
| Melina | Lost WWE Women’s Championship to Candice at 2007 Vengeance. Served as referee during 2019 Raw reunion moment. |
| Beth Phoenix | Defeated Candice to win WWE Women’s Championship at No Mercy in October 2007. |
Candice’s memories show two sides of wrestling: a big, planned moment that came as a surprise, and a short, phone-it-in-style moment that still left a mark. She emphasized staying ready and keeping a grateful attitude so opportunities can come when they appear.
