One of the standout figures in Women of Wrestling (WOW) is Kandi Krush. As part of the group known as Top Tier, alongside Coach Campanelli and Gloria Glitter, Krush once held the WOW World Trios Championship. When the dynamics shifted, Krush and Campanelli turned against Glitter, removing her from the group.
Krush’s path to success in professional wrestling was filled with challenges. Before wrestling, she aspired to compete in the Olympics as a synchronized swimmer. However, injuries and what she described as a “toxic environment” put an end to her Olympic dreams.
‘My dreams were taken from me,’ she explained. ‘But I redirected my future and chose a new path. Challenges are lessons, signals to change direction. That’s when I turned to boxing.’
Krush mentioned that her strong work ethic helped her achieve an undefeated record in professional boxing. Despite this success, COVID-19 brought unexpected hurdles.
‘I turned pro in boxing and was undefeated, then COVID struck like a Mike Tyson punch,’ she said. ‘With gyms closed, I had time to reflect on my goals. I wanted the excitement of performing, which initially led me to boxing. The crowd’s energy pushes me.’
Her venture into pro wrestling began after seeing a film with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Despite not following wrestling as a child, Krush saw potential in this new direction. After noticing an advertisement for a WOW wrestling tryout, she poured her time and energy into reaching the ring.
‘Even if told I’m cut, I’d show up the next day,’ she said. ‘You can’t say no to me. I was the first in, last out. That mindset has propelled me in WOW. I absorbed wrestling’s history, determined never to look back.’
Her resilience stems from a refusal to quit and a strong drive to prove doubters wrong, qualities her mother nurtured. Krush explained her approach to failure, holding fast to the idea that challenges offer learning opportunities.
‘Failure is part of the journey. I hate losing by quitting,’ Krush stated. ‘You fail, learn, and progress. No losses, just lessons. I live by that in wrestling and life.’
Krush, known as “The Heavy Hitter,” shared an inspiring moment from her career that illustrates her determination. Early on, during a title shot, she endured immense pressure and pain. From the crowd, a young girl’s encouragement helped her persevere.
‘In a tight spot, I looked out and a little girl urged me on. ‘Get up, Kandi Krush. You can win,’ she called. It still moves me. That belief in me drives my efforts. I want to inspire perseverance. If she remembers me rising in the ring, maybe she’ll find strength when she faces challenges.’
Krush is grateful for the platform WOW provides to inspire others. Her wrestling journey has become a vehicle for impacting lives, fulfilling a dream of making a difference.
WOW, co-founded by Jeanie Buss, streams episodes on Tubi and Vice TV. After previous seasons in Las Vegas, Season 5 will be hosted at L.A. Live in Los Angeles. Buss shared perspectives on this new season’s personal significance, emphasizing its role in championing women in sports.
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