Kandi Krush stands out as a formidable figure in the Women of Wrestling (WOW) lineup. Alongside Coach Campanelli and Gloria Glitter, they once formed Top Tier and held the WOW World Trios Championship. However, as in much of professional wrestling, alliances shifted when Krush and Campanelli decided to oust Glitter from the group.
Krush’s path to her current position in wrestling wasn’t straightforward. Initially set on competing in the Olympics, her aspirations in synchronized swimming were cut short due to injuries and what she described as a “toxic environment.” “My dreams were essentially kind of stripped from me,” Krush explained in an interview. “But I took control over my future and pivoted.” This led her to a successful run in professional boxing, going undefeated, until the COVID-19 pandemic brought her progress to a halt.
Reflecting on her potential futures, Krush’s attention turned to pro wrestling after watching a film with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Despite lacking a background in wrestling, she was captivated by the prospect and decided to dive in wholeheartedly. She noticed a tryout for WOW and committed immediately. Her determination was unwavering: “Even if they call to tell me I’m cut, I’m going to show up. You can’t tell me no.” Her perseverance paid off, as she became one of the first attendees at tryouts, showcasing her dedication by consistently being the last to leave.
Her resilience, rooted in her upbringing and personal drive, underscores her success. Krush shared, “Failure is part of the journey but I don’t like to lose by quitting. I will never do that. You fail, you learn. No losses, only lessons.” This mantra from her boxing days continues to guide her wrestling career.
Kandi Krush’s impact extends beyond the ring. She recalls being inspired by a young fan during a critical match. Injured and struggling, she heard a girl in the audience cheering her on. “Get up, Kandi Krush. You can do it,” the girl encouraged. This moment stirred Krush emotionally. “If she sees me get up and keep moving forward, then she’ll remember that too,” Krush reflected. These experiences fuel her mission to inspire others through her performances in WOW.
Los Angeles Lakers minority owner Jeanie Buss co-founded and co-owns WOW. The shows, previously filmed in Las Vegas, have shifted to L.A. Live, bringing a new dynamic to the entertainment platform. Buss mentioned her personal connection to Season 5, “I’m taking on a bigger, more visible role, and fans are going to see a side of WOW they haven’t seen before. I’ve spent my career fighting for women to be seen and respected in spaces that weren’t built for us, and WOW exists to give women that platform.” Each episode streams on Tubi and Vice TV, continuing to spotlight women in sports.