Chelsea Green is currently making history as WWE’s inaugural Women’s United States Champion. Her journey to the top, however, has been anything but easy. Before signing with WWE and embarking on her successful run, Green took part in the reality competition show Tough Enough. Though she didn’t win the competition, the experience proved to be a pivotal moment in her wrestling career.
Looking Back at Tough Enough
In an interview with The Wrestling Classic, Green reflected on her time on Tough Enough, admitting that her performance on the show wasn’t her best.
“I did terribly,” Green confessed. “It only took me ten years to actually, like, get retribution, but we’re fine.”
Despite her struggles, Green described the experience as a significant learning opportunity. Competing alongside other aspiring wrestlers, she quickly realized the caliber of talent she was up against. She acknowledged how remarkable her fellow competitors were, both in their athletic abilities and in their overall presentation.
What Tough Enough Taught Chelsea Green
Green’s time on Tough Enough taught her more than just in-ring skills. She humorously noted how the other women introduced her to aspects of self-care and beauty that she had never considered before, such as lip fillers and Botox.
“They had this like je ne sais quoi about them,” Green said. “They were just, like, so much more grown-up in America.”
For Green, the experience wasn’t just about competition; it was about personal growth. She joked about the cultural differences she observed but credited the women on the show for inspiring her to elevate her presentation.
Knowing the Stars of Tomorrow
During her time on Tough Enough, Green recognized the potential of many of her competitors.
“I knew while I was in it — these girls are meant to be stars,” she recalled. “So I wasn’t surprised when I left and a bunch of them got called back.”
While Green’s journey took a different path after leaving the show, she acknowledged how the competition served as a springboard for many of the participants, including herself.
The Road to WWE
After her stint on Tough Enough, Green honed her skills in various promotions, including TNA (now IMPACT Wrestling), Lucha Underground, and Ring of Honor. Each step in her journey allowed her to grow as a performer and build a reputation that eventually led to her signing with WWE.
In WWE, Green’s hard work and resilience have paid off, culminating in her groundbreaking achievement as the first-ever Women’s United States Champion. She’s now a prominent figure in the women’s division, proving that persistence and dedication can overcome any obstacle.
The Lessons of Tough Enough
Green’s reflections on Tough Enough highlight the impact of the show on her career. It wasn’t just about learning to wrestle; it was about adapting to challenges, understanding the industry’s demands, and growing as a person. The lessons she learned during her time on the show laid the foundation for her eventual success.
“The experience opened my eyes to being an adult,” Green said. It was a crucial step in her journey, teaching her resilience and the importance of perseverance in an industry as competitive as professional wrestling.
Chelsea Green’s Legacy
Today, Chelsea Green stands as an inspiration for aspiring wrestlers everywhere. Her story—from struggling on Tough Enough to making history in WWE—is a testament to the power of persistence and self-belief. While her time on Tough Enough didn’t lead to an immediate WWE contract, it planted the seeds for a career that has now reached incredible heights.
As Green continues to defend her Women’s United States Championship and solidify her legacy in WWE, she carries with her the lessons learned from her early days. Her journey serves as a reminder that setbacks are merely setups for greater comebacks.