Candice Michelle has named her most challenging opponent she faced during her WWE career.
Speaking on TMZ Inside the Ropes, the former WWE Women’s Champion reflected on her in-ring rivalry with Melina and recalled one particular match that pushed her out of her comfort zone. Candice Michelle explained that she entered WWE with little formal wrestling training and often learned on the job while travelling with the company. That made the one-house show encounter with Melina especially difficult, as the two were unable to discuss the match beforehand.
“Definitely the most challenging was Melina,” Michelle said. “I’ll never forget this match. We were at a house show, and she did not want to go over the match with me at all.”
Michelle admitted she was frustrated by the situation, especially given her relative lack of experience at the time.
“I didn’t go to wrestling school. I had no wrestling experience except what I was learning on the road or when I could get in on my own,” she said. “So I thought, ‘This is really not good.'”
Despite her concerns, Michelle said the match ultimately became one of the most important learning experiences of her career.
Candice Michelle Said She Relied On Melina’s Experience To Get Her Through The Match
According to Candice Michelle, she was forced to rely on instinct, crowd reactions and Melina’s experience throughout the contest. While the situation was intimidating, she believes it helped her develop as a performer.
“We had an incredible match,” Michelle said. “I had to listen to her. I knew she was a more experienced wrestler; she could lead this match. I had to feel into my comeback. I had to feel the crowd if they’re behind me.”
Although their relationship was often described as contentious during their time in WWE, Michelle acknowledged that working with Melina helped accelerate her growth inside the ring.
“It was terrifying, and also one of the moments where I grew the most,” she said.
