Wrestling is a sport of mixed emotions and certainly one that is not short of energy! The pain, drama, eccentricities, and persistence are all understandable. But what if we told you there were plenty of love and weddings, too? Here we take a look into the lives of some of the most famous wrestlers of our time and see who they are married to, how they met, and what their spouses do for a living. Wrestlers are human, too—just mega-sized! Let’s learn a little bit more about our favorite fighters and who they come home to when they’re out of the ring!
John Cena & Nikki Bella (2012 – 2018)
Nikki Bella and John Cena are not a new item or a hot topic. They’ve been together for quite some time already, weathering the storms together and riding the waves of drama over the last couple of years. They have overcome plenty together and reached the point where they announced their engagement in 2017. To the dismay of fans, the wedding was officially called off in 2018 and Bella split from Cena just a couple of weeks before the wedding. It seems the tension stemmed from Bella’s desire to have kids and Cena’s adamance refusal to do so!
Chris Jericho & Jessica Lockhart (2000 – Present)
Jessica Lockhart and Chris Jericho have been together for a decade and a half already, having been married since 2000. Their relationship has survived infidelity rumors—and not just on one side, either! The couple was high school sweethearts and they extinguish all the rumors that celebrity news columns spark. Their fans feel reassured that they have been loyal to each other and Jericho’s tattoo of Lockhart’s name on his ring finger sure helped them gain momentum! They are the parents of three—Ash, Sierra, and Cheyenne. In 2018, Jerico shocked fans with a new tattoo—this time a homage to his career and the band Queen.
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Randy Orton & Kimberly Kessler (2015 – Present)
Randy Orton may well be described as one of the most famous wrestlers on earth, but he is married to a woman who the public knows very little about. Her name is Kim Kessler and she happens to be a busy mom of five (one is their own and the others from previous relationships). They began dating back in 2014 and Orton publically declared their relationship when he took Kessler to the 2014 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Kessler is a feisty and protective wife. In 2014, she snapped back on critics on social media and defended her husband after he body-shamed a fan he met at the gym!
Daniel Bryan & Brie Bella (2014 – Present)
Brie is one half of the wrestling tag team, Bella Twins, alongside her twin sister Nikki. Brie got hitched to professional wrestler Daniel Bryan, who didn’t hesitate to ask Brie to marry him and they eventually had their wedding in 2014 at the L’Auberge de Sedona in Arizona. Brie and Nikki are the two women with notorious reputations for being major heels of WWE. Bryan generated love for Brie from fans. In 2017, their daughter, Birdie Joe Danielson, was born. At the Hell in a Cell tag team match held in September 2018, the married couple lost to The Miz and Maryse.
Jack Swagger & Catalina Hager (2010 – Present)
Jake Hager, aka Jack Swagger, fell helplessly in love with Catalina White. And today, she is now his beautiful wife! Catalina was featured in a number of magazines including FHM and even Maxim. Not before long, Swagger popped the question and slipped a ring on Hager’s finger! What sets Swagger’s wife apart from other wrestlers’ wives is that she has set her Instagram account to private—this mom of two isn’t one for attention! Well, we wouldn’t be so sure, because we hear there’s a naughty tape out on the net of Catalina and adult movie actor Justice Young from around 2009!
Cody Rhodes & Brandi Rhodes (2013 – Present)
She’s a female wrestler better known as Eden. Her private life has been kept on the low. But what we do know is that she is married to Cody Rhodes. Brandi Rhodes’ career portfolio started when she kicked off as a news reporter before progressing to the post of anchor. Her big break emerged when she became a presenter for WWE. She fell head over heels when she spoke to Cody on the very first occasion. The couple has been inseparable ever since! Brandi faced racist comments from a fan in 2018 but she handled it well, suggesting that racism is a limitation of the mind.
The Miz & Maryse Ouellet (2014 – Present)
Maryse Ouellet is a former WWE Diva who married The Miz in 2014. She’s now called Mrs. Maryse Mizanin and they both love sharing the great times they have together and how well their love affair is growing. The married couple constantly posts pictures on social media platforms. Maryse is happy to cheer for her husband and sometimes helps coach him if he’s finding it challenging. However, they shared that it wasn’t love at first sight when they met in 2006. In November 2018, it was reported that The Miz is about to be scripted as a good guy in WWE while Daniel Bryan plays heel.
Steve Austin & Kristin Austin (2009 – Present)
Steve Austin is called The Texas Rattlesnake and he is largely considered responsible for ushering in the WWE golden age—or Attitude Era. He made a sensational return to the WWE in June 2018. Austin has had himself several ladies on his arm since the onset of his wrestling career in the nineties. But three failed marriages and plenty of divorce lawyer fees later, Austin seems to have found the right woman! Austin met Kristin Feres and married her in 2009 and they have been happy ever since. The couple shares their time between California, Marina Del Ray, and Tilden.
Kevin Owens & Karina Steen (2007 – Present)
While the moment the NXT champ Kevin Owens met his gorgeous wife, Karina Steen, must have been one of the best moments of his life, we are willing to bet that another moment that ranks just as highly is when Owens slammed John Cena onto the canvas in a shocking U.S. Open Challenge in 2015. We can’t imagine the excitement the couple’s two kids, Owen and Elodie, must have experienced seeing their dad achieve that! Kevin and Karina have $10 million in the bank but they’re down-to-earth and the whole fame-to-his-head thing that Owens does on WWE is simply an act.
Mike Bennett & Maria Kanellis (2014 – Present)
Maria Kanellis is a charismatic WWE Diva who manages her husband Mike Bennet. Bennet may not be a name you quickly recognize, but it’s because he didn’t actually get featured on any major network of the sport. Maria may even be the one cooking something up for her hubby dearest! In April 2018, their baby girl named Frederica was born. In 2017, the fact that Kanellis fell pregnant evoked some interesting responses from the public; ranging from hatred to rude and even insulting. She responded firmly and stood her ground, though, not allowing them to make her feel powerless. She worked out with a personal trainer through her pregnancy.
Triple H & Stephanie McMahon (2003 – Present)
Stephanie McMahon is a businesswoman who wed wrestler Hunter Hurst Hemsley and she happens to be a member of the family who founded the WWE—the McMahons. Steph’s dad, Vince McMahon, is the CEO and he sure must be proud that his daughter has gained prominence both inside and outside of the ring! If it weren’t for the wrestling network, we doubt she would have met the love of her life—Triple H! Their relationship began as a scripted one but genuine chemistry took over and it’s now a reality! Stephanie revealed she loves training and sees it as a form of release. She even released workout DVDs in 2016!
Tyson Kidd & Natalya (2013 – Present)
Tyson Kidd and Nattie Neidhart seem to be drama magnets! Nattie, also known as Natalya, established a name for herself by starring in the reality TV show Total Divas, where she is growing rather successful and becoming a strong member of the cast thanks to the turbulence in her personal life. Kidd and Neidhart have been an item since 2001 and whenever they were pulled apart, it seems they just pulled back together even tighter! In 2015, Kidd suffered a terrible spinal personal injury which prematurely ended his career in wrestling. However, in 2018, he shared that he is happy with his new position in WWE. Everything for a reason, yes?
Edge & Beth Phoenix (2016 – Present)
The stunning Beth Phoenix was once the cream of the WWE crop back in her heyday! Phoenix is a retired wrestler who got hitched to Edge. They had their first baby in 2014 followed by a second one in 2016. Phoenix is one of the women who boasted muscles but was still considered beautiful and feminine—there’s a fine line when it comes to women with a strong build (any bodybuilding woman can attest to that)! As for Edge, he made a comeback to Smackdown 1000 in 2018 and fans were very pleased, to say the least!
Matt Hardy & Reby Sky (2013 – Present)
We once thought that Matt Hardy’s heart was broken for good when things fell apart between him and WWE Diva, Lita. The couple had been in an on-off relationship that we imagine must have been difficult for them. Eventually, Hardy moved on to the beautiful Reby Sky. Sky was trained for the ring not by a personal trainer, but by Hardy himself. Their relationship grew to the point where they said “I do” in North Carolina in 2013. Not everything was smiles and love stories, though, because the couple faced some hurdles—restraining orders and domestic disputes reared their heads. They have reportedly overcome their differences, though.
Jerry “The King” Lawler & Lauryn Laine McBride (Engaged)
WWE legend Jerry Lawler goes by the name The King and he is certainly one with a reputation for being a ladies’ man! His fiancé, Lauryn Laine McBride, is far younger than Lawler—39 years younger, to be exact! He landed himself quite the looker, we must add. In 2018, Lawler suffered a stroke while in bed with his fiancée; resulting in him not speaking for two days. He recovered and returned to the ring three weeks later, though. After a domestic violence arrest between the couple, WWE suspended Lawler indefinitely in 2016.
Jimmy Uso & Naomi (2014 – Present)
Trinity Fatu, aka Naomi, married Jimmy Uso, a popular wrestler, and she found herself suddenly the half of a wrestling power couple! Before she married Uso, though, Naomi was cast in Total Divas—a TV show aired on E! Unfortunately, her marriage got in the way of her role. Uso faced an unknown injury in 2016 and it wasn’t clear when he would return to the ring. Now, it’s Naomi’s turn to make the money as she gains popularity yet again! There was friction between MJ Jenkins and Naomi in 2016. However, it ended off with Jenkins congratulating Noami for her win in February 2017—so all looks well!
Zack Ryder & Laurel Van Ness (Dating)
This beautiful couple is wrestler Zack Ryder and wrestler Chelsea Anne Green. Ryder is a WWE sensation who has built a name on Smackdown. Meanwhile, Green is on a lower level but still has a name for herself in Global Force Wrestling—but it’s Laurel van Ness, not her real name. In 2018, Green shared with the public how Ryder helped her develop her character in TNA and how he encouraged her to change directions with her character. Well, the segment he inspired turned out to be one of the most watched of the year. We bet her savings account got a mega-boost!
Rusev & Lana (2016 – Present)
The beautiful Lana of WWE started off managing Bulgarian wrestler Rusev. Later on, the two were seen as a duo act—Rusev the muscles and Lana the face! More recently, though, Lana has made a name all her own in the ring and proven herself a skilled fighter. In 2016, to the pleasure of fans, they took their relationship up a notch or ten—from professional to marriage! In 2018, Lana revealed that Rusev is putting pressure on her to get pregnant but she’s still got goals to achieve in the ring!
Bo Dallas & Sarah Backman (2014 – Present)
Sarah Backman, the eight-time champion of World Arm Wrestling, can certainly give Bo Dallas a challenge alright! Backman was recruited by NXT for a career towards WWE, but it didn’t work out as planned. She then worked for WWE from 2013 to 2014. Backman requested release from her contract and was granted it with no contest. As of 2015, Backman is in real estate, working as a broker. At 22, Bo Dallas was the youngest WWE player in history. However, the couple seemed to have encountered a setback when Dallas was arrested for public intoxication in 2016.
John Layfield & Meredith Whitney (2005 – Present)
We didn’t expect this one—for a professional wrestler to marry a financial analyst! Now that’s an unlikely pairing! But for wrestler John Layfield and his analyst wife, Meredith Whitney, it is their love story! Layfield’s name in the ring is Bradshaw and is sometimes referred to as JBL. Sparks flew between him and Meredith when they worked together on Fox. By 2005, they had sealed the deal! Meredith closed her business in 2015 and now resides in Bermuda, enjoying a quiet private life with Layfield—sort of in retirement, you could say!
Jeff Jarrett & Karen Jarrett (2010 – Present)
Karen Jarrett was once upon a time married to Olympic medalist Kurt Angle. But after their marriage came to an end, she moved on and got hitched to Jeff Jarrett in 2010—a wrestler you must have heard of! When Karen stepped in the ring after 2010, she fought as Karen Jarrett and the couple has been happy ever since. Karen was once an exotic dancer and her physique hasn’t changed all that much from back then—she’s still got a killer figure at over 40! She must have had a healthy lifestyle keeping her in check! Meanwhile, her husband, Jeff, was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 2018.
Dean Ambrose & Renee Young (2017 – Present)
WWE United States Champion Dean Ambrose is the longest running champion in the history of wrestling. Being a champion is perhaps not Ambrose’s highest accomplishment, though, if we were to hazard a guess. We reckon that reeling in a good catch like Renee Young is the best he’s done! Young, a journalist, interviewed Ambrose once and there was instant attraction. On Ambrose’s part, he reckons it wasn’t just Young’s beauty that attracted him to her but also her sense of humor. It’s all in the smile, ladies! In 2018, Young revealed her concerns that being married to Ambrose would make her biased in her commentary. Well, time will tell!
Kofi Kingston & Kori Campfield (2010 – Present)
Ghanaian wrestler Kofi Kingston is the man behind some of the most legendary Royal Rumble saves. He has been hitched to the gorgeous Kori Campfield since 2010. Kingston has attended many WWE events with the stunning Kori on his arm and she’s always caught the eyes of every man around her! The happy couple has two children together. And when Kingston isn’t on Smackdown tour, he’s enjoying life with his family in Tampa, Florida. With a net worth of $3 million, he can spoil his family aplenty! In September 2018, Kofi broke the WWE record of most days as a tag team champion.
Booker T & Sharmell Sullivan-Huffman (2005 – Present)
Robert Booker Tio Huffman is better known as Booker T and the wrestler is the founder and owner of Reality of Wrestling (ROW) in Texas. His wife, retired professional wrestler Sharmell Sullivan, is recognized for having served WWE and for performing for TNA as well. The wrestling couple had the blessing of having twins—a boy and a girl—born on August 5, 2010. Booker T and fellow wrestler Corey Graves had a bit of a brush with each other in 2018, with Booker T accusing Graves of messing with his money.
Kurt Angle & Giovanna Yannotti (2012 – Present)
Kurt Angle is what we describe as a true wrestler in every sense of the word. He is a wrestler who has weathered it all—and a bit more! Angle, an Olympic gold medalist, joined the WWE in 1998. He’s been married twice and his second wife is the beautiful Giovanna Yannotti, who he tied the knot with in 2012. They have a beautiful family with three daughters. Yannotti had an acting career which kicked off in 2009 and she has starred in the movie Death from Above with husband Kurt Angle in 2012. Now, her bio doesn’t have her listed as an actress any longer, showing she may have retired.
Bill Goldberg & Wanda Ferraton (2005 – Present)
At the peak of his career, Bill Goldberg was nothing short of a sensation in the ring. He became a fan favorite in the WWE practically instantly. The year 2005 marked the beginning of his married life with Wanda Ferraton, a stunt double who he met on the set of a production called Santa’s Slay. The happy couple lives in Bonsall, California along with their son, Gage. After marrying Goldberg, Ferraton retired from her career. After all, with his earnings, he can afford to support her in every way! There’s wind of Goldberg returning to WWE in 2018.
Shane McMahon & Marissa Mazzola (1996 – Present)
Shane McMahon and Marissa Mazzola boast one of the longest-standing unions on this list! This couple got married in September of 1996 and they’re still going strong! McMahon is the Smackdown on-screen commissioner and son of WWE’s CEO, Vince McMahon. His sister is Stephanie McMahon who is also listed here with her significant other. Shane has about $35 million in his bank account to keep him happy, which is way higher than many on this list! In 2017, McMahon had an unfortunate plane crash incident but fortunately, he was unharmed.
Roman Reigns & Galina Becker (2014 – Present)
Roman Reigns wasn’t always in wrestling. Reigns was a man of a different sport in his youth as he was a college football player. It was in his days of football that he met his future wife, Galina Becker. The couple committed themselves to each other by marriage in 2014 and had a daughter shortly afterward. High school sweethearts are a rare thing, most especially in celebrities! In 2018, Roman Reigns made a shocking announcement that he had been diagnosed with leukemia in 2008 and would have to relinquish his title immediately, as the illness had returned. Fans were stunned but supportive and in awe of his emotional strength.
Paige & Alberto Del Rio (Unclear)
Alberto Del Rio looks very smug here with his beautiful fiancée, Saraya-Jade Bevis. He seems to have forgotten all about his wife, Angela Velkei, and all the rumors of adultery that tore them apart! Well, perhaps it was for the better as he seems rather happy. Saraya-Jade is referred to in the wrestling community as Paige. This gorgeous couple is about to get hitched after announcing their engagement in 2016. It isn’t clear as to whether they have already gotten married or not, but there were even rumors of them having called it quits over adultery! Well, they sure know how to keep the public guessing!
The Rock & Lauren Hashian (Dating)
The Rock is undoubtedly a very popular movie star with multiple blockbuster films in his portfolio. But he actually first made a name for himself as a wrestler before taking Hollywood by storm. It’s easier to imagine him stealing the hearts of many women. But since 2007, there’s only been one woman Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is interested in. And that is Lauran Hashian. Hashian is a singer who the superstar met and fell for and they have two baby girls. In 2018, the couple revealed that they intended to get married, but plans were delayed owing to Hashian’s pregnancy with their second baby.
CM Punk & AJ Lee (2014 – Present)
CM Punk and AJ Lee found themselves at the very peak of their careers at one point. And suddenly, everything they knew turned upside down as they crashed into one another and fell in love. Okay, we are dramatizing it a bit, but they did marry and now live in Chicago and have great memories of wrestling—the sport that brought them together! Interestingly, Punk received his termination letter from WWE on the day he married Lee—what a blow! Punk is now with UFC and Lee is an animal rights activist and author of a book she released in 2017 about living with her (at the time) undiagnosed mental illness.
Big Show & Bess Katramados (2002 – Present)
Big Show is someone we would liken to Andre the Giant as he towers at 7 feet and is surely larger than life itself! Small-framed Bess Katramados is his wife. However, her short stature is deceiving—she’s quite feisty! Big Show, whose real name is Paul Donald Wight II, tied the knot with Katramados on February 11, 2002. The happy couple has two children together. As of April 2018, Big Show is technically in retirement as his contract with the WWE expired. Those are some big boots to hang up!
The Undertaker & Michelle McCool (2010 – Present)
The Undertaker is a character of WWE that you either love or hate—and we doubt he cares very much, really! For a significant part of his time in wrestling, his career was hidden—a mysterious past is a great way to gather an audience! The Undertaker pulled it all off very well! The Undertaker is his ring name of course, as he was born Mark William Calaway. Calaway and his wife, Michelle McCool, had a baby in 2012. In 2016, McCool revealed that she was undergoing cancer treatment for skin cancer. The public was shocked by her revelation.
Shawn Michaels & Rebecca Curci (1999 – Present)
Rebecca Curci had her time in the ring before she eventually settled down with WWE icon Shawn Michaels. Curci wrestled under the name of Nitro Girl and that’s where she tugged at The Heartbreak Kid’s heart for the first time. In his time, Michaels was well-known for being the heartthrob of the ring and the public went wild about Curci capturing his heart! In dramatic fashion, the couple took off to Las Vegas and eloped in 1999; swiftly putting an end to the dreams of every woman wanting to marry Michaels. They’ve had two kids since and remain happily married, enjoying a net worth of $17 million in 2018.
Dave Bautista & Sarah Jade (2015 – Present)
Dave Bautista is more known today for his role as Drax the Destroyer in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. He has been making such huge earnings as a movie star that it is easily forgotten that Bautista was at one stage among the most feared of all wrestlers in the WWE. He is the winner of several heavyweight titles. His wife, Sarah Jade, is a professional dancer and she sure hasn’t forgotten Bautista’s peak! She married him in 2015 and they’ve been glued at the hip at every event afterward. Bautista continues to conquer Hollywood as he’s set to star in three movies in 2019, including the upcoming Avengers movie!