Paying Dues & Making History: 5 Year Anniversary Q&A

Ask anyone that is apart of Michelle McCool’s legion of “Faithful Followers” what they’re up to, and they’ll proudly tell you that we’re celebrating the First Lady of SmackDown’s 5th Anniversary with World Wrestling Entertainment – with the Lady herself! On November 18, 2004, Michelle McCool made her pro-wrestling debut on the blue brand, WWE SmackDown, which she has since called home. A staple for Team Blue, Michelle shows no signs of slowing down an already storybook career filled with blood, sweat and tears, and yes, faith, heart and soul. WWE Women’s Champion, Michelle McCool, has granted MichelleMcCool.Net yet another exclusive interview to shine light on questions that hadn’t been asked before. In this feature, we’re asking “5 Questions for 5 Years.”

You were given a great opportunity with the Diva Search. It ultimately led you down a path of success and championships. However, it’s also made some people say you’re undeserving of where you are today and that you haven’t “paid your dues” because you didn’t work your way up through the Indy promotions. Now that you’re still kicking butt and have shown an impressive amount of improvement and desire/passion, do you think you’ve proven the naysayers wrong? Have you “paid your dues” so to speak?

I think that’s always going to be a stigma that I, along with many others, will have to face. Whether you came through the diva search, tough enough, your family was in the business before you or someone just “discovered” you, there will always be naysayers. With that being said, I do believe I paid some dues. When you are a part of DSW, believe me, you pay dues. Things have changed dramatically in the short 5 years that I have been here. For the first couple years, I was on the road training and doing shows and then going back to DSW training and doing shows. I’m not exactly sure what someone’s definition of “paying your dues” are, but if it includes busting your butt day in and day out, never giving up, turning negatives into positive, picking brains to learn the art, being frustrated to the point of tears, etc…. then yes, I’ve paid SOME dues and there is nothing I would change about any of it.


Ask anyone that is apart of Michelle McCool’s legion of “Faithful Followers” what they’re up to, and they’ll proudly tell you that we’re celebrating the First Lady of SmackDown’s 5th Anniversary with World Wrestling Entertainment – with the Lady herself! On November 18, 2004, Michelle McCool made her pro-wrestling debut on the blue brand, WWE SmackDown, which she has since called home. A staple for Team Blue, Michelle shows no signs of slowing down an already storybook career filled with blood, sweat and tears, and yes, faith, heart and soul. WWE Women’s Champion, Michelle McCool, has granted MichelleMcCool.Net yet another exclusive interview to shine light on questions that hadn’t been asked before. In this feature, we’re asking “5 Questions for 5 Years.”

You were given a great opportunity with the Diva Search. It ultimately led you down a path of success and championships. However, it’s also made some people say you’re undeserving of where you are today and that you haven’t “paid your dues” because you didn’t work your way up through the Indy promotions. Now that you’re still kicking butt and have shown an impressive amount of improvement and desire/passion, do you think you’ve proven the naysayers wrong? Have you “paid your dues” so to speak?

I think that’s always going to be a stigma that I, along with many others, will have to face. Whether you came through the diva search, tough enough, your family was in the business before you or someone just “discovered” you, there will always be naysayers. With that being said, I do believe I paid some dues. When you are a part of DSW, believe me, you pay dues. Things have changed dramatically in the short 5 years that I have been here. For the first couple years, I was on the road training and doing shows and then going back to DSW training and doing shows. I’m not exactly sure what someone’s definition of “paying your dues” are, but if it includes busting your butt day in and day out, never giving up, turning negatives into positive, picking brains to learn the art, being frustrated to the point of tears, etc…. then yes, I’ve paid SOME dues and there is nothing I would change about any of it.

When you were eliminated from the Diva Search, did you ever imagine that WWE would contact you and offer you a contract? Five years later and now you’re the Women’s Champion. Did you ever think you would get this far and be the superstar that you are today?

I think it’s one of those things where people were saying “we’ll see you again soon” but I didn’t really believe them. I wanted to believe them, of course, but I already thought just being a part of the diva search was more than I could have ever imagined. Needless to say, when I got the call to go to DSW and sign, I was beyond excited! I didn’t even think twice. A chance to go after my dream, I’m there! I always like to set goals and dream. Though it’s hard to always see the light, I never gave up on it. Becoming both Diva’s champion and Women’s champion is far more than a dream come true. Sometimes I still have to pinch myself. As far as being a “superstar”…..well the small town girl mentality never really leaves. I was just telling Torrie that I only thought my parents are the ones who think I’m a superstar! :)

Over the past couple of years, you’ve gotten to work with a wide range of people. From Dawn Marie and the Big Show all the way to Victoria and Jamie Noble. Who have been some of the most inspiring people you’ve had the opportunity to work with?

Inspiring…wow, there are so many! As far as in ring matches, I have really enjoyed tons of people. From Victoria to Molly Holly (though it was only a second in WM25), Torrie to Melina, Dawn Marie to Big Show, I can’t even begin to name everyone. I try to learn something from everyone I work with, as everyone has different styles/techniques, ideas and reasoning. It’s the collaboration of creativity that I love! I really think that you can always adapt and find a way to work and put on a good match with everyone!

Continuing with the theme of the question above who have been the most help to you? Whether it’s training in the ring or getting help with the psychology of matches, who all has played a part in helping Michelle McCool evolve into the Diva she is today?

And again, the list goes on. Fit Finlay has been extremely instrumental in the entire women’s division. He is the man. He has taught me so much from the beginning and I continue to look up to him today. I love picking the brain of Arn Anderson who is another one who helps me execute moves, learn psychology, put my defense into my offense, etc…

Five years and so many moments have filled them! What are your personal Top Five favorite moments of your WWE career so far?

Oh goodness, this question isn’t even fair! :) I’m going to name 5, in no particular order (& I’m sure there are many more that should be on this list)

1.) My first WM moment……just being there was a feeling I will NEVER forget!

2.) Becoming the 1st ever Divas Champion….proved to myself that persistence and passion certainly pay off!

3.) Becoming Women’s Champion – if you’d of told me this 10 years ago, I probably would’ve called you crazy!

4.) My NOC match with Melina….it is to date my favorite match of all time that I have had – I was just so happy with both of us for putting together a match that really told a story, pushed the envelope with moves and that we executed well. Could things have been better? Of course….but nonetheless, I really liked it!

5.) Family Feud, Make-A-Wish, Project Runway, 5th Grader (though it was national humiliation), Best Damn Sports Show, etc….all of these outside activities would’ve never been possible.

I can’t thank each & everyone of you who have showed me so much love and support through all of my ups and downs of the past 5 years. You have no idea how much it truly means to me. And to the naysayers, you mean just as much as well (sorry as I’m sure you don’t want to hear that) – I love to prove people wrong and you help me do just that.

Special thanks to Josie, Katy, and MichelleMcCool.Net…..you are amazing!

Dream BIG….love, MM

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