WWE NXT’s Arianna Grace Finds New Purpose in Pageantry

Summary

– Arianna Grace entered the 2023 Miss Universe Canada pageant during her recovery from a knee injury.

– She used the pageant as motivation to get in shape and as a distraction from her injury.

– Grace’s pageant experience was a dream since high school, marking a full-circle moment in her life.

Arianna Grace, a rising star in WWE NXT, took an unexpected turn in her career after sustaining a knee injury in October 2022. During her 11-month recovery, Grace found a new avenue to channel her energy and passion: entering the 2023 Miss Universe Canada pageant. In a recent interview on Wilde On, Grace shared her motivations behind this decision.

Grace saw the pageant as more than just a distraction from her time away from the ring. It was an opportunity to fulfill a long-held dream. In high school, she was nominated as “most likely to be Miss Universe,” making her participation in the pageant a fulfilling full-circle moment. Although she didn’t win, Grace came close and found the experience incredibly rewarding.

The pageant also motivated Grace to get back in shape, especially after gaining weight due to the stress and physical demands of wrestling training. She used this opportunity to focus on her fitness, setting herself up for a strong return to the ring.

Following her pageant run, Grace made a comeback to WWE NXT in September 2023, despite a losing effort to Fallon Henley at a live event. She also participated in the 2023 NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament, where she won her opening round but was eventually defeated in the semifinals.

Grace’s journey from injury to pageantry and back to wrestling is a testament to her resilience and versatility. It highlights how setbacks can lead to new opportunities and personal growth inside and outside the wrestling world.