There are two ways to approach life. For many people, everything is carefully planned to attain a certain outcome (happiness, a successful career, family, etc.). While, arguably, the planning method works for some people. Others prefer a more flexible approach that approaches each day with a new perspective, with new opportunities and unforeseen surprises. While planners do not handle deviations from life’s itinerary very well, day-to-day people seem to thrive on it. Barbie Blank is an everyday person, and has served her well so far.
Maybe it is just the way he is wired, or perhaps it is his upbringing that got him this way, but likelihood is it is a combination of the two.
“I was born in Jacksonville, Florida into a wonderful family,” recalls Barbie. “I have always been involved in sports and have been very active.” She participated in gymnastics from the age of three until she was 13, and was a cheerleader in highschool, although her athleticism was absolutely not limited by anything. He also developed an interest in professional wrestling from an early age.
“My dad was a huge wrestling fan,” he says. “My mom didn’t like it, but my dad and I watched WWE matches together all the time and it was a real bonding experience for us.”
Barbie began modeling for Venus swimwear while she was in college in Jacksonville, studying broadcast journalism. It was at this time that he caught the attention of WWE and he was approached to consider working with them.
“I realized that this was an opportunity to do something interesting and fun, and that I had to do it while I was still young,” he explains. “Finishing college can wait. This is something I need them for now rather than later. Despite his father being a wrestling fan, his parents were very supportive of his decision, so, following their blessing, he officially auditioned with the WWE personnel.
He ultimately won a place on the WWE roster and moved to Louisville, Kentucky to train at the WWE development facility there. Eventually, a storyline was developed for her in the role of a waitress (a WWE term for somebody who describes the boyfriend or love interest of another wrestler).
In 2006, at the age of 19, she debuted in WWE as only, Kelly, the girlfriend of wrestler, Mike Knox. Her stage name was soon expanded to Kelly Kelly, and numerous storylines were developed over time for her character.
As usual with WWE Divas, Barbie (Kelly Kelly) will not be a waitress for too long. By late 2007, she had been accepted into more active wrestling roles, and was even crowned the WWE Divas Champion in 2011.
Of course, life is no glory to anyone, and Barbie Blank is no exception. He left professional wrestling initially as a result of a neck injury.
“Even though I’m not that old, professional wrestling is all physical and it puts a strain on your body and the schedule is quite hectic as well,” he said. “I decided to take a break from wrestling and spend more time with my family and recover physically.”
She also once dated hockey player Sheldon Souray, who had a challenging schedule considering her profession, so her exit from wrestling was also meant to help their relationship, and the two ended up briefly marrying in 2016 (even though the couple have since separated). .
She returned to wrestling in early 2017 and took part in the first all-women Royal Rumble match earlier this year, despite her work schedule being less hectic than before.
At 31, Barbie Blank admits that she is the luckiest person in life and hopes that it’ll continue to be. She’s traveled the world this year and even participated in Miami Swim week, but 2018 was not without its challenges.
“My father passed away a few months ago, and it was hard for me,” he said. “I still think about it every day and want to believe that I can still make him proud.” His relationship with his mother remains strong. “He’s my best friend. We talk virtually every day. He was at all times very positive and cheered me up.”
Barbie maintained her life philosophy through it all. “I’m still living day to day,” he said. “I can’t imagine living any other way.”
Photography: Shannon Laurin
Hair: Raven Duran
MUA: Farzan Age
Clothes: Holly Larry
