Tatum Paxley: Imperfectly Powerful

Summary

The Nikki & Brie Show

Episode: Tatum Paxley: Imperfectly Powerful
Date: November 17, 2025
Host: Nikki & Brie Garcia (SiriusXM)
Special Guest: Tatum Paxley – NXT Women’s Champion

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Episode Overview

This episode is a lively, heartfelt conversation with Tatum Paxley, the new NXT Women’s Champion, about her winding road to championship gold, her evolution in WWE, and the authenticity she brings to the ring. Nikki and Brie explore Tatum’s background as a powerlifter and cheerleader, her journey of self-discovery, her relatable “imperfect” persona, and her personal life—including her married life with fellow wrestler Randy. The trio also discuss mindset, pressure, rituals, and what it means to be a champion in and out of the ring.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tatum Paxley’s WWE Journey [02:20–05:05]

• Tatum reflects on her rise from signing in 2021 to rapidly becoming champion.
  • “It seemed to have happened so fast, even though…I've been here four years now.” – Tatum [02:33]
• WWE helped her discover and shape who she truly is.
  • “I still wasn’t fully sure of who I was…and I really feel like this company has really allowed me to dive into myself…It’s made me so much mentally stronger being here…” – Tatum [02:56]

2. Realness and Imperfect Power [04:05–05:05, 19:37–21:44]

• Tatum’s character is rooted in her true personality: unpredictable, authentic, deeply human.
  • “Everything that the audience sees me do is exactly me…sometimes I'm high or really low…really anxious, really strong sometimes and really weak at others…that's very human and very relatable…” – Tatum [04:05]
• How her unpredictability as champion breaks the “perfect champion” mold and inspires fans.
  • “Me having this title kind of shows people that you can overcome your own thoughts, because our thoughts are our own worst enemy…I'm still going to try my best to be the best I can be.” – Tatum [19:37]

3. Before Wrestling: Powerlifting & Cheerleading [05:05–07:25]

• Former powerlifter who nearly went to nationals before wrestling opportunity arose.
  • “I had just qualified for nationals…as I was training to go compete…I started seeking out pro wrestling…I get the email [about WWE tryouts in Vegas] and then my life completely changed.” – Tatum [05:15]
• Athletic background in cheerleading and gymnastics informed her wrestling adaptability.
  • “I did cheerleading most of my life, and then the powerlifting part…helped me segue into pro wrestling…but it is way harder than I would have ever imagined it to be.” – Tatum [06:29]

4. Crossover Skills: The Role of Gymnastics [07:25–10:39]

• Discusses how gymnastics develops agility and fearlessness—crucial for wrestlers.
  • “Whenever I have a child, that’s the first thing I’m going to do. Like, let’s go to gymnastics. Let’s learn all this, build our muscles.” – Tatum [08:19]
• Nikki and Brie share their (sometimes hilarious) experiences with gymnastics as kids.

5. Champion’s Mindset [11:14–12:18, 19:15–21:44]

• Emphasizing passion, hunger, determination, and never giving up—not just achievements.
  • “Passion, hunger, determination, goals. I check all those boxes and that’s what makes a champion…I have the ‘never give up’ mentality, too.” – Nikki [11:45]
• Tatum elaborates on bringing relatability, imperfection, and raw emotion to her championship run.
  • “I'm still heavily flawed…I just want to relate to people…We don't win all the time, but we're going to try our best to come out on top.” – Tatum [19:37]

6. Personal Life: Marriage & Support Systems [14:41–18:59]

• Celebrating her first wedding anniversary with her husband Randy (also a wrestler).
  • “We flow so well together. We’re just into the same things and it’s just so smooth…he takes such good care of me…” – Tatum [14:52]
• Randy helped her embrace new experiences, e.g., Halloween Horror Nights.
  • “Without him, you would never see me outside of my house.” – Tatum [17:30]
• On meeting her husband at a WWE tryout: “He was a part of my tryout. That’s how we met…I feel like I could tell him every secret I ever have and it would be safe with him.” – Tatum [15:34]

7. Preparing for Her First Big Title Defense [24:45–28:14]

• Wanting to defend her title against Jacy Jayne at NXT Gold Rush—out of respect and shared underdog stories.
  • “We were both girls that nobody expected us to hold this title…and now we’re right in everybody’s face.” – Tatum [25:47]
• The thrill and nerves of wrestling at Madison Square Garden for the first time.
  • “No, this is my first time at MSG…so many crazy things have happened…it gets crazier and crazier.” – Tatum [26:21]
• Stress and unpredictability make her title run unique.
  • “There’s this anxiety attached to it that I think is really cool…is she on top of her game right now…is she loose screw today? Or is she—perfect, ready to go?” – Tatum [27:03]

8. Quick-Fire Game: “Finish the Sentence” [28:35–34:41]

• First thing in the morning: Skincare, a journey after a major breakout taught her value of self-care. [28:41]
• Teleport anywhere? Costa Rica, memorable honeymoon destination. [30:08]
• Move she’d steal: Jacy Jayne’s “Rolling Encore” (“her finish is so smooth and so incredible…it’s such a perfect, simple move when she does it so well and so deadly…”). [31:53]
• Homebody Alert: “If I’m not in the ring, you’ll probably find me at home. 100. I am at home. I am nowhere else.” – Tatum [33:03]
• Alternative career: Would likely have kept powerlifting. [33:13]
• Secret superstition: Has an OCD-like need for physical balance—has to do the same thing to both sides (e.g., scratching both shoulders). [34:01]

9. Proudest NXT Moment & Affirmations [34:44–37:17]

• Proudest moment: Winning the NXT Women’s Championship at Halloween Havoc.
  • “It was just such a…beautiful, perfect time moment. So emotional, so out of nowhere…it’s something that I’m absolutely never going to forget.” – Tatum [34:47]
• Life motto:
  • “Trust the wait and enjoy the unexpected.” – Tatum [35:39]
• On setting expectations in life and WWE:
  • “Just relax, trust the process, you know, and just…have fun and enjoy it.” – Tatum [36:46]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Authenticity:
  “I'm a very unpredictable person, but I feel like that's very human and relatable…just showing real human emotion.” – Tatum [04:05]

• On Mindset as Champion:
  “I'm never going to be 100% or perfect, but I'm still going to try my best to be the best I can be.” – Tatum [21:44]

• On Love & Support:
  “I look forward to many more years with him. I really do.” – Tatum, about her husband [14:52]

• On the Wrestling Journey:
  “This company has really allowed me to dive into myself and really figure out who I am and what I’m about.” – Tatum [02:56]

• On the “Unpredictable Champion”:
  “You don’t know what Tatum you’re going to get…is she on top of her game right now? Is she not? Is she loose screw today? Or is she perfect, ready to go?” – Tatum [27:03]

• On Overcoming Self-Doubt:
  “Our thoughts are our own worst enemy.” – Tatum [19:37]

• On Life Philosophy:
  “Trust the wait and enjoy the unexpected.” – Tatum [35:39]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Intro of Guest & WWE Journey: [01:31–05:05]
• Character Authenticity: [04:05–05:05]
• Athletic Background: [05:05–07:25]
• Gymnastics & Ring Readiness: [07:25–10:39]
• Champion Mentality: [11:14–12:18, 19:15–21:44]
• Married Life: [14:41–18:59]
• Title Defense at MSG: [24:45–28:14]
• Finish the Sentence Game: [28:35–34:41]
• Proudest Moment & Motto: [34:44–37:17]

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Final Words

The episode is a warm, honest look behind the curtain at the “imperfectly powerful” persona of Tatum Paxley. Through her openness about anxieties, struggles, and triumphs, Tatum shows that real strength comes from embracing imperfection—and never quitting, even when your toughest opponent is your own mind.

Catch Tatum Paxley defending the NXT Women’s Championship at Gold Rush, November 18th, Madison Square Garden (CW, 8pm ET). Follow her on Instagram: @tatumpaxley_wwe.

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Life lesson takeaway: Trust the wait, enjoy the unexpected, and remember even champion moments are built on real, relatable, messy, and magical humanity.

Transcript

[Tatum Paxley]

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[Nikki]

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[Brie]

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[Tatum Paxley]

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[Nikki]

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[Brie]

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[Brie]

You know, Nikki, when I hear rainfall, I see a big couch and a nice fluffy blanket. You know what I think of?

[Nikki]

What do you think I think of?

[Brie]

Coziness.

[Nikki]

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[Brie]

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Shop now@macy's.com or in store. What up, everyone? Welcome back to the Nikki and Bri show.

[Brie]

Welcome back.

[Nikki]

That's right. Today, Bri, we. We got a great epis. We got a great guest.

[Brie]

I'm actually really excited to talk to our guest today.

[Nikki]

Today, our guest, she's strong, she's inspiring, and hey, she's the new NXT women's champion, so, you know, she's been one of W's most captivating stars as of late. And I love her work in the ring. I know you love her work.

[Brie]

I definitely do.

[Nikki]

And I'm very, very excited to get more into her journey. What were her in ring inspirations and you know, what, what life looks like for the champ outside of the ring. So everyone please welcome the newly crowned NXT women's champion, Tatum Paxley. Hi, Tatum.

[Brie]

Hi, Tatum.

[Nikki]

How are you?

[Brie]

Oh, look at him.

[Tatum Paxley]

I'm so excited to do this with you guys.

[Brie]

I know. Thank you for coming on.

[Nikki]

We are very excited, too.

[Tatum Paxley]

Thank you for having me.

[Nikki]

Okay, so, I mean, our first. We just got to get right into it. How does it feel to be the next women's champion is insane.

[Tatum Paxley]

Like, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it because it seemed to have happened so fast, even though, you know, I've been here four years now. But it still was like, okay, man, we're doing this for here.

[Brie]

Yes.

[Nikki]

I mean, because, yeah, you have, you signed in 2021, so you have had quite a journey. So how has that been just like your WWE journey?

[Tatum Paxley]

Yeah, my whole time here in WWE and nxt, like, I'm so thankful for it because, like, you guys know how it is here. Like, it just shapes you as a person so much. And I feel like the time that I like got signed here, I still wasn't like fully sure of who I was. And I really feel like this company has really allowed me to dive into myself and really figure out like who I am and what I'm about. And not only was I able to kind of find myself and who I am and all of that, it was able to kind of like shape my mental too. It's made me so much mentally stronger being here because you guys know there's so many like, obstacles and, and things that you face in this kind of company. So, yeah, I've been super, super thankful for my time here.

[Nikki]

I love that. And I have a question. What do you feel like? So on the journey of like finding yourself and here you are now NXT women's champion, what part of like your character do you feel was your journey like before coming to WWE or who you are? Like, what truth does your character have to you?

[Tatum Paxley]

Honestly, one of my biggest accomplish accomplishments that I have here is how I've related to the audience. And everything that the audience sees me do is exactly me. Like I, you know, as in my heart I am someone that is either really high or really low, really anxious, like really strong sometimes and really weak at other times. Like I'm, I'm a very unpredictable person, but I also feel like that's very human and very relatable to everybody, you know. So I really feel like what I've gotten to show, like this kind of unstable person, like it's real, it's true and it's, it's super relatable and it's, it's a hundred percent me and is 100 everybody, you know, and that's just my biggest thing that I've tried to do since getting here is just try to relate to people. So just showing like real human emotion, you know, it's just, I'm really thankful I've gotten to do all that.

[Brie]

Yeah, that's incredible. And Tatum, you are no stranger to being a champion. I mean, you are a two time world weightlifting champion, right?

[Tatum Paxley]

So back before I got into wrestling, I was a powerlifter. But actually, it's like, the timing was kind of crazy. So I had just qualified for nationals and USA Pl. It's just like a. A powerless powerlifting federation. And I had just qualified to kind of take it to the next level. But at that time, I was kind of seeking more in my life. Like, I loved powerlifting, but there was just something that I was missing. So as I was, like, training to go compete in nationals, I was kind of. I started seeking out pro wrestling. And the time, it was just so weird. Like. Like, I think, like, maybe a month after that, I get the email like, hey, WWE has a tryout in Vegas. Why don't you come? And then my life completely changed. So I never got to go to nationals and compete.

[Brie]

Oh, really? Oh, my gosh. Well, but the good thing is, is, like, I feel like, you know, it's a lot of work to get to nationals. So with that type of work ethic and training, I feel like wrestling, it just. You probably were able to slide in real nicely into the training.

[Tatum Paxley]

I do feel like things. The things that I did before coming here, because I did not grow up with wrestling. You know, I. I would say maybe two years before I got signed, it started, like, getting my interest, and I was watching a bunch of YouTube videos, a bunch of women's matches. I. Of course, I watched total divas with my mom. So getting here to talk to you guys is crazy. But I do feel like the things that I did, like, I did cheerleading most of my life, and then the powerlifting part, which are kind of very different things. I do feel like, help me segue into pro wrestling, but it is way harder than I would have ever imagined it to be. It's like, I definitely think the things that I did helped me, you know, athletically to get here and to adapt. But pro wrestling is such, like a. It's such a new crazy beast.

[Nikki]

It is.

[Brie]

Gosh, it is.

[Tatum Paxley]

It.

[Nikki]

It's crazy because, you know us who were athletes first, like, there's a way we can adapt, but it's still such a different world than anything you do.

[Tatum Paxley]

Yes.

[Nikki]

It's like you can be trained to be this specific athlete your whole life, and then you get in the ring and you're like, okay. Even though there are certain things that help you, whether you're doing powerlifting or soccer, and, like, how your foot, you know, your movement well, Even, like my.

[Brie]

Trainer was saying, he was like, you know, because I was telling him, now, buddy's only five years old, but he shows a lot of interest in both Wrestling and football. And he's like, you know, what would be good for him to do on the side is gymnastics. Because the agility.

[Tatum Paxley]

Yes.

[Brie]

What they do with your muscles. So, you know, taking that into football, into wrestling actually really helps. So I could imagine cheerleading is, you know, you probably have a gymnastics background with that. That really helps being in the ring.

[Tatum Paxley]

It's so true what you say about the gymnastics part of it, because I actually used to be a gymnastics coach for children and I taught so many. Yeah, like. Like all sorts of parents, just like you said. They're like, oh, he doesn't want to do gymnastics or cheerleading. He wants to be a football player. But we're just trying to build his muscles and his endurance. So I taught so many children that wanted to go in all different types of sports, but they all started that gymnastics. I think that's such like a. You know, whenever I have a child, that's the first thing I'm going to do. Like, let's go to gymnastics. Let's learn all this. Build our muscles.

[Brie]

Okay, now I gotta do it. You know, it's funny because when he told me that, I was thinking the gymnastics thing is towns away. And I'm like, h, do I really want to be the Uber driver once a week and do it? But now I might have to.

[Tatum Paxley]

But.

[Nikki]

Well, he also said, though, there's.

[Tatum Paxley]

It's definitely worth it.

[Nikki]

It's. He says it's not great, but he.

[Brie]

Because they do the ninja warrior style.

[Tatum Paxley]

Oh, no.

[Nikki]

I know. Well, you know, but when I think about it, I did gymnastics when I was younger and I think that does help me be a bit fearless in the ring, like where I. I do certain things that maybe you don't because you didn't do gymnastics, right?

[Tatum Paxley]

No.

[Nikki]

So I feel like that did help a lot. Like where I'm not afraid to do certain flips over or I can spring. Like, there's certain things I know I can do. And I think that's just having a gymnastics back.

[Tatum Paxley]

Right.

[Nikki]

I never thought about that.

[Brie]

But you did like gymnastics, like, one year.

[Nikki]

Okay, first of all, hater. I didn't get a little longer.

[Brie]

And like Brawley.

[Nikki]

And that's all you need. What do you mean in Brawley?

[Tatum Paxley]

All you need.

[Brie]

Wow. She's out there doing.

[Nikki]

See how she just turns into a.

[Brie]

Hater when it comes. She was doing round offs of Hay Bells.

[Nikki]

I taught myself a backhand.

[Tatum Paxley]

They really are.

[Brie]

You know, I was actually. We were talking about this in the gym today.

[Nikki]

I mean, I used to do front. I used to do the Mr. Perfect role. And I started to do them. As in front handsprings and stuff.

[Brie]

And front walkover. Yeah, but you see.

[Tatum Paxley]

There we go.

[Brie]

Yeah, but, like, I wasn't. I could do that. But I'm just.

[Nikki]

I was kidding.

[Brie]

But, like, you did gymnastics and first grade for, like, one year.

[Nikki]

No, I didn't hate her.

[Brie]

Oh, my God.

[Nikki]

The coach over there says that's all.

[Brie]

You need is one year.

[Nikki]

So there you go.

[Brie]

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And speaking of champions, Nikki, you're on the road to becoming one.

[Nikki]

I mean, I'm feeling it. You know, I feel like I have that true champion mentality.

[Brie]

I mean, if I look at when you first came back to where you are now, you are proof that if you just do the reps, you work really hard, you put in the extra work, you will grow.

[Tatum Paxley]

Yes.

[Brie]

You will go to the next level. And you're showing that. You are showing that you can keep up with the women's division in this era. You are showing that you are championship material and that you deserve a title shot.

[Nikki]

Thank you. Thank you, Brie. And you know what makes a champion and what I've always had. And even when I came into this era. Passion, hunger, determination, goals. I check all those boxes, and that's what makes a champion. And I. I have the never give up mentality, too. Not till I get the gold, baby.

[Brie]

I mean, you definitely do. And I will say this. Survivor Series, it's all about surviving. But you survived decades of wrestling, so I know, girl, you're going to be a champion.

[Nikki]

It's all about grit and grace.

[Tatum Paxley]

You.

[Nikki]

You know it.

[Brie]

So thanks to Xfinity for powering today's segment.

[Nikki]

When you have the most intelligent WI fi, it keeps every part of life running better. All right, Bri, as you know, the holidays are coming up, which always inspires us for travel plans. Where are we gonna go? But you know what really is inspires me on where to go where? Airbnb.

[Brie]

Oh, always. You know, it's fun because Brian and I will Always go on and put in all our likes and wants. And then it's really neat because all of a sudden all these different areas pop up.

[Nikki]

And then on top of it, what makes it even better is then you realize, well, wait, as I'm spending money, I could be making money. So you literally can host your home on Airbnb, which honestly is such a smart way to make a little extra money, right? I mean, you can put it towards your future travel, home, improve, whatever that fun splurge item is that you've been eyeing. This is a way to build up that account.

[Brie]

That's right. I mean, finding a little piece of home while you travel always makes a trip special. Your home could be that for someone else.

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[Nikki]

Brie, I do need some holiday decor. I was thinking I'll get some garland for the fireplace. And I just want some entertainment pieces for, you know, my food when I have people over. I do need some new wine glasses.

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[Brie]

Well, Tatum, you also just celebrated your one year wedding anniversary in September, right?

[Tatum Paxley]

Yes, I did.

[Brie]

Yeah. How's married life?

[Tatum Paxley]

You know, it's so funny. It feels exactly the same as before. It's just now we're married. Yeah, it just everything, you know, husband Randy, he just. We flow so well together. We're just into the same things and it's just so smooth. And so, like, the. Just so peaceful, you know? It's like everything felt so right, you know, it after, like, during. Before, after the wedding, I just felt like, you know, this. This is. This is the man for me. Like, this, like, he takes such good care of me, and I just. I look forward to many more years with him. I really do.

[Brie]

Oh, my gosh. Did you ever think coming into NXT you were going to marry a wrestler?

[Tatum Paxley]

No. No way. That was, like, bottom of my priority list, you know? And he was actually. He was a part of my tryout. That's how we met. And I just remember when I saw him, there was just something about him that I was like, he's just so welcoming, and I. I just like, he was so rememberable, too, and I was like, there's just something about this guy. I like. I don't know what it is, but I just. I feel like I could tell him every secret I ever have and it would be safe with him. Like, he just has this presence about him that is just so loving and amazing. And I think it took us, like, about a year until we actually, you know, started dating each other. And then he ended up being my forever person. It just was wild. And my mom, she was like, oh, my gosh, you're. You're going to wwe. I think you're gonna meet your husband there. I'm like, okay, Mom.

[Brie]

Wow. Your story sounds a lot like Brian, and I like a lot of things you say. I feel like that's really. And so I love it.

[Tatum Paxley]

Yeah.

[Brie]

You guys are adorable. That's so. That's so great to have one.

[Nikki]

Happy belated birthday. Did he do anything special?

[Tatum Paxley]

Oh, yeah, he. He always takes great care of me. But the thing about me, I love doing nothing. I'm very. I don't like to go out and do hardly anything. My favorite thing to do is stay at home with him and just be with him. You know that that's my ideal day, you know, so he wants to do all these things with me, and I'm like, no, like, truly, like, all I want to do is just be at home with you and maybe watch a movie. But he got me out of the house. We went to Halloween Horror Nights. We got sushi. He took me out this little, like, Halloween thing that was near, like, the city that we live in. So he gets me out of the house because without him, I. You would never see me outside of my house. Yeah.

[Brie]

Oh, my gosh. I love it. By the way, how terrifying is Halloween Horror Nights?

[Tatum Paxley]

You know, it wasn't as scary as I thought it was going to be.

[Brie]

Really?

[Tatum Paxley]

I think probably because I waited in line for, like, three hours, and I didn't see anything for such a long time. Yeah. But I did enjoy the houses. We. We did a terrifier house. Me and my husband love the terrifier movies. You know, a little scary. It gets you sometimes. We did the White House, which was amazing. It was a beautiful house. Enjoyed that a lot. Not as scary as I thought it was gonna be.

[Brie]

Yeah, I just, like, just jump out of everywhere. Like, I. And you know what? When I sit in the line, I'm waiting to go in those houses. I'm like, cool. And then the minute I step in, I go, why am I doing this? Like, I. I don't know what it is, but it's. It's like I. I hate being scared. Not knowing, like, what's around the corner, like, too much like, Freddy Krueger's house. That got me. I'm like, I'm done.

[Tatum Paxley]

Yeah.

[Brie]

I don't need to be scared.

[Tatum Paxley]

Oh, my gosh. So there was. There was this house back in Texas where the. The haunted house itself is about an hour long, and it's just an hour of being terrified. There's, like, a little break in there, but I remember closing my eyes. That entire house. Like, that one scared the heck out of me. So I felt a little warmed up for Horror nights.

[Nikki]

I'm so bad with that stuff. I just don't. I don't want to be scared. I don't want to watch scary movies. I don't want nightmares. I just.

[Brie]

Yeah. Not my world.

[Nikki]

No, not my world. It.

[Brie]

It's.

[Tatum Paxley]

Yeah.

[Nikki]

I. It's just I don't do well with it.

[Tatum Paxley]

And.

[Nikki]

And Mato's the same, so I'm like, we're good.

[Tatum Paxley]

We.

[Nikki]

We keep it.

[Brie]

Take me to Candyland.

[Nikki]

That's right.

[Brie]

You know, let me float on a fluffy. I go to train town. Oh, my gosh.

[Nikki]

I want to take it back to the championship because, you know, both of us being champions, I feel like when you. You become a champion, you kind of start to get this mindset of what you want your run to look like. Like, how you want to be right impactful and how you want to be different. Have you thought about that yet? Like, what do you want the future to be? As item? As champ?

[Tatum Paxley]

Yeah, absolutely. So I think it's just so cool about really what this title can represent, because it's almost as if it is something different depending on who has it at that time. Like, Sometimes, like, the title can mean, like, a fighting champion, and, like, everybody's, like, very, you know, confident they got it, and it just. It just means confidence. Or sometimes maybe it's in the hands of a person that, you know, might have different motives. Maybe, you know, maybe they cheated to get in and just kind of represent something different. And I feel like something that I'm really enjoying with me, specifically me being on top of my game right now. I'm still heavily flawed, you know, like, sometimes I'm so high, I'm so low. I'm so unpredictable. And I just. I really feel like me having this title kind of shows people that you can overcome your own thoughts, because our thoughts are our own worst enemy. Right. And I feel like just, you know, a couple weeks ago on nxt, I cost me and my friends a match, and I freak out. Like, I. I can't. I can't control it. Like, I just get so out of control. But I'm champion, you know, and we're used to champions being 100%, you know, on top of their game at all times, but I'm not, you know, that's. That's who I am. But I think that's what's so interesting about me being champion, is because at the end of the day, I'm still going to be able to overcome those thoughts and those. Those flaws that I have, but they're always going to be there because I'm human. And kind of taking it back to what I said earlier, I just want to relate to people.

[Nikki]

Yeah.

[Tatum Paxley]

And that is relatable. Like, we don't win all the time, but we're going to try to our best to come out on top. And I feel like that's me holding this title. That's what that represents. And what I want to keep representing is I'm never going to be 100% or perfect, but I'm still going to try my best to be the best I can be. And getting to hold this title, even, you know, if it's for a short time, a long time, I think that's what that represents.

[Brie]

Totally. I love that. Tatum.

[Tatum Paxley]

Yeah.

[Nikki]

The unpredictable champion. And it's cool because that alone, there's, like, a force to be reckoned with there. And I. It's.

[Brie]

It's for every opponent going in. I mean, it's scary in a way, because you're like, which Tatum am I gonna get? How do I play this? How do I like it? Eat her.

[Nikki]

And it's different. I like that.

[Brie]

I love it. Nikki. Life can get really busy.

[Nikki]

Really busy. I mean, I would say it's been busy for all of us.

[Brie]

I know. And sometimes we just need to take a breather, sit down, and ask ourselves one very important question.

[Nikki]

What's that?

[Tatum Paxley]

Brie?

[Brie]

Have you had your Hershey's?

[Nikki]

I sure have had my Hershey's Brie. And you know what? When you need to brighten up your day or even put a smile on your face, grab the classic creamy texture and pure milk chocolate flavor of Hershey's milk chocolate.

[Brie]

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[Nikki]

It sure does. You wanna know what one of my favorite moments with Hershey's Chocolate is? Teo? And I like. I love it. Because you know me, I'm chocolate lover. But now I have a son who's a chocolate lover. So we split bars all the time. It's just such a moment for us, a very happy moment. We look at each other, he always ends up getting chocolate all over his face. But it's just such a sweet moment that I find myself always reaching for a Hershey bar.

[Brie]

Always. I mean, we love making s' mores in my family. So every time I bust out a Hershey bar, my kids start screaming with excitement. They know it's about to be s'. More time. So for all of you, shop for Hershey's milk chocolate now at a store.

[Nikki]

Near you found wherever candy is sold.

[Brie]

This podcast is brought to you by Kleenex Lotion tissues Bri, this time of.

[Nikki]

Year, I feel so bad because we travel a lot. I just dread it because I know people are going to be flying with colds, possibly the flu. You never know.

[Brie]

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So keep relief within reach. Grab Kleenex lotion tissues to help avoid the added discomfort of irritated skin during cold and flu season.

[Brie]

I mean, why not have one less thing to worry about? When you're not feeling your best.

[Nikki]

I agree. Because we all know life is unpredictable, but you can be prepared for that time of year when germs are going around. So, hey, everyone, make sure you always have Kleenex lotion tissues by your side.

[Brie]

For whatever happens next. Grab Kleenex. Hey, do you have a good game plan to keep the title coming up for NXT Gold Rush? That's happening November 18th.

[Tatum Paxley]

Absolutely. So last week on NXT, I had mentioned that I really feel like what I want to do with this title is I want to go against JC Jane once more. JC Jane is the one that I got the title from. And the thing with J.C. jane, the reason why J.C. jane again, is she is such a passionate competitor. And getting to be in the ring with her, like, she just brings out this, this fight in you. Like, you can see it through the screen. But standing in the ring, like, looking into her eyes, like, you just feel it from her. And I also feel like me and JC have so much in common. You know, we were both girls that nobody expected us to hold this title.

[Nikki]

Right.

[Tatum Paxley]

And yet here her and I are, it's like we were, like, training in the shadows for so long, and then all of a sudden, we're just, you know, right in everybody's face now. And I feel like having her and I relate to that was why I was like, you know what? I want to do this again with J.C. jane. You know, I, I, I look forward to sharing the ring with her and continuing that story. So tonight on Gold Rush, I think it's going to be, you know, something people don't want to miss. No, I bet.

[Brie]

And to do it in Madison Square Garden.

[Nikki]

Well, I was just gonna say, have you ever competed at msg?

[Tatum Paxley]

No, this is my first time at msg. I, I, so many crazy things have happened, like, in the past couple, like, months or weeks. It's just, it gets crazier and crazier. So, yeah, very excited for that.

[Nikki]

Well, you know what they say in the wrestling industry that you truly don't become a pro wrestler, make it in pro wrestling until you've wrestled at msg. It was always a thing they would say as.

[Tatum Paxley]

Yeah.

[Nikki]

Growing up in it. And I'm like, oh, my. So I remember, like, my first MSG moment with you. So congrats on getting. I mean, and not only are you gonna have your first MSG moment, but you're going in as champ and you're gonna have a title match. So that's an extremely badass.

[Tatum Paxley]

And it's Technically gonna be really my first title defense. And kind of going back to what I said earlier, something that I think is interesting about me being a champion is that there's, like, there's this anxiety that's attached to it that I think is really cool. And. And I. I don't even really mean, like, oh, I'm anxious. It's the audience that's anxious for me because, you know, like, like I said earlier, normally your champion is like, she's got it. I'm not even worried about it. You know, a couple weeks ago, when I was supposed to have my first title defense against Lola Vice, you just felt this. This shift in the room. It was, oh, God, like, I hope. I hope she can do this. You know, it's like cheering me on. But you also, you don't know what Tatum you're going to get. Is she on top of her game right now? Is she not? Is she, you know, is she loose screw today? Or is she. Is she perfect? Ready to go. Now, me and Lola didn't get to finish that match, so, you know, me and JC Jane tonight at Madison Square Garden are this technically going to be my first official title defense. So it's just. I don't know, there's so much fun and interesting emotions that come down to it, and I. I just cannot wait.

[Brie]

Well, I hope the stars align for you and your match at NXT Gold Rush. We will definitely be rooting you on.

[Nikki]

We have a game, though, to. Oh. So we're gonna play a quick game with you before we get into some inspiration affirmation. So just, you know, for us to get to know you more, we thought we could play a game called Finish the Sentence. So.

[Tatum Paxley]

Okay.

[Nikki]

It's like, what it is. I'll say sentence and you finish it. Okay. The first thing I do when I.

[Tatum Paxley]

Wake up is do my skin care.

[Nikki]

Okay, what's that routine like?

[Tatum Paxley]

You know, actually, it was this big journey for me because I never cared about my skin care or what that looked like it was. And I've always been a heavily makeup girl, too. I would just either sleep in my makeup or wipe it off with water. And then a couple months ago, maybe close to a year ago now, actually, I had the worst breakout of my life. Like, wow. It just took over my entire face, and I've never dealt with anything like that. And I was getting, you know, really nervous. You know, we're on tv, we have cameras right up in our face, and I start freaking out. And I'm also a really bad picker. I Will just pick at my face till it bleeds and is swollen. I cannot help it. And I eventually found a esthetician that just saved my life, cleared my face, and now I am, like, religious on my skin care. And every morning, I will not miss it. Every night, I will not miss it.

[Nikki]

Good.

[Tatum Paxley]

I love it. Very, very big. Yeah.

[Nikki]

And it pays off in the end. That's what people don't realize is it really, truly pays. I mean, even now, being in our 40s, I've realized that always having a good skincare routine and sticking with it over the past two decades, it pays off big time.

[Tatum Paxley]

Yes.

[Nikki]

Okay.

[Tatum Paxley]

Absolutely.

[Nikki]

If I could teleport anywhere right now.

[Tatum Paxley]

I'd go to Costa Rica 100%. I went to Costa Rica for my honeymoon, and it was, like, the happiest I have ever been. And me and my husband talk about Costa Rica every single day. Like, if we're quiet for all of five minutes, one of us just goes, I want to go to Costa Rica. Gotta go to Costa Rica.

[Brie]

Oh, my gosh. It is an incredible country.

[Nikki]

Yeah.

[Brie]

I love it.

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[Nikki]

The move I always wanted to steal is.

[Tatum Paxley]

Oh, man, what would I want to steal? Let me think about this for a minute.

[Nikki]

I know that one. It's hard.

[Tatum Paxley]

I know.

[Nikki]

I want to think about.

[Tatum Paxley]

Yeah. Because there's so many amazing moves. That is. That's a tough question.

[Nikki]

That is a tough question.

[Tatum Paxley]

Like, I keep having, like, 1 million moves pop in my head. I'm like, oh, maybe not that one. Maybe not that one.

[Brie]

Well, and I think of people, finishers. I'm, like, trying to think of, like, finishers.

[Tatum Paxley]

That's what I'm thinking of.

[Brie]

That were.

[Tatum Paxley]

You know. You know, I'm gonna. This is, like, one of the first ones that come to mind, because I got to do it in my title match against JC her finish is so smooth and so incredible. It's her rolling encore, a rolling form, and it is deadly. Like, and I love it because you can just pop up and do it to anybody out of nowhere. And she uses so much force, and she makes it so. So uniquely hers. Like, I try to do it against her, and I couldn't put her down, but if she does it to me, like, I'm. I'm out. So, like, it's. It's such a perfect simple move when she does it so well and so deadly. So right now I'll. I'll stay the rolling encore.

[Nikki]

Okay. I like that. I feel like I like the bank statement because you could hit that at any time. And then I like submissions, too. Yeah.

[Brie]

I probably do like the rack attack.

[Tatum Paxley]

What a.

[Nikki]

She would steal the rack attack. I'm just kidding. Okay. When I'm not in the ring, you'll probably find me at home.

[Tatum Paxley]

Yeah. 100. I am at home. I am nowhere else.

[Nikki]

If I wasn't wrestling, I'd probably be powerlifting.

[Tatum Paxley]

I probably would have stuck with that. Now I don't think there's a, like, a job in that, and I have no idea what my job would be. That was always my issue is I had no idea what I wanted to do.

[Brie]

Yeah.

[Tatum Paxley]

But I would assume if I wasn't doing this, I'd still be powerlifting somewhere.

[Nikki]

I like that one superstition I secretly.

[Tatum Paxley]

Follow is what is one that I follow. I feel like I don't. I honestly don't even, like, think that much. I'm trying to think, like, you know, match day, like, what I have. Yeah.

[Nikki]

Is there anything, like, you feel like, oh, gosh, I didn't do this one thing, and now, like, things are going to be messed up.

[Brie]

Like, I have to do the warrior pose before I go to the ring, and if I miss it, I'm like, oh, my gosh.

[Tatum Paxley]

You know, I don't know if this, like, really fits, but I have like, a very, like, very OCD with certain things. Like, I do it a lot when I'm playing video games, and I do it a lot. Like, you know, if I'm just, like, thinking too hard that, like, if I feel something on this hand, I have to feel that exact thing on this hand. Or I'm like, okay, off balance now. I don't know.

[Nikki]

Wow. So that's, like, crazy or weird.

[Tatum Paxley]

But no, it's not. Like, if I scratch the shoulder now I'm scratching this one. And if I don't do it, my brain is just, like, delayed in thinking about that.

[Brie]

Yeah. I don't know.

[Nikki]

That's interesting. Okay, so that's it. I like that.

[Brie]

Okay, we'll do.

[Nikki]

One more. My proudest moment in NXT so far.

[Tatum Paxley]

Has been, I feel like, I have to say, becoming NXT women's champion at Halloween havoc. It was just such a. Just a beautiful, perfect time moment. So emotional, so out of nowhere. And it's. It's something that I'm absolutely never going to forget. My first time Ever becoming, you know, a champion here.

[Brie]

Oh, I love that, Tatum. It is such a special moment and you really do wear that championship well, I must say.

[Nikki]

Yes, you do.

[Brie]

And we are very excited to watch you on NXT Gold Rush. It's going to be excited to see you not only at Madison Square Garden for your first time, but also to see you compete there. So good luck. We'll definitely be rooting for you.

[Nikki]

Oh, yes, definitely.

[Brie]

And Nikki and I, we always like to end our episodes with little inspiration and affirmation. Is there a motto or a quote that you live by?

[Tatum Paxley]

What I would say, and this is something I was living by during my time here in WWE that I think anyone can relate to, is trust the weight and enjoy the unexpected.

[Brie]

Yes.

[Nikki]

So true about trusting the weight. I like that. I've never heard it put that way. And. Yeah.

[Brie]

And enjoying the unexpected because especially in wrestling, so many things are unexpected. And so I have learned to expect.

[Tatum Paxley]

So whatever happens, I'm like, cool, that sounds great.

[Nikki]

Well, you know, that is a good thing. I feel like our life coach always taught us that, because then you can't, like, feel let down by people or situations if you don't put expectations on it. And I'm just someone who will always do expectations. Like, naturally, I'll. I used to do that a lot. Like, I. I would expect things out of something or if I put in the work and whatever.

[Tatum Paxley]

Right.

[Nikki]

Then you get let down or by people. And so I've had to learn to take that away. So good for you.

[Brie]

For our.

[Tatum Paxley]

You kind of have to. To be able to not really expect it anymore. Like, you have to have all these high expectations and then when all those things happen and I feel like that's kind of what WWE has taught me. Like, just. Just relax, trust the process, you know, and just. Just roll with it. Just have fun and enjoy it.

[Nikki]

Seriously. And now look, champion got a husband.

[Tatum Paxley]

You.

[Nikki]

You are crushing it all within four years. That's amazing.

[Tatum Paxley]

Yeah.

[Brie]

Good for you, girl.

[Tatum Paxley]

That's. Yeah.

[Brie]

And for all our listeners, thank you guys so much. Thank you so much. And for all our listeners, please make sure to check out NXT Gold Rush November 18th. You're not going to want to miss Tatum in the ring defending her championship.

[Nikki]

That's right. And Tatum, tell everyone where they can find you.

[Tatum Paxley]

You can find me on Instagram at Tatum Paxley, underscore wwe and be sure to watch me tonight on the CW at 8pm EAS, where we are going to be doing our special episode NXT Gold Rush.

[Nikki]

All right, everyone. Well, tune in and I hope you retain.

[Tatum Paxley]

Thank you. Thank you guys so much.

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