Professional wrestlers come from a variety of backgrounds, with some transitioning from successful careers in other sports. In addition to former football players and gymnasts, WWE has also welcomed former NFL cheerleaders into the mix. Danielle Sekelsky, a former cheerleader for the Tennessee Titans, recently announced that she had begun training for WWE NXT after attending a tryout in Philadelphia and moving to Orlando to start her training in July. Sekelsky, who was also a cheerleader for Penn State and a cheerleading World Champion, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and her excitement for her future with the company.
Sekelsky is not the first cheerleader to make the leap to WWE. Superstars like Carmella, Naomi, and Maxxine Dupri also have backgrounds in cheerleading. Carmella, a former WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion, Women’s Tag Team Champion, and Money in the Bank winner, spent time with the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Lakers dance team. Naomi, another former SmackDown Women’s Champion and Women’s Tag Team Champion, was a member of the Orlando Magic cheerleading squad and dance team. Maxxine Dupri, a member of the Alpha Academy, was a former Phoenix Suns dancer and Los Angeles Rams Cheerleader.
In addition to individual wrestlers with cheerleading backgrounds, WWE has also featured a cheerleading faction called the Spirit Squad in the past. This team, made up of five male cheerleaders, achieved success in winning the WWE World Tag Team Championship during their time in the company. The most notable members to come out of the group were Kenny Dykstra and Nick Nemeth, also known as Dolph Ziggler, who went on to hold the World Heavyweight Championship twice. Despite the mixed reception to the Spirit Squad, their presence in WWE history showcases the diversity of backgrounds and experiences that wrestlers bring to the ring.
WWE continues to attract wrestlers with unique backgrounds and experiences, with recent signings to NXT reflecting a variety of different paths to the industry. While some wrestlers have a long history in the business, others come from different sports, entertainment, or performance backgrounds. The addition of former NFL cheerleaders like Danielle Sekelsky adds another dimension to the roster, highlighting the athleticism and versatility required to succeed in the world of professional wrestling. As the industry evolves and grows, the presence of cheerleaders, former athletes, and performers from different disciplines adds depth and diversity to the WWE Superstar lineup.
The journey from NFL cheerleader to WWE NXT trainee represents a unique career path for Danielle Sekelsky and reflects the crossover between different forms of entertainment and sports. With opportunities for wrestlers with diverse backgrounds, WWE continues to be a platform for talent from various fields to showcase their skills and make an impact in the world of professional wrestling. As the wrestling landscape expands and evolves, the inclusion of individuals like Sekelsky who bring a background in cheerleading adds a new dimension to the storytelling and athleticism that defines the industry. Fans can look forward to seeing how Sekelsky’s journey unfolds in NXT and beyond as she brings her spirit and athleticism to the WWE universe.
