WWE Hall of Famer Queen Sharmell may not have had a traditional road to professional wrestling, but her time as a dancer helped prepare her for a life in the ring.

Before joining WCW in late 1998, Sharmell had a career in professional dance which saw her spend over three years working with the legendary James Brown. Speaking to McKenzie Mitchell on Threads, Sharmell was asked how much of her dance career was she able to bring into professional wrestling.

“All of it. [Laughs] Dance is choreography, it’s timing it’s rhythm and you have to have all of that when you’re in the ring with your opponent. Timing is key, rhythm is key so they’re very similar. You always hear the boys say ‘This is not ballet’ and it is not. It definitely is not but there is a certain rhythm and flow that dancers [follow] It’s even when you see football players taking ballet it’s to get that rhythm and that footwork and that type of thing being light on your feet. So I did bring all of that into wrestling.”

Sharmell certainly put her dance background to use upon joining WCW where she initially worked as ‘Storm’ as part of the Nitro Girls dance troupe. As the dancers became more active in storylines, Storm became ‘Paisley’ and became the valet of The Artist Formerly Known as Prince Iaukea.

It wouldn’t be until 2005 that Sharmell began working with her husband Booker T in wrestling. The following year, Sharmell became ‘Queen’ following Booker’s victory in that year’s King of the Ring tournament. Booker was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013 and 2019 while Sharmell, a former Miss Black America, took her place by her man’s side in 2022

Dancers In Wrestling

Sharmell is not the only dancer to put their skills to use in the world of professional wrestling. Cassie Lee (fka Peyton Royce) danced for years before stepping in the ring, as did AEW’s CJ Perry. The former Lana graduated from Florida State University with a degree in dance and acting and demonstrated both during her WWE tenure.

Before joining WWE in 2009, Naomi worked as a dancer for the Orlando Magic for two years and also worked as a dancer for WrestleMania-theme provider Flo Rida. Her fellow SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella also danced professionally as a cheerleader for the New England Patriots and the LA Lakers. In 2013, Carmella put down her pom-poms and followed her father into the family business of professional wrestling.

For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops.

Reality of Wrestling, the promotion run by Booker T & Sharmell Huffman, are in search for their next break-out star with their ‘Search for the Ultimate Athlete.’

In a statement, Booker T shared the following information about their search: 

Embark on a Journey of Grit and Glory with “ROW Games: The Search for the Ultimate Athlete”

Reality of Wrestling (ROW), co-founded by WWE Hall of Famers Booker T and Sharmell Huffman, is excited to announce the launch of a groundbreaking competition series, “ROW Games: The Search for the Ultimate Athlete.” Hosted by the enigmatic Marty “The Boogeyman” Wright, this intense series will pit 20 of the country’s most promising athletes — 10 men and 10 women — against each other in a series of grueling physical challenges.

Over the span of six episodes, these competitors will test their limits, showcasing their strength, agility, and determination, all for the chance to be crowned the Ultimate Athlete and claim a grand prize of $5,000.00. The twist? Stars from Reality of Wrestling will not only serve as officials but also participate in the challenges, blurring the lines between competitors and the seasoned pros.

“ROW Games is not just another athletic competition; it’s the heart of what wrestling embodies — the blend of physical prowess, mental toughness, and sheer will to succeed,” says Booker T. “These athletes are about to face a challenge like no other, and only the best will make it to the end.”

Sharmell Huffman adds, “We’re looking for those who have the spark, the charisma, and the story that will inspire. It’s more than a competition; it’s about finding that star quality that shines even when the going gets tough.”

The Reality of Wrestling Games will be held at the Texas Entertainment Xperience (TEX), the largest indoor entertainment and gaming complex in the state of Texas located at 10000 Emmett F Lowry Expressway in Texas City, TX 77591. This top-tier venue is set to provide a spectacular backdrop for the physical prowess on display, ensuring an unforgettable experience for both participants and spectators.

Auditions are set to take place at the Texas City World Gym, with production slated to start on April 20th, 2024. The ROW Games will be accessible to its nearly 750,000 subscribers on the Reality of Wrestling YouTube Channel, bringing fans closer to the sweat, tears, and triumphs of these aspiring athletes. Check realityofwrestling.com

Searching For a Wrestler

It’s fitting that Marty Wright will have a role in the search for the ultimate athlete. Wright appeared on 2004’s edition of WWE Tough Enough but was ejected early on after he was found lying about his age to make the show’s limit. 

TNA Wrestling has also had its share of competitions to find new talent. In addition to TNA Gut Check, the promotion also had two seasons of TNA British Boot Camp. The first season resulted in Rockstar Spud earning a contract with TNA, while Mark Andrews would secure a contract after winning season 2. Notable names from British Bootcamp include Kris Travis, Grado, Noam Dar, Alba Fyre, Nikki Cross, and Piper Niven. 

Sharmell has been the partner of Booker T both on and off-screen and the former WCW champion gave her some very valuable advice. The female star recently had an interview with WrestlingInc. She talked about things such as the women’s revolution, her favorite segments, and more.

During the interview, Sharmell also revealed the advice she got from her husband Booker T. According to her, T told her to relax and not take things too seriously:

“Your character is what will give you a lasting career. Booker told me, ‘Don’t take yourself so seriously. Just relax and have fun.’ I’ll never forget when they had WrestleMania one year and had a really long ramp. I’m trying to rush down the ramp,

And he stops me in the middle of WrestleMania.” recalled Sharmell, “He says, ‘Take a minute and just look around.’ I slowed my walk and got it,”

The former WWE star continued saying that the job of a sports entertainer is very stressful. A lot of times they are nervous and trying to be the best puts pressure on their stress levels. Though you are able to create magic if you can calm down and remember it’s about having fun.

Sharmell had a couple of runs with WWE and one with WCW. She is probably best known for her pairing with Booker T which started in 2005 and led to T winning the King Of The Ring tournament in 2006.

Last night’s (Mon. June 26, 2017) episode of Monday Night RAW provided the WWE Universe with a lot to take in, from Samoa Joe’s ambush on Brock Lesnar to the NBA’s favorite family, The Ball’s, appearance on Miz TV. One thing fans didn’t get to see, however, was the reunion of a bunch of former WWE Divas backstage; as Torrie Wilson, Candice Michelle, Lilian Garcia, Christy Hemme and Sharmell all took pictures backstage during the show in Los Angeles.

It should also be noted that Eve Torres was backstage at the show as well watching the show with her son, Raeven Gracie, at ringside. You can check out the photos here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV0m_a3h8dQ/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV1GBjEDovq/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV1Deb6BAyI/

– Below is a video of former WWE Diva Sharmell talking to Title Match Wrestling about running Reality of Wrestling with her husband — Booker T — as well as his new gig as one of the announcers for RAW. The interview was taped prior to Jerry Lawler being moved to SmackDown. Sharmell thanked Vince McMahon for giving Booker the opportunity and said WWE has always been good to her family.

– Below is the elaborate Royal Rumble statistics video that aired on this past Monday’s RAW Reunion show.

• PHOTOS: Triple H BREAKS CHARACTER During RAW Reunion To Console A Crying Young Fan!

MichelleMcCool.Net has released more highlights from their recent interview with former WWE diva Michelle McCool, wife of the Undertaker.

The Dearest Friend: “I absolutely love her to death. She’s like a sister to me. I think she is so beautiful, inside and out. We clicked right away; she was on SmackDown the whole time that I was. We became instant friends — we just hit it off since day one and our friendship just grew from there.”

King Booker & Queen Sharmell: “She’s a great actress […] I remember just being in awe: I was watching a backstage segment between she and King Booker at the time, and they were hilarious on screen as it is — I’ve always enjoyed watching them. But, I remember the camera counting down: 3… 2… 1… and her just going into her character. I was truly in amazement! I was like: “Wow! She’s good, and I wish I was half as good as her.” […] She is a true entertainer, great in all forms of the word. I think she brought a lot to Booker’s character at the time, and they just fed off each other so well.”

Long Live the Queen: “I love her to death. I can’t say enough kind things about her. She’s one of the smartest, most intelligent people I’ve ever met in my entire life. Love her and her entire family dearly.”

Let Them Eat Cake: “She’s just one of those people that you could trust with your life, and I have. She was always there when you needed her: when you needed to laugh, when you needed an ear — whatever you needed! I know I can always count on her. For that, I will be eternally grateful. She has just blessed the world by being here and that amazing of a person. I love her, love, love, love with all my heart.”

– Monday’s Raw averaged 3,920,000 over the course of three hours, up from 3,835,000 for last week’s post-Survivor Series show. The first hour garnered 4,147,000 viewers, with hour two slightly dropping 4,126,000. The third hour, however, saw a sharp decline, dropping to 3,488,000 viewers.

The final rating is expected to be released later today. Last week’s show drew a 2.73.

– The official WWE website has published photos and an article looking back at ringside valets, such as Kimberly Page, Miss Elizabeth, Stacy Keibler, Sharmell, Beulah McGillicutty, Debra and Torrie Wilson, among others. WWE writes, “Some Superstars like to have a little company on their way to the ring, without the prodding of a manager. To add that extra flair, these grapplers went out and found the perfect combination of beauty and brains in ringside valets. Learn more about these lovely ladies, check out photos and watch them in action!”

– Matt Hardy appears for Dreamwave Wrestling this Saturday at LaSalle Knights of Columbus 209 Gooding St. LaSalle, Illinois.

(source: PWInsider.com)

— Former WWE performers Shelly Martinez (a/k/a Ariel) and Batista buried the hatchet today on Twitter regarding a backstage altercation that took place in May 2007, which led to her sudden departure from World Wrestling Entertainment.

Martinez wrote “truce” to the former WWE Champion, to which he replied, “That business brings out the worst in people…..truce.”

She responded, “Thank u I feel soooo at peace now I had a dream u & I were talking & the peace I felt in the dream is now my reality.” Batista added, “I’m soooooo at peace since I left that hoooostile ass enviroment!”

Martinez revealed recently on Twitter that she had a dream a few months ago where she and Batista had made peace.

She wrote last week, “I actually had a dream a few months back that Batista and I were talking and we were totally getting along. That’s where my heart is.”

Martinez discusses the circumstances behind the incident as well as the dream she had in her newly released DVD, Girl Talk with Shelly Martinez (available here).

— Former WWE Diva Sharmell has launched a Twitter account via twitter.com/SharmellHuffman. She says husband Booker T has a new project in the works called “Booker’s Biggest Loser.”

— TMZ.com reports that the people behind Pit Boss have teamed up with VH1 to produce a show centered around the wives of famous professional wrestlers.

According to the report, the show will star Sharmell Sullivan-Huffman (wife of Booker T), Stacy Carter (ex-wife of Jerry Lawler) and Jackie Haas (wife of Charlie Haas).

The show will be centered around Booker T’s wrestling school in Texas, which Sharmell helps run.

— Raw Superstar Yoshi Tatsu has launched an account on Twitter.

— John Cena is advertised for next week’s episode of Tough Enough on the USA Network. The program airs at 8:00 p.m.