Ex WWE Women’s Defending champion Candice Michelle is confident that her return to the ring is getting closer and says accepting a in the back role with TNA Wrestling was the debut step in preparing for an in-ring reappearance.
Michelle has not competed since December 2017, when she toppled Victoria at an independent wrestling spectacular. Her WWE career came to a close in 2009 following injuries, having made history two years earlier by becoming the first WWE Diva Search winner to capture the WWE Women’s Championship.
Speaking with The Wrestling Classic — Michelle was asked about the possibility of wrestling again. “You know, I think it’s coming soon.”
She clarified that working in the back has allowed her to reconnect with the business before making a full return. “I initiated my return as an agent, which is really cool because I get to relearn the philosophy.”
TNA officially broke the news Michelle’s signing as an agent. Producer on March 13, sharing footage of her signing her agreement alongside Tommy Dreamer and company president Carlos Silva.
Michelle said the producer role has given her a fresh perspective on professional wrestling. “I get to learn the behind-the-scenes, slowly getting my feet wet a little bit. And pretty soon we’ll slide on in.”
That expressed, Michelle made known the process actually began months earlier.
As per Michelle, Dreamer initially offered her the opportunity, with her inaugural event taking place in January. She spent her opening weekend shadowing Dreamer before taking on agent responsibilities herself during the following set of television tapings.
Her latest comments continue a theme she has weighed in on throughout 2026.
In March, Michelle described the TNA opportunity as her “hope spot,” saying she believed it could eventually lead to an in-ring grand re-entry. Later, while appearing on Rob Van Dam’s podcast in July, she exposed that standing beside the ring as a producer immediately reignited her desire to wrestle again.
At the same time, Michelle emphasized that returning is about more than chasing another gold, explaining that she aims to the triumphant return to have a meaningful purpose.
While Michelle is optimistic about stepping back into the ring, TNA has not announced any plans for her return. There is currently no acknowledged contest, opponent, or timetable for her first contest back.