5 things you (maybe) didn't know about Beth Phoenix

#4. She joined the boys' wrestling team

Phoenix, inspired by her dream to become a professional wrestler, made the courageous decision to join the high school boys wrestling team,

"It was a really pivotal decision for me. I truly sucked at every level of it. Like I said, I was not an athlete at the start. It took a lot of time and work to start understanding body movement and how to control your opponent. I sucked right off the bat to be totally honest, but it was such a good lesson to me and what I was capable of in going outside the comfort zone and doing something scary to go after what I want."

Phoenix described the reaction she received as a female in a traditionally all-male sport,

"Once I showed up on day one, I think there was skepticism. When I showed up on day two, and day three, and day four, then people started to be like, 'OK, alright. She's not here for attention, or to put herself over, or to find a boyfriend. She's here because she likes this.' I wanted to learn. I've always had this philosophy in life, 'Am I gonna regret not trying this?' My answer was, 'Yes, I think I'll look back and regret this.' It was the same with pursuing WWE....I was willing to accept the failure and the criticism along with the good stuff because at least I'll know that if it didn't work out, I tried and did my best."

Phoenix eventually found her footing on the team and the sport was instrumental in becoming a professional wrestler down the road.