Dani Sekelski, formerly a cheerleader for the Tennessee Titans, successfully transitioned from NFL sidelines to WWE’s Squared Circle by winning WWE LFG Season 2 and securing an NXT contract. In an exclusive interview with Scott Johnson on Going Ringside, the Penn State graduate shared her journey from performing in front of 60,000 football fans to mastering professional wrestling.
Her WWE path began earlier than many realize, as she was first approached by WWE in May 2023 during her senior year at Penn State. At that time, she had already committed to the Tennessee Titans cheerleading team but maintained contact with WWE recruiters for a full year before trying out at WrestleMania in Philadelphia in April 2024. Sekelski emphasized that she never took the WWE opportunity for granted while fulfilling her NFL duties.
Switching from cheerleading to wrestling proved more challenging than expected. Having never handled wrestling ropes before her tryout, she experienced a major shift in mindset—after 20 years of training never to fall, she had to learn how to navigate and take bumps in the ring. She humorously described dealing with the physical toll, including taking multiple Advil doses to manage the soreness.
Instead of reinventing herself completely, Sekelski preserved elements of her cheerleading identity, such as her signature red lipstick and incorporating skirts and pom-poms into her wrestling persona. These familiar aspects provided comfort amid the unfamiliar learning curve.
Sekelski’s first WWE LFG season was marked by struggles and self-doubt, but working with Mickie James taught her the importance of patience and making the most of every opportunity. Season 2 brought a transformation under the mentorship of The Undertaker, who guided her in exploring various characters and personas. Partnering with Shiloh Hill, this mentorship led her to victory.
A key lesson from The Undertaker was to prioritize creating memorable moments over flashy athletic moves. Sekelski now focuses on connecting with fans and building a relationship with the audience, a philosophy that has reshaped her approach to wrestling.
Throughout both LFG seasons, Sekelski competed while managing multiple injuries, some unseen by the audience. With WWE’s support team, she revamped her nutrition and fitness regimen, strengthening her body beyond her competition days. She aimed to protect her body to avoid missing future opportunities.
As she prepares for her official NXT television debut, Sekelski’s journey—from NFL cheerleader to WWE developmental wrestler—highlights adaptability, determination, and staying true to oneself amid major change.
Fan Take: Dani Sekelski’s success story is inspiring for WWE fans because it underscores how diverse athletic backgrounds can bring fresh perspectives and energy to wrestling. Her journey could open doors for more athletes from various fields to transition into WWE, enriching the sport with unique talent and storytelling.
