Lacey Evans

1. Overview

Macey Estrella-Kadlec, widely recognized by her ring name Lacey Evans, is an American professional wrestler and a former United States Marine. Born on March 24, 1990, in Georgia, U.S., Evans's life journey has been marked by significant personal challenges and a remarkable transition from a demanding military career to a prominent figure in professional wrestling. Her early life was characterized by struggles with family issues, including depression and substance abuse, and periods of housing instability, which she overcame through dedication and self-improvement. After serving five years in the Marine Corps, where she gained discipline and strength, Evans ventured into professional wrestling, eventually signing with WWE. Throughout her career, she has been known for her distinct character portrayals, blending her military background with a "sassy Southern belle" persona. Her journey reflects resilience and a commitment to personal growth, even as her wrestling career concluded in 2023.

2. Early Life and Background

Macey Estrella-Kadlec, born Macey Evans on March 24, 1990, in Georgia, faced numerous hardships throughout her early life. Her upbringing was significantly impacted by a home environment marked by depression, drug abuse, and alcohol abuse, leading to a challenging childhood.

3. Military Career

Macey Estrella-Kadlec is a distinguished veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served for five years after enlisting at the age of 19. Her service spanned from 2009 to 2014, during which she held the rank of Sergeant. She primarily served as a military police officer within the Provost Marshal's Office.

During her tenure, she underwent specialized Special Reaction Team training, enhancing her skills in high-stakes situations. Her military service included deployments to various conflict zones, including participation in the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War. For her dedication and service, she was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

It was during her time in the Marines that Evans was introduced to the world of professional wrestling. A Staff Sergeant, who also promoted independent wrestling shows on the side, encouraged her interest. Remarkably, at the second show she ever attended, the Staff Sergeant booked her to wrestle him, marking her impromptu debut in the sport. While still on active duty, she also began a construction business.

4. Professional Wrestling Career

Lacey Evans's professional wrestling career began in 2014, initially on the independent circuit, before she transitioned to the global stage with WWE in 2016. Her journey in the industry saw her evolve through various character transformations, engage in significant feuds, and participate in notable events.

4.2. WWE (2016-2023)

Lacey Evans's tenure with WWE began in 2016, where she spent her initial years in the developmental system before moving up to the main roster and engaging in high-profile storylines.

4.2.1. NXT (2016-2018)

On April 12, 2016, Macey Estrella-Kadlec officially signed with WWE and was assigned to their developmental brand, NXT. She commenced her training at the WWE Performance Center, honing her wrestling skills. Her in-ring debut for WWE came at an NXT Live show on October 20, where she competed as Macey Estrella in a battle royal that was ultimately won by Ember Moon. Three months later, in her first appearance on the NXT television program, Estrella teamed with Sarah Bridges in a tag team match, where they were defeated by Billie Kay and Peyton Royce.

In 2017, Estrella was given the new ring name Lacey Evans, which coincidentally was her sister's maiden name. During this period, she was primarily used as a jobber, losing to various competitors such as Nikki Cross and Sonya Deville. In July, Evans participated in the inaugural Mae Young Classic, a groundbreaking tournament for female wrestlers. She secured a victory against Taynara Conti in the first round but was subsequently eliminated by Toni Storm in the second round.

On the January 17, 2018, episode of NXT, Evans officially established herself as a heel character, adopting a more antagonistic persona. In April, she began a notable feud with Kairi Sane, engaging in a series of matches where they exchanged victories and frequently attacked each other. This feud concluded on the June 6 episode of NXT, where Evans was defeated by Sane. For the remainder of 2018, Evans embarked on a winning streak, defeating competitors like Dakota Kai and Candice LeRae.

4.2.2. Main Roster Debut and Major Feuds (2019-2020)

Lacey Evans's transition to the main roster was announced on the December 17, 2018, episode of Raw, as one of six NXT wrestlers slated for the move. In January 2019, she made her first major appearance at the Royal Rumble, entering the women's Royal Rumble match as the first participant. She lasted over 29 minutes, notably eliminating The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce) before being eliminated by Charlotte Flair. Following this, Evans began a series of unique appearances on Raw, SmackDown, and at pay-per-view events. She would often walk out onto the stage, wave to the crowd, and then leave, interrupting segments and matches without engaging in direct competition.

Shortly after WrestleMania 35, Evans was drafted to the Raw brand as part of the 2019 WWE Superstar Shake-up. This marked the beginning of her first significant feud on the main roster, as she relentlessly attacked both the Raw and SmackDown Women's Champion Becky Lynch. This rivalry led to a title match for the Raw Women's Championship at Money in the Bank, where Evans was defeated by Lynch via submission. Minutes later, Evans intervened in Lynch's match against Charlotte Flair, aiding Flair in winning the SmackDown Women's Championship.

Evans continued her feud with Lynch throughout mid-2019. She faced another defeat by Lynch at Stomping Grounds, where she also served as Baron Corbin's chosen special referee for the WWE Universal Championship match, due to Rollins's relationship with Lynch. At Extreme Rules, Evans and Corbin teamed up to challenge Lynch and Seth Rollins for their respective titles in an extreme rules mixed tag team match. They were unsuccessful, with Rollins pinning Corbin, which concluded Evans's feud with Lynch.

As part of the 2019 Draft in October, Evans was drafted to the SmackDown brand. A significant moment in her career occurred at Crown Jewel, where she and Natalya made history by becoming the first female wrestlers to compete in Saudi Arabia, with Evans losing the match. At Survivor Series, Evans participated in the 15-woman elimination tag match, which was ultimately won by Team NXT. On the November 29 episode of SmackDown, Evans took exception to Sasha Banks and Bayley insulting the SmackDown roster. After a verbal exchange, Evans attacked Banks, signifying a face turn.

In 2020, at the Royal Rumble, Evans challenged Bayley for the SmackDown Women's Championship but was unsuccessful. At WrestleMania 36, she was part of a five-way elimination match for the SmackDown Women's Championship, losing after being pinned by Bayley due to interference by Banks. On the April 24 episode of SmackDown, Evans defeated Banks in a qualifying match to earn a spot in the Women's Money in the Bank ladder match. At Money in the Bank, she failed to win the match, being pulled down a ladder by Asuka, who went on to win. On the July 10 episode of SmackDown, Evans attacked Naomi after losing a karaoke contest, turning heel once again. As part of the 2020 Draft, Evans was drafted to the Raw brand.

4.2.3. Later Career, Pregnancy, and Departure (2021-2023)

On the January 4, 2021, episode of Raw, Lacey Evans began a storyline with wrestling legend Ric Flair, flirting with him during a tag team match against WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Charlotte Flair and Asuka. Over the subsequent weeks, Ric Flair managed Evans, often distracting his daughter Charlotte. Evans also participated in the women's Royal Rumble. On February 15, Evans's real-life pregnancy was announced and integrated into a storyline on that night's episode of Raw, controversially implying Ric Flair was the father. Evans was scheduled to face Asuka for the Raw Women's Championship at Elimination Chamber, but the match was canceled due to her pregnancy, and the storyline with Ric and Charlotte was subsequently dropped. It was reported that Evans was slated to win the Raw Women's Championship at the event.

After over a year of inactivity due to her pregnancy, Evans made her return to the April 8, 2022, episode of SmackDown through a vignette, where she adopted a new military-inspired character, initially presented as a face. However, she was then drafted to Raw and portrayed as a militaristic heel. Weeks later, she was moved back to SmackDown. On the June 10 episode of SmackDown, Evans made her in-ring return, once again turning face and defeating Xia Li to qualify for the women's Money in the Bank ladder match. At Money in the Bank, she was unsuccessful in winning the briefcase. On the following episode of SmackDown, Evans turned heel again, berating the fans and attacking her tag team partner Aliyah. Similar incidents occurred on the next two episodes of SmackDown. A match between Evans and Aliyah was scheduled for July 29, but Evans was not medically cleared to compete.

Starting on the December 2, 2022, episode of SmackDown, vignettes began airing showcasing Evans training in a military style, and she adopted the cobra clutch as her new finishing move. This military-based character and the use of the cobra clutch drew criticism from wrestling veteran Sgt. Slaughter, who had a similar military character and used the cobra clutch as his finisher. Slaughter voiced his disapproval, stating that Evans's attire was "selling sex" and that she should "act like a drill instructor." Evans's last match in WWE was a dark match on the July 7, 2023, episode of SmackDown. She ultimately left WWE in August 2023. During an appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Evans stated that professional wrestling was never her true passion.

5. Wrestling Style and Persona

Lacey Evans's in-ring presentation and character work evolved throughout her career, blending a powerful, technical style with distinct personas.

6. Personal Life and Other Ventures

Macey Estrella-Kadlec is married to Alfonso Estrella-Kadlec, whom she wed on January 13, 2010. Together, they have two daughters. The family resides in Parris Island, South Carolina, which Evans has also used as her billed hometown in wrestling.

Beyond her professional wrestling career, Estrella-Kadlec has ventured into entrepreneurship and community work. In August 2023, she opened her own café, Sunny Summers Cafe, located in the Beaufort Plaza Shopping Center in Beaufort, South Carolina. The café is named after her daughters, Summer and Sunny, and features various WWE memorabilia, including Lacey Evans action figures. Estrella-Kadlec expressed her intention for the café to serve as a community hub, specifically aiming to address prevalent issues such as mental health and addiction. To support these efforts, she planned to host meetings for organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous at her cafe.

7. Championships and Accomplishments

Lacey Evans has achieved several accolades throughout her professional wrestling career:

• American Premier Wrestling
  • APW World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • Pro Wrestling Illustrated
    • Ranked No. 23 of the top 100 female wrestlers in the PWI Women's 100 in 2019. In 2018, she was ranked No. 77 of the top 100 female wrestlers.
    • WWE
      • Slammy Award (1 time)
        • Trash Talker of the Year (2020) - shared with The Hurt Business

8. Other Media Appearances

Macey Estrella-Kadlec, under her ring name Lacey Evans, has been featured as a playable character in several video games based on the WWE franchise. Her appearances include:

• WWE 2K19 (as part of the "Rising Stars" DLC)
• WWE 2K20
• WWE 2K22
• WWE 2K23

9. Legacy and Public Reception

Lacey Evans's career has garnered a range of public perceptions and critical assessments. While she consistently portrayed strong, distinct characters, her later military-inspired persona, particularly her use of the cobra clutch as a finishing move, drew notable criticism from wrestling veteran Sgt. Slaughter. Slaughter, who famously used a similar military character and the same finishing move, publicly stated his disapproval, remarking that Evans's attire was "selling sex" and that she should "act like a drill instructor." This highlights a point of contention regarding the authenticity and portrayal of military themes within her character.

Despite her dedication to character work and her physical transformation to become a professional wrestler, Evans herself later reflected on her passion for the sport. In an appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet after her departure from WWE, she candidly stated that professional wrestling was never her true passion. This personal revelation provides a unique perspective on her career, suggesting that while she achieved significant visibility and success, her motivations may have extended beyond a deep intrinsic love for the wrestling business itself. Her journey from a challenging personal background to a nationally recognized figure underscores her resilience and ability to overcome adversity, even as her ultimate impact on the wrestling world remains a subject of varied opinion.