Torrie Wilson

2.1. Early Life and Education

Torrie Anne Wilson was born on July 24, 1975, in Boise, Idaho, United States. She stands 5 in (69 in ^{(175 cm)}) tall and weighed 133 lb ^{(133 lb)} (132 lb ^{(60 kg)}) during her wrestling career. During her childhood, she described herself as painfully shy, a trait that contrasted sharply with her later public persona. Despite her shyness, Wilson actively participated in various school activities, finding her niche in cheerleading, dance, and track and field.

2.2. Modeling and Fitness Career

Wilson's interest in modeling developed seriously during her sophomore year of high school, encouraged by her mother. However, upon visiting an agency, she was told she needed to lose weight to be considered for jobs. This led to a challenging period where she struggled with anorexia nervosa and later bulimia, lasting from the ages of 14 to 20.

After recovering from her eating disorders, Wilson transitioned into the world of fitness. She adopted a regimen of eating six meals a day and consistent workouts. Her dedication quickly paid off; she placed third in her very first fitness competition. In 1998, she won the prestigious Miss Galaxy competition. The same year, she also competed in the Women's Tri-Fitness Championships, where she secured first place in the Grace and Physique round. Her success in fitness competitions also led her to spend time as part of the Extreme Fitness Team. In 2012, Wilson was inducted into the Tri-Fitness Hall of Fame, a testament to her achievements in the field.

2.3. Transition to Entertainment

Following her success in fitness, Wilson moved to Los Angeles in 1998 to pursue an acting career. She enrolled in acting classes and secured an agent, which helped her land several initial jobs in the entertainment industry before she made her unexpected entry into professional wrestling.

3.1. World Championship Wrestling (WCW)

Wilson's entry into professional wrestling was serendipitous. In 1999, she attended a World Championship Wrestling (WCW) show with her boyfriend and was asked to walk out to the ring with Scott Steiner after going backstage. Kevin Nash then expressed interest in a storyline involving her. Her wrestling skills were honed by trainers such as Dave Finlay, John Laurinaitis, and her future husband, Billy Kidman. She made her debut on the February 8, 1999, episode of Nitro, initially under the name "Samantha".

Her first storyline involved being brought in by the New World Order (nWo) to seduce David Flair into betraying his father, Ric Flair. At SuperBrawl IX on February 21, Wilson slapped Ric Flair, allowing David to use a taser on him. After Ric Flair won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship at Uncensored, David and Wilson took a brief hiatus before returning in May, with Wilson accompanying David to the ring. She served as a valet for Flair at the 1999 Bash at the Beach, where he successfully defended the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship.

In September, a storyline developed where David Flair discovered Wilson flirting with Billy Kidman in the Filthy Animals' locker room, leading to a feud between Flair and Kidman. On the October 18, 1999, episode of Nitro, Wilson turned on Flair, causing him to lose his match and be attacked by the Filthy Animals. She then left with the group and began managing Kidman and his teammates, involving her in the Animals' ongoing feud with The Revolution. On November 22, 1999, during a tag team match, a "Kidcam" segment showed Wilson flirting with Eddie Guerrero in Kidman's locker room, sparking a feud between Kidman and Guerrero.

Wilson briefly disappeared from television again but returned on the January 19, 2000, episode of Thunder managing Kidman. In April 2000, Kidman and Wilson joined the New Blood, turning them into villainous characters. As part of this new storyline, Kidman became jealous of Wilson's attention towards fellow New Blood member Horace Hogan. At the Great American Bash in June, Wilson interfered, causing Kidman to lose to Hulk Hogan.

Following this, Wilson was again absent from television until July's Bash at the Beach, where she reappeared with Shane Douglas, leading to a feud between Kidman and Douglas. At Fall Brawl in September, Wilson and Douglas defeated Kidman and Madusa in a mixed tag team match with scaffolding erected above the ring. Wilson was released from WCW in December 2000.

3.2. World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWE)

Wilson joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), later renamed WWE, in January 2001, becoming a prominent figure in the company's "Diva" division.

3.2.2. Key Storylines and Feuds

Shortly after the brand split, Tajiri, in a storyline, became jealous of the attention Wilson received from other men, forcing her to wear a geisha outfit and seemingly mistreating her in matches. Wilson eventually grew tired of this, and during Tajiri's match against The Hurricane, she created a distraction by stripping off her clothing on the announcer's table, allowing The Hurricane to win. At Rebellion, Wilson and her real-life boyfriend Billy Kidman defeated John Cena and Dawn Marie in an intergender tag team match, followed by a kiss between Wilson and Kidman. Wilson then had her first WWE Women's Championship match on SmackDown! against Molly Holly, but was unsuccessful.

In September 2002, Wilson began a controversial feud with Dawn Marie. The storyline involved Dawn Marie starting a relationship with Wilson's real-life father, Al Wilson. On the October 17 episode of SmackDown!, Wilson and Rikishi lost to Dawn Marie and Matt Hardy. Wilson defeated Dawn Marie at No Mercy in October. The feud escalated when Dawn Marie got engaged to Al, and then attempted to trick Wilson into spending a night with her, later revealing it was a lie. This footage was shown at Armageddon. The feud continued into 2003, with Dawn Marie and Al marrying in their underwear on the January 2 episode of SmackDown!. One week later, Al Wilson, in storyline, died from a heart attack after rigorous sex on his honeymoon. Wilson defeated Dawn Marie again at the Royal Rumble in a match billed as "Stepmother vs. Stepdaughter," ending the feud.

In May 2003, Wilson appeared in a pictorial and on the cover of Playboy magazine. This led to a brief storyline feud with Nidia, who was jealous of Wilson's selection for the cover. Weekly vignettes on SmackDown! showed Nidia and Jamie Noble complaining to Hugh Hefner at The Playboy Mansion. After WrestleMania XIX, during Wilson's Playboy Coming Out Party, former Diva and Playboy covergirl Sable returned to WWE. This initiated a storyline where Sable played mind games with Wilson, leading to a bikini contest at Judgment Day, which Wilson won. After the contest, Wilson kissed Sable, indicating "no hard feelings." Continuing her feud with Noble and Nidia, Wilson managed Billy Gunn upon his WWE return in the summer of 2003. This alliance led to a short feud with Shaniqua, who physically dominated Wilson and Nidia in a handicap match.

In March 2004, Wilson teamed with Sable to feud with Raw Divas Stacy Keibler and Miss Jackie. The storyline revolved around the latter duo's jealousy of Wilson and Sable's Playboy cover status, especially with their upcoming joint appearance in the March 2004 issue. At WrestleMania XX, Wilson and Sable defeated Keibler and Miss Jackie in a Playboy Evening Gown match by stripping their opponents. Wilson also wrestled René Duprée to a draw on the April 29 SmackDown!. In May, Wilson began another feud with Dawn Marie, with Kurt Angle stipulating a match at Judgment Day where Wilson's career was on the line; Wilson won, retaining her career. Later that year, Wilson had a short feud with Sable, losing to her at The Great American Bash, but defeating her in a rematch on the July 1 SmackDown!. In November, Wilson feuded with Hiroko. On the December 2 SmackDown!, Wilson, Rey Mysterio, and Rob Van Dam defeated Hiroko, Kenzo Suzuki, and René Duprée.

On February 10, 2005, during a special SmackDown! episode taped in Saitama, Japan, Wilson defeated Hiroko in a kimono match by removing her opponent's kimono first. Wilson then engaged in a short feud with MNM valet Melina. At The Great American Bash on July 24, Wilson was defeated by Melina in a bra and panties match, with Candice Michelle as the special guest referee. Melina was again victorious in a rematch on the July 28 SmackDown!.

3.2.4. Later WWE Career and Retirement

On August 22, 2005, Wilson and Candice Michelle were traded to the Raw brand. That night, they turned heel by attacking 2005 Diva Search winner Ashley Massaro. Wilson and Candice, along with their enforcer Victoria (dubbed the "Skankateers" by Trish Stratus), continued to feud with Massaro. On the September 5 Raw, Wilson defeated Massaro with interference from Victoria and Candice. Massaro retaliated on September 12 by bringing back Trish Stratus, and the duo attacked the heels. Later that night, Wilson and Victoria lost to Stratus and Massaro. This led to a tag team match at Unforgiven, where Stratus and Massaro defeated Wilson and Victoria. The feud continued, culminating in a three-on-two Bra and Panties match at WWE Homecoming, where Stratus and Massaro defeated Wilson, Candice, and Victoria.

Wilson was absent from WWE television for some time due to "personal issues," leading to rumors of her release, which WWE and Wilson herself denied. She returned on October 17, where she, Candice, and Victoria defeated Stratus, Massaro, and their new ally Mickie James. On November 28, Wilson, Victoria, and Candice lost to Stratus, Massaro, and James. On February 13, 2006, Wilson, accompanied by Candice, lost to Massaro. Wilson soon turned face again after Candice and Victoria betrayed her. On March 13, Wilson helped Stratus retain the Women's Championship against Victoria, who was accompanied by Candice. The following week, Wilson teamed with Stratus to defeat Victoria and Candice. The feud between Candice and Wilson led to a Playboy Pillow Fight at WrestleMania 22, which Wilson won. The feud continued, with Wilson defeating Candice in the first "Wet and Wild match" on June 12, 2006, to be featured on the cover of the WWE 2006 Summer Special magazine.

Wilson made a special appearance on WWE's ECW brand on August 22, 2006, representing Raw in a bikini contest against ECW Diva Kelly Kelly. The contest ended without a winner, leading to a six-person mixed tag match where Wilson, Tommy Dreamer, and The Sandman defeated Kelly Kelly, Mike Knox, and Test. In the final months of 2006, Wilson began an on-screen relationship with Carlito. On November 27, Wilson participated in a #1 Contenders Diva Battle Royal, won by Victoria. On December 11, Wilson was defeated by Victoria, and Chris Masters attempted to put Wilson in a Masterlock until Carlito saved her. During this time, Ric Flair took an interest in Carlito, and Wilson accompanied the duo in tag matches. On March 12, 2007, Wilson lost to then-Women's Champion Melina. In May 2007, Carlito turned heel, betraying Flair and dumping Wilson. For laughing at Vince McMahon, Wilson was forced to team with Carlito in a losing effort on the June 4, 2007, episode of Raw.

The storyline halted when Wilson was drafted back to the SmackDown! brand on June 11, 2007, as part of the 2007 WWE Draft. Upon her return, she served as a valet for Jimmy Wang Yang, and the duo feuded with Victoria and Kenny Dykstra. At SummerSlam, Wilson participated in a number one contender's Battle Royal, won by Beth Phoenix. On the September 21 SmackDown!, Wilson was a bridesmaid at the Theodore Long-Kristal Marshall wedding. On September 28, after losing to Victoria, she was attacked by the debuting villainess Krissy Vaine, but the feud was prematurely dropped when Vaine left the company. On the October 29 Raw, Wilson competed in the Halloween Divas Battle Royal, eliminating Victoria before being eliminated by Kelly Kelly. On November 16, Wilson teamed with Mickie James in a losing effort against Phoenix and Victoria. She was on James's victorious team at Survivor Series. Wilson's last on-screen appearance was on the November 23 SmackDown!, where she defeated long-time rival Victoria.

In November 2007, Wilson took time off from wrestling to undergo physical therapy for a previous back injury. She made several final appearances for autograph signings during the WrestleMania Fan Axxess tour in February 2008. On May 8, 2008, Wilson was released from her WWE contract and subsequently retired from full-time professional wrestling.

3.3. Sporadic Appearances

Even after her retirement, Torrie Wilson made several notable sporadic appearances in WWE for special events. Eleven months after her release, Wilson returned on April 5, 2009, at WrestleMania 25, where she competed in the 25-Diva Royal to crown Miss WrestleMania, which was won by Santina Marella. Wilson was also seen in the audience at WrestleMania XXVIII in 2012 with her then-boyfriend, Alex Rodriguez.

On January 22, 2018, Wilson was honored as "one of the greatest female superstars in the history of WWE" and made a special appearance as part of the 25th anniversary of Raw, alongside other notable wrestlers. On January 28, at Royal Rumble, Wilson made a surprise entrance at number 9 in the first-ever women's Royal Rumble match. She eliminated Dana Brooke before being eliminated by Sonya Deville. On October 28, Wilson participated in a Battle Royal at the first all-women's pay-per-view, WWE Evolution, but was eliminated by Mandy Rose.

On January 4, 2021, she appeared in backstage segments during Raw Legends Night. On January 31, 2021, Wilson participated in the women's Royal Rumble match as the 17th entrant and the only Hall of Famer in the match, before being eliminated by Shayna Baszler. In April 2021, WWE Network listed her as one of the many female performers who made an impact in WWE outside the ring. On March 31, 2023, Wilson inducted her close friend and fellow wrestler, Stacy Keibler, into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2023. In April 2024, Wilson appeared at the 2024 WWE Draft alongside Michelle McCool to announce the second-round draft picks.

3.4. WWE Hall of Fame Induction

Torrie Wilson's contributions to professional wrestling and entertainment were formally recognized with her induction into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2019. The announcement was made on March 4, 2019. The induction ceremony took place on April 6, where she was inducted by her close friend and former tag team partner, Stacy Keibler. The following night, at WrestleMania 35, Wilson appeared during the broadcast as part of the 2019 Hall of Fame class. Her induction acknowledged her significant impact as a popular and influential figure during WWE's "Diva" era.

4.1. Modeling and Magazine Appearances

Wilson is widely considered a sex symbol and has graced the covers of several prominent magazines throughout her career. Most notably, she appeared in a pictorial and on the cover of Playboy magazine in May 2003. She made a second appearance on the cover in March 2004, this time alongside fellow WWE Diva Sable. In addition to Playboy, Wilson was featured on the cover of FHM magazine in September 2006. Her appeal extended to various "sexiest women" lists; she was ranked number 43 on FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in the World list in 2007. AskMen.com also included her on its list of the Most Desirable Women in the World twice, ranking her number 22 in 2006 and number 65 in 2007.

4.2. Television, Film, and Video Games

Wilson has expanded her entertainment career beyond wrestling into acting roles in television and film, as well as appearances in numerous video games.

In film, she appeared in:

Her television credits include:

Wilson has also appeared in several music videos:

She has been featured in a number of WWE video games, making her first appearance in WCW Backstage Assault in 2000. Her WWE video game debut was in WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth in 2002. She was a cover athlete for WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain (2003) and WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 (2006). Other appearances include:

In April 2007, Wilson, along with several other Divas, filmed Timbaland's music video "Throw It on Me". In September 2011, Wilson and Candice Michelle filmed Lilian Garcia's music video "U Drive Me Loca".

4.3. Business and Entrepreneurial Activities

Outside of her entertainment career, Wilson has engaged in various business and entrepreneurial ventures. In September 2007, she launched her clothing line, "Officially Jaded," in partnership with former WWE wrestler Nick Mitchell. The brand included a store located in the upscale Market Street district of The Woodlands, Texas. After retiring from full-time wrestling, Wilson transitioned into a career as a web-based fitness instructor and blogger, sharing her expertise and promoting a healthy lifestyle. On August 31, 2022, she signed with Clubhouse Media, an influencer-based social media firm and digital talent management agency, further expanding her reach in the digital space.

5.1. Marriages and Relationships

Wilson was married to Peter Gruner, known professionally as Billy Kidman, on July 11, 2003, after dating for four years. Their marriage faced challenges due to Wilson's extensive travel schedule with WWE, which kept her on the road up to 300 days per year. They resided in Tampa, Florida when not traveling. The couple divorced in 2008.

Following her divorce from Kidman, Wilson dated Nick Mitchell starting in mid-2006, even while still married to Kidman. From 2011 to 2014, Wilson was in a public relationship with New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez. On September 19, 2019, Wilson married Justin Tupper, the CEO and founder of Revolution Golf.

5.2. Family and Friendships

Wilson has maintained close relationships throughout her life. She shares a strong friendship with fellow wrestler Stacy Keibler; at one point, they were roommates in Los Angeles, California. Tragically, Wilson's father, Al Wilson, passed away on April 4, 2019, just two days before her induction into the WWE Hall of Fame.

5.3. Personal Interests

Wilson did not watch wrestling during her younger years but became a fan of Hulk Hogan after entering the industry. Her personal interests also include her pets; she had a Maltese named Chloe, who often traveled with her during her wrestling career. Chloe passed away in June 2020 at the age of 17. Wilson is dedicated to fitness, typically working out at least four days a week, with her routine consisting of an hour of cardiovascular exercise and a half-hour of weightlifting.

7.1. Fitness Competition Awards

• Women's Tri-Fitness
  • Miss Galaxy (1998)
  • Tri-Fitness Grace and Physique champion (1998)
  • Tri-Fitness Hall of Fame (2012)

7.2. Professional Wrestling Accolades

• WWE
  • WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2019)
  • Golden Thong Award (2002)
• WrestleCrap
  • Gooker Award (2003) - for the "Al Wilson" feud with Dawn Marie

8.1. Career Assessment and Influence

Wilson's career success was driven by her ability to combine athletic prowess with a captivating, glamorous persona. Her background as a successful fitness competitor provided her with a strong physical foundation, which she adapted to the demands of professional wrestling. Despite not being known for extensive technical wrestling, her charisma and appeal made her one of the most popular "Divas" in WWE. She was instrumental in shaping the "Diva" era, where female performers were often highlighted for their beauty and entertainment value, alongside their athletic abilities. Her widespread popularity extended beyond wrestling, cementing her status as a fitness and media personality, as evidenced by her numerous magazine covers and appearances on various "sexiest women" lists. Her resilience, particularly in overcoming early life struggles, contributed to her enduring appeal and influence.

8.2. Notable Storylines and Criticisms

Throughout her WWE career, Wilson was involved in several memorable storylines that often leveraged her glamorous image. Her appearances in Playboy magazine in 2003 and 2004 were significant, being directly integrated into her on-screen feuds with Divas like Nidia and Sable, blurring the lines between her real-life modeling career and her wrestling persona.

One of her most controversial storylines was the 2002-2003 feud with Dawn Marie, which involved Wilson's real-life father, Al Wilson. The storyline, which included an on-screen wedding and Al's fictional death from a heart attack following rigorous sexual activity, was widely criticized for its explicit and often tasteless nature. This storyline even earned the Gooker Award in 2003, an annual award for the worst storyline in wrestling. Despite such criticisms, these storylines often generated significant attention and contributed to her visibility and popularity within the WWE landscape.