The news that came early on February 9th could not have been more unwelcome,
although it was not a complete surprise. Candi Divine, a genuine legend of women’s
wrestling, had died at the all-too-young age of 63.
2022 marks the 30th anniversary of the PGWA, and Candi had been a part of the
organization from the very start…literally! She wrestled in the second match shot
for the PGWA (versus the late Robbie Rage), and shortly thereafter was the first
woman to challenge Susan Green for her newly-won PGWA championship.
For years to come, Candi was one of the most popular ladies in the PGWA, a genuine
fan favorite whether or not she worked as a good girl or as a heel; she was remarkably
adept at both, and enjoyed confounding opponents by shifting back and forth
between the two roles.
Although she had retired from the ring by the time of the PGWA’s 25th anniversary in
2017, Candi made a point of attending our anniversary live event in Nashville, greeting
fans and sharing war stories with us, recollecting the many good times we had shared.
It seems almost surreal that she won’t be here to celebrate our 30th anniversary as well.
Candi was a highly accomplished wrestler long before the birth of the PGWA.
Debuting in 1980, she was trained by the legendary Don Fargo, and quickly established
herself in the Mid-South territory before enjoying a successful run in Indiana for Dick
the Bruiser’s WWA. Her talent made her much in-demand across the United States,
and her beauty made her a popular subject in multiple wrestling magazines.
She went on to win the AWA Women’s Championship, the belt once held by the PGWA’s
founding Commissioner, Penny Banner. She remained a headline star for the remainder
of her career.
But even prior to her stepping between the ropes, teenaged Candace Rummel was a
major wrestling fan in the latter 1970s, a frequent face at shows and on a first name
basis with dozens of wrestlers. She loved the sport as only a true fan could, and she
carried that love into her own ring career.
Her loss is a terrible blow, and yet another vital link with the glorious history of
women’s wrestling broken.
This is the official statement from the PGWA:
“Candi was a friend and supporter of the PGWA since it started in 1992. But I had known
her long before then, having met her in 1981 when she was a rookie wrestler and I did
freelance writing and photography for several wrestling publications.
She was on many of our live events throughout the years and was someone I could always
depend on. Without question, she was one of the BEST wrestlers we worked with over
the years. She was a true professional who was loved by her fans and respected by
her peers.
She was awarded the Penny Banner ‘Spirit of Excellence’ award in 2009, and was so
well deserving of that recognition.
Candi Divine was one of those names that had world-wide recognition. She will certainly
be remembered and missed by everyone who knew her name.
This is sad news for the wrestling world.”
The news that came early on February 9th could not have been more unwelcome,
although it was not a complete surprise. Candi Divine, a genuine legend of women’s
wrestling, had died at the all-too-young age of 63.
2022 marks the 30th anniversary of the PGWA, and Candi had been a part of the
organization from the very start…literally! She wrestled in the second match shot
for the PGWA (versus the late Robbie Rage), and shortly thereafter was the first
woman to challenge Susan Green for her newly-won PGWA championship.
For years to come, Candi was one of the most popular ladies in the PGWA, a genuine
fan favorite whether or not she worked as a good girl or as a heel; she was remarkably
adept at both, and enjoyed confounding opponents by shifting back and forth
between the two roles.
Although she had retired from the ring by the time of the PGWA’s 25th anniversary in
2017, Candi made a point of attending our anniversary live event in Nashville, greeting
fans and sharing war stories with us, recollecting the many good times we had shared.
It seems almost surreal that she won’t be here to celebrate our 30th anniversary as well.
Candi was a highly accomplished wrestler long before the birth of the PGWA.
Debuting in 1980, she was trained by the legendary Don Fargo, and quickly established
herself in the Mid-South territory before enjoying a successful run in Indiana for Dick
the Bruiser’s WWA. Her talent made her much in-demand across the United States,
and her beauty made her a popular subject in multiple wrestling magazines.
She went on to win the AWA Women’s Championship, the belt once held by the PGWA’s
founding Commissioner, Penny Banner. She remained a headline star for the remainder
of her career.
But even prior to her stepping between the ropes, teenaged Candace Rummel was a
major wrestling fan in the latter 1970s, a frequent face at shows and on a first name
basis with dozens of wrestlers. She loved the sport as only a true fan could, and she
carried that love into her own ring career.
Her loss is a terrible blow, and yet another vital link with the glorious history of
women’s wrestling broken.
This is the official statement from the PGWA:
“Candi was a friend and supporter of the PGWA since it started in 1992. But I had known
her long before then, having met her in 1981 when she was a rookie wrestler and I did
freelance writing and photography for several wrestling publications.
She was on many of our live events throughout the years and was someone I could always
depend on. Without question, she was one of the BEST wrestlers we worked with over
the years. She was a true professional who was loved by her fans and respected by
her peers.
She was awarded the Penny Banner ‘Spirit of Excellence’ award in 2009, and was so
well deserving of that recognition.
Candi Divine was one of those names that had world-wide recognition. She will certainly
be remembered and missed by everyone who knew her name.
This is sad news for the wrestling world.”
