Chelsea Green reflects on earning $20 for her debut wrestling match, sharing insights into her early struggles and determination to succeed despite minimal pay. The WWE star, originally from Canada, spoke candidly about her journey from the indie circuit to becoming a standout in WWE, highlighting the importance of family support throughout her career.
Chelsea Green’s Humble Beginnings in the Wrestling World
Before Chelsea Green’s rise to stardom in WWE, she established herself on the independent wrestling scene. During this time, performing in smaller venues and for limited pay, Green remembers that even a payment as small as $20 for her first match felt significant—especially with friends, fans, and family cheering her on. Looking back, she values the experiences over the monetary gains, underscoring the emotional connection she built with the crowd on her debut night.
The wrestling industry has witnessed a surge in the prominence of its women’s division, with names like Liv Morgan, Rhea Ripley, Roxanne Perez, and Stephanie Vaquer making waves. Among them, Green’s journey stands out, as she has made history by being chosen as the first Women’s United States Champion, signifying the company’s trust in her talent and charisma. Her commitment has been widely recognized, both by fans who see her as a role model and by WWE management, who rely on her to elevate the division’s status.
Recalling the $20 Debut and What It Meant
In a recent appearance on the Lightweight Podcast with Joe Vulpis, Chelsea Green opened up about her earliest matches, admitting that the realities of the indie wrestling scene often meant wrestling without proper gear and receiving only modest earnings. Green shares that, at the time, not having knee pads and receiving just $20 for the night did not diminish her enthusiasm or the special nature of her debut.
When asked about her feelings upon being paid for the first time, she emphasized that the emotional high of performing far outweighed the payment itself. As she recounted,
It wasn’t even that I was getting paid. It was the fact that I was like in the wrestling ring, and people were cheering for me, and the whole front row was my friends and family, I loved it, I loved it.
—Chelsea Green, WWE Superstar
This connection with her audience and the support from her personal circle, including several key figures like her parents and her grandmother, played a significant role in fueling her love for wrestling. Even after setbacks, such as her release from WWE in 2021, Green was warmly embraced by indie fans, who made her feel welcomed and valued as if she had never left. Returning to familiar environments and working alongside longstanding promoters provided a sense of joy and stability during a transformative phase in her career.
Parental Support and Reactions to Chelsea’s Career
While Chelsea Green has become one of the most consistent performers in WWE, her family’s reaction to her wrestling journey has varied. She shared that her father was taken aback when seeing her in action on one of wrestling’s grandest stages – WrestleMania 39, with her dad watching from the audience. In her interview, Green described the stark differences in how her parents responded to her wrestling pursuits, offering a glimpse into her family dynamics:
I think he honestly was like, ‘What the f**k is this?’ Whereas my mom was there. Day one in the crowd with a beer in her hand, like fully embracing it and same with my grandma, actually. Both of them were very, very like, ‘We know you can do this.’ My dad is like, ‘When you do, do this, then I’ll be there.’ wow they’re so opposite they couldn’t be more opposite.
—Chelsea Green, WWE Superstar
Green explained that her mother and grandmother showed unwavering faith in her abilities, attending events and supporting her from the start. Her father, on the other hand, needed more convincing, opting to wait until she reached more prominent stages before expressing his support. Still, the divergence in parental attitudes did not deter Green, as she expressed a determination to prove her worth through her performances rather than relying on external validation.
Embracing Success and Looking Forward
Chelsea Green’s professional journey demonstrates resilience and drive, as she continues to excel in WWE despite facing setbacks such as injuries. Earning her place as a prominent competitor, Green has become an inspiration for young fans and aspiring wrestlers, serving as a symbol of perseverance within the women’s division.
With high-profile events like Night of Champions scheduled for June 28, 2025, on Peacock in the U.S. and on Netflix internationally, Green’s story remains a testament to the significance of staying committed to one’s goals. Her early days—marked by a modest $20 paycheck and supported by her parents, including her mom and grandmother—remind both fans and fellow performers of the importance of passion, family encouragement, and seizing every opportunity in the world of professional wrestling.
