Who is Candice LeRae?
Candice LeRae is an American professional wrestler currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where she performs on the SmackDown brand. Her full name is Candice Dawson Gargano (née LeRae), and she is widely known by her nickname “The Poison Pixie.”
Before joining WWE, Candice built a legendary reputation on the independent wrestling circuit. She competed in some of the world’s biggest independent promotions, including Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), Shimmer Women Athletes, and several others. Her fearless wrestling style and willingness to compete against both men and women earned her respect throughout the wrestling industry.
After signing with WWE in 2017, Candice became one of NXT’s most popular female Superstars. She later joined the main roster, won the inaugural WWE Women’s Speed Championship, and became a respected veteran of WWE’s women’s division. As of 2026, Candice continues competing on SmackDown while helping elevate younger talent.
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Candice Dawson Gargano (née LeRae) |
| Ring Name | Candice LeRae |
| Nickname | The Poison Pixie |
| Date of Birth | September 29, 1985 |
| Age | 40 Years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Riverside, California, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Professional Wrestler |
| Current Promotion | WWE |
| Current Brand | SmackDown |
| WWE Debut | 2017 (NXT) |
| Height | 5 ft 2 in (157 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 110 lbs (50 kg) |
Candice LeRae Early Life
Candice LeRae was born on September 29, 1985, in Riverside, California.
She became interested in professional wrestling while growing up in Southern California. Inspired by the larger-than-life personalities she watched on television, Candice dreamed of becoming a wrestler despite the challenges women faced in the industry at the time.
She began training during her teenage years and made her professional wrestling debut in 2002. Unlike many wrestlers who reached WWE quickly, Candice spent more than a decade building her reputation across independent promotions before receiving a WWE contract.
Her determination, hard work, and passion eventually made her one of the most respected female wrestlers outside WWE.
Candice LeRae Education
Candice completed her schooling in California before deciding to pursue professional wrestling full-time.
Although she has kept details of her college education private, she dedicated herself to wrestling training from an early age and spent years improving her skills across independent promotions in the United States.
Her extensive in-ring experience became her greatest education and prepared her for success in WWE.
Candice LeRae Family
Candice prefers to keep much of her family life private.
In 2016, she married fellow professional wrestler Johnny Gargano, one of WWE’s most popular Superstars.
The couple welcomed their first child, Quill Gargano, in 2022 and later celebrated the birth of their second child, making them one of WWE’s most admired wrestling families.
Candice often shares family moments on social media while balancing motherhood with her wrestling career.
Candice LeRae Career
Independent Wrestling Career
Candice LeRae began wrestling professionally in 2002.
Over the next fifteen years, she competed for numerous promotions, including:
- Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG)
- Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW)
- Shimmer Women Athletes
- DDT Pro-Wrestling
- Chikara
- AIW
Unlike many female wrestlers of her era, Candice frequently competed against male opponents.
Her violent and memorable matches earned her worldwide recognition and established her as one of the greatest independent female wrestlers of all time.
Joining WWE
In 2017, Candice officially signed with WWE and joined NXT.
She immediately impressed fans with her technical wrestling skills and determination.
One of her earliest WWE storylines involved helping her future husband Johnny Gargano, making them one of NXT’s most beloved couples.
The Way
One of the biggest chapters of Candice’s WWE career came when she formed The Way alongside:
- Johnny Gargano
- Austin Theory
- Indi Hartwell
The faction became one of NXT’s most entertaining groups.
Candice also mentored Indi Hartwell during this period, helping develop one of WWE’s future stars.
Main Roster Career
Candice returned to WWE television in 2022 after maternity leave and joined the Raw roster.
She later moved to SmackDown, where she continued competing against some of WWE’s biggest female Superstars.
Her experience made her an important veteran within the women’s division.
WWE Women’s Speed Champion
In 2024, Candice made history by defeating Iyo Sky to become the first-ever WWE Women’s Speed Champion.
The achievement added another milestone to her already impressive wrestling career.
Although she later lost the championship, she remains recognized as the inaugural champion and one of the title’s most important figures.
Recent Career Updates (2026)
Candice LeRae has remained an active member of WWE’s SmackDown roster throughout 2026.
During the July 17, 2026 episode of SmackDown, Candice confronted GUNTHER backstage before becoming the victim of a surprise attack by newly arrived WWE Superstar Blake Monroe. After the attack, Monroe introduced herself as “the new girl,” beginning what appears to be a new rivalry between the two competitors.
Later in July, Candice also made a surprise appearance on Monday Night Raw, where WWE promoted the return of “The Poison Pixie.” Her appearance reminded fans that she remains an important part of WWE’s women’s division despite not currently competing for a major championship.
Throughout 2026, Candice has continued appearing alongside her husband Johnny Gargano in backstage segments and television storylines. WWE has also continued recognizing her accomplishments, including her role as the inaugural Women’s Speed Champion and one of the company’s most experienced female performers.
Although she is not currently involved in a championship feud, many fans believe Candice’s veteran experience makes her an important mentor for WWE’s newer female stars.
Candice LeRae Personal Life
Outside wrestling, Candice enjoys spending time with her husband and children.
She is passionate about video games, comic books, movies, and traveling.
Candice has often spoken about the challenges of balancing motherhood with a professional wrestling career and has inspired many women through her successful return after giving birth.
She also supports various charitable causes and regularly interacts with fans through social media.
Candice LeRae Controversy
As of 2026, Candice LeRae has not been involved in any major real-life controversies.
Most discussions involving her have centered on WWE storylines, championship pursuits, and her role as a respected veteran rather than any personal issues.
She is widely respected within the wrestling industry for her professionalism and dedication.
Candice LeRae Social Media
| Platform | Profile |
| @candicelerae | |
| X (Twitter) | @CandiceLeRae |
| WWE Profile | Official WWE Superstar Page |
Candice LeRae Net Worth
| Category | Details |
| Estimated Net Worth | $2 Million–$3 Million (Approx.) |
| Primary Income | WWE Contract |
| Other Income Sources | Merchandise Sales, Public Appearances, Brand Partnerships |
Note: Candice LeRae’s exact salary and net worth have not been officially disclosed. The figures above are industry estimates based on her long wrestling career.
Candice LeRae Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 5 ft 2 in (157 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 110 lbs (50 kg) |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Body Type | Athletic |
| Distinctive Features | Petite frame, energetic style, “The Poison Pixie” persona |
Interesting Facts about Candice LeRae
- Candice LeRae made her professional wrestling debut in 2002.
- She spent more than 15 years on the independent wrestling circuit before joining WWE.
- She became famous for competing against male wrestlers.
- She wrestled for PWG, CZW, Shimmer, and DDT before WWE.
- She signed with WWE in 2017.
- She was a member of The Way in NXT.
- She is married to WWE Superstar Johnny Gargano.
- She became the inaugural WWE Women’s Speed Champion.
- She successfully returned to wrestling after becoming a mother.
- Fans know her as “The Poison Pixie.”
- She is considered one of the greatest female independent wrestlers of her generation.
- She continues to mentor younger WWE talent while competing on SmackDown.
FAQs
Q1. Who is Candice LeRae?
Candice LeRae is an American professional wrestler signed to WWE and known as “The Poison Pixie.”
Q2. What is Candice LeRae’s real name?
Her real name is Candice Dawson Gargano (née LeRae).
Q3. How old is Candice LeRae?
She is 40 years old as of 2026.
Q4. Who is Candice LeRae married to?
Candice LeRae is married to fellow WWE Superstar Johnny Gargano.
Q5. Does Candice LeRae have children?
Yes. Candice and Johnny Gargano have two children.
Q6. What championships has Candice LeRae won in WWE?
She is the inaugural WWE Women’s Speed Champion and has also enjoyed a successful career in NXT and on WWE’s main roster.
Q7. Why is Candice LeRae called “The Poison Pixie”?
She earned the nickname because of her small stature, fearless wrestling style, and ability to defeat much larger opponents.
Q8. What is Candice LeRae’s estimated net worth?
Her estimated net worth is between $2 million and $3 million, although WWE has not officially confirmed her earnings.
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