Madisyn was featured on the Wrestling with Heart Podcast where Stanley Carr discussed Madi’s entire career as a wrestler from her childhood to now.
Below is a summary of the discussion that you can find on the Wrestling with Heart YouTube channel.
1. Introduction & Background
- Wrestling fandom since age 8: Dad took her to a Monday Night Raw taping; instantly knew she wanted to be a wrestler.
- Early idols: Edge and Lita (the 2005–2006 feud with John Cena). She credits them with igniting her dream, though her in-ring style differs.
- Athletic background: Played soccer her entire life (chose wrestling over collegiate soccer at 18). Also did basketball, gymnastics, horseback riding.
2. Training & Early Career
- Started training at 17 (senior year of high school) after Googling local schools.
- First session: Coach Josh Gary tried to talk her out of wrestling; she took her first suplex, popped up smiling, and was hooked.
- Key advice from trainers:
- Don’t trust everyone: especially as a young woman in the business; many make false promises.
- Be Professional, Charismatic, Coachable: applies to life beyond wrestling (adaptability, confidence, willingness to learn).
3. Character Development
- First character: “Rich girl” heel inspired by Paris Hilton, the Kardashians, and Gossip Girl’s Blair Waldorf, New York old-money vibe, not LA.
- Evolution during COVID: Felt the character needed to “grow up.” Transitioned to a news reporter gimmick (a real-life career she briefly considered; worked at Fox News).
- Current WOW character (Sandy Shore): Created by WOW creative (David McLane). Only personal touch: Carolina roots (she’s from NC; character is from SC).
- New “Best for Business” twist on Sandy Shore gives her more creative input and aligns closer to her real personality.
4. Major Milestones
- Youngest OVW Women’s Champion in history (won at 19). Calls it a childhood dream — she picked Louisville for college specifically to be near OVW.
- AEW / Ring of Honor appearances (2021 & 2023): Booked via DM/email from Shawn Dean. First match at Bojangles Coliseum (Charlotte) solidified her belief she could perform at any level.
- Backstage feedback: Dustin Rhodes praised her facials/superstar presence; Tony Khan said “great”; a ROH producer (likely “Vanilla”/White) gave constructive advice on making moments matter more.
5. Independent Scene & Goals
- Indies are “hit or miss” but hot right now: major promotions allow talent more freedom to work indies.
- Hustle: Constant networking, sending promos/matches, offering to work local shows without travel/hotel costs.
- Goals:
- Secure a full-time contract that pays all bills.
- Work bigger indies (Dreamwave, Progress UK, now under Damo & Nikki).
- International experience.
- Dream opponent: Becky Lynch: admires her career, life balance (family + wrestling), and sees her as a potential mentor.
6. Community Service & Charitable Work
- Domestic Violence (DV) Awareness: platform during college pageant years; raised money for women’s shelters.
- SPCA / Animal Shelters: recent casino-themed charity event donated $10,000.
- Habitat for Humanity: friends built a home for a family.
- First Tee / Trades programs: introduces kids to construction/apprenticeships as alternatives to college.
- Personal philosophy: Doesn’t need public credit; finds joy in the reaction and tangible impact (restores faith in humanity). Also supports individuals via TikTok fundraisers.
7. Social Media & Platforms
- Instagram: @madisynmaxxwell (two X’s) primary platform.
- X (Twitter): Recently returning.
- Website: madimedia.net (here) designed like a news site; lists future appearances.
- YouTube: Working on it here.
- Wrestles every weekend may come to a town near you.
