WRESTLING WITH A PURPOSE. HOW GOD FLIPPED my STORY.
From WWE Superstar to Christian Entrepreneur: My Journey of Faith, Risk, and Refinement
When people hear that I went from being a WWE Superstar to a Christian entrepreneur, their first reaction is usually, “Wait… how does that even happen?”
On the surface, those two worlds couldn’t be more different. But when I look back, I see how God was writing one continuous story — one filled with risk, surrender, and obedience.
So today, I want to share that story with you.
The Call That Changed Everything
I’ve been an athlete my whole life. But I never imagined I’d end up in professional wrestling.
Back in 2022, out of nowhere, I got a call from a WWE recruiter inviting me to their WrestleMania tryout in Dallas. I didn’t know anything about wrestling. I’d never even seen a ring before.
But my attitude was: what do I have to lose?
So I went. And from the moment I stepped into that tryout — three grueling days of physical and mental tests — I gained a deep respect for what those athletes do. It was one of the hardest things I’d ever done.
And here’s the kicker (literally): I was sick that entire weekend. I was physically wrecked, mentally drained, and spiritually empty. But I remember praying,
“God, if this is for me, let it be. And if it’s not, close the door.”
I showed up, gave it everything I had, and left the results to Him.
Two months later, I got the call. I was moving to Orlando to join the WWE.
Wrestling with God
Before signing my contract, my doctor actually advised me not to. My hormones were shot, I hadn’t had a natural period yet, and I was 24 years old, and she was worried my body needed rest, not more impact.
Logically, it made sense to say no. But every time I prayed about it, I had peace. So, on the deadline day, I signed.
That decision led me on one of the wildest journeys of my life. I got to debut with my future husband, share a show with legends like John Cena and The Undertaker, and live a dream I didn’t even know I had.
But that season wasn’t without pain.
The Breaking Point
After a year of high-intensity training and travel, my body started breaking down. I began having severe back flare-ups where I couldn’t walk for days.
Doctors finally discovered I needed double hip repairs — both of my labrums were gone because my pelvis was shaped wrong. So, I went through two major surgeries and learned how to walk again, twice.
WWE took amazing care of me through it all, but the road was hard.
Just when I started getting back on my feet, I blew my knee out during a match, again ON TV, on a second rope meteora. In that moment, I knew it might be my last one. I told the ref, “I tore my knee, but I can finish.” And I did. I can say I went out with a banger!
That’s when I knew God was shifting me into something new.
The Dream That Became The Refinery
While rehabbing my knee, I started praying for direction. One night, I had a vivid dream — a vision of a movement called The Refinery.
It had a name, a mission, and a clear purpose: helping women strengthen their bodies, deepen their faith, and live boldly for Christ.
I woke up and began building it the next day.
Funny enough, I think that dream came before my knee injury. God was preparing me long before I could see it.
God’s Details (and a Wild Story)
Remember how I mentioned my doctor warned me not to sign the WWE contract because of my hormone issues?
Well, six months into my time there, I got kicked in the stomach during a match on live TV. I immediately started bleeding and thought I was injured internally. Turns out, I wasn’t — my doctor said that kick might have actually jump-started my period.
You can’t make that up.
It was as if God said, “See? I can heal in the most unexpected ways.”
After my surgeries, another doctor told me, “Childbirth is going to be so much easier for you now.” Around that same time, I started dating Joe — the man who will one day be the father of my kids.
So when people ask if I believe in divine timing… yeah. I do.
We serve a God of details. A God who heals, restores, and writes stories in ways that make no logical sense — except to Him.
From the Top Rope to the Kingdom
When I think about entrepreneurship, it’s really not so different from standing on the top rope. Both require courage, risk, and faith.
Owning a Christian business means trusting God when you can’t see the next step. It means being willing to look foolish to the world but obedient to Heaven.
I’ve always been drawn to risk and adventure — to abundant living. And that’s exactly what Jesus promises in John 10:10:
“I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.”
That verse defines both my WWE journey and my entrepreneurial one.
Building The Refinery Movement
Today, The Refinery Movement is more than a brand. It’s a mission — to make the Church healthy again.
We teach women to steward their health, strengthen their bodies, and walk boldly in their calling. Because strength is not just physical — it’s spiritual.
Entrepreneurship has stretched me just like training did. It’s risky, humbling, and full of growth. But the combination of a growth mindset and a servant heart? That’s where the real refinement happens.
God is using this platform to help women reclaim their health, their identity, and their purpose. And I’m just grateful to be a vessel in that process.
Why It All Makes Sense
At first glance, WWE Superstar and Christian Entrepreneur seem like total opposites. But looking back, they were both training grounds for the same thing: obedience, risk, and purpose. Starting a Christian business from the ground up is a very similar feeling to full sending a top rope corkscrew moonsault.
Both required faith. Both demanded grit. And both pointed me back to Jesus.
God didn’t waste a single chapter.
He used every injury, every “no,” every uncertain season — to refine me into the woman and leader I am today. I am proud to be in female entrepreneurship.
Final Thoughts
The Refinery Movement started as a dream during a season of pain. Today, it’s a community of women being strengthened, refined, and equipped to live boldly for Christ.
If you’re ready to steward your health, grow in faith, and step into your God-given calling, I’d love to walk with you as your Christian fitness coach.
You can learn more or book a free coaching call at therefinerymovement.net.
Because no matter where you’ve been — the ring, the rehab room, or rock bottom — God can use it all to refine you for His glory. Thanks for taking the time to read about my journey to becoming a faith-based entrepreneur.
Let’s get refined. 🔥
- AJ Amrhein