The Poison Pixie: Candice LeRae's WWE Evolution

Mathew Cartwright 07 Jul 2025

In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of professional wrestling, few characters manage to capture the imagination quite like a well-crafted persona. Among the most intriguing recent developments is the emergence of Candice LeRae as "The Poison Pixie" in WWE. This captivating transformation has not only redefined her in-ring character but has also added a compelling layer to her already illustrious career, marking a significant chapter for one of wrestling's most resilient and innovative competitors.

Candice LeRae, a veteran with over two decades in the squared circle, has consistently pushed boundaries, showcasing a relentless drive and an innovative style that has made her a trailblazer. Her journey from independent circuits to becoming an integral part of WWE's main roster, culminating in her embracing this dangerous new identity, is a testament to her enduring impact and ability to adapt. The "Poison Pixie" isn't just a nickname; it's a statement, embodying both her past bubbly persona and a newfound, dangerous edge.

Candice LeRae: The Journey of a Trailblazer
The Genesis of "The Poison Pixie"
A Decade of Dominance: Candice LeRae's Independent Legacy
NXT: Laying the Foundation
The Main Roster Resurgence: SmackDown & Raw
The "Poison Pixie" in Action: Notable Feuds & Matches
Making History: Inaugural WWE Women's Speed Champion
The Future of the Poison Pixie

Candice LeRae: The Journey of a Trailblazer

Candice LeRae, whose real name is Candice Dawson (later Gargano), was born on September 29, 1985. Her professional wrestling journey began remarkably early, in 2002, when she first stepped into the ring for promotions like Empire Wrestling Federation (EWF) and the International Wrestling Council. This early start allowed her to hone her craft on the independent circuit for over a decade, establishing herself as a formidable presence long before her WWE tenure. She was known for her innovative style and relentless drive, earning a reputation as a trailblazer in a landscape that was rapidly changing for women in wrestling.

Her career on the independent scene was characterized by high-octane matches and a willingness to take risks, often competing against both men and women. This fearless approach garnered her a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim, setting the stage for her eventual arrival in WWE's developmental brand, NXT. During her time in NXT, she continued to evolve, eventually becoming a former NXT Women's Tag Team Champion. Her journey to the main roster was a highly anticipated event, especially after a hiatus during which she and her husband, Johnny Gargano, welcomed their son, Quill.

As of September 2022, Candice LeRae is officially signed to WWE, performing on the SmackDown brand, though her appearances have spanned both Raw and SmackDown. Her return marked a new chapter, not just for her career, but for the WWE women's division, as she brought with her years of experience and a fresh perspective, soon to be encapsulated by her new, intriguing moniker.

Personal Data & Key Details: Candice LeRae

Real Name	Candice Dawson (later Gargano)
Born	September 29, 1985
Height	5'2"
Professional Debut	2002
Signed to WWE	As of September 2022 (returned September 26, 2022)
Current Brand	SmackDown (also appears on Raw)
Ring Name	Candice LeRae
Notable Achievements	Inaugural WWE Women's Speed Champion, Former NXT Women's Tag Team Champion
Signature Nickname	The Poison Pixie

The Genesis of "The Poison Pixie"

The moniker "The Poison Pixie" officially debuted with Candice LeRae's return to WWE on the September 26, 2022, episode of Monday Night Raw. This comeback marked her first appearance in WWE since 2021, when she was part of the NXT developmental brand. Her return was not just a re-entry but a re-introduction, complete with new entrance music and, most notably, a new persona. This new nickname wasn't arbitrary; it was a carefully crafted evolution designed to reflect a shift in her character.

The "Pixie" part of the name is a clever nod to her past. For years, Candice LeRae was known for her bubbly, effervescent persona, often portrayed as an underdog or a plucky hero. Her shorter stature, at 5'2", also aligns with the "pixie" imagery. However, it's the "Poison" element that truly signals her transformation. This addition makes her feel dangerous, indicating a heel turn and a willingness to employ underhanded tactics to secure victory. It's a brilliant juxtaposition that acknowledges her history while firmly establishing her new, more villainous identity. This character evolution has allowed her to explore a darker, more cunning side of her in-ring personality, adding depth and intrigue to her matches and rivalries within WWE.

A Decade of Dominance: Candice LeRae's Independent Legacy

Before becoming a household name in WWE, Candice LeRae spent over a decade forging a formidable reputation on the independent wrestling circuit. Her career, which began in 2002, saw her travel extensively, competing for numerous promotions across North America. She was a prominent figure, known for her incredible athleticism, innovative offense, and unwavering determination. This period was crucial in shaping her into the well-rounded performer she is today, allowing her to experiment with different styles and develop a unique connection with fans.

LeRae's independent career was characterized by her willingness to break barriers. She frequently participated in intergender matches, showcasing her ability to hold her own against male competitors, which was a rarity at the time. Her relentless drive and refusal to be confined by traditional gender roles in wrestling earned her immense respect and a reputation as a true trailblazer. Events like ChickFight, where she appeared as a substitute in a round one match, further solidified her standing as a top-tier independent talent. Her time outside WWE was not just about gaining experience; it was about defining a legacy of resilience and pushing the boundaries of what a female wrestler could achieve, laying the groundwork for the "Poison Pixie" to emerge later.

NXT: Laying the Foundation

Candice LeRae's arrival in WWE's NXT brand marked a significant chapter in her career. After years of excelling on the independent circuit, NXT provided her with a larger platform and the opportunity to showcase her talents to a global audience. Her time in NXT was characterized by a gradual but impactful evolution, transitioning from a beloved underdog to a more complex character, often aligning with her husband, Johnny Gargano, as part of "The Way" faction. This period allowed her to develop her character work, blending her in-ring prowess with compelling storytelling.

One of her notable achievements in NXT was becoming a former NXT Women's Tag Team Champion, a testament to her ability to adapt and succeed in a tag team environment. Her matches were consistently high-quality, often stealing the show and earning critical acclaim. The "Before the E" series, which explores the careers of current NXT stars, would undoubtedly highlight her journey and evolution within the brand, showcasing how her experiences there laid the crucial groundwork for her eventual main roster call-up and the subsequent emergence of her "Poison Pixie" persona. NXT was not just a developmental territory for LeRae; it was a proving ground where she refined her skills and prepared for the next phase of her illustrious career.

The Main Roster Resurgence: SmackDown & Raw

Candice LeRae's official return to WWE's main roster on September 26, 2022, on Monday Night Raw, was met with considerable anticipation. After stepping away from professional wrestling to start a family with Johnny Gargano, her comeback signaled a renewed vigor and a readiness to make an immediate impact. Initially signed to the SmackDown brand as of September 2022, her presence has been felt across both Raw and SmackDown, allowing her to engage with a wider array of competitors and storylines.

Her main roster tenure has seen her embrace a more cunning and villainous persona, perfectly encapsulated by "The Poison Pixie." This shift has allowed her to engage in high-profile feuds and showcase a different dimension of her character. From facing top-tier talent like Xia Li on Raw, where she collapsed after a devastating cyclone kick, to her interactions and rivalries on SmackDown, LeRae has proven her versatility. Her ability to seamlessly transition between brands and adapt to new challenges underscores her value to WWE. The main roster has become the stage for the full unveiling of the "Poison Pixie," a character that thrives on unpredictability and a dangerous edge, keeping audiences on their toes.

The "Poison Pixie" in Action: Notable Feuds & Matches

The "Poison Pixie" persona has truly come alive through Candice LeRae's various feuds and matches on the main roster. Her new character, defined by its dangerous and underhanded tactics, has led to some compelling storytelling and memorable in-ring moments. She has shown a willingness to do anything to win, making her a formidable and unpredictable opponent.

The Bayley Rivalry

One of the most prominent rivalries for the "Poison Pixie" has been against "The Role Model" Bayley and her stable, Damage CTRL (IYO SKY and Dakota Kai). This feud has been a recurring theme on SmackDown, with Bayley consistently looking to get back to her winning ways against the surging Candice LeRae. Their encounters have been marked by cunning tactics, as seen when "the role model chased the poison pixie around the ring," only for LeRae to feign an injury, though Bayley ultimately rolled her up for the pinfall. This rivalry was often framed with intriguing titles like "Pixie dust, poisoned apples, & prowrestling," highlighting the fairytale-esque battle between good and evil, or rather, the "role model" and the "poison pixie." Damage CTRL frequently used their numbers advantage to take down the Poison Pixie, showcasing LeRae's resilience against overwhelming odds. The "Poison Pixie" Candice LeRae was furious on one occasion that her team came up short yet again, even lamenting about finally having matching gear, emphasizing her frustration and commitment to her new villainous role.

Confrontations with Xia Li & Others

The "Poison Pixie" has also had notable encounters with other formidable competitors. During a Raw bout, Xia Li delivered a devastating cyclone kick that caused Candice LeRae to collapse, leaving her seemingly unaware of her surroundings. This moment underscored the physical toll of her matches and the intensity of her new persona's battles. LeRae's willingness to absorb punishment and continue fighting is a hallmark of her character.

Alpha Academy & Ivy Nile

The "Poison Pixie" has also engaged in verbal and physical altercations that highlight her evolving heel character. She expressed regret for her words toward Alpha Academy's Maxxine Dupri, only to double down on her harsh rhetoric during a backstage conversation. This prompted Dupri's friend, Ivy Nile, to intervene and attack LeRae, setting up a compelling matchup on Raw. These interactions showcase LeRae's ability to generate heat and create engaging narratives beyond just her in-ring performances.

Tag Team Dynamics

Candice LeRae's "Poison Pixie" persona has also influenced her tag team matches. In one instance, during a match involving Nia Jax and Candice LeRae against Bianca Belair and Naomi, Bianca Belair took an incredible beating. However, a misfire by Nia Jax, who missed her signature leg drop on Belair and hit Candice LeRae instead, allowed Naomi to tag in and hit a Bubba Bomb on the "Poison Pixie" to win the match. This demonstrated the chaotic nature that often follows the "Poison Pixie." In another instance, the "Poison Pixie" used the ring post to further damage Chance's knee, allowing her to pick up the victory for her team, leaving her tag team partner, Hartwell, conflicted over her underhanded tactics. These moments emphasize that the "Poison Pixie" will do anything to win, even if it means resorting to questionable methods that might alienate allies.

Making History: Inaugural WWE Women's Speed Champion

Adding another significant feather to her cap, Candice LeRae, the "Poison Pixie," made wrestling history by becoming the inaugural WWE Women's Speed Champion. This achievement underscores her continued relevance and her ability to adapt to new challenges and formats within WWE. The WWE Speed championship is a unique concept, focusing on quick, high-octane matches, and LeRae's victory in this inaugural tournament speaks volumes about her agility, technical prowess, and strategic mind. It showcases that even with her new "poisoned" edge, her in-ring abilities remain top-tier and are recognized by the company.

This title win is not just another championship; it solidifies her place in WWE's history books as the first woman to hold this particular belt. It further enhances the mystique of the "Poison Pixie," demonstrating that her underhanded tactics are effective and that she is a legitimate threat in any competitive environment. This accomplishment adds to her legacy, which already includes being a former NXT Women's Tag Team Champion, cementing her status as a versatile and accomplished competitor within the WWE landscape. Fans can catch her action on various platforms, including Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, and Sony India.

The Future of the Poison Pixie

The "Poison Pixie" persona has opened up a myriad of possibilities for Candice LeRae's future in WWE. Her willingness to embrace a more villainous and cunning character has made her one of the most compelling figures in the women's division. The question now is, how far will her underhanded tactics take her? Will her strategic, albeit questionable, methods play against her when facing formidable opponents like the "EST of WWE," Bianca Belair, or other top-tier competitors?

Her interactions with other prominent figures, such as hanging out with Bianca Belair, Asuka, and Alexa Bliss, and mentioning to the WWE Raw Women's Champion that she hoped Bianca would shut Bayley up (which Damage CTRL overheard), suggest a complex web of alliances and rivalries. This indicates that the "Poison Pixie" is not just a one-dimensional villain but a character capable of nuanced relationships and strategic maneuvering within the locker room. As she continues to refine this dangerous persona, fans can anticipate more unpredictable matches, shocking betrayals, and a relentless pursuit of victory, regardless of the means. Candice LeRae, as the "Poison Pixie," is poised to continue making waves and challenging the status quo in WWE, promising an exciting future for one of wrestling's most enduring talents.

Conclusion

Candice LeRae's journey in professional wrestling is a testament to her enduring passion, adaptability, and relentless drive. From her early days on the independent circuit, where she established herself as a trailblazer, to her impactful run in NXT, and now as a prominent figure on WWE's main roster, she has consistently evolved. The emergence of "The Poison Pixie" persona marks a significant and exciting chapter in her career, allowing her to explore new dimensions of her character and engage in compelling storylines. This transformation, blending her inherent "pixie" charm with a dangerous "poisoned" edge, has made her one of the most intriguing and unpredictable competitors in WWE today.

Her recent achievement as the inaugural WWE Women's Speed Champion further solidifies her legacy, proving that the "Poison Pixie" is not just a character but a force to be reckoned with in the ring. As Candice LeRae continues to captivate audiences with her innovative style and cunning tactics, her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring wrestlers and a source of excitement for fans. What are your thoughts on "The Poison Pixie" persona? Share your comments below, and don't forget to explore other articles on our site for more insights into the world of WWE!

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