If you’ve been watching NXT lately, you’ve probably seen a powerhouse named Tyra Mae Steele absolutely manhandling people. But here’s the thing: she isn't just another recruit from a college track team or a fitness model trying to learn how to take a bump.
She is Tamyra Mensah-Stock.
That name might not ring a bell if you only follow sports entertainment, but in the world of amateur wrestling, she’s basically royalty. We are talking about a woman who went to Tokyo and came back with Olympic gold. Honestly, the transition from the Olympic podium to the squared circle is a path littered with "what ifs" (looking at you, Gable Steveson), but Tyra Mae Steele feels different. She’s got this infectious energy that makes you want to root for her, even when she’s tossing opponents around like they’re made of paper.
The Journey from Tokyo Gold to Tyra Mae Steele WWE
Most people don't realize how much of a big deal her signing actually was. When she officially joined the WWE Performance Center in May 2023, she became the first-ever female Olympic gold medalist to sign with the company. That’s huge. It’s not just a "neat fact" for her bio; it’s a massive amount of pressure.
Her debut on the July 5, 2024, episode of NXT Level Up against Wren Sinclair was a bit of a reality check. She lost. But losing a debut isn't the end of the world in WWE—just ask half the Hall of Fame. What mattered was the movement. You could see the freestyle wrestling roots immediately. She works a headlock like her life depends on it and her fireman’s carry is, frankly, perfection.
Winning "LFG" and the Undertaker Connection
One of the coolest parts of her rise was her stint on the reality series WWE LFG (Legends & Future Greats). If you missed it, basically, it was a high-stakes competition where rising talents fought for a guaranteed NXT contract.
- The Mentor: She was mentored by none other than The Undertaker.
- The Result: She didn't just participate; she won the whole thing for the women’s division in May 2025.
- The Lesson: Working with a guy like 'Taker clearly rubbed off on her. Her presence changed. She went from being a "happy-to-be-here" athlete to a focused "Real Deal" superstar.
When she finally made her official NXT in-ring debut on June 3, 2025, she didn't just win; she demolished Arianna Grace. It was a statement. She hit a German suplex that probably still has Grace’s neck feeling a little stiff.
Why She’s Succeeding Where Others Stalled
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. Why is Tyra Mae Steele thriving while other high-profile amateur stars struggled?
It’s the personality.
Amateur wrestling is stoic. It’s quiet. It’s all about the grind. Professional wrestling is a soap opera with suplexes. Tyra—or Tamyra, depending on how long you’ve followed her—has always been a "personality." After she won gold in Tokyo, her post-match interview went viral because she was so genuinely joyful. She loves what she does, and that translates to the screen.
She’s also a bit of a "hybrid" worker. She isn't just doing "wrasslin" moves. She uses her 152-pound frame to generate incredible torque. If you watch her matches against people like Zena Sterling or Dani Sekelsky, she moves with a level of explosive power that you usually only see in the heavyweight division.
A Quick Reality Check on Her Record
She’s not undefeated. As of early 2026, her record is sitting around 6 wins and 7 losses in televised/major matches. Some fans see that and worry. Don't.
WWE is clearly "seasoning" her. They are letting her lose to veterans like Wendy Choo and Tatum Paxley so she learns how to tell a story in the ring. It’s better to lose now and learn the craft than to be pushed to the moon and crash because you don't know how to work a 15-minute main event.
What’s Next for the "Real Deal"?
Recently, she’s been doing some work with Reality of Wrestling (ROW) and even participated in the Sherri Martel Classic. This is a smart move. Getting reps outside the "WWE bubble" helps a performer find their voice.
She’s currently billed at 5’6”, which makes her a perfect opponent for almost anyone in the NXT women’s division. She’s small enough to be an underdog against someone like Lash Legend, but strong enough to be a "final boss" for the smaller technical wrestlers.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Aspiring Athletes
If you're following her career or looking to see how a top-tier athlete transitions into entertainment, keep an eye on these three things:
💡 You might also like: The Real Story Behind the Angel Reese Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Debut
- Watch the Feet: Notice how she stays grounded. Her amateur base makes her nearly impossible to knock over, which is a huge psychological advantage in a match.
- The Promo Game: Tyra is still finding her "voice" on the mic. Watch her backstage segments. The moment her talking matches her wrestling, she’s going to the main roster.
- The "Big Match" Feel: Whenever she walks out, she usually has a replica of her gold medal. She’s leaning into her legacy.
Tyra Mae Steele isn't just a name on a roster. She is a blueprint for how WWE wants to develop world-class athletes into superstars. She’s got the pedigree, she’s got the mentor, and now she’s got the momentum. Don't be surprised if she’s holding NXT gold before the year is out.
To stay ahead of her progress, watch her matches on NXT Level Up and the Evolve brand, where she’s currently refining her "power-technical" style. If you want to see where she started, go back and watch her Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021) gold medal match. The intensity she had there is exactly what she’s bringing to the ring now.