As a professional wrestler, Tonya “Tantrum” Johnson never imagined that she would trade in her wrestling boots for yoga pants, but life had other plans. After a successful career in the wrestling world, Johnson found herself struggling to navigate the post-athletic retirement blues. She lacked direction and purpose, feeling like she was drifting aimlessly through life.
In an exclusive interview with our publication, Johnson recalled, “I had always been fascinated by yoga, but I never thought I could make it a career. I mean, I’m 5’2″ and 120 pounds soaking wet – who’s going to take yoga advice from me?”
However, after attending a few yoga classes to manage her own stress and anxiety, Johnson discovered a newfound passion. She realized that the discipline, hard work, and mental toughness she had honed as a wrestler were eerily similar to the qualities required to master yoga.
Johnson’s epiphany led her to quit her job, sell her wrestling gear, and dip into her savings to open her own yoga studio. It was a daunting decision, but she was driven by her conviction that she could make a difference in people’s lives through yoga.
As she goed on this new journey, Johnson encountered numerous challenges. She faced skepticism from the yoga community, who doubted her lack of traditional yoga background and certification. She also struggled to convince potential students that a former wrestler could possibly teach them yoga.
Brandi Rhodes (Via WWE/Twitter)
Undeterred, Johnson threw herself into her new venture. She spent countless hours studying yoga philosophy, technique, and anatomy, earning her certification as a yoga instructor. She also developed a distinctive teaching style that blended her wrestling background with her newfound yoga knowledge.
Johnson’s determination and creativity began to pay off. Her studio, “Tantrum Yoga,” quickly gained a loyal following of students who appreciated her unique approach and empathetic teaching style. Word spread about the “wrestler-turned-yoga-studio-entrepreneur,” and Johnson found herself facing a whole new set of challenges – managing a growing business and a devoted student base.
Throughout her journey, Johnson has remained humble, true to her roots, and committed to her mission. She has developed a range of programs for students with various needs and abilities, emphasizing the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of yoga. Her studio has also become a hub for outreach and community engagement, hosting workshops, events, and charity programs.
In reflecting on her journey, Johnson acknowledged the surreal nature of her transition. “People often ask me how I went from wrestling to yoga, and I tell them that it’s not about the poses or the practices – it’s about the mindset and the passion. I traded in my wrestling gloves for yoga mat, but the principles remain the same.”
Johnson’s story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not limited to a single career path or identity. With hard work, determination, and a willingness to adapt, one can pivot and thrive in unexpected ways. As Johnson put it, “You can take the girl out of the wrestling ring, but you can’t take the wrestling out of the girl.”
