“Faith has won many a race!”……

And that’s exactly what happened at The Great American Bash. I believed, I prepared, I fought, and I came out on top. I’ve always been told to never expect to lose, “see” yourself winning, and never give up. Even when I’m doubted, even when I’m the underdog, I always prepare for victory. It’s preparation and determination that lead us to the path of success. If we constantly let others’ words and/or actions hold us down, then we will eventually let ourselves down. I came in this business from day one with people wanting to hate me (mainly from coming through the Diva Search … and I get that), people wanting to see me fail, people doubting me, people saying I’m undeserving and to that … I say thank you!

I know that may sound crazy, but I thrive on proving people wrong. I love breaking down barriers and winning someone over. Hopefully I did that with at least one person on Sunday. Hopefully I made at least one person believe in me as a champion. Hopefully I made at least one person say, “Hey, Michelle does deserve that!” And if I didn’t, hopefully I will be given the chance to win more hearts soon. This business is not a job to me; it’s my passion. It’s something I believe in, it’s something I love and it’s something that I want to do my best at every single day!

Sunday night was by far the biggest night of my career. I was so extremely nervous all day long I could barely stand it. Wait a minute … I’m lying. I was pretty nervous the day before too! (I think the only people more nervous than me were my parents who were sitting ringside cheering me on!) I knew Natalya was going be a tough opponent, but the battle was even more grueling than I’d imagined. When I won the match and held that championship up, I had goose bumps all over. The feeling is indescribable! It was a roller coaster of emotions … happiness, excitement, shock, tears, and joy!!!!!!!!!!! I know that I have a huge target on my back now and am ready for the challenges that I know are about to come flying at me 100 mph!

I can’t tell you how much all of the kind words, letters of encouragement, posters (Long Island was showing their love … thank you, thank you, thank you!) and congrats mean to me. I hope I make each and every single one of you proud! This is history in the making and I will do everything in my power to make you proud! I know that the importance of winning is not what we get from the win, but what we become because of it! I hope to become the champion that makes you proud!

“Hold yourself responsible to a higher standard than anyone expects of you. Never excuse yourself!”

“When your opponent is bigger, faster, stronger. Train harder, stronger, smarter!”

“Sweat is the lubricant of success!”

To end … remember that there is a hero in every heart! Regardless of where you are on this journey in life, you are not alone. In your own heart, there is a hero reaching out to claim the ultimate prize – the happiness of living a life of satisfaction, a life of purpose – that you pursue (no matter what it may be) with courage and passion!

Thank you again! I love you all! Faith to fight the good fight, heart to believe and soul to search within! Keeping the faith…..

Your Divas Champion (wow … I still get chills just typing it)
Michelle