Longtime WWE star Candice LeRae appears to be shifting gears in her wrestling career, moving from active in-ring competition to taking on responsibilities behind the scenes. After more than 22 years as a respected competitor, LeRae is reportedly training to become a full-time match producer, contributing to WWE’s creative process and match planning.
From Veteran Competitor to Behind-the-Scenes Contributor
Candice LeRae’s transition came quietly but with clear signs she is embracing a new backstage position. Known for her technical skill and storytelling prowess in the ring, LeRae has recently been gaining experience in producing matches for WWE programs. According to multiple sources, including well-regarded insider reports from WrestleVotes, LeRae has been working backstage as a producer for WWE Main Event matches, a developmental platform where up-and-coming talent showcase their skills[1][2][3].
One of her earliest producing assignments involved the match taped before a recent SmackDown episode in Tempe, Arizona, featuring The Street Profits against Los Garza. This indicates WWE trusts her with key responsibilities on shows linked closely with their weekly televised programming[1][4]. WWE insiders suggest this move has LeRae collaborating with Triple H’s creative team—an important sign of WWE’s confidence in her ability to craft compelling match narratives[1].
Recent In-Ring Activity and Career Reflection
LeRae’s on-screen presence has markedly decreased since mid-2025. Her last televised match occurred on the September 23 episode of NXT, where she was edged out by Lainey Reid in the finals of the Women’s Speed Championship Number One Contender Tournament[2][6]. Since then, Candice has primarily wrestled at NXT live events rather than on main television shows.
This slowdown in match frequency and a rise in off-camera work has fueled speculation that LeRae might be preparing for a gradual retirement from active wrestling. Wrestling veteran and analyst Dave Meltzer noted her reduced in-ring schedule and emphasized her growing producer responsibilities in recent discussions[6]. In recent months, she has also taken on a more managerial and supportive role aligned with her husband Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa in their #DIY faction—indicating a broader shift in her WWE involvement[4].
Backstage Sources Confirm Training and Producer Role
According to a WWE insider cited by multiple wrestling news outlets, LeRae has officially started training for her new backstage role. “She has been learning how to produce matches behind the scenes for weeks now,” said a source close to the company. “Candice has the experience, the in-ring knowledge, and the communication skills that make her perfect for this career step. She’s already producing and running matches for WWE Main Event and gradually building trust with the creative team”[1][2].
This insider also highlighted that while Candice enjoys performing, she understands the physical toll wrestling takes and is eager to remain involved with WWE in a capacity that preserves her longevity in the industry. “This isn’t just a fallback for her—it’s a smart career move. Many top WWE producers and agents are former wrestlers who know how to tell stories and keep talent safe. Candice fits that mold perfectly,” the source added[3].
Historical Context of Wrestlers Becoming Producers
Candice LeRae’s backstage transition aligns with a long tradition in WWE and professional wrestling at large: in-ring veterans becoming producers, agents, or coaches. This career path allows performers to leverage their in-ring expertise and nurture new talent while reducing the physical strain of active competition.
Notable WWE stars who transitioned to backstage roles include Natalya, Natalya Neidhart, Booker T, and Samoa Joe, who all contributed extensively to match planning and talent development. WWE’s creative leadership frequently encourages this progression to retain experienced performers within the company’s ecosystem[4][5].
What’s Next for Candice LeRae?
There is still uncertainty about whether Candice LeRae will fully retire from in-ring competition or continue to appear sporadically on WWE programming. For now, her focus seems to be balancing in-ring activities with gaining producer experience. Industry watchers debate if WWE will eventually push her out of the weekly TV spotlight in favor of this new role or if she will gradually become a behind-the-scenes fixture while appearing in special storylines when appropriate[6][8].
Given her decades-long career and reputation as one of the most dedicated and skilled technical wrestlers on the WWE roster, her backstage role could significantly impact WWE’s match quality and talent development in the years to come.
Fan and Industry Reactions
The wrestling community has largely praised LeRae’s move as a smart and natural transition. Fans appreciate her work ethic and contributions in the ring and believe her backstage influence could help elevate future women’s wrestling matches.
A source close to WWE’s creative team told us, “Candice has always been a problem solver and great collaborator. She understands what makes a wrestling match feel authentic and dramatic, and she’s well-respected by her peers. Her insights will be invaluable backstage.”
As WWE continues evolving its storytelling and talent pipeline, veterans like Candice LeRae stepping into producer roles signal the company’s commitment to improving match quality while supporting talent longevity.
Candice LeRae’s evolving role in WWE is a compelling example of how wrestling careers can adapt. Whether she returns to the spotlight or fully embraces producing, her contributions promise to be an important part of WWE’s future creative direction.