

Kacy Catanzaro
JerseyProfessional wrestler•former gymnast•obstacle course racer
Also known as: Katana Chance, Kacy Carter
Birthday
January 14, 1990
Birth Sign
Capricorn
Birthplace
Glen Ridge, New Jersey
Age
36 years old
Height
5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
About
Kacy Esther Catanzaro is an American professional wrestler, former NCAA gymnast, and obstacle course racer. She gained widespread recognition for her historic runs on the NBC series American Ninja Warrior, where she became the first woman to complete both the City Qualifiers and City Finals courses. Her athletic prowess translated into a successful stint in WWE under the ring name Katana Chance, where she formed a dominant tag team with Kayden Carter.
As of late 2026, Catanzaro remains active in the sports and fitness community following her release from WWE in mid-2025. She has since reverted to her birth name and continues to explore opportunities in other wrestling promotions while maintaining a strong presence through social media and fitness coaching ventures.
Early Life & Background
Kacy Esther Catanzaro was born on January 14, 1990, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, into a family that placed a high value on physical activity and discipline. Her journey began in the world of gymnastics, where she displayed exceptional talent at a young age. This early foundation led her to compete as an artistic gymnast for Rutgers University, where she honed her skills alongside the Scarlet Knights team. Her collegiate career was marked by versatility and strength, earning her a spot in the U.S. National Team trials before she transitioned away from competitive gymnastics.
Following her time at Rutgers, Catanzaro sought new challenges in obstacle course racing. Her unique combination of gymnastic flexibility and raw power caught the attention of producers for American Ninja Warrior. In 2018, during Season 10, she made history in Fort Worth, Texas, by becoming the first woman ever to successfully clear the entire City Finals course. This achievement not only broke barriers for female athletes in the sport but also served as a springboard to professional wrestling, leading directly to her recruitment by WWE scouts shortly after her television debut.
Career Growth
Her breakthrough into professional wrestling came in late 2018 when she signed with WWE. She quickly made her mark in the Mae Young Classic tournament that September, showcasing her elite athleticism to a global audience. Assigned to the NXT brand, she adopted the ring name Katana Chance and eventually formed a tag team with Kayden Carter. Their partnership proved to be one of the most dominant forces in women's wrestling history.
In April 2021, the duo defeated Dakota Kai and Raquel González to capture the NXT Women's Tag Team Championships. They held the titles for a record-breaking reign exceeding 500 days, setting a new standard for the division. Their success culminated in a historic feat in 2023 when they became the first team to hold both the NXT and WWE Women's Tag Team Championships simultaneously. After moving to the main roster, they added the WWE titles to their collection in early 2024.
The chapter ended abruptly in May 2025 when reports confirmed her release from WWE. By June 2025, Catanzaro had publicly announced her departure and dropped the Katana Chance persona, returning to her birth name. As of late 2026, she has been exploring potential returns to the industry with organizations like AEW or ROH while focusing on her personal brand and fitness coaching.
Career Timeline
Public Image & Style
Media outlets consistently portray Kacy Catanzaro as a trailblazer and a versatile athlete who defies traditional categorization. Described as grounded and approachable, she has built a reputation for breaking barriers in male-dominated spaces like obstacle racing and professional wrestling. Her public persona is defined by her athletic excellence and positive engagement with fans regarding fitness and mental health. She is viewed as a pioneer who successfully transitioned from one extreme sport to another, maintaining a strong, muscular build that commands respect in the ring.
Fame & Fandom (iFAMOUS Rankings)
iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. She is not featured on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list. Fans of her tag team generally refer to themselves as supporters of "Katana & Carter" rather than using a specific collective name. The fanbase is highly organized around her athletic feats and her partnership with Kayden Carter, often engaging in streaming parties for matches and social media campaigns to keep her trending after her release. Catanzaro is known for being responsive to her followers, frequently replying to comments and sharing fan art on her platforms.
Interesting Facts and Legends
Kacy Catanzaro holds the distinction of being the only woman to have completed both the City Qualifier and City Finals courses on American Ninja Warrior. Her ring name, Katana Chance, was chosen to reflect a Japanese-inspired aesthetic and the element of chance inherent in her athletic pursuits. During the pandemic, her viral quarantine workout videos showcased a unique blend of gymnastics and wrestling moves, gaining massive traction online. The tag team she formed with Kayden Carter set a benchmark for longevity in the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship division that stood for years. She is also known for her "Buff Bunny Collection," a merchandise line that reflects her fitness-focused lifestyle.
Notable Quotes
“I've always wanted to be the first. Whether it's in gymnastics, ninja warrior, or wrestling, I want to break barriers.”
“Kayden and I aren't just partners; we're sisters. We push each other to be better every single day.”
“I'm not sure if I want to continue wrestling, but I'll never stop being an athlete.”
Family & Personal Life
While Catanzaro keeps much of her private life out of the spotlight, she grew up in a household that prioritized athletics. She attended Rutgers University, where she was a key member of the gymnastics team. Outside of her professional achievements, she maintains close ties with her family and often shares glimpses of her life on social media. She resides in the United States and focuses on her fitness business and personal well-being in her post-WWE career.
Notable Connections
Kayden Carter, Lacey Lane, Naoufal Abouelhouda, Rhea Ripley.
Relationships & Dating History
Kacy Catanzaro has kept her romantic life relatively private compared to her public athletic achievements. Credible sources identify one significant long-term relationship that began around 2021. She started dating Naoufal Abouelhouda, a professional mixed martial artist, through mutual connections within the combat sports community. The couple has supported each other's careers, often appearing together at events and sharing updates about their shared athletic backgrounds.
Reports from late 2025 and early 2026 suggest the relationship remains active, with some speculation regarding an engagement, though no formal announcement of marriage has been widely publicized. As of late 2026, there are no reports of separation or divorce. She appears to be in a committed relationship with Abouelhouda, and no children have been publicly reported from this union. There is no public record of previous marriages or high-profile flings prior to this partnership.
- DatingNaoufal Abouelhouda2021 - presentCurrentProfessional MMA fighter; met through mutual connections in combat sports.
Salary, Net Worth In 2026
$780,000
iFANN Editorial Team estimate
iFANN currently estimates Kacy Catanzaro's net worth at approximately $780,000 based on her earnings from professional wrestling, television appearances, and business ventures. Her financial growth stems primarily from her contract with WWE, where she earned an estimated $150,000 to $200,000 annually during her peak years between 2019 and 2025. Additional income sources include performance bonuses for championship wins and pay-per-view appearances.
Post-release, Catanzaro has diversified her revenue streams through her "Buff Bunny Collection" merchandise line and online fitness coaching programs. While specific endorsement deals are not always publicly detailed, her status as a pioneer in obstacle racing likely attracted partnerships with fitness apparel brands. As of 2026, her assets are managed independently, reflecting her shift from a salaried employee to an entrepreneur and independent contractor in the sports entertainment sector.
Awards Won (2)
Catanzaro holds significant accolades within the wrestling and sports communities. She is a one-time NXT Women's Tag Team Champion, holding the title for a record-breaking reign. Alongside Kayden Carter, she became the first team to hold both the NXT and WWE Women's Tag Team Championships simultaneously. She also won the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship in 2024. Her historic achievements on American Ninja Warrior serve as a major milestone in her career.
2021 · Championship
NXT
2024 · Championship
WWE
Known For
American Ninja Warrior
2018 · Contestant
WWE
2019 · Katana Chance
NXT
2019 · Tag Team Competitor
Keywords
Sources
Quick Facts
- Profession
- artistic gymnast, professional wrestler, television personality
- Born
- January 14, 1990
- Birthplace
- Glen Ridge, New Jersey
- Gender
- Female
- Birth Sign
- Capricorn
Personal Details
- Full Name
- Kacy Esther Catanzaro
- Height
- 5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
- Children
- Education
- Rutgers University
Filmography
3
Total
0
Film
3
TV
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Kacy Catanzaro leave the WWE?
Is Kacy Catanzaro in a relationship?
What happened to Kacy Catanzaro in American Ninja Warrior?
Who is the transwoman in WWE?
What is Kacy Catanzaro's net worth?
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