'WWE Tough Enough' Finalist Gabi Castrovinci Talks Training, Experience and More

After a four-year hiatus, WWE Tough Enough made its return to USA Network this past week. Although the format of the program has changed drastically to give it a more American Idol-esque vibe, the premise has remained the same: One man and one woman will emerge from the 13 competitors to earn $250,000 wrestler contracts and the chance to call themselves WWE Superstars.

Despite what viewers may have thought about the season premiere, the show certainly showed promise, especially considering the star-studded lineup of hosts, judges and trainers. In addition to NXT, it's a wise way of finding the next breakout star while simultaneously giving up-and-coming competitors a shot at realizing a dream of a lifetime.

Since 2001, Tough Enough has brought WWE several stars, including The Miz, John Morrison and Ryback. It's been four years since the last season of the critically acclaimed program, and fans have set the bar rather high for the latest season.

From MMA fighters to alligator wrestlers, Tough Enough has quite the cast of characters this year. Among the hungry hopefuls is Connecticut native Gabi Castrovinci, an adrenaline junkie extremely skilled in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, snowboarding and surfing.

In addition to being a sportswoman, she's also a professional athlete for World Beauty Fitness & Fashion; in fact, it was her work with the organization that ultimately earned her a spot in the Tough Enough tryouts the second week of June.

Credit: WWE.com

Castrovinci mentioned it was a management executive decision to include her in the tryouts.

"I was chosen by the casting director because I am a WBFF Diva Bikini Pro," she said. "My photos are used by the federation for promotions, and that's how they found me."

During the behind-the-scenes special that aired June 16 on WWE Network, it was made clear that not all of the aspiring Superstars who cracked the top 40 were wrestling fans. Meanwhile, Castrovinci prides herself on being a longtime supporter of sports entertainment.

"I watch WWE with my husband," said Castrovinci. "I especially like the Divas, so when the opportunity [for Tough Enough] came, I took it."

The training regimen the top 40 finalists were forced to endure upon their arrival at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, was no joke, pushing them to their physical and mental limits. While some succumbed to the pressure, others rose to the occasions and cemented their spots in the bottom 13.

"The training camp was the hardest workout I've ever been through," said Castrovinci. "I'm feeling pretty good, but it is really tough."

Of the final 40, only 13 made the cut for the cast of Tough Enough. While the Brazilian beaut was originally sent home, she was given another chance at superstardom due to one of the ladies pulling out for medical reasons and Triple H having faith in her abilities as a performer.

Describing her encounter with Triple H as "amazing," she had the following to say about being a part of the show: "I thought they brought me back for a good reason, but I didn't expect it."

Her hunger, however, to become a WWE Diva cannot be denied, with it being her top priority to compete among the elite on the grand stage.

"I think I can be a great Diva," said Castrovinci. "I am mentally and physically strong, and I am 100 percent Brazilian! If not, it has been a great experience so far."

Graham Mirmina, aka Graham "GSM" Matthews, is a journalism major at Endicott College. Visit his website, Next Era Wrestling, and "like" his official Facebook page to continue the conversation on all things wrestling. All quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.

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