WWE Superstar Jordynne Grace Makes Surprise Bodybuilding Return, Didn’t Even Tell Her Husband
WWE Superstar Jordynne Grace made a surprise return to competitive bodybuilding over the weekend, stepping on stage for the first time since 2023 and earning a qualification for a future national-level contest.
Grace competed at the 2026 NPC Heart of Texas on Sept. 19, entering under her real name, Patricia Gresham. Despite balancing her bodybuilding preparation with the demands of her WWE career, Grace finished second and earned national qualification.
Perhaps even more surprising was how quietly she prepared for the show. Grace revealed afterward that she had been dieting and training for the competition in secret for roughly four weeks and did not even tell her husband about her plans until days before taking the stage.
Jordynne Grace Returns To Bodybuilding Stage After Three Years
Grace has become one of professional wrestling’s most recognizable muscular physiques, but her involvement in strength sports stretches well beyond the squared circle.
According to Muscle & Fitness, Grace decided approximately one month before the Heart of Texas contest that she wanted to return to competitive bodybuilding. She had not competed since winning the Women’s Physique category at the 2023 Tri-City Classic.
This time, Grace wanted to keep the entire process under wraps.
“Spent the past four weeks prepping in secret. Didn’t even tell my husband I was competing until earlier this week. But we made it back on stage.”
For Grace, the comeback wasn’t necessarily about collecting another first-place trophy.
“I didn’t come to win this one. I just needed a reminder of who I am.”
She ultimately walked away with considerably more than that reminder. Grace finished second and secured eligibility to compete at the national level.
“Second place, but qualified for nationals,” Grace announced afterward.
The official Heart of Texas account responded: “Now the fun begins.”
Grace Has Built An Impressive Career Across Wrestling And Strength Sports
Grace’s bodybuilding appearance adds another chapter to an athletic career that has crossed professional wrestling, bodybuilding, and powerlifting.
Before joining WWE, Grace became a three-time TNA Knockouts World Champion and established herself as one of the promotion’s biggest stars. Her combination of muscularity and strength has remained a major part of her presentation throughout her wrestling career.
Grace also has legitimate powerlifting credentials. She holds WNPF Georgia State and National records in the 165-pound weight class with lifts that include:
- Squat: 320 pounds
- Bench press: 210 pounds
- Deadlift: 355 pounds
Her bodybuilding comeback is particularly notable because of the demands of maintaining a WWE schedule while preparing to step on stage. Contest preparation generally requires athletes to carefully manage training, cardio, nutrition, and recovery while progressively reducing body fat.
Grace managed to pull it off on only four weeks of dedicated preparation.
Now, her second-place finish opens the door to something bigger. By qualifying for nationals, Grace has given herself the opportunity to continue pursuing bodybuilding alongside her WWE career.
Whether she ultimately decides to make that next jump remains to be seen, but after a three-year absence from competition, Jordynne Grace is officially back on the bodybuilding stage.
Image embed via Instagram @jordynnegrace
