Gail Kim Explains Why Dating Outside Wrestling Saved Her Relationship

Gail Kim isn’t just reflecting on her career these days — she’s also opening up about what’s kept her grounded for more than a decade and a half.

During a recent appearance on the Krazy Train podcast with Jasmin St. Claire, the former TNA Knockouts Champion spoke honestly about relationships, balance, and why she believes dating outside the wrestling industry can make or break long-term happiness.

The topic came up as the two discussed how difficult it can be to date when your life revolves around wrestling. Gail acknowledged that her husband still doesn’t fully understand the business — and that might actually be the point.

“No, he didn’t get it. He still doesn’t get it. And we’ve been together 16 years, never mind.”

She explained that dating someone outside the wrestling bubble helped her maintain a sense of normal life away from the chaos of the industry.

“I always try to encourage — and I don’t know if people will be offended by this — but I always encourage people: don’t date within the business. Because most people who are in wrestling, we’re so obsessed about it. We love it so much. Our lives are wrestling, wrestling, wrestling, wrestling.”

Gail said her relationship works because her husband offers a grounded perspective that isn’t tied to locker room politics, travel drama, or the constant grind.

“He gives me this realistic outside world. I have a family and friends that are not wrestling related. Like, it’s such a great balance.”

She also pointed out that while she understands why wrestlers often date other wrestlers, it can create an unhealthy loop where wrestling never truly turns off.

“That’s why I think a lot of wrestlers date each other — because first off, you’re around each other all the time. And two, who’s going to understand your life the most, right? So I get that. But I really do feel like dating someone outside the business, if they can learn to understand and support you, which my husband does — my number one supporter, my rock — it’s the best case scenario.”

Rather than presenting it as a rule, Gail framed her comments as experience-earned advice. She’s lived the wrestling lifestyle, seen how consuming it can become, and found stability in a relationship that exists outside that world. For someone who spent years traveling nonstop and immersed in the industry, that balance clearly mattered.

Gail Kim’s perspective cuts through the glamorized version of wrestling relationships and speaks to a real issue many performers quietly deal with. In a business that often demands everything, she found longevity by keeping something separate — and it’s clear that choice played a role in protecting both her personal life and her mental health.

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