The Academic Side: Wrestlers Who Have Degrees in Surprising Fields

• She got her degree from Southern New Hampshire University
• She took an online, flexible degree to continue wrestling

Deonna Purrazzo is one of the most talented women's wrestlers in the business, consistently delivering impressive work for AEW. She has built her reputation over the years in WWE, TNA, and the independent scene, but while she has been clawing her way up the wrestling ladder, Purrazzo has been continuing her education.

She has a BA in History, a topic of genuine interest to her. Purrazzo opted to pursue it and achieved her goal, but she's not done in education as she's now pursuing a Master of Science in Political Science.

Nikki Cross - History

• She got her degree from the University of Glasgow
• Nikki Cross is still in her educational journey

Deonna Purrazzo might be in a relatively unique spot by having a degree in history, but she's actually not the only wrestler to have a degree in that subject. WWE's Nikki Cross also holds a degree in history, and she is currently pursuing a PhD, which she's expected to complete by 2029.

Cross has admitted that she just enjoys learning and believes it's an important life skill to continue pursuing. It's something that has played a significant role in her life outside of the wrestling bubble, and has seemingly kept her focused and driven.

Roman Reigns - Management

• He got his degree from Georgia Tech
• Reigns was also playing football at this time, rather than pushing to be a wrestler

Roman Reigns might have seemed born to be a professional wrestler due to his family lineage, but he still earned a degree before pursuing that path. The Tribal Chief holds a degree in management, which he obtained while pursuing a career in football.

It highlights the type of dedication he possesses as a person and is also one of the reasons why he's a great leader in the WWE locker room, as he learned the traits needed for that role during his youth.

Britt Baker - Dentistry

• She got her degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
• Baker brought the two worlds together to create the D.M.D. gimmick

One of the most well-known wrestlers with a degree is Britt Baker, although the fact that she has one in dentistry is still a notable difference from the world of professional wrestling. However, it's a testament to Baker's intelligence and the work she's put in to achieve success in both worlds.

While many wrestlers have degrees and then don't utilize them, Baker actually puts hers into action, as she is a dentist away from pursuing her wrestling career. She has to balance both of those roles, which isn't an easy thing to do, but Baker makes the most of her work.

Jade Cargill - Social Science

• She got her degree from Jacksonville University
• She is also a former basketball star

Jade Cargill is someone who instantly stands out whenever she walks into a room, and that has allowed her to be a perfect fit in the wrestling world. But she hasn't relied on that throughout her life, as she has a degree in social science.

Additionally, Cargill holds a master's degree in child psychology, further demonstrating his interest in this field. While it's not something Cargill uses, it will no doubt help her when interacting with younger WWE fans who might be feeling emotional in the moment.

Drew McIntyre - Criminology

• He got his degree from Glasgow Caledonian University
• He studied this to please his parents

Drew McIntyre is one of the most intense professional wrestlers in the business, and he has enjoyed considerable success within the sport over the years. But before could truly pursue that world, he needed to get a degree, as that was part of the conditions his parents had for him trying to become a wrestler.

McIntyre went on to do exactly that, but it had nothing to do with the sporting world, as some people might have thought. Instead, he has a degree in criminology, which is a world away from what he ended up doing for a living.

Xavier Woods - Educational Psychology

• He got his PhD from Capella University
• Woods wanted to inspire others to pursue education

While many wrestlers have degrees from their younger years, Xavier Woods is someone who actively pursued one while he was actively in the business, working at the top level with WWE. He had degrees from a young age, but went on to gain a PhD afterward.

Woods focused on video games and their impact on his education, blending one of his major passions with his degree. It has likely contributed to his success on YouTube with UpUpDownDown, enabling him to gain a deeper understanding of the industry.

Daniel Garcia - Communications

• He got his degree from Buffalo State College
• Garcia didn't know if he'd wrestle again

Daniel Garcia is one of the fastest-rising wrestlers in the industry, but he's already had to overcome a lot due to a devastating car accident that he was lucky to survive. While he did, it came at a price due to the injuries he sustained, and it was during that time that he pushed for a degree.

With a wrestling career potentially over for him, it made sense to build a backup option, and communications ended up being just that. While it might be different from wrestling, it has possibly helped him when it comes to promos.