WWE Star Visits VMI

By Marianne Hause | October 1, 2026

Tyler Hagan ’27 pauses during formation and joins Karmen Petrovic in holding her championship belt. –VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.

Virginia Military Institute welcomed World Wrestling Entertainment Superstar Karmen Petrovic recently for a recruiting visit in which she promoted WWE’s “Next in Line” program, which provides a clear pathway from college athletics to WWE.

Petrovic spent the entire day on post where she met with cadets as they lined up in formation, chatted with them during lunch, attended marksmanship training, toured barracks, observed team sports practices, and gave a presentation in Gillis Theater showcasing the opportunities WWE offers.

Cadets pose for a photo with Karmen Petrovic. — Cadets beam as they welcome Karmen Petrovic during her tour of barracks. –VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.

Jamaal Walton ’07, director of intercollegiate athletics at VMI, was glad cadets and the VMI community had the opportunity to learn more about WWE, a well-known global brand. “This partnership is one that I’m excited to continue to build on in order to enhance and boost the VMI brand,” he said.

Petrovic stated this was the first time WWE has been to VMI and noted the likenesses between the two organizations. “The ways WWE and a military institute work are so similar. We both must have physical training and mental strength. So, I think being able to put both together is incredible, and hopefully we will create some amazing career opportunities.”