Lilian Garcia surprised the wrestling world when she announced her engagement last month after nearly four years of being single. But now, shes opening up with all the detailsincluding the identity of her fiancand it turns out hes tied to WWE in a big way.
Speaking to The Takedown on SI, Garcia confirmed her fianc is Patrick Ellrich, a former independent wrestler who once teamed up with none other than WWE Superstar Xavier Woods. But the way they met? Its practically a rom-comand it almost didnt happen.
Garcia explained that it was former WWE star Candice Michelle who nudged her back into the dating scene after years of being single. Skeptical at first, Lilian took the plunge and downloaded dating apps like Hinge and Bumble.
That date may have been a bust, but it brought her to Proper Hop Taphousea local bar that would become the unexpected setting for her real love story. As Lilian and her Bumble date walked in, she immediately noticed the bartenderPatrick Ellrich.
Meanwhile, Ellrichwho hadnt been keeping up with wrestling beyond watching his close friend Xavier Woodsrecognized Garcias face but couldnt quite place her name at first. It wasnt until she stepped outside and mentioned her name that it clicked.
He wasnt trying to shoot his shotat least, not yet. Patrick followed them outside and politely introduced himself, sharing his past as a wrestler and connection to Woods.
The two ended up snapping a picture together and texting it to Xavier Woods that same night. It didnt take long for Woods to respondand that response sealed the deal.
For Lilian Garcia, that endorsement from Xavier Woods wasnt just casualit felt like divine timing since she prayed to God to make it painless and that it was really cool how it turned out.
The WWE announcer asked Xavier Woods to pass her number along to Patrick. He wasted no time and texted Lilian Garcia. Patrick was going to ask for her number that day but didnt since she was already on a date.
The rest was history. They went out that very next Mondayand theyve been inseparable ever since.
Now, Garcia and Ellrich are happily engaged, planning a wedding for 2026. No date has been set yet, but their love story is already legendary. From Candice Michelles nudge, to a failed Bumble date, to Xavier Woods playing unexpected matchmakerit just goes to show love can find you when you least expect it.
Were you surprised by Lilian Garcias fianc reveal? Do you think this is one of the most unexpected wrestling love stories ever? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
