View source for Tammy Lynn Sytch

{{short description|American professional wrestling manager (born 1972)}}
{{pp|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox criminal
| name              = Tammy Lynn Sytch
| image             = 10.2.10TammyLynnSytchByLuigiNovi1.jpg
| caption           = Sytch in 2010
| birth_name        = Tamara Lynn Sytch
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1972|12|7}}<ref name=OWOW/>
| birth_place       = [[Matawan, New Jersey]], U.S.<ref name=OWOW>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/t/tammy-sytch.html|title=OWOW profile}}</ref>
| criminal_charge   = {{hlist|DUI manslaughter|Driving with a suspended license and causing injury or death}}
| criminal_penalty  = 17 years in prison
| criminal_status   = Incarcerated
| imprisoned        = [[Lowell Correctional Institution]]
| occupation        = {{hlist|Professional wrestling manager|ring announcer|adult entertainer}}
| partner           = {{ubl|[[Chris Candido]] (1990{{en dash}}2005, his death)}}
| module            = {{infobox professional wrestler|child=yes
| names              = Tammy Spirit<ref name=OWOW/><br />Tammy Lynn Fytch<ref name=OWOW/><br />Tamara Murphy<ref name=OWOW/><br />Sunny<ref name=OWOW/><br />Tammy Lynn Sytch<ref name=OWOW/>
| height             = {{height|ft=5|in=4}}<ref name=OWOW/>
| weight             = {{convert|118|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name=OWOW/>
| resides            =
| billed             =
| trainer            = [[Kevin Sullivan (wrestler)|Kevin Sullivan]]<ref name=iyh/><br />Chris Candido<ref name=iyh/><br />[[Jim Cornette]]<ref name=iyh/>
| debut              = 1992
| retired            = 2018
}}
| alma_mater        = [[University of Tennessee]]
}}
'''Tamara Lynn Sytch''' (born December 7, 1972), commonly known by her ring name '''Sunny''', is an American former [[professional wrestling]] personality.

Sytch was introduced to the professional industry by her longtime boyfriend [[Chris Candido]], and debuted in the [[Smoky Mountain Wrestling]] (SMW) territory in the early 1990s. During the later half of the 1990s, Sytch gained mainstream fame within the [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF, later WWE) as Sunny, becoming one of the most popular figures in the company during the [[History of WWE#New Generation Era (1993–1997)|New Generation Era]] and early [[Attitude Era]]. WWE widely considers Sunny as their first [[Women in WWE|Diva]],<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NysIBAAAQBAJ|title=30 Years of WrestleMania|last=Shields|first=Brian|date=September 15, 2014|publisher=DK Publishing|isbn=9780241182963|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/sunny/%7C%20title%20=Sunny%20%7C%20publisher%20=%20%5B%5BWorld%20Wrestling%20Entertainment%5D%5D|title=Sunny|website=www.wwe.com|access-date=March 24, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Sunny returns to WWE, Raw|url=https://www.bitchute.com/video/dwLTCXZMalO1/|language=en|access-date=April 1, 2022}}</ref> and [[AOL|America Online]] named her the most downloaded celebrity on the internet in 1996.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingGuestColumn/hayes_99feb12.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001012091142/http://www.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingGuestColumn/hayes_99feb12.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 12, 2000|title=Sunny outshines Sable|website=www.canoe.ca|date=February 17, 1999}}</ref> After departing the WWF in 1998, she appeared alongside Candido in [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] (ECW) and [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW). After Candido's 2005 death, Sytch was active on the [[independent circuit]] until she retired in 2018. Lauded as one of the greatest [[Manager (professional wrestling)|managers]] in WWE history, she was inducted into the [[WWE Hall of Fame]] in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Top 25 WWE managers {{!}} WWE|url=https://www.wwe.com/amp/classics/classic-lists/top-25-managers|access-date=November 24, 2023|website=www.wwe.com}}</ref>

Since 2012, Sytch has been [[#Legal issues|arrested and incarcerated several times]], including multiple arrests for [[driving under the influence]]. In November 2023, she was sentenced to seventeen and a half years in prison on [[DUI manslaughter|DUI and manslaughter-related charges]] stemming from a March 2022 incident. Although lauded as having "redefined the role of women in WWE",<ref name="miamiherald"/> various commentators have noted how her personal controversies have impacted her legacy.

==Early life==
Sytch was born to parents of American and Russian origin. Sytch grew up in a strict family,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingBiosS/sytch-can.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150523023957/http://slam.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingBiosS/sytch-can.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 23, 2015|title=The thrills and spills of Sunny, Tammy Lynn Sytch|website=slam.canoe.com|access-date=April 16, 2017}}</ref> with a father retired from the [[United States Navy]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/669881-tammy-sunny-sytchs-new-adult-film-now-available-sunny-comments|title=Tammy "Sunny" Sytch's New Adult Film Now Available, Sunny Comments|date=February 2, 2016|work=Wrestlezone|access-date=April 16, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref> Raised in [[Old Bridge Township, New Jersey]], Sytch graduated from [[Cedar Ridge High School (New Jersey)|Cedar Ridge High School]] in 1990.<ref>Clark, Adam. [https://www.nj.com/sports/2023/08/nj-pro-wrestling-legend-faces-up-to-25-years-in-prison-after-no-contest-plea.html "N.J. pro wrestling legend faces up to 25 years in prison after no contest plea"], NJ Advance Media for [[NJ.com]], August 16, 2023, updated January 9, 2024. Accessed September 3, 2024. "An Old Bridge native, Sytch graduated from Cedar Ridge High School in 1990."</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/75719542/|title=Cedar Ridge High School Class of 1990|date=June 20, 1990|work=[[Asbury Park Press]]|access-date=May 8, 2022|quote=The graduates:…Tamara Sytch}}</ref> Upon entering [[Smoky Mountain Wrestling]] in 1993, her fictional "in-character" storyline presented her as having come from studying pre-law at [[Wellesley College]] in Massachusetts.<ref name=slambio>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingBiosS/sytch-can.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714113014/http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingBiosS/sytch-can.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=Sunny days, wintry nights: The thrills and spills of Tammy Lynn Sytch|author=Altamura, Mike|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=June 17, 2009|date=December 13, 2001}}</ref> She then switched to pre-med at the [[University of Tennessee]],<ref name=iyh>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1177056865.shtml|title=Tammy Lynn-Sytch Interview: Talks about her career, Michaels, & more|author=Martin, Adam|publisher=WrestleView|access-date=June 16, 2009|date=April 20, 2007}}</ref><ref name=slambio/> with the ambition to be a plastic or orthopedic surgeon.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/50016-tammy-sunny-sytch-on-getting-into-wrestling-her-new-book/|title=Tammy "Sunny" Sytch on getting into wrestling, her new book – WWE News and Results, RAW and Smackdown Results, TNA News, ROH News|date=August 6, 2014|work=WWE News and Results, RAW and Smackdown Results, TNA News, ROH News|access-date=April 16, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref> During her first year of college, she worked as a freelance photographer.<ref name=slambio/>

==Professional wrestling career==

===Smoky Mountain Wrestling (1992–1995)===
Sytch started out traveling with her boyfriend [[Chris Candido]] to make some extra money.<ref name=iyh/> In late 1992, she signed a six-month deal with [[Smoky Mountain Wrestling]]. She first appeared onscreen as Tammy Fytch in 1993. She played a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villain]], who idolized [[Hillary Clinton]]. In her first storyline with the company, she threatened to file a sexual discrimination [[lawsuit]] due to the lack of prominent positions offered to females. In June 1993, an unnamed Sytch made a cameo appearance at [[Eastern Championship Wrestling]]'s [[Super Summer Sizzler Spectacular]] event. By this time, she had already dropped out of college to pursue her full-time wrestling career.

Sytch [[Manager (professional wrestling)|managed]] [[Brian Lee (wrestler)|Brian Lee]] to the [[SMW Heavyweight Championship|Heavyweight Championship]] and also began accompanying Candido in his matches. By May 1994, she was managing the two men as a tag team, which won the [[SMW Tag Team Championship|Tag Team Championship]] from [[The Rock 'n' Roll Express]]. Both Sytch and Candido, however, left the promotion in early 1995 for jobs with the [[World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF).<ref name=slambio/>

===World Wrestling Federation (1994–1998)===
In late 1994, Sytch was contacted by the WWF, and she began appearing as Tamara Murphy, a commentator for "Live Event News" segments during [[Broadcast syndication|syndicated]] WWF television shows.<ref name=slambio/> One month later, Candido joined the WWF, and the duo began appearing as Sunny and Skip, known collectively as [[The Bodydonnas]]. They were originally known as Team Spirit and booked as [[Face (professional wrestling)|babyfaces]], but were heavily booed by the crowd after they were recognized for their characters in [[Smokey Mountain Wrestling]], thus turning [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villainous]] fitness fanatics.<ref>{{Citation|title=Behind The Titantron {{!}} The Rise & Fall Of Sunny {{!}} Episode 18|date=June 29, 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0qIAiBf0I8|access-date=July 10, 2023|language=en}}</ref><ref name=slambio/><ref name=wwealumni>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/halloffame/inductees/sunny/|title=WWE Hall of Fame: Sunny|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=March 8, 2011}}</ref> Zip (portrayed by [[Tom Prichard]]) later joined the team, and Sunny was in their corner when they won the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|Tag Team Championship]] over [[The Godwinns]] at [[WrestleMania XII]].<ref name=iyh/><ref name=slambio/> On March 10, 1996, Sunny hosted a show called “The Sunny Show” wherein she discussed the upcoming matches at Wrestlemania XII.<ref>{{Citation|title="The Sunny Show" WWF Mania March 10, 1996|date=March 10, 2023|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMUFO6B_voU|access-date=July 12, 2023|language=en}}</ref> In that same year, she won ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''s Manager of the Year Award.<ref name=OWOW/><ref name=wwealumni/> Weeks later, The Godwinns regained the championship, and Sunny [[Turned heel|turned]] on The Bodydonnas in favor of the new champions. She then turned on The Godwinns and helped [[The Smoking Gunns]] win the Tag Team Championship. After The Smokin' Gunns lost the title at [[In Your House 10: Mind Games]], she fired them in the middle of the ring.<ref name=slambio/>

She spent a short time as the manager of [[Faarooq Asaad]], aiding him in his feud over the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]] with [[Marc Mero]] and his valet [[Sable (wrestler)|Sable]].<ref name=slambio/> She then served as a special guest commentator during [[Rocky Maivia]]'s [[WWE|WWF]] debut at [[Survivor Series 1996]]. Later that year, the internet company ''[[AOL]]'' announced that Sytch was the most downloaded woman on their website, surpassing various megastar celebrities such as [[Pamela Anderson]], [[Jennifer Aniston]], [[Mariah Carey]] and [[Cindy Margolis]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sunny|url=https://www.wwe.com/superstars/sunny|access-date=July 12, 2023|website=WWE|language=en}}</ref> During this time, she was heavily featured on numerous television programs such as [[MTV]]'s ''[[Singled Out]]'' and ''[[Entertainment Tonight]]'', becoming one of the preeminent figures in the company. On February 24, 1997, Sunny faced [[Terri Runnels|Marlena]] on ''[[Monday Night Raw]]'' at [[Manhattan Center]] in an arm wrestling match that ended in no contest after Sunny threw a powder on Marlena's face.<ref>{{Citation|title=Sunny vs Marlena – Arm Wrestling Match. Savio Vega & Goldust brawl over the ladies! (WWF)|date=October 6, 2021|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLMDKKmFMmI|access-date=July 10, 2023|language=en}}</ref> She later managed [[Savio Vega]] in his match against [[Goldust]] that same night. Sunny would spend the rest of 1997 acting as a host, ring announcer, special guest referee, commentator and timekeeper for several WWF television shows, including ''[[WWF LiveWire|LiveWire]]'' and ''[[Shotgun Saturday Night]]''.<ref name=slambio/> Meanwhile, Candido left the WWF for [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] (ECW), and it was not long before she began making guest appearances with him in the promotion. In August 1997, she appeared at ECW's [[Hardcore Heaven 1997]] pay-per-view.<ref name=slambio/>

In 1998, Sunny returned from a brief hiatus and became the manager for [[The Road Warriors#Legion of Doom 2000|Legion of Doom 2000]], leading them to a win in a Tag Team Championship number one contender battle royal at [[WrestleMania XIV]], turning face for the first time in her career.<ref name=wwealumni/> Sunny would continue to manage them until her final appearance on June 15, 1998. She was released in July 1998 amid rumors of backstage problems with Sable and an addiction to painkillers, as well as [[List of professional wrestling terms#N|no-showing]] several appearances.<ref name=slambio/>

===Extreme Championship Wrestling (1998–1999)===
After being released by the WWF in July 1998, Sytch joined [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] (ECW).<ref name=queen>{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_1999_Oct_6/ai_56020765/|title=Wrestling Queen Tammy Lynn Sytch Returns to Ring On TNN's Friday Night ECW WRESTLING Series|publisher=Business Wire|date=October 6, 1998|access-date=June 16, 2009}}</ref> She made her debut at [[Heat Wave (1998)|Heat Wave]] four days after her WWF release.<ref name=slambio/> Now billed as Tammy Lynn Sytch, she assisted Candido in his win over [[Lance Storm]] and their subsequent feud.<ref name=slambio/><ref name=wwealumni/> By September, Storm introduced his own valet, a parody of Sytch, [[Dawn Marie Psaltis|Tammy Lynn Bytch]]. Later that year, amid more rumors of drug use, Sytch and Candido took some time off of television.<ref name=slambio/>

When the duo returned, Candido re-aligned with [[Shane Douglas]]' [[The Triple Threat|Triple Threat]], and Sytch began a feud with Douglas' manager [[Francine (wrestling)|Francine]]. The feud was cut short when Sytch was arrested after violating a restraining order filed by her mother.<ref name=slambio/> After a brief tour of Australia, she returned in October 1999 on an episode of ''[[ECW on TNN]]'', where she talked openly about her past drug issues and reformation. Candido and Sytch left the promotion in December 1999.<ref name=slambio/>

===World Championship Wrestling (2000)===
In early 2000, both Sytch and Candido signed on with [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW). Candido debuted in March of that year and Sytch debuted one month later at [[Spring Stampede (2000)|Spring Stampede]], helping him win the [[WCW Cruiserweight Championship]] in a match against [[The Artist Formerly Known as Prince Iaukea]]. She then feuded with Iaukea's valet [[Sharmell|Paisley]]. The short-lived feud came to a conclusion at [[Slamboree (2000)|Slamboree]], when The Artist and Paisley stripped Sytch's [[dress]] off to reveal her [[undergarment]]s after Candido defeated The Artist in a singles match. Sytch and Candido then briefly feuded with [[Crowbar (wrestler)|Crowbar]] and [[Daffney]]. Candido later dropped the title, which marked the end of the couple's run with the company.<ref name=slambio/> As in the past, Sytch's departure was surrounded by rumors of drug abuse.<ref name=slambio/>

===Independent circuit (2000–2018)===
After being released from WCW, the duo landed in [[Xtreme Pro Wrestling]] where she managed Candido to a title (the XPW World Heavyweight Title) once again. Candido and Sytch parted ways with XPW and started touring other independent wrestling promotions. In the spring of 2003, Sytch and Candido moved to [[Puerto Rico]] and were set to work for Victor Quinones' [[International Wrestling Association (Puerto Rico)|International Wrestling Association]] promotion. [[Sabu (wrestler)|Sabu]] convinced them to work for [[Carlos Colón]]'s rival [[World Wrestling Council]] (WWC) promotion instead. After six months, the couple quit the promotion and headed back to the States. Upon their return to the States, both Sytch and Candido briefly lived with former ECW wrestler Hack Myers in his home in [[Florida]].

After the death of Candido, Sytch became regularly involved in the independent circuit again. Sytch made appearances as a referee for NWS Wrestling in May 2005 and attended a ''Chris Candido Memorial'' show on June 4, 2005. Also, Sytch was a part of [[Hardcore Homecoming]] on June 10, 2005. She first came out with [[Johnny Grunge]] and [[Gary Wolfe (wrestler)|Pitbull #1]] to do a tribute to former ECW wrestlers who had recently died. Among those honored were Candido, [[Anthony Durante|Pitbull #2]], and [[Rocco Rock]]. They were interrupted by [[Danny Doring]] and [[Roadkill (wrestler)|Roadkill]], but [[911 (wrestler)|911]] cleared them out of the ring.

[[File:Sunny PCW Jan 19 2008.jpg|thumb|Sytch at a show on the [[independent circuit]] in 2008]]
During this time period, Sytch appeared at the New Jersey–based [[NWA Cyberspace]] promotion. Soon after Sytch's departure from NWA Cyberspace, the New Jersey–based National Wrestling Superstars (NWS) became her new primary wrestling promotion. She appeared on a handful the promotion's shows in the summer, and on June 3, 2006, she managed [[Lex Luger]] to victory over [[Johnny Candido]]. Prior to the bout, a presentation was held from The Manasquan Elks Lodge to the Chris Candido Memorial Fund. The Elks Lodge donated $500 to the fund, with the money being used towards a [[scholarship]] for a [[Manasquan, New Jersey|Manasquan]] High School student. Sytch returned to NWA Shockwave (formerly NWA Cyberspace) in 2006 as a featured headliner. On December 1, 2006, Sytch was appointed the new commissioner of NWA Shockwave.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nwashockwave.com/v3/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=179&Itemid=54|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714213356/http://www.nwashockwave.com/v3/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=179&Itemid=54|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2011|title=Sytch becomes Shockwave's new commissioner}}</ref> Immediately following this announcement, Sytch declared all Shockwave championship titles vacant and informed fans that new Heavyweight and Internet Champions would be crowned on January 13.

On December 22, 2007, Sytch won her first [[Championship (professional wrestling)|championship]], the [[WSU Championship]], after defeating the champion [[Melinda Padovano|Alicia]] at a [[Women Superstars Uncensored]] (WSU) show in [[Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey]],<ref name=OWOW/> holding the title until March 21, 2008, when she lost the title to [[Nikki Roxx]] in a three-way match that also included Alexa Thatcher. Sytch turned heel at WSU's J-Cup Tournament a day later, when she appeared as the villainous manager for Dawn Marie in her first round match against [[Becky Bayless]], which Bayless won via disqualification.

Sytch made an appearance at a [[Ring of Honor]] show on December 29, 2007, held at New York City, seated at ringside during a non-title three-way match where [[Daizee Haze]] defeated fellow ROH regulars [[Lacey (wrestler)|Lacey]], and then-[[Shimmer Champion]] [[Sara Del Rey]]. Upon the conclusion of the match, Lacey verbally assaulted Sytch and accused her of denigrating women's roles in professional wrestling, which supposedly resulted in women's wrestlers not being taken seriously in the industry. She also threatened to assault Sytch, but Haze made the save on Sytch's behalf. Sytch made a few more appearances for ROH in 2008, where she repeatedly offered her services to [[Austin Aries]] but was turned down. On the April 12 ROH show, [[Larry Sweeney]] announced that he had opened a "Diva School" and invited Sytch to be the trainer, an offer she said she would consider.

Sytch made an appearance at Dynamite Championship Wrestling's 9 Year Anniversary Event in February 2012. She would be the official Host of the Event. She also made an appearance for Pennsylvania Premiere Wrestling on September 14, 2013, at the "Back at It" event in [[Freeland, Pennsylvania]].

A week after being released from jail in October 2018, Sytch announced via Facebook that she would be taking bookings for what she claimed would be her final nine to twelve months of appearances before retiring to a private life.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/tammy-sytch-announces-comeback-farewell-tour/|title=Tammy Sytch Announces 'Comeback/Farewell' Tour|access-date=February 13, 2019|date=October 14, 2018}}</ref>

===WWE appearances and Hall of Fame (2007, 2009, 2011)===
[[File:Tammy Sytch.jpg|thumb|Sytch in 2009]]
On December 10, 2007, Sytch made a surprise appearance during the 15th anniversary of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]''. She was involved in a segment with [[Vince McMahon]], [[Stephanie McMahon]], [[Shane McMahon]], [[Triple H]], [[Hornswoggle]], [[Melina Perez|Melina]] and WWE Hall of Famer [[Mae Young]]. During this time, she was officially recognized as WWE's original [[Women in WWE|Diva]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/hall-of-fame-sunny-makes-a-surprise-return-at-the-15th-anniversary-of-raw-17043924|title=Hall of Fame: Sunny makes a surprise return at the 15th anniversary of Raw|publisher=WWE|date=April 3, 2011|access-date=May 23, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524052837/http://www.wwe.com/videos/hall-of-fame-sunny-makes-a-surprise-return-at-the-15th-anniversary-of-raw-17043924|archive-date=May 24, 2015}}</ref> Sunny, once again, listed as one of the returning legends, participated at [[WrestleMania XXV]] on April 5, 2009, in the 25-Diva battle royal for the crown of "Miss WrestleMania", but was eliminated by [[Beth Phoenix]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=April 6, 2009|title=List of Divas in Mania Battle Royal|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/10579-list-of-divas-in-mania-battle-royal/|access-date=June 15, 2023|website=WWE News, WWE Results, AEW News, AEW Results|language=en-US}}</ref> This was her only official WWE match. Sytch then returned on March 19, 2011, in a house show that took place at [[Madison Square Garden]], where she served as the special guest referee between [[The Bella Twins]] against [[Kelly Kelly]] and then-[[Divas Champion]] [[Eve Torres]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Paglino|first=Nick|date=March 20, 2011|title=PHOTOS: Tammy "Sunny" Sytch's Return to WWE at MSG|url=https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/167573-photos-tammy-sunny-sytchs-return-to-wwe-at-msg|access-date=August 28, 2023|website=Wrestlezone|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=The Bellas vs Eve and Kelly Kelly with special guest referee (entrances)|date=March 23, 2011|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp8plAIdr5c|access-date=August 28, 2023|language=en}}</ref> She was inducted into the 2011 class of the [[WWE Hall of Fame (2011)|WWE Hall of Fame]] by the entire roster of WWE Divas on April 2, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/halloffame/inductees/sunny/|title=Sunny|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>

==Adult entertainment==
Sytch has claimed that, in 1997, ''[[Playboy]]'' had approached her and offered a six-figure sum to pose nude for the magazine. Sytch stated that she declined the offer<ref name=slambio/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://en.sindonews.com/read/1078117/199/mega-offer-from-vivid-for-wwe-diva-1453120561|title=Mega Offer From Vivid for WWE Diva|date=January 18, 2016|work=SINDOnews.com|access-date=July 10, 2017|language=id}}</ref> because she didn't feel that she was emotionally ready to do something like that. Rena "Sable" Mero, with whom Sytch had real-life animosity,<ref name=slambio/> later disputed Sytch's claim that she was approached for a possible photo shoot.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive/jan11_sable.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713170040/http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive/jan11_sable.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 13, 2012|title=Sable looks beyond wrestling|first=Greg|last=Oliver|publisher=SLAM! Sports|access-date=June 3, 2007|date=January 11, 1999}}</ref>

From 2001 to 2003, however, Sytch regularly posed nude for [[Missy Hyatt]]'s adult website ''Wrestling Vixxxens''. In later years, Sytch said she regretted taking part in the website due to money she claimed she never received as well as the sexual actions some of the other models performed in their own photo and video shoots.<ref name=epi>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingepicenter.com/articles/199310291.shtml|title=The Interactive Interview: Sunny|publisher=Wrestling Epicenter|first1=Patrick|last1=Kelley|first2=James|last2=Walsh|date=December 12, 2007|access-date=June 16, 2009}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|failed=y|date=May 2012}}

In 2016, [[Vivid Entertainment]] released a pornographic film featuring Sytch titled ''Sunny Side Up: In Through the Backdoor''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/tammy-sytch-signs-deal-with-adult-film-company-vivid/|title=Tammy Sytch Signs Deal With Adult Film Company Vivid|website=411Mania.com|first=Jeremy|last=Thomas|date=January 21, 2016|access-date=November 28, 2023}}</ref>

After being released from prison in 2020, Sytch created an [[OnlyFans]] account to upload adult-oriented content.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Casey|first1=Connor|title=WWE Hall of Famer Tammy 'Sunny' Sytch Opens OnlyFans Adult Video Account After Jail Sentence|url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/wwe-tammy-sytch-sunny-opens-onlyfans-account-adult-entertainment-jail-sentence/|website=[[ComicBook.com]]|date=May 4, 2020|access-date=May 16, 2022|language=en}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Sytch attended high school at the same time as her long-time boyfriend, [[Chris Candido]],<ref>{{Citation|title=Tammy Lynn Sytch full shoot interview|url=https://www.bitchute.com/video/1HsQ0PtqgRu4/|language=en|access-date=June 28, 2021}}</ref> who would later introduce her to the professional wrestling industry.<ref name=slambio/> Sytch regularly managed Candido throughout his career until his death in 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_13008.shtml#.VHw74Mk91u4|title=Chris Candido – 1972–2005: Notes on his life, details on his death, TNA's statement|first=Wade|last=Keller|author-link=Wade Keller|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=April 29, 2005|access-date=December 1, 2014}}</ref> By 2007, she was once again in school, studying Medical Technology.<ref name=iyh/>

Sytch claims to have had a nine-month relationship with [[Shawn Michaels]] in the mid-1990s.<ref>{{Cite web|title=TAMMY SYTCH REVEALS THE STORY BEHIND THE BRET HART-SHAWN MICHAELS "SUNNY DAYS" CONTROVERSY {{!}} PWInsider.com|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=27081|access-date=May 17, 2022|website=www.pwinsider.com}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Tammy Sytch Sunny On The HBK Shawn Michaels Romance|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYntwK_ihA8|language=en|access-date=May 17, 2022}}</ref> Sytch was also friends with [[Bret Hart]] and would entertain his children whenever they followed him on tour.<ref>''[[Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows]]''</ref> On one episode of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' in mid-1997, Michaels accused Hart of having an affair with Sytch; the "sunny days" [[Promo (professional wrestling)|promo]] would contribute greatly to the real-life animosity between the two men, to the point where they would eventually have a fight backstage several weeks later.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sharp|first=John|date=May 19, 2022|title='Sunny days' sparked a rivalry and ignited WWE, 25 years ago in Mobile|url=https://www.al.com/news/mobile/2022/05/sunny-days-25-years-later-how-one-night-in-mobile-clouded-pro-wrestling-sparked-a-rivalry-and-ignited-wwe.html|access-date=August 19, 2023|website=al|language=en}}</ref> Sytch would walk out of WWE on the night after [[Survivor Series (1997)|Survivor Series that year]], after WWF owner [[Vince McMahon]] double-crossed Hart{{snd}}who was imminently due to leave for main competitor [[WCW]]{{snd}}and cost Hart the [[WWF Championship]] in an unscripted incident known as the [[Montreal Screwjob]].<ref name="slambio" />

Sytch was rushed to the hospital in 2001 after her [[Appendix (anatomy)|appendix]] burst, which required time off from wrestling to heal.<ref name=slambio/> While in jail in 2013, Sytch said that she was diagnosed with [[cervical cancer]], but underwent a [[hysterectomy]] and was later diagnosed as cancer free.<ref name=nhr/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/77713/sunny-out-of-jailfinally.html?p=1|title=Sunny out of jail|first=Mike|last=Johnson|publisher=Pro Wrestling Insider|access-date=May 22, 2013|date=May 23, 2013}}</ref>

She released an [[autobiography]], ''A Star Shattered: The Rise & Fall & Rise of Wrestling Diva Tammy "Sunny" Sytch'', on February 4, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/99533/tammy-sytch-autobiography-released-today.html?p=1|title=Tammy Sytch Autobiography Released Today|first=Mike|last=Johnson|work=PWInsider.com|access-date=February 4, 2016|date=February 4, 2016}}</ref>

==Legal issues==
In 2012, Sytch was arrested five times in a four-week span, for [[disorderly conduct]], third-degree burglary, and three counts of violating a [[Restraining order|protective order]]. She was arrested a sixth time in January 2013, also for violating a protective order.<ref name="mooneyham">{{cite web|last1=Mooneyham|first1=Mike|title=Problems mount for WWE Hall of Famer Tammy 'Sunny' Sytch|url=https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/wrestling/problems-mount-for-wwe-hall-of-famer-tammy-sunny-sytch/article_6ef3c0c6-9a3d-11ec-9431-db7b80a6feca.html|website=[[The Post and Courier]]|access-date=March 11, 2022|date=March 5, 2022|language=en}}</ref> Sytch served 114 days in a Connecticut jail and was released in May 2013.<ref name=nhr>{{cite news|url=http://www.nhregister.com/article/NH/20130521/NEWS/305219923|title=Former WWE diva Tamara Sytch released, charges 'dealt with'|last=Swift|first=Jennifer|work=[[New Haven Register]]|access-date=May 23, 2013|date=May 21, 2013}}</ref>
[[File:Tammy-Sytch-mug-shot-May-2022.jpg | thumb | right |Mugshot taken in May 2022]]
On May 30, 2015, Sytch was stopped in Mahoning Township, Pennsylvania for driving erratically into a [[Wal-Mart]] parking lot. After a blood-alcohol test result showed 0.253 percent, Sytch was arrested.<ref name="danger">{{cite web|last1=Lambert|first1=Jeremy|title=Tammy Sytch (Sunny) Declared A 'Danger To Society' By Florida State Attorney|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/tammy-sytch-sunny-declared-danger-society-florida-state-attorney|website=[[The Post and Courier]]|access-date=March 11, 2022|date=October 5, 2023|language=en}}</ref> Two days later, on June 1, 2015, Sytch was pulled over and arrested in [[Lehighton, Pennsylvania]] after her car crossed the solid center yellow line several times. Sytch was unable to provide proof of insurance or a driver's license and the [[Pennsylvania State Trooper]] that pulled her over reported that Sytch's eyes were bloodshot and glassy and that she smelled like alcohol. An open container of beer was found on the passenger side of the vehicle as well as an additional eleven unopened containers. The cap to the open container was found on the passenger's side floor and Sytch's blood-alcohol content was 0.3 percent.<ref name=danger/> Less than three weeks later, on June 20, 2015, Sytch drove her car into a ditch in [[Towamensing Township, Pennsylvania]], blaming her GPS for instructing her to make a sudden turn and causing her to drive into the ditch. Pennsylvania State Police noticed the odor of alcohol as well as Sytch's bloodshot eyes, leading them to request a field sobriety test. Sytch refused, claiming that she was in too much pain after falling down steps after recently blacking out. She was placed under arrest and given a blood-alcohol test at the police barracks with a result of 0.078 percent.<ref name=danger/> Sytch pleaded guilty to all three charges in January 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/124422/wwe-hall-of-famer-tammy-sytch-arrested-.html?p=1|title=WWE Hall of Famer Tammy Sytch Arrested|work=[[Pro Wrestling Insider]]|last=Johnson|first=Mike|access-date=February 25, 2019|date=February 24, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tnonline.com/2016/feb/04/former-wwe-diva-pleads-guilty|title=Former WWE diva pleads guilty|first=Den|last=McLaughlin|work=[[Times News (Pennsylvania)]]|access-date=February 4, 2016|date=February 4, 2016}}</ref> A judge sentenced her to 90 days in jail on August 18, but counted her 97 days in rehab as time served.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tmz.com/2016/08/18/wwe-legend-tammy-sytch-ducks-jail-in-triple-dui-case/|title=WWE Legend Tammy Sytch Ducks Jail In Triple DUI Case|publisher=[[TMZ]]|access-date=August 20, 2016|date=August 18, 2016}}</ref> However, she was charged with violating her parole that September and remained in jail until February 3, 2017.<ref name="daytona"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/wwe/story/wwe-hall-of-famer-sunny-under-arrest-again-092316|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031184002/http://www.foxsports.com/wwe/story/wwe-hall-of-famer-sunny-under-arrest-again-092316|title=Report: WWE Hall of Famer 'Sunny' under arrest, again|last=Werner|first=Barry|work=[[FoxSports.com]]|date=September 23, 2016|access-date=September 24, 2016|archive-date=October 31, 2016}}</ref>

Sytch was arrested for two counts of fugitive from justice and six counts of contempt of court on February 27, 2018. She was detained within [[Monmouth County]] Correctional Institution and charged for failure to appear in court warrants for both [[Aberdeen Township, New Jersey]] and [[Knowlton Township, New Jersey]]. Both charges stemmed from DUI citations on both January 23 and February 2, 2018. An additional citation for fleeing the scene of accident was given for the February 2 incident. Her initial bail charge was set at $2,500. The bond on the Aberdeen Township charge was later set to $5,000 while the Knowlton Township bond was set at $1,000 for a total of $6,000. Sytch was extradited back to Carbon County, Pennsylvania due to a bench warrant issued as a result of her probation being revoked for multiple parole violations on August 22, 2017. Sytch faced five years in prison on the Pennsylvania charge after previously being issued a zero-tolerance ultimatum for future probation violations by Judge Joseph J. Matika.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/115847/two-more-dui-arrests-for-tammy-sytch.html?p=1|title=Two More DWI Arrests for Tammy Sytch|work=[[Pro Wrestling Insider]]|last=Johnson|first=Mike|access-date=March 4, 2018|date=March 2, 2018}}</ref> Sytch was subsequently extradited to Pennsylvania on March 23 and remained at the Carbon County Correctional Facility in [[Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania|Nesquehoning]] until she was paroled on October 9, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sescoops.com/tammy-sytch-sunny-issues-statement-after-being-released-from-jail/|title=Tammy Sytch (Sunny) Issues Statement After Being Released From Jail|work=SEScoops |access-date=October 10, 2018|date=October 9, 2018}}</ref>

A bench warrant was issued for Sytch in [[Pennsylvania]] on February 15, 2019, and the Carbon County Probation Department filed a motion to revoke Sytch's October 2018 parole. She was arrested in Seaside Heights, New Jersey later that month for DUI and other driving offenses and subsequently released into the custody of the Holmdel Police Department after it was discovered that she had outstanding warrants in both [[Holmdel Township]] and [[Knowlton Township, New Jersey]]. She was charged with contempt of court on both warrants.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/124446/complete-details-on-tammy-sytchs-latest-arrest-yet-another-dwi.html?p=1|title=Complete Details on Tammy Sytch's Latest Arrest, Yet Another DWI|last=Johnson|first=Mike|work=[[Pro Wrestling Insider]]|access-date=February 25, 2019|date=February 25, 2019}}</ref> On March 20, Sytch was extradited from Monmouth County back to Carbon County Correctional Facility to address her Pennsylvania charges.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/125019/tammy-sunny-sytch-legal-update.html?p=1|title=Tammy 'Sunny' Sytch Legal Update|work=[[Pro Wrestling Insider]]|last=Johnson|first=Mike|access-date=March 20, 2019|date=March 20, 2019}}</ref> After over a year in prison, Sytch was released on February 25, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/tammy-sytch-be-released-prison-parole-march-25|title=Tammy Sytch Released From Prison On Parole|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|work=Fightful|access-date=April 22, 2020|date=February 25, 2020}}</ref>

Sytch was arrested on July 13, 2020, for allegedly eluding a police officer, contempt/violation of a domestic violence restraining order, and operating a motor vehicle during a second license suspension. She was held at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/137883/tammy-sytch-arrested.html?p=1|title=Tammy Sytch Arrested|last=Johnson|first=Mike|work=[[Pro Wrestling Insider]]|access-date=July 13, 2020|date=July 14, 2020}}</ref> and was released on June 9, 2021, due to a court order.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tammy Sytch Update|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/147625/tammy-sytch-update.html|access-date=June 10, 2021|website=[[Pro Wrestling Insider]]|last=Johnson|first=Mike}}</ref>

Sytch was once again arrested on January 13, 2022, in [[Keansburg, New Jersey]], for unlawfully possessing a weapon and making terroristic threats.<ref name="WON2022"/> She was booked into the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, but released the following day after being ordered to check-in weekly with the court. The charges stem from an incident in which she allegedly threatened to murder an "intimate partner" with a pair of scissors.<ref name="mooneyham" /><ref>{{cite web|last1=Johnson|first1=Mike|title=Tammy Sytch Legal Update After Court Appearance Earlier Today|url=https://pwinsider.com/article/154714/tammy-sytch-legal-update-after-court-appearance-earlier-today.html?p=1|date=January 14, 2022|access-date=January 15, 2022|website=[[Pro Wrestling Insider]]}}</ref> If convicted, Sytch faces 11 years in prison.<ref name="WON2022">{{cite web|last1=Renner|first1=Ethan|title=WWE Hall of Famer Tammy 'Sunny' Sytch arrested on three charges|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/wwe-hall-of-famer-tammy-sunny-sytch-arrested-on-three-charges|website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|access-date=January 14, 2022|date=January 13, 2022|language=en}}</ref> She was arrested again a month later in Keansburg and charged with 11 driving offences, including DUI.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Carey|first1=Ian|title=WWE Hall of Famer Tammy 'Sunny' Sytch arrested on multiple charges|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/other-wrestling/wwe-hall-of-famer-tammy-sunny-sytch-arrested-on-multiple-charges|website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|access-date=March 1, 2022|date=February 26, 2022|language=en}}</ref><ref name="mooneyham" />

On March 25, 2022, Sytch was involved in a fatal car crash in [[Volusia County, Florida]], that killed a 75-year-old man. According to a police report from the Ormond Beach Police Department, Sytch was driving a 2012 [[Mercedes-Benz]] when she crashed into the rear of a 2013 [[Kia Sorento]] that had been stopped at a stoplight. Witnesses told police that Sytch was driving at a high speed when she crashed into the Kia Sorento. Sytch was transported to the hospital with unknown injuries and a sample of her blood was taken for analysis.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Chisholm|first1=Johanna|title=Wrestling legend Tammy Sytch involved in fatal car crash of 75-year-old, police say|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/tamara-lynn-sytch-car-crash-probe-b2052944.html|website=[[The Independent]]|access-date=April 10, 2022|language=en|date=April 7, 2022}}</ref> In May 2022, Sytch was arrested on DUI and manslaughter-related charges after toxicology reports found that her [[blood alcohol content]] was about 3.5 times the legal limit during the fatal car crash. After initially being released after posting a $227,500 bond,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rose|first1=Andy|title=Former professional wrestling star 'Sunny' was arrested in a fatal DUI|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/07/us/sunny-wrestling-star-arrest-fatal-dui/index.html|access-date=May 8, 2022|publisher=[[CNN]]|date=May 7, 2022}}</ref> a judge deemed her to be a danger to the community, revoked her bond six days later and returned her to jail.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Chiari|first=Mike|date=May 13, 2022|title=WWE Hall of Famer Sunny Has Bond Revoked After Arrest on DUI Manslaughter Charge|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10035741-wwe-hall-of-famer-sunny-has-bond-revoked-after-arrest-on-dui-manslaughter-charge|access-date=May 13, 2022|website=Bleacher Report|language=en}}</ref><ref name="daytona">{{cite web|last1=Fernandez|first1=Frank|title=Judge revokes WWE Hall of Famer Tammy 'Sunny' Sytch's bond in drunk driving death case|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/courts/2022/05/13/wwe-hall-famer-tammy-sunny-sytch-has-bond-revoked-dui-case/9750435002/|website=[[The Daytona Beach News-Journal]]|access-date=May 14, 2022}}</ref> On August 16, 2023, Sytch pleaded [[no contest]] to the charges.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Fernandez|first1=Frank|title=WWE Hall of Famer Tammy 'Sunny' Sytch pleads no contest, faces up to 25.5 years|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/courts/2023/08/16/wwe-hall-of-famer-tammy-sunny-sytch-pleads-to-charges-in-fatal-crash/70601719007/|website=[[Daytona Beach News-Journal Online]]|date=August 16, 2023|access-date=August 19, 2023}}</ref> She was sentenced to seventeen and a half years in prison and eight years probation on November 27, 2023<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Bucksbaum|first1=Sydney|title=WWE star Tammy 'Sunny' Sytch sentenced to 17 years in prison for deadly DUI crash|url=https://ew.com/wwe-tammy-sytch-sentenced-17-years-in-prison-deadly-dui-crash-8407185|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=November 27, 2023|access-date=November 28, 2023|language=en}}</ref> with credit for her 566 days already spent in jail.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nj.com/news/2023/11/nj-pro-wrestling-legend-gets-17-year-prison-sentence-for-fatal-dui-crash.html|title=N.J. pro wrestling legend gets 17-year prison sentence for fatal DUI crash|first=Adam|last=Clark|publisher=[[NJ.com]]|date=November 28, 2023|access-date=April 3, 2024}}</ref> Her tentative release date is December 2039.<ref>{{Cite web|title=OKADA TRADEMARK FILING, VxS DEBUTING IN NYC, TAMMY SYTCH, ALEXANDER HAMMERSTONE & MORE {{!}} PWInsider.com|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article.php?id=179316|access-date=January 25, 2024|website=www.pwinsider.com}}</ref> Sytch was transferred from [[Central Florida Reception Center]] in [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]] to [[Lowell Correctional Institution]] in [[Marion County, Florida|Marion County]] in February 2024.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2024/02/24/former-wwe-hall-of-famer-sunny-moved-to-controversial-prison-in-ocala-nearly-3-months-after-17-year-sentencing/|title=Former WWE Hall of Famer 'Sunny' moved to controversial prison in Ocala nearly 3 months after 17 year sentencing|first=Scott|last=Johnson|publisher=[[WJXT]]|date=February 23, 2024|access-date=April 3, 2024}}</ref>

==Legacy==
Sytch became known as WWE's first [[Women in WWE|Diva]] after her run in the 1990s. During this time, her 1996 bikini issue of ''Raw Magazine'' made a record number of sales. Her popularity expanded beyond professional wrestling, as [[America Online]] deemed her the most downloaded woman that same year. According to ''[[Slam! Wrestling]]'', Sytch's pairings with the Smokin' Gunns and the Godwins made her a "loathed villain, but one of the hottest personalities in WWE."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ward|first1=Marshall|title=Emotional Tammy pleased with Sunny's Hall of Fame induction|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2011/03/31/emotional-tammy-pleased-with-sunnys-hall-of-fame-induction/|website=[[Slam! Wrestling]]|date=March 11, 2011|access-date=May 16, 2022}}</ref>
[[File:Tammy Sytch the referee.jpg|thumb|Sytch is recognized as the first [[Women in WWE|Diva]] of [[WWE]].]]
WWE describe her as "the person who redefined the role of [[women in WWE]]", adding: "She wasn't just a brainless bikini model or a vivacious valet at ringside. She was a pinup, a fast-talking manager and could throw down when she needed to. In short, she was sexy, smart and powerful."<ref name="miamiherald">{{cite web|last1=Neal|first1=David J.|title=Former WWF star arrested on DUI charges after a Florida senior citizen's death|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/fighting/article261246987.html|website=[[The Miami Herald]]|access-date=May 16, 2022|date=May 9, 2022}}</ref> In 2007, WWE Hall of Famer [[Mick Foley]] called Sunny "the pioneer," noting that "a bunch of people [are] walking down the path that she paved."<ref>{{Citation|title=WWE RAW 15 – Divas|date=February 14, 2008|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuKc9M3HBko|access-date=June 25, 2023|language=en}}</ref> Likewise, in 2011 [[Natalya Neidhart]] called her "a trailblazer," in line with [[Miss Elizabeth]], [[Sensational Sherri]] and [[The Fabulous Moolah]].<ref>{{Citation|title=Natalya Talks WrestleMania XXVII, Happy to Have Trish Status Back|date=April 2, 2011|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8mpUT76ag8|access-date=July 23, 2023|language=en}}</ref> For her contributions to the promotion, she was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011. That same year, WWE ranked her as the 12th greatest manager of all time, while [[Ranker]] listed her as the 11th greatest valet in WWE history.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Best Managers and Valets in WWE History|url=https://www.ranker.com/list/best-wrestling-managers/ranker-wrestling|access-date=September 28, 2023|website=Ranker|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Top 25 WWE managers {{!}} WWE|url=https://www.wwe.com/amp/classics/classic-lists/top-25-managers|access-date=September 28, 2023|website=www.wwe.com}}</ref><ref name="miamiherald" /> In 2021, [[WWE Network]] honored Sytch as one of the prominent female performers who made a significant impact in WWE history.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gupta|first=Rohit|date=April 2, 2021|title=WWE Top 50 Female Superstars, all time top 50 Greatest female wrestlers|url=https://www.insidesport.in/wwe-top-50-female-superstars-wwe-releases-the-list-of-all-time-top-50-greatest-female-superstars/|access-date=May 4, 2023|website=www.insidesport.in|language=en-US}}</ref>

''[[The Post and Courier]]'' columnist Mike Mooneyham described Sytch as having "captivated audiences during her time in the business", but that "substance abuse and backstage drama, and later legal and personal problems, have plagued her over the years."<ref name="mooneyham" /> After her 2022 arrest on DUI and manslaughter-related charges, former WWE wrestler [[Bill DeMott]], whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, called on the promotion to remove her from their Hall of Fame. The call was backed by WWE Hall of Famer [[Mark Henry]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Fernandes|first1=Steven|title=Bill Demott & Family Call For Tammy Sytch to be Removed From WWE Hall of Fame|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/158756/bill-demott-family-call-for-tammy-sytch-to-be-removed-from-wwe-hall-of-fame.html?p=1|website=[[Pro Wrestling Insider]]|date=May 9, 2022|access-date=May 16, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=May 10, 2022|title=Bill DeMott Wants Sunny Removed From WWE Hall Of Fame|url=https://itrwrestling.com/news/bill-demott-sunny-removed-wwe-hall-of-fame/|access-date=February 1, 2023|website=itrwrestling.com|language=en-GB}}</ref> [[Booker T (wrestler)|Booker T]], who is also a WWE Hall of Famer, objected to this and said that removing her from the Hall of Fame would not actually achieve anything.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 12, 2022|title=Booker T Explains Why Sunny Shouldn't Be Removed From WWE Hall Of Fame|url=https://itrwrestling.com/news/booker-t-sunny-shouldnt-remove-wwe-hall-fame/|access-date=June 10, 2022|website=itrwrestling.com|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/booker-t-doesnt-think-removing-tammy-sytch-from-the-wwe-hall-of-fame-will-help-or-hurt-her/|title=Booker T Doesn't Think Removing Tammy Sytch From the WWE Hall of Fame Will Help or Hurt Her|website=411Mania.com|first=Jeffrey|last=Harris|date=May 17, 2022|access-date=November 28, 2023}}</ref>

Sytch and Candido were featured in a 2023 episode of ''[[Dark Side of the Ring]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hillhouse|first1=Dave|title='Dark Side of the Ring' returns with the tragedy of Chris and Tammy|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2023/05/30/dark-side-of-the-ring-returns-with-the-tragedy-of-chris-and-tammy/|website=[[Slam Wrestling]]|date=May 30, 2023|access-date=June 18, 2023}}</ref> During the episode, [[Jim Cornette]] described Sytch's legacy as "a meteoric rise and a meteoric fall".<ref>{{Cite episode|title=Chris and Tammy|series=[[Dark Side of the Ring]]|station=[[Vice Media]]|date=May 30, 2023|time=1:40–1:50}}</ref>

==Championships and accomplishments==
*[[AOL|'''America Online''']]
** AOL Most Downloaded Celebrity (1996)<ref>{{Cite web|date=January 14, 2022|title=Ex-WWE star Tammy Sytch arrested for threatening to kill partner|url=https://nypost.com/2022/01/14/ex-wwe-star-tammy-sytch-arrested-for-threatening-to-kill-partner/|access-date=January 11, 2024|language=en-US}}</ref>
*'''[[Cauliflower Alley Club]]'''
**Other honoree ([[Cauliflower Alley Club#1996|1996]])
*'''[[New England Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame]]'''
**Class of 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nepwhof.weebly.com/hall-of-famers.html|title=Hall of Famers|access-date=June 14, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706232003/http://nepwhof.weebly.com/hall-of-famers.html|archive-date=July 6, 2013}}</ref>
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**[[PWI Manager of the Year]] (1996)<ref name=OWOW/>
*'''[[Women Superstars Uncensored]]'''
**[[WSU Championship]] ([[WSU Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=OWOW/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wsu/|title=Women Superstars Uncensored|access-date=July 7, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
*'''[[WWE|World Wrestling Federation / WWE]]'''
** [[Slammy Award]] (2 times)
*** Best Buns ([[1996 Slammy Awards|1996]])<ref name=OWOW/><ref name="stampede">{{cite book|author=McCoy, Heath|title=Pain and Passion: The History of Stampede Wrestling|publisher=CanWest Books|year=2005|isbn=0-9736719-8-X|page=249}}</ref>
*** "Minds Behind the Mayhem" for Manager of the Year (1996)<ref name=OWOW/>
**[[WWE Hall of Fame]] ([[WWE Hall of Fame (2011)|Class of 2011]])<ref name="miamiherald"/>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive/nov7_sunny.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115104908/http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive/nov7_sunny.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 15, 2013|author=Barnard, Linda|title=Sunny shines in role of 'golden-haired fox'|publisher=Toronto Sun|date=November 7, 1997}}
*{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive2001/apr12_sunny-sun.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115102551/http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive2001/apr12_sunny-sun.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 15, 2013|title=Sytch rips into WWF divas|author=Lunney, Doug|publisher=Winnipeg Sun|date=April 12, 2002}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Sister project links |wikt=no |commons=Tammy Lynn Sytch |b=no |n=no |q=no |s=no |v=no |species=no |display=Tammy Lynn Sytch}}
*{{wwe superstar|name = Tammy Lynn Sytch}}
*{{Professional wrestling profiles}}

{{WWE Hall of Fame}}
{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sytch, Tammy Lynn}}
[[Category:1972 births]]
[[Category:21st-century American women]]
[[Category:21st-century American criminals]]
[[Category:American color commentators]]
[[Category:American female adult models]]
[[Category:American female criminals]]
[[Category:American female professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:American people convicted of burglary]]
[[Category:American people convicted of manslaughter]]
[[Category:American people of Russian descent]]
[[Category:American pornographic film actresses]]
[[Category:American prisoners and detainees]]
[[Category:Criminals from New Jersey]]
[[Category:Female professional wrestling announcers]]
[[Category:Fugitives]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Old Bridge High School alumni]]
[[Category:OnlyFans creators]]
[[Category:People extradited within the United States]]
[[Category:People from Matawan, New Jersey]]
[[Category:People from Old Bridge Township, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Pornographic film actors from New Jersey]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from New Jersey]]
[[Category:Prisoners and detainees of Connecticut]]
[[Category:Prisoners and detainees of Florida]]
[[Category:Prisoners and detainees of New Jersey]]
[[Category:Prisoners and detainees of Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling managers and valets]]
[[Category:Road Warriors members]]
[[Category:WWE Hall of Fame inductees]]