W.A.G.s to Riches: A Look at the Relationships Then and Now
Netflix’s W.A.G.s to Riches offers a glimpse into the lives of women partnered with professional athletes and rappers, showcasing their entrepreneurial journeys and personal ambitions. The series features Sharelle Rosado, Maranda Johnson, Ashley Wheeler, Alexis Welch Stoudemire, Porsha Berto, Sadé Vanessa, Lastonia Leviston, Keeta Hill, and Julz Goddard, each navigating the complexities of relationships, motherhood, and career aspirations. While the show highlights their individual pursuits, the ever-evolving dynamics of their romantic relationships provide a compelling backdrop.
Sharelle Rosado, familiar to viewers from Selling Tampa, was engaged to Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson during filming. Their relationship, a central storyline in W.A.G.s to Riches, ultimately ended after production wrapped, with Rosado confirming their split publicly. The couple’s on-screen discussions about a prenuptial agreement hinted at underlying tensions, foreshadowing their eventual breakup. Johnson, a retired NFL player with seven children from previous relationships, and Rosado share one child together.
Maranda Johnson’s relationship with rapper Kodak Black was another focal point of the series. Their partnership, marked by periods of uncertainty and reconciliation, was portrayed as they navigated co-parenting two children. The show left their current status ambiguous, leaving viewers to speculate about the future of their relationship. Similarly, Alexis Welch Stoudemire, ex-wife of NBA star Amar’e Stoudemire, shared her experience navigating co-parenting their four children after their 2021 divorce. The series documented her return to the dating scene, offering a relatable portrayal of life after a high-profile marriage.
Other couples featured in the series presented more stable relationships. Ashley Wheeler and her husband, Philip Wheeler, offered a glimpse into their family life with their two children. Porsha Berto and her husband, retired boxer Andre Berto, showcased their strong five-year marriage and the joys of expecting their third child, while relocating from Beverly Hills to Tampa. Sadé Vanessa and NFL player Robbie Chosen Anderson shared their excitement about their engagement and impending parenthood after nine years together.
Lastonia Leviston, mother of rapper Rick Ross’s first child, provided a unique perspective, sharing her experience with a past relationship while focusing on her own personal journey. She discussed a highly publicized legal battle involving a leaked sex tape, highlighting her resilience and strength. Keeta Hill, married to NFL player Tyreek Hill, offered insights into the challenges and triumphs of supporting her husband through legal issues while embarking on motherhood during her first pregnancy.
Julz Goddard, also known as YesJulz, rounded out the cast, sharing her experiences as the ex-fiancée of NFL player Duke Riley and mother of his daughter. Her professional journey, marked by a public dismissal from Kanye West’s employ, added another layer to her story, showcasing the complexities of navigating both personal and professional life in the public eye.
The series offered a diverse range of experiences, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards faced by women partnered with high-profile individuals. While some relationships endured, others faced significant hurdles, ultimately ending in separation. The show’s focus on the women’s personal and professional growth, alongside their romantic relationships, provided a multi-faceted portrayal of their lives, revealing their strength, resilience, and determination to build their own empires.
The dynamic nature of the relationships featured in W.A.G.s to Riches provided a captivating narrative throughout the season. From budding romances to long-term partnerships, the series offered a glimpse into the complexities of love, commitment, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. The women’s individual journeys, marked by both successes and setbacks, resonated with viewers, showcasing their determination to forge their own paths, independent of their partners’ fame.
While the show provided updates on the relationships during filming, the ever-changing landscape of romantic partnerships leaves room for speculation about the current status of some couples. The open-ended nature of certain storylines allows for the possibility of future developments, leaving viewers anticipating potential updates on the women’s personal and romantic lives.
The series succeeded in showcasing the women’s ambition and drive, shifting the focus from their roles as partners to their individual identities as entrepreneurs and mothers. Their stories resonate with a broader audience, highlighting the universal challenges of balancing personal relationships, career aspirations, and the pursuit of personal happiness.
W.A.G.s to Riches offered a compelling blend of personal drama and entrepreneurial spirit, captivating viewers with its portrayal of women striving to achieve their goals while navigating the complexities of relationships and motherhood. The series provided a platform for these women to share their stories, offering a glimpse into their lives beyond the spotlight of their famous partners.
The show’s format allowed for a deeper exploration of the women’s individual personalities and aspirations, moving beyond stereotypical portrayals of wives and girlfriends of celebrities. By showcasing their business ventures, philanthropic endeavors, and personal growth, the series offered a more nuanced and empowering representation of these women, highlighting their strength, resilience, and determination to succeed on their own terms. This focus on individual empowerment resonates with a contemporary audience, celebrating the achievements of women who are forging their own paths, regardless of their relationship status.
