"I Thought I Was Gonna Pass Out" — A'ja Wilson Shares Terrifying Moment Her Draft-Day Dress Nearly Took Her Breath Away
Draft night is supposed to be one of the most memorable moments in any athlete’s career. For A’ja Wilson, it certainly was — but not entirely for the reasons she expected. What began as one of the happiest nights of her life quickly took a frightening turn, all because of her outfit choice.
When the Las Vegas Aces selected her with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft, Wilson looked the part of a superstar-to-be, dressed in a light pink jumpsuit with an elegant matching choker. But, as she later revealed during an appearance on Sean Evans’ First We Feast, her fashion statement nearly became a choking hazard.
“It’s super important to get fitted properly,” Wilson recalled, laughing about the ordeal. “Because honestly, I was about to die on one of the biggest nights of my life. That pink choker romper was cute — adorable, actually — but it was choking me out. It was scary.” (Timestamp 15:00)
Here’s where it gets even wilder — she credits being the No. 1 pick with saving her life. The now four-time WNBA MVP joked that divine intervention might have played a role.
“I swear, if I didn’t go number one, I might’ve passed out right there,” she quipped. “I couldn’t have waited through all the other picks. God knew I had to be first because I physically couldn’t keep sitting in that thing any longer.”
And looking back, maybe fate really did step in. Since that unforgettable night, A’ja Wilson has delivered championship glory to Las Vegas — leading the Aces to three titles, earning two Finals MVP awards, and locking down four league MVP honors. She’s also racked up three Defensive Player of the Year trophies, cementing her legacy as one of the most dominant players in WNBA history.
But here’s a side of A’ja you probably didn’t expect: she’s a self-proclaimed “scent expert.” Yes, the same fierce competitor who dominates on the hardwood also happens to have an eye (and nose) for fragrances. In 2021, she launched the “Burnt Wax Candle” company alongside her mother, Eva Wilson.
During her chat with Evans, the host asked what her favorite smell in a basketball arena was — and whether it would ever inspire a candle. Her answer? Classic, down-to-earth, and a little nostalgic.
“I love the smell of popcorn at games,” she said. “When we play in Dallas, you can literally smell it during shoot-around, and I’m like, ‘Ooh, I can’t wait to grab some after the game.’ That’s my favorite scent.” Then she laughed, adding, “Would I make that a candle? Probably not. Nobody wants a popcorn candle.” (Timestamp 20:00)
In a 2022 interview with Boardroom, Wilson explained how her candle business took shape during the pandemic. A few days before Christmas, her mom noticed the overwhelming number of candles A’ja had collected — nearly 150 — and suggested turning her obsession into a business. The rest, as they say, is scented history.
From nearly fainting on the biggest night of her life to turning a hobby into a thriving side hustle, A’ja Wilson’s journey reminds us that even superstars have moments of chaos and creativity.
But here’s something to ponder — would you risk a fashion statement that nearly makes you pass out? And what do you think about athletes stepping into the world of business and self-expression beyond their sport? Drop your thoughts in the comments — this one’s sure to spark some debate!
