Former AEW Women’s World Champion Thunder Rosa recently revealed in an interview on Renee Paquette’s The Sessions podcast that she almost gave up on her wrestling career and considered becoming a referee in WWE. Rosa shared her story of feeling discouraged and seeking other options due to the challenges she faced in the wrestling industry.
Rosa expressed her frustrations and doubts during the podcast interview, saying, “This wrestling thing is not happening. I gotta find something else to ignite my passion for what I’m doing.” She decided to explore other martial arts disciplines, including MMA and Jiu-Jitsu, and even signed a contract for MMA training while contemplating her future in wrestling.
In her search for alternative career options, Rosa contacted a friend who was a referee in WWE and inquired about potential job opportunities. She was approached by WWE, who asked her if she was ready to retire from in-ring competition. Rosa admitted to discussing the possibility with WWE’s Canyon Ceman, but her husband was not supportive of the idea, saying, “You’re absolutely nuts! You’re not doing that sh*t! I don’t care.”
Despite the initial uncertainty and pressure to find a stable job, Rosa’s husband ultimately encouraged her to continue pursuing her passion for wrestling. He reminded her of her achievements and progress, saying, “No dude, you’re better than this, Melissa. You trained for six months, get into a fight for MMA. You’re gonna toss that away? You’ve done everything on your own, you’ve done everything at your own pace.”
Rosa’s situation took a turn when her flight for MMA training was canceled due to a hurricane. The next day, she received a call from NWA’s David Lagana, who had been in talks with her for a year. Lagana offered her a contract, and Rosa decided to seize the opportunity. She signed with NWA and went on to become the NWA Women’s Champion within six months.
Rosa’s story is a testament to her resilience, determination, and the support she received from her husband and NWA. Her willingness to explore other options and her unwavering passion for wrestling ultimately led her to success in the industry.
As of now, Rosa continues to make waves in the wrestling world, having previously held the AEW Women’s World Championship and currently being a prominent figure in NWA. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers and a reminder to never give up on one’s dreams, even in the face of challenges and setbacks.
In conclusion, Thunder Rosa’s near decision to quit wrestling and become a WWE referee showcases the hurdles and uncertainties that wrestlers may face in their careers. Her story highlights the importance of perseverance, support from loved ones, and opportunities that arise when least expected. As Rosa continues to make her mark in the wrestling industry, fans eagerly anticipate her future achievements and look up to her as a role model of determination and resilience.
