Deonna Purrazzo’s absence from AEW has lasted six months, raising questions about the reasons behind her time away from the ring. The primary cause relates to scheduling delays linked to injuries and title developments affecting the ROH Women’s Pure Championship Tournament, which impacted her appearances despite her contract lasting through 2027.
Despite recent inactivity in both AEW and Ring of Honor, Fightful Select has confirmed that Purrazzo signed a three-year contract with AEW earlier in 2024. Her extended hiatus is therefore not due to contractual issues, but rather to circumstances surrounding key tournament delays and injuries within the promotion.
Impact of Title Tournament Postponements on Purrazzo’s AEW Role
Sources within AEW have revealed that injuries to other wrestlers directly influenced the delay of the ROH Women’s Pure Championship Tournament. This setback inadvertently affected Purrazzo’s booking, resulting in her absence stretching longer than anticipated. Most notably, Tony Khan publicly acknowledged that an injury to ROH Women’s Television Champion Red Velvet was a significant factor.
At a media call during the All In Texas event, Tony Khan explained how injury complications forced a pause in launching the Pure Title tournament. Instead, the company organized a match to crown an interim ROH Women’s Television Champion, which was won by Mina Shirakawa at Supercard of Honor. This interim title match shifted focus away from the Pure Championship tournament that Purrazzo was slated to compete in.
That situation caused some delays in getting the Pure Title tournament started because, frankly, it’s a lot of the same people fighting for the interim TV champion position, who would also be in line for the Pure tournament. I think Red Velvet will be back in a matter of weeks, maybe a few months, tops.
—Tony Khan, AEW President
Additional Wrestling News Reflecting Current Industry Dynamics
In other developments within professional wrestling, CM Punk shared his expectations about the new Netflix series WWE Unreal, suggesting it will reveal an unseen side of WWE’s backstage environment. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes has been teasing a heel turn, with hints at a potential alliance involving The Rock, although details and timing remain unclear.
Further, Roman Reigns has issued warnings to a rival recovering from injury, underscoring tensions that hint at unresolved conflict, while WWE has reportedly revised plans for key wrestlers Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair ahead of SummerSlam. Additionally, WWE appears interested in recruiting a former AEW star for a role that surprises industry observers.
The Broader Implications of Purrazzo’s Absence and What’s Next
Deonna Purrazzo’s ongoing AEW absence highlights the challenges wrestling promotions face when injuries alter booking plans and delay tournaments. Her contract continuation until 2027 indicates that AEW values her as part of their roster, but unforeseen circumstances have slowed her in-ring activity. The anticipated return of Red Velvet is expected to pave the way for resuming the ROH Women’s Pure Championship Tournament, which could mark Purrazzo’s comeback to active competition.
As the Pure Title tournament resumes, fans and industry insiders will watch closely to see how Purrazzo’s role evolves and how AEW manages talent utilization amid injury setbacks. This period underscores the fragility of plans in professional wrestling and the impact of health on performers’ careers.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Deonna Purrazzo leave the WWE?
A. On April 15, WWE let go of Purrazzo and about 20 other wrestlers and producers. During her two years with WWE, Purrazzo participated in only 16 televised matches. She explained that WWE’s creative team felt she wasn’t prepared for TV appearances.
Q. Who is Deonna Purrazzo’s husband?
A. She has enjoyed successful careers with Ring Of Honor, TNA, WWE, and is now with AEW. She talks about friends she made in the locker rooms, working as part of a tag team, and training alongside her husband, Steve Maclin. She also shares her thoughts on what lies ahead in her amazing wrestling career.
Q. Is Deonna Purrazzo a heel or face?
A. Purrazzo first appeared in the ring on the June 9 episode of Impact!. She attacked Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace, using the Fujiwara armbar to show she was a villain.
Q. What ethnicity is Deonna Purrazzo?
A. She has Italian heritage and a twin brother called Dominic. Deonna is the older twin, as she was born before him.
