Deonna Purrazzo, a prominent AEW and ROH competitor, recently shared insights into her decision to increase her participation in independent bookings despite currently being signed to AEW. In a conversation on The Velvet Ropes podcast, Purrazzo explained how she is adjusting her approach to wrestling, focusing more on staying active and evolving rather than strictly pursuing championship status.
Adapting to Wrestling’s Shifting Landscape
Purrazzo emphasized the importance of flexibility in her career, stating that she no longer insists on a specific role or storyline. She said,
“I think that being able to roll with each story you’re given or each place you’re given, I’ve tried to not focus so heavily on like, ‘It has to be this.’ Let’s just go with the flow because things are always changing and sometimes you’re not going to be used. I’m not ever out here like, ‘I deserve to be a world champion’, like I just want to be used. Win, lose, draw — good story, that’s all I want.”
—Deonna Purrazzo, Professional Wrestler
This mindset reflects her willingness to embrace various opportunities regardless of the scale, allowing her to maintain a presence and deliver engaging performances regardless of the storyline or title stakes.
Rebounding from Challenges by Increasing Ring Time
In addition to shifting her outlook, Purrazzo shared how last year’s scarcity of consistent in-ring appearances on television influenced her decision to seek more matches in the independent circuit. She admitted to feeling out of practice, explaining,
“I wasn’t able to get in the ring on TV consistently. So when I was, I was like, ‘Oh my god, I don’t know how to wrestle anymore.’ It just came to a point where I disappointed myself in a match and I disappointed a lot of other people backstage. I had to take a look in the mirror and say, ‘This isn’t The Virtuosa.’ I didn’t give them The Virtuosa with the reputation I’ve been able to build for myself and I really disappointed myself, so what do I need to do in 2025 to make sure that never happens again. That’s why I’ve loaded my schedule with independent bookings.”
—Deonna Purrazzo, Professional Wrestler
This reflective moment motivated her to prioritize ring time to regain her confidence and prowess, ensuring she can deliver the performance her fans and colleagues expect.
Preparing for Future High-Profile Opportunities
Purrazzo also highlighted that by taking control of her schedule through frequent independent shows, she maintains peak physical and professional readiness.
“That’s how I can control what I can control. If an opportunity was to come up next week to be in a storyline with Mercedes or Toni or whoever it is, I know that I’m ready and I’m in my peak physical condition to get in the ring and do a good job again. That’s kind of where I’m at of like, I just want to do anything and everything. I’m going to make it happen for myself and I’m going to wait for that call and know that when it comes, I’m ready.”
—Deonna Purrazzo, Professional Wrestler
This proactive approach serves as her way to stay competitive and adaptable, poised for any main-event or significant storylines that may arise.
Implications for Purrazzo’s Wrestling Career Moving Forward
By embracing more indie bookings, Deonna Purrazzo is reinforcing her position as a versatile wrestler committed to consistent in-ring performance. This strategy aims to keep her sharp and visible during periods when television storylines may not fully utilize her talents. As she continues balancing AEW commitments with independent appearances, Purrazzo’s dedication to growth and readiness may open additional doors and opportunities in 2025 and beyond, reaffirming her reputation within the wrestling community.
