During a recent appearance on Digital Social Hour, All Elite Wrestling’s Deonna Purrazzo shared her views on the greatest women’s wrestler of all time, highlighting Gail Kim as the undeniable GOAT. Purrazzo praised Kim’s impactful career and the influence she had both inside and outside the ring, emphasizing her own respect for Kim’s trailblazing legacy in women’s wrestling.
The Journey and Defining Moments of Gail Kim’s Career
Purrazzo detailed how Gail Kim began her wrestling career with WWE but found limited opportunities there before moving to TNA, where she rose to prominence and solidified her reputation. Kim later returned to WWE but was unhappy with her role. One standout moment recalled by Purrazzo is when Kim exited a battle royal match early, an act rarely seen in wrestling, signaling her confidence and refusal to accept the status quo.
“I think… My brain always goes to like Gail Kim,”
Purrazzo explained, acknowledging Kim’s resilience and refusal to be limited by others’ perceptions. She noted that Kim’s actions during that battle royal broke an unspoken rule in wrestling, showcasing a strong belief in herself and her achievements prior to WWE.
How Gail Kim Inspired Deonna Purrazzo’s Own Wrestling Path
Purrazzo connected deeply with Kim’s journey when they worked together at TNA, observing parallels in their experiences and mindsets. She described Kim as a role model who transcended the wrestling world through self-advocacy and tenacity.
“I think she saw a lot of me in herself and I saw a lot of my journey in herself that I think that’s the GOAT. I think she has transcended wrestling in terms of the opportunity she’s got outside of it,”
Purrazzo said, highlighting Kim’s impact beyond her in-ring feats.
Purrazzo also emphasized Kim’s determination to defy expectations and boundaries imposed by others, a quality she deeply respects and tries to embody. Growing up in New Jersey and embracing a straightforward, outspoken attitude, Purrazzo resonates with Kim’s boldness and unapologetic confidence.
Deonna Purrazzo’s Reflection on Self-Belief and Legacy
In her remarks, Purrazzo expressed admiration for Kim’s strong self-belief and transparent communication about her career and challenges. She credited Kim with writing a “rite of passage” for women in wrestling, inspiring others to advocate for themselves boldly.
“I believe in myself, and I’m going to tell you how I feel about every situation I’m in. I just think she kind of wrote that passage for us. So, while I think I’m a GOAT in a lot of ways, I think that she’s the OG for me. She’s the one that I’m like; if I could have a career identical to hers, I would be successful at the end of the day,”
Purrazzo said, underscoring the deep respect she holds for Kim’s accomplishments and influence.
The Lasting Impact of Gail Kim’s Career on Women’s Wrestling
Deonna Purrazzo’s recognition of Gail Kim as the greatest female wrestler highlights Kim’s significant role in shaping the landscape of women’s professional wrestling. By challenging norms and advocating for herself and others, Kim paved the way for future generations, including Purrazzo, to pursue success on their own terms. The admiration Purrazzo voices reflects the lasting legacy Kim has established, which continues to influence wrestlers and fans alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Deonna Purrazzo leave the WWE?
A. On April 15, WWE let Purrazzo and about 24 other wrestlers and producers go. In her two years with WWE, she appeared in only 16 televised matches. Purrazzo said that WWE’s creative team thought she wasn’t prepared for TV yet.
Q. Who is Deonna Purrazzo’s husband?
A. She has done well in Ring Of Honor, TNA, WWE, and is now with AEW. She talks about friendships in locker rooms, teaming up in tag matches, training alongside her husband Steve Maclin, and what the future holds for her amazing wrestling career.
Q. What ethnicity is Deonna Purrazzo?
A. She has Italian heritage and a twin brother named Dominic; Deonna was born before him.
