Deonna Purrazzo praises TNA locker room as the most welcoming and supportive environment in her professional wrestling journey, highlighting the unique camaraderie and encouragement she found there. During an appearance on the Muscle Memory podcast, the former Knockouts World Champion reflected on how TNA Wrestling stands apart from other major promotions like AEW and WWE’s NXT.
TNA’s Distinctive Backstage Atmosphere
Having spent years across various wrestling organizations, Deonna Purrazzo openly shared her feelings about the exceptional atmosphere within TNA Wrestling. She explained that the promotion is known for being tight-knit and inclusive, a place where wrestlers connect beyond just work. According to Purrazzo, this sense of belonging is partly rooted in TNA’s reputation as wrestling’s underdog, often referred to as the “land of misfit toys,” which fosters deeper bonds among talent.
“Hands down, the TNA locker room is the best locker room I’ve ever been a part of,”
—Deonna Purrazzo, Former Knockouts World Champion
“There’s just this real camaraderie that is so rare, and I think it stems from TNA always kind of being that underdog—the land of misfit toys. We all always had a chip on our shoulder.”
—Deonna Purrazzo, Former Knockouts World Champion
Purrazzo noted that the relationships among TNA’s roster go beyond basic collegiality. She observed a real sense of fun, creativity, and family spirit behind the scenes. The wrestlers regularly celebrate milestones together, including birthdays, pre-wedding gatherings, and baby showers—events that foster genuine support and longstanding friendships.
“It just creates this really fun environment. How can we push each other? How can we be more creative together? How can we come together as a family?”
—Deonna Purrazzo, Former Knockouts World Champion
“They always celebrate people’s birthdays… they threw [Steve Maclin] and me a little pre-wedding party. We’ve had baby showers, housewarmings—it’s such a family.”
—Deonna Purrazzo, Former Knockouts World Champion
These experiences made Purrazzo feel calm and at ease, giving her the confidence to perform at her best in TNA. She described this supportive atmosphere as surpassing anything she had encountered with other promotions.
“The most comfortable and the most calm”
—Deonna Purrazzo, Former Knockouts World Champion
Comparing TNA, AEW, and NXT
When comparing the locker rooms of TNA, AEW, and WWE’s NXT, Purrazzo highlighted striking differences in energy and intent. She recalled that, while TNA encourages a more family-like environment, AEW and NXT are marked by intense competition. In those settings, wrestlers often feel pressure due to limited opportunities, creating a more stressful backdrop for talent hoping to secure television time.
“Transitioning to AEW, I think, is probably a lot similar to that NXT locker room. It’s highly competitive,”
—Deonna Purrazzo, Former Knockouts World Champion
“There’s only so many spots for women, and if it’s not you that week, you want it to be you.”
—Deonna Purrazzo, Former Knockouts World Champion
tags these dynamics, providing insight on how the environment shapes both career strategies and personal well-being for athletes like Purrazzo.
Pursuing New Opportunities in ROH
Addressing speculation online about her recent push for more visibility in AEW, Purrazzo clarified her motivations. She stated that while she naturally desires prominent TV matches, her ambitions come from dedication, not rivalry. She emphasized confidence in her own abilities, trusting that hard work will eventually be acknowledged.
“Of course I want those opportunities. Of course I want it to be me,”
—Deonna Purrazzo, Former Knockouts World Champion
“But I’m not upset that it’s anyone else. I’m not a competitive person in that way. My hard work will get me noticed eventually.”
—Deonna Purrazzo, Former Knockouts World Champion
Looking forward, Purrazzo is set to compete in Ring of Honor’s upcoming tournament to determine its inaugural Women’s Pure Champion. This new chapter reflects both her ongoing drive and the foundation of support she credits in shaping her career. Her journey is closely followed as she prepares for high-stakes matches that could redefine women’s wrestling in Ring of Honor.
What This Means for Deonna Purrazzo and Wrestling
Deonna Purrazzo’s praise for the TNA locker room spotlights how a positive, unified culture can directly impact a performer’s confidence, happiness, and performance. The differences she cites between TNA, AEW, and NXT provide unique insight into the emotional landscapes of modern wrestling. As she embarks on her pursuit of championship glory in Ring of Honor, Purrazzo’s experiences underscore why many athletes cherish supportive locker rooms, recognizing their long-term influence on both careers and the industry’s evolving culture.
