Deonna Purrazzo WWE reaction gained attention after her husband, Steve Maclin, made an unexpected appearance at WWE’s NXT show on the same night. This surprise cameo, which was not officially announced, took place amid growing tensions between the NXT brand and the TNA promotion.
Unexpected Backstage Appearance Sparks Surprise
Steve Maclin and Victoria Crawford, formerly known as Alicia Fox from TNA, were seen backstage at NXT without prior notice. This unplanned presence added fuel to the ongoing storyline involving an invasion angle between NXT and TNA. The two promotions have been engaged in a rivalry, as TNA stars have expressed dissatisfaction about feeling marginalized in their partnership. The tension is heightened by the fact that NXT’s Trick Williams currently holds the TNA World Title.
Deonna Purrazzo, who is Maclin’s wife and an AEW wrestler, shared her astonishment on X/Twitter after seeing him appear on WWE programming, revealing she had not seen him the entire day.
“So that’s where @SteveMaclin has been all day???? 😵💫” Deonna Purrazzo, AEW star
Current Status of Deonna Purrazzo’s Wrestling Career
Deonna Purrazzo has been part of AEW since January, taking part in notable rivalries such as the feud with former women’s world champion “Timeless” Toni Storm. Despite her strong start, Purrazzo has been largely inactive since February and has not wrestled in AEW recently. Instead, her appearances have been mainly within Ring of Honor, with her last match nearly a month ago.

The status of her faction, The Vendetta, is unclear, especially since Taya Valkyrie has been more commonly seen with her husband Johnny TV and the MxM Collection. Reports from July confirmed Purrazzo signed a three-year deal with AEW, which means she is contracted through early 2027.
Though her booking has been subdued lately, making her trajectory uncertain, many fans and analysts believe she still has potential for a major comeback in the coming months.
Growing Rivalries Between NXT and TNA Shape Wrestling Landscape
The ongoing feud between NXT and TNA is unfolding on multiple fronts, with both sides signaling an intensifying conflict. The involvement of wrestlers like Maclin and Crawford adds deeper layers to this rivalry. The invasion storyline has added unpredictability and excitement, generating anticipation among wrestling fans about when and how the tensions will climax.
Significance of Maclin’s Cameo for Fans and Wrestling Narratives
The surprise appearance of Steve Maclin on WWE programming not only surprised Deonna Purrazzo personally but also stirred discussion among wrestling viewers who are curious about future developments. This incident demonstrates the fluid dynamics between wrestling promotions as they build storylines designed to engage and provoke strong reactions from fans.
With the AEW star Purrazzo observing such appearances, the event underscores the interconnected nature of the wrestling world and hints at potential story arcs involving various promotions. Fans and industry watchers will be closely monitoring upcoming shows to see if this moment triggers further surprise cameos or escalations in ongoing rivalries.
So that’s where @SteveMaclin has been all day???? 😵💫
— The Virtuosa (@DeonnaPurrazzo) September 24, 2025
