Deonna Purrazzo Addresses Women’s Wrestling Skepticism in ROH Leadership

Deonna Purrazzo has been one of the top-tier women’s talent produced by the wrestling industry. The Virtuosa had her early beginnings in Ring of Honor, however, did not have a positive opinion in regards to Women’s wrestling contributing to the promotion’s success.

During a recent interview on  Talk Is Jericho, Purrazzo stated that women were very much held back during her time in Ring of Honor and believed that they deserved much better.

“No. I think, for many different reason, we were very held back. I think there were people in higher positions that didn’t believe in women’s wrestling. I couldn’t tell you the emails I sent to Joe Koff and I would get the statistics from YouTube pages and Instagram numbers and be like, ‘look at the interaction we’re getting. Look at the numbers we’re bringing to the company. We deserve better.’ I don’t feel it ever happened.”

The former IMPACT Knockouts champion further opened up on whether that scenario persuaded her to leave the promotion in 2018.

“Yeah, at the same time, mid-2018 WWE had approached me about having me in the Mae Young Classic, having them sign me, but I was in the middle of my Ring of Honor contract. I did have an opt out clause, so six months in, I could say, ‘this isn’t for me, I want to leave,’ and that’s exactly what I did. I felt like my hands were tied, but I’m trying so hard, I’m fighting for women to get this opportunity, and it’s not happening, and I don’t know what else I can do personally, professionally, and more I could give of myself to make it happen, so maybe it’s time to move on.”

Despite her exit in 2018, Deonna Purrazzo earned ROH gold in 2022. She competed against Roxanne Perez and won the ROH Women’s Title on the January 13, 2022 episode of IMPACT Wrestling.

Furthermore, she once again finds herself close to Ring of Honor. The Virtuosa made her official debut for All Elite Wrestling on the first Dynamite of 2024, with Ring of Honor being the sister promotion of Tony Khan’s company. So, it would be interesting to see if Deonna Purrazzo finds herself making some appearances and perhaps, competing under the ROH banner again.

Do you think Deonna Purrazzo would compete on ROH television again? Will she win ROH gold? Sound off in the comments!

Thanks, Fightful for the above quotes!