Former Knockouts World Champion Deonna Purrazzo is singing the praises of the TNA Wrestling locker room, calling it the most welcoming and family-like atmosphere she’s experienced throughout her career. Speaking candidly on the Muscle Memory podcast, Purrazzo opened up about the backstage dynamics across the top promotions she’s worked for, drawing sharp contrasts between TNA, AEW, and NXT.
“Hands down, the TNA locker room is the best locker room I’ve ever been a part of,” Purrazzo declared. “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.”
The former multi-time champion described a culture of genuine support and friendship backstage—something that, in her words, goes far beyond simple professional courtesy.
“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?” she explained. “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.”
Purrazzo emphasized that this inclusive environment allowed her to feel at ease and confident, calling it “the most comfortable and the most calm” she’s felt backstage in any promotion.
When asked to compare that with AEW and her past tenure in WWE’s NXT system, she acknowledged the difference in tone and intensity.
“Transitioning to AEW, I think, is probably a lot similar to that NXT locker room. It’s highly competitive,” she said. “There’s only so many spots for women, and if it’s not you that week, you want it to be you.”
She also addressed recent criticism online regarding her desire for more TV time in AEW.
“Of course I want those opportunities. Of course I want it to be me,” Purrazzo noted. “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.”
Looking ahead, Purrazzo is preparing to showcase her elite technical skills in Ring of Honor, where she’ll compete in the tournament to crown the first-ever ROH Women’s Pure Champion.
Stay tuned to PWMania.com for more on Deonna Purrazzo’s ROH tournament journey and all the latest from AEW, TNA, and beyond.
