WWE Once Offered Thunder Rosa a $60,000 Contract to End Her In-Ring Career
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star Thunder Rosa recently revealed a surprising offer from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE): a $60,000 annual contract to retire from professional wrestling and transition into a referee role. The revelation came during an interview with The Cruz Show on REAL 92.3 LA, shedding light on a pivotal moment in Rosa’s career trajectory.
Rosa detailed the financial pressures she faced as an independent wrestler in 2019. “In 2019, (WWE) called me and they were like, ‘Are you ready to hang up the boots?’ I was like, ‘Well, you know, I need money.’ So I was like, ‘I need steady money’ because, brother, being an independent professional wrestler is, when you’re talking about hustle, it’s a hustle. I had a job when I was in the Bay Area, but when I decided to do wrestling full time, I was depending on my ex-husband and my hustle. I was hustling all the time and I was tired. Like hustling after seven years, you’re like, man, I need a job or something.”
The WWE offer, while significantly less than her current earnings as a top AEW performer, represented a degree of financial stability she desperately sought. “And (WWE) offered me like $60,000 a year, which at the time it was like, ‘All right, it’s better than what I was making.’ There was a hurricane that happened and then they just kept pushing my tryout and then, it never happened. But it was meant to be that way and that’s when I made the decision to jump into MMA, because they offered me a $3,000 contract.”
Ultimately, the timing didn’t align for Rosa, with a scheduled tryout repeatedly postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. This delay proved fortuitous, leading her to pursue a career in mixed martial arts (MMA) with a significantly smaller initial contract. Do you think Rosa made the right decision turning down the WWE offer to pursue her passion, even with the financial uncertainty?
Thunder Rosa’s Journey to AEW and Beyond
Thunder Rosa, whose real name is Melissa Cervantes, has become a prominent figure in professional wrestling, particularly known for her intense in-ring style and captivating character work. She joined AEW in 2020 and quickly rose through the ranks, capturing the AEW Women’s World Championship in 2021. Her championship reign was marked by a highly acclaimed feud with Britt Baker, widely considered a landmark moment for women’s wrestling.
Prior to her success in AEW, Rosa spent years honing her craft on the independent circuit, gaining a reputation as a versatile and skilled performer. Her foray into MMA, though brief, demonstrated her athletic versatility and willingness to challenge herself. She stepped away from MMA competition in 2022 to focus solely on professional wrestling.
Recently, Rosa made a triumphant return to the ring after a nearly year-long absence due to back injuries. Her comeback has been met with enthusiasm from fans and peers alike, signaling a renewed chapter in her already remarkable career. The challenges she faced, from financial instability to physical setbacks, underscore the dedication and resilience required to succeed in the demanding world of professional wrestling. What impact do you foresee Rosa having on the AEW women’s division now that she’s back in action?
The wrestling industry often presents athletes with difficult choices, balancing financial security with creative fulfillment. Rosa’s story serves as a compelling example of prioritizing passion and ultimately forging her own path to success. For further insights into the business side of professional wrestling, consider exploring resources like WWE Corporate and AEW’s About page.
You can watch the full interview with Thunder Rosa on The Cruz Show below:
Quote source: F4WOnline
Frequently Asked Questions About Thunder Rosa and the WWE Offer
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What was the amount of the WWE contract offered to Thunder Rosa?
WWE offered Thunder Rosa a $60,000 per year contract to retire from professional wrestling and become a referee.
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Why did Thunder Rosa ultimately decline the WWE contract?
The WWE tryout was repeatedly postponed due to a hurricane and other logistical issues, leading Rosa to pursue a career in MMA instead.
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What is Thunder Rosa currently doing in professional wrestling?
Thunder Rosa is currently signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and recently returned to in-ring competition after recovering from back injuries.
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Has Thunder Rosa competed in other combat sports besides professional wrestling?
Yes, Thunder Rosa briefly competed in mixed martial arts (MMA) before focusing solely on professional wrestling.
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What challenges did Thunder Rosa face before receiving the WWE offer?
Rosa struggled with financial instability and the demanding lifestyle of an independent professional wrestler, often relying on multiple jobs and support from her ex-husband.
Share this article with fellow wrestling fans and let us know your thoughts in the comments below! What are your predictions for Thunder Rosa’s future in AEW?
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