A Full-Circle Moment for a Ring of Honor Veteran

“I’m a Ring of Honor kid,” Purrazzo explained in an interview with Gabby LaSpisa, as reported by Fightful. “I’ve been a part of this company for 10 years in some way, shape or form. I am a former Ring of Honor Women’s World Champion. Back in 2020, I really didn’t think going to Ring of Honor would ever be a possibility for me again. I think that to come full circle and now be the first ever Pure Women’s Champion is something that I think I define what this title means in my style of wrestling and how I’ve adapted it through the years. It was kind of like the perfect way to end what I might call a really crappy year.”

The Pure Championship, with its unique ruleset emphasizing technical wrestling and strategic competition, aligns perfectly with Purrazzo’s established in-ring style. This isn’t merely a title; it’s a platform for her to showcase a skillset honed over years of dedication. But the path to this moment wasn’t straightforward. Purrazzo admitted to grappling with doubts about her place in the evolving landscape of professional wrestling.

Battling Self-Doubt and Rediscovering Confidence

“I was really shocked,” Purrazzo confessed, reflecting on her win. “But again, I feel like I’ve questioned myself and if there’s a place for me in wrestling anymore so much this year. I’ve really had to go back to like my roots and go back to the indies because I felt like I wasn’t getting enough reps. When I was getting reps, I wasn’t confident in myself and I wasn’t putting out the best version of The Virtuosa that I could. I just think throughout the year, I’ve really had to like grind and kind of like mole around in the s— so I can get to the top.”

This period of self-assessment led Purrazzo back to the independent circuit, seeking opportunities to refine her craft and rebuild her confidence. The experience, while challenging, proved crucial in her resurgence. She recognized the need to not only increase her ring time but also to rediscover the self-assurance that had defined her earlier success.

“It was a really defeating year in terms of is there a place for The Virtuosa in this new wrestling landscape, in this new company,” she continued. “I think that the Pure Women’s Championship is definitely my style of wrestling. Ring of Honor is my heart and my soul and so to see where this women’s division is and now to be a part of leading it is really special and has made all of the trials and tribulations this year, the doubt, the worry and the insecurity worth it.”

Purrazzo’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that even the most accomplished athletes face moments of uncertainty. Her willingness to confront those doubts and actively work towards regaining her confidence is a testament to her resilience and dedication.

What does Purrazzo’s victory signify for the future of the ROH Women’s division? And how will she utilize the Pure Championship to elevate the standard of women’s wrestling within the promotion?

You can watch the full interview with Deonna Purrazzo here.

Further insights into the evolving landscape of women’s wrestling can be found at WWE’s Women’s Division page and All Elite Wrestling’s Women’s Division page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Deonna Purrazzo and the ROH Pure Championship