Report: WWE Signs Another Top Women’s Wrestler In Deonna Purrazzo
Deonna Purrazzo is no stranger to WWE, having appeared in several matches in NXT. She was also an alternate for the first Mae Young Classic in 2017, and she portrayed the villainous “La Luchadora” the year prior. Now, she has reportedly signed a contract with WWE, bringing all of these experiences full circle.
According to Casey Michael of Squared Circle Sirens, Deonna Purrazzo has signed with WWE, making her the second top women’s wrestler to sign with the company this week. Earlier, it was reported that Io Shirai, who is widely recognized as the best in the world, will join WWE after she finishes her responsibilities as the ace of STARDOM.
Purrazzo is an exciting addition to the NXT roster to say the least, and it goes beyond the fact that she already has experience working with the company. “The Virtuosa” is one of the most likable personas and talented technicians in the world, and she’s never afraid to take the fight right to her opponents.
Arguably the face of women’s wrestling in Ring of Honor for the past two years, Purrazzo’s feud with Kelly Klein will go down as one of the most criminally underrated rivalries in women’s wrestling. Those two told an epic, long-term story that finally culminated in Purrazzo officially defeating Klein at ROH’s Bound by Honor show. Prior to that, Purrazzo made Klein tap out to a Fujiwara arm bar (her speciality), but the ref did not recognize this, thus preserving “The Gatekeeper’s” undefeated streak in Women of Honor.
This type of heated rivalry helped the WOH greatly, and the matches they had showcase the intensity Purrazzo will bring to NXT. Purrazzo’s character work and in-ring acumen should make her a big star in NXT, and she definitely has a bright future ahead of her in WWE.
Although it’s bittersweet to see a woman who helped Women of Honor become what is today leave, she’ll be making more money and will have far more opportunities working with WWE. Hopefully ROH continues to make strides in taking women’s wrestling seriously so their talent can shine, because there are several other wrestlers in that division who are more than good enough to make the jump to NXT.