AEW Star “Wasn’t Mentally Ready” For World Title Win

A former AEW World Champion has made a surprising admission.

After a lengthy rivalry, on March 16th, 2022, Thunder Rosa beat Britt Baker in a Steel Cage Match to become AEW Women’s World Champion. The win marked the high point of Rosa’s career, but it wouldn’t long until she hit trouble.

The star never found a reign-defining rival, and she was later forced to relinquish the title that November thanks to a serious back injury. However, Rosa hadn’t wrestled since August, leaving the Women’s Title scene in limbo with only interim champions on television.

While out of the ring, Rosa was forced to deny that she was faking her injury, and the fact she wasn’t stripped of the title for months created friction backstage. By this point, it was also something of an open secret that Thunder Rosa and Britt Baker couldn’t stand each other. It was also believed that Rosa had heat with Jamie Hayter.

Due to her injury, Rosa wouldn’t wrestle again until December 2023.

Thunder Rosa Makes Candid AEW Admission

During a new interview with Tim Hann Rivera, Rosa reflected on her time as the Women’s World Champion. She admitted that in hindsight she wasn’t mentally prepared to be in that position.

“It brought me from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows,” Rosa said. “When I won the title, I don’t think mentally I was ready for it, because so much came with it — good and bad.”

Rosa went on to recall feeling betrayed by people she thought were friends while getting criticised more than ever after reaching her new level of fame. She explained that as a result, when she sees someone rising through the ranks, she tries to provide as much support as she can.

“It’s heartbreaking. You have to stay strong, right? … I see when somebody else is gaining a title shot or they’re champions, I try to show them respect and treat them well, because I’ve been in their shoes.”

During an interview back in November, Thunder Rosa revealed she had suicidal thoughts during her absence from the ring, admitting she struggled to deal with the criticism that came her way. Rosa added that the injury and everything that came with it “broke her spirit,” but she was able to get back on her feet thanks to those close to her.

H/t to Wrestling Inc