WrestleMania Aspirations and Current Group Dynamics

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Selection ver is by location When you're a maintenance engineer in a beverage manufacturing plant, you keep production lines moving and quality on track because there is no room for slowdowns With Granger's vast selection of high quality motors, sensors, belts, and hard to find parts, you can get what you need fast and all in one place, so nothing gets in the way of getting the job done. callall one eight hundred Ganger, click ranger. com or just stop by Ranger for the ones who get it done osh, I think I said like I think it was either to you I hope you never find it I remember back in the day, you guys used to have like, send your fan mail too and then Yeah. So I sent A hate letter to you. Oh. I hope it. I remember it. Oh what's your story? Don't you dare be sour, Clap for stoping and feel the power. Welcome to What's Your Story with Steph McMahon, a WWE and Fanatics original production So welcome. So excited to have you on. Thanks for having me. So it's crazy ever since I first saw you at at I think it was around the May Young classic I was always told what an incredible story you have. Right? And You could I don't know if you could feel it or maybe just because I knew that in the back of my head, but madeade you that much more special when I would watch you And you were always so talented in the ring U, which You know, I mean, just kudos to you where it was always so believable and You know, I'd love to know you are, where you came from. We share the same name. Yeah. Oh my goodness. The funny thing is Michael Hayes just found out my name so now he just You are usually called Steph, right from friends. But then when it's Stephanie it's like, what did I do? Right Yeah, when my mom calls me Stephanie, it's a problem. So Marie. Oh Oh, that was your middle name. Yeah Stephanie Y. Y. So And it all goes together, it's a problem. Oh my gosh. Yeah. It's like now that Michael knows my name. He's like, Hello, Stephanie. It's like, what did I do? Tell me what did I do and how I could fix it, please. Well so it's Nicki Bell is also Stephanie Really? Yeah Yeah, I didn't know that. And Stephanie Vcker and you and me. And there's a a lot of Stephan's all of a sudden. Yeah. It's good name. It is. I mean's a good name. I will say just to get it out The first time'm meeting you at the Meing like I think I caught myself stuttering because I used to watch you as a kid. I think I told you just because it came out, but I used to watch you as a kid and it was when you were I just remember I was like, ten years old. And you were so mean on TV. so mean. And I was so mean Daddy, I hate her. I wan to fight her then meeting you and how sweet you were that like you knew who I was and was just so welcoming and warm to all the girls in the locker room that I wasn't nervous approaching you, but I was just fan girling and trying to figure out how to play it cool. but it was just like, man, going from Growing up watching you on TV and just like wanting to fight you to now being in the same locker room. You don't want to fight me anymore. my God E if I say know why I like it everythingthing you did, I was like, o, I just need one slap and then I'm rest my life. So it's so cool to just It feels like full circle and I tell my dad all the time, Oh my God, I met met Stephanie Manadee and I'm at the Rock and Tple H just signed me, Oh my God. And my dad is just really that's really cool because we would watch as a family mask. Yeah. Yeah. we definitely would sit around watch Sunday night heat and like right? Yeah, just Sunday night heat. I remember like right afternon Yeah Sunday night heat. So it's just it was a family thing. So growing up seeing actually getting to meet everybody that I watch on TV and everybody has been so kind and especially it's always the heels that make The sweetest people. like I don't know what that is. I know. sometometimes that's true. So like G gettingting to meet you was like, She's like on TV and thank God. seriously. I tell everybody like meeting you has been and this is not just like me kissing ass or anything, but like meeting you has honestly been a highlight because it was veryer intimidating after doing I think I did two tryouts and always got told like the not right nows. And doing the M young and seeing you there and actually getting to talk to you and you actually knowing who all of us were, you did your, you know, you did your studies and knew what we did and that alone like made the meeting unforgettable just because Growing up, it's like, she doesn't, I'm just a regular person. and it's still to this day shocking when people come up to me asking for pictures or, o I'm mixed too. It's nice to see someone mixed like on TV. So reminding myself like Oh my gosh, I am, you know, a public figure, but I would have never thought being in that position, like getting to meet you guys who I idolize and look up to. Just how welcoming you guys were just It was just it's It's a blessing. It really is a blessing. Oh my God. the blessing and the privilege is it's all mine. You know, truly, like When I think about as well the women who were coming through NXT at the time and where they came from, You know, it was Such so eye opening for me too Right? It's like The whole women's evolution that has happened in our industry has happened because of every woman who's ever stepped foot in the squared circle, no matter what promotion that is. For a lot of women, it was not the best of promotions or experiences for various reasons, lack of resources, whatever it is and And to really think about how hard that must have been You know, for some You know, and especially if you have kids You know, and you have to go on the road and leave your child and you're you're pursuing it to to live your dream Right? And sometimes you don't get paid a lot of money, right? And I've heard you had to decide between like training, eating Oh yeah, you know, or like what were you gonna do and how were you gonna do it? So I'd love to learn more because I earn all of you I just earned my respect in so many different ways And the struggle is so real and how you get from there to here. I, um I always consider myself lucky to get into the wrestling business when I did I think the generation, so I broke in I started training right after high school two seven and then I had my first match atzero nine. So I was in. And this is you were also going to school at the same time. Okay. Yes. So I had a scholarship for vollyball. There's water right there Oh no. Thank you I appreciate it. A lot of talking earlier today with Yeah kids We talk a lot about iconic stories on this show And when it comes to sports entertainment or professional wrestling, no stories are bigger than the ones written by WWE legends. Superstars like Stone Cold Steve Austin and the Rock trarailblazers like Trish Stratis and factions like the NWO and DX. Their legacies are unforgettable And if you want to wear that history, you need the real deal That's why you've got to check out WWE Shop and Fanatics They have the ultimate lineup of official WWE Legends merchandise. We're talking classic graphic teas, premium vintage hoodies, and retro gear. Whether you're hitting a live show or just reppping your favorite era on the street, Fanatics has you covered. Don't wait Head over to wwwshop dot com and fanatics dot com right now and grab your favorite leegends gear What did you do earlier today? I went to the USO base and did a tour around got to see like the Thunderbirds Museum and talk to the kids. That's amazing. I actually have lunch in the Chaow hall, which All right. Yeah. And the selection of food was good. Oh my gosh. Oh yeah. In my head, I'm thinking high schoolact' get in like a box can S b ye, some graham crrackers. What Yeahse orange. Oh my gosh. you're right. tpping into those.at was always Yeah. You don't ask questions. just like number five. but no, they were eating good over there. so that was good good for them. But coming in in like two thousand nine, twenty ten I'm so glad that that was the era that I came into because that I know my dream has always been to come into WWE and become a wrestler however Back in back when I was watching it was The Diva era, rightight?', you know, it's just fine. It was an attempt to put a spotlight on our women. It just maybe Yeah could we are in a better place now, You guys are so strong mentally and emotionally. just because I can't imagine ' I've always been a tomboy and I always would rather play football outside with the boys and play Barbieiess inside. Right. So right. So like just seeing the action is what I wanted to be a part of the storytelling, the action, but then The highlight was, you know love triangles or Braom panties matches and stuff. and I get it, but Also watching as a ten, eleven, twelve year old and then when I started getting older and telling my dad like, that's what I want to do. I wantan to be in WWE. So his mind is just You are not gonna be doing Playboy. you are. And it's like yeah, it was a different time for sure. I couldn't That's why I'm so thankful coming in when I did because I felt that In the Iies, I did a lot of hard hardcore wrestling, intergender wrestling. I just wanted to be treated equally. I wanted to be looked at as a wrestler, not a female wrestler. That want to be look at as a wrestler. So I wanted to wrestle like the guys with the guys with no special training wheels or I don't I don't want to be treated differently just because I'm a girl. Right So coming in and being able to one train with the guys and I feel like back then too, that's the norm anyway. like you If you were gonna to get the chance to train, it was going to be with. Exactly. And the first like three months, when you do first start training, they try to break you I try to see if you're even tough enough to belong in business. Can you hang? Exactly. so you know. hazing and bullying and all that stuff, being the usually the only girl in the training school. At least you know what to expect. Right Eactly. But to me, I'm like being bullied and hazing and stuff, going through being a mixed kid growing up in LA and stuff and moving to DC,'s Is there not a ton of mixed kids A. I'm gonna to see that way. Um now. H Now. I know Me and my sister, we had each other because I moved out of LA around I was probably like ten, ten or eleven. and we moved to DC because my dad was working, he was working in the FBI and the gang unit in LA And then you got to like undercover Yeah There That must have been very scary. We So we didn't understand much. We just knew that we couldn't tell people what our dad did.. We could tell people that he was a cop and that was it. L no details or anything Um C how did your mom handle it Honestly, I couldn't tell you. She handled it with such Gace that she hid a lot of things from us. Wow because my dad would be gone a lot for birthdays and Christmases and she would make it special where we even though we missed our dad, like it wasn't a sad time because my mom went out of her way. She made it so special. Yes, ye. Yes. And she covered a lot of like there were There was a case in China that my dad had to go to that was like a hostage case. So he had to be gone for a while to save the daughter and everything. Wow, wow. Yeah, yeah, it was crazy. What would happen? I mean that you're allowed to say. Well, now that I'm old enough, right? And the statute is probably way gone. Yeah But now that I'm older and understanding why my dad pld us and shielded us from a lot. L now that I'm older, I get it. get it. because And then because he has locked up a lot of people, he always told us like, whatever you do don't don't don't associate with me. Right. because I don't want anybody coming after you. Exactly me. Exactly. so that would be the best way to get to him. Exactly. Be he has has a lot of people away and we were looked at as like we could be hostages in the future or Whatever the case may be just to go after the FBI or him or. And was there any like training you were given? Like were you told anything specific not to do or to do in a given scenario? Be as loud as possible. Someone tries to grab you. Yeah. My dad put me and my sister in Tekwondo do not even remember the year, but I know my whole childhood. it was just self defense, Tekwondo Now And keeping up with that with like Miai and boxing and things, but a lot of self defense classes were taken, even as children becausecause even after the LA era with the gang unit into the DC era where my dad took a job to be a part of the missing and exxploited Children's unit. and that's when That's when the overprotectiveness Really went in? Yeah. becausecause he learned bad it is. Yes. And this was when social media wasn't really a big thing. It's starting, like the internet was starting to grow and things like that. So he's starting to see a lot of the dark web stuff A lot of crazy cases that, you know we weren't allowed to be on the internet. And if we were, he had to watch what we were doing online. and I think we only had an hour of screen time a day, which is now being older, I'm glad that R. Yeah sure, for sure. But at the time feels unfair. but you don knowt S just came out, I wanted to. But it was like seeing I remember getting chewed out because I was looking, I really wanted a hamster. When I was a kid, I really wanted a hamster. So I would just scroll through the internet just looking at different hamsters and my dad lost his shit because he I thought I was like I was in the deep web because as you're scrolling hamsters, you know you're thinking It looks questionable, R, right people knew questionable things like hamsters.. But you were an innocent child. Yeah a hamster. so I just wanted a little pet. Right. Yeah. So there were certain things where he would overreact, but I wouldn't understand why. But now I'm T one to explain. Oh Yeah. And I'm glad he did it because I be too scared He was bothoth my parents were really good with taking care of us and making sure that we weren't growing up too fast in Being a kid, still being able to watch wrestling. but There were still like everybody was Oh my gosh, I'm aging myself in like the Mypace days. Everybody I was around before all of it. so don't worry. Be cell phones. Yes. Oh Oh God, cell phones. Yeah. I remember my first cell phone. Yeah, so it's like everybody was having a MySpace page and we were allowed, but we weren't allowed to post pictures of ourselves. So we had to do the whole cartoones posting cartoon. Yeah. So it was It sucked at the time, but now that I'm older, like I thank my parents so much because they did a great job. They really did. The world is so ugly and they protected me and I was like the worst thing the worst thing in my life is I couldn't have on mypace page. R Yeah. So it's a good thing to be able to complain about. R. Yeah. When your dad was seeing like the worst of the worst as a parent Yeah, I mean, I k him There were a lot like I remember so I used to eavesdrop a lot when I was a kid and my parents were talking. We call it listening? Yes. I was a great listener. Great listeners. I was a great listener, but I remember Like my dad was telling They were arguing or something, but something along the lines of I heard my dad saying that he just had to save a kid fromrom the Dark Web and she was like in a dog kennel and had words I'm not gonna to say what but like words written all over her. It was just being used and he just had to save her. So like, how could my mom like let us do this or whatever case may be. And when I heard that, I was just like, somebody in a dog cage, I was so oblivious. Yeah. I was like, that makes no sense. but It doesn't happen. Yeah. And it shouldn't happen Now now like that I'm older and my dad's able to talk to us more as adults and him being able to detail more the stuff that he went through. It's like, I don't know how you are ing I do wonder about that, right? Like so professionals who are in this line of work. Right. And Elise's husband is a police officer. and your brother's a police officer And she can relate in ways that I can't Um I often wonder about the mental health of seeeeing suchuch awful things. You know Yeah, especially in the job he took, like thank you to your dad for his service. in every way, but especially What you have to be willilling and able to at, do your best to solve, but then That little girl has been through a lot. Yeah. How do you reconcile what happened to her, like how do you How do you How do you then look at your daughters? Right and not want to just wrap them in like a giant bubble and never let them out of the house? So I don't have kids, so I can't speak as a parent, but as that kid I appreciate so much of what both my parents went through and especially my dad because he's very still to this day There's certain things where I would remember something back when I was a kids like, Oh, Daddy, what happened during this? and he's still like, I don't want to talk about it. I can'. So there's still some stuff that he can't talk about, sorry, Daddy, if I'm putting your stuff out there. So there's still some things that he can't talk about, but he's very, um I don't know. I feel like he has done therapy, I'm very big on therapy. I still go to therapy and I'm very big on counseling all that stuff Um I don't remember him ever talking about going to therapy or doing counseling, but he's very Cheismo. I gott to be the man of the family. I got to be a protector. So I don't think he is not in his nature. Yeah. So even even if he went to therapy he wouldn't I don't think he would tell me about it. Right. But that's okay. Yeah, yeah. I'm okay with that. Like whatever helps my dad become the man that he is and to help him through all of that, like I'm gonnaortive. Exactly. Yeah. just I know just by asking him certain stuff and whenever he's just like, I don't want to talk like that alone is like, okay M It messed you up Yeah, it mess because I know can its not? Yeah, because even I've seen him come home just I hate I hate saying my dad cried. He doesn't cry often, but I've seen him lose B friends on the field and like coming home from that So I don't I don't cry but I know it does affect him, but he holds it did so well. He's like he's the strongest man that I know just for everything that he. God bless him. Yeah Yeah. Yeah. great. Thanks to your dad He's all right. B thank you gu than Daddy. But yeah, he's he I think him and my mom is the reason why I am the way that I am and I wouldn't I give them all the credit in the world because one, I don't think I would have ever gotten a scholarship for college without them Um And would also Well Yeah I was a little bit of a problem child. Howouse up. Thankfully it wasn't anything crazy. It was just once my so my parents divorced Now that I'm older, I'm like, oh, that really messed me up more than I thought it did because know both me and my sister, we handled it differently where Unfortunately, my sister, she's only a year younger than me, but she's the youngest in the family and she took on The strength role where she was there for My parents, especially my mom because it was a rough divorce. So my sister had to grow up be there for my mom. And I just checked out where I'm like, I'm over this family. I'm gonna sneak out. I never got into acted out. Yes. ye. So I was out Sneak I hope my parents watch this. So Statute of limitations. It'sactly. go back to that. ye. exactly. They don't pay my bills anymore. so you can't punish me anymore. So I used to sneak out all the time and I never got into the like the drinking and doing weed back weed was illegal back then. so doing all of that. I never got into that, but I always like to sneak out and be out all night just going to car shows or like the the street races and I wased in that scene. Yeah. So I would sneak out and come home. like I figured out we lived in a two story condo. so I figured out a way to get down from the balcony and climb back up the balc. Wow. Yeah, I's pretty impressive. R? Yeah. So Is how you got these crazy arms? Every time you lift your arm in say. You have shack every time I'm biny. I can see your veins. great. Yeah. I love it. I love it. Volleyball and swimming. And your shoulders are all striated, you know? Yeah. It's and it talkal to me in about a month and they'll all disappear. Y please. But thank you. The thing is I've always been vascular too always been made fun of in my cheekbones It gorgeous. People pay money for those loans. People's been telling me that. it's true. Finally now the kid pise up with that stuff just to give a little something. Oh They called me a chipmunk in school. And like now I'm L you out. Yeah. know. But yeah, people pay to look like me. Exactly. We love it. We love it. but yeah, so it's u That was a time. So I was just absent all of the time where my sister had to be there for my family, which which is very hard as well. Yes. me and my sister, we are best friends now, growing up Once we reached Middle school, it was just a lot of classes. So She had her friends. I had like my one or two friends. She was the popular one. I wasn't and it was just like clashing home Cas We would pretend to not even know each other at school. Oh wow, that's awesome. So and I think divorce also didn't help just because. She wanted separation. Yeah. she had to deal with all the stuff at home and kind of be the anchor where I was like, bye Yeah and just didn't care anymore. U Well, you cared. that was just your escape. Yeah. I was just to me, I'm like, o, I mean could have been worse. I could have gotten into worse stuff. Sure just trying to go to car shows and just whileall out a little bit But once I think once me and my sister went to college and had that separation, after college, it was now we weren't living together, we were able to have the relationship that we have now Well, and you did some healing too. A lot. We both did. like We both are very big into therapy and stuff and we talk to each other about everything too with the divorce and growing up. and where Our problems laid So we were able to go down to the root of the problem and just finally just have like a good cry, a good apology, and like it was a really good bonding moment. I just hated that it was to public in at a restaurant. But it did take it took too long, but it was just like, I don don't like crying in public. Yeah, fine But yeah ye, it was good though. It was really good. So now all of us as a family, like even though the parents O divorced, we're all very tight and now we're able to Um, have Christmases together where before my our parents We not sureure. you don't get divorced for no reason. ye. Then I do think that They definitely stayed together longer than they needed to for us. Sure. So I know that they you know, you do anything for your kids and I could never be mad at that. Well good parents do. Yeah. Yes, absolutely So, u Yeah, it was that was Aside from just like Me and my mom, we used to get into it all the time too. and is it becausere are you more like her, more like your dad Um, I feel or neither I feel like I'm more like my dad. the thing with my mom is being as an immigrant from Korea, she still She still has, of course the culture in her, which I love and appreciate, but in Korea, it's like the parents are right no matter what. University. And of course, always respect your elders that d d. Like, as We were getting older and especially with the divorce and just so much pent up anger in all of us.. her trying to kids test. Yeah. definitely was testing her definitely was testing her as daughters do. Yeah Yeah. It was just it was, I think like me and her clashed a lot because Being the oldest one, even though I was still in school, it was like, you can't tell me what to do because you I threw it all back at her, which was horrible my part, but it was like, you can't even like keep your family together. So how are you gonna tell me what to do did it out? Yeah, it was. I always would just watched my promos. Exactly. You knew how to make me. It's all my fault. It' all my fault. So I was I was horrible. I was horrible. and me and my mom are also like really tight. mee and my dad are really tight. I know me and my mom, we still kind of Go add it a little bit but only because shes still Oh my gosh I love her, but she's still Is a mom? Right Yeah I don knowt you mean. Yeah. My kids say this I know too young to say it. Yeah know They will Eicially. Yeah, I know. That's what happens. Well, I love my mom very much. Right No matter what. She's always gonna try to mother you. Oh yeah. 'cause that's what we do. Oh my go. We mean well. I know This is every time like she would come to my shows and I would stay with anytime we have shows in DC, I would stay with her for like three days. And throughout those three days, before SmackDown, for example, she's just trying to feed me. I was like, Mommy, I can't I have smackdown in three days.'s like, Oh, but you're so skinny here. eat.' like No no. there's a commercial that airs in our programming all the time and it's the Korean aunties And that you know that the it's your auntie is trying to say I love you by feeding you. Yes. Is that like I see the all the time. That's true. It's very true. And I didn't realize that I picked up on that trait from my mom because me Shana and Jessmine used to live together and every time we go out to Korean barbecue, I'm the one that's always cooking and making sure they eat before I start eating And it's Shayna's favorite. She loves it. ye. and I love being I don't much But Korean barbecue, that's my b and butter. Yeah. So I just love being able to like feed them until I could tell they're gonna go into like a food comba Yeah and then I Yeah. Okay. my God, that's I got that from my mom.. Dang. It's funny actually the older we get, the more you realize these traits.. the things you say, you'll say an expression in your life It's the a commercial that's like when you're turning into your parents. It is the funniest social ever Yeah spot on. I love that. od when I had we all had to like talk to kids and like, what was something inspirational motivating to keep you successful. And of course, I was like, well, for me, it's punctuality if you're If you're on time, you're late if you're early, you're on time. And I was like, o my god, I'm my dad. Where did that come from The number one sports fan festival, Fanatics Fest, returns to the Javit Center in New York City from july sixteenth to the nineteenth, twenty twenty six. Fanatics has just announced the return of Fanatics Games bringing back its high stakes cross sport competition where everyday fans go head to head with some of the biggest names in sports. The twenty twenty six Fanatics Games introduces an expanded format with a two million dollars total prize pool and new nationwide qualifying opportunities for fans to compete alongside elite athletes The inaugural winner Tom Brady, as well as reigning fan champion Matt Denish will be back. WWE superstars, Rhea Ripley, Liv Morgan, Cody Rhodes, and Jay Usa will also be joining the competition for Shot at the title Head to fanaticsfest. com to apply to compete or grab your tickets to Fanatics Fest, you don't want to miss out But And so which branch of the military did your dad serve? Army Army, Yes And It like what was What was it like growing up with a military dead? Was he still in the service when you were growing up? And then he became FBI? Like at what point did he I want to say he was still in the military, but I was a baby when he transferred to the FBI, but we still had to move a lot. Yeah. I hate, oh my God, I hate moving to this day. but it was like We would get settled and then a year later we would have to go somewhere else and then we would get settled. and then they start to make friends. Yeah ye. Oh, I hated moving just for that because you finally when you finally start feeling like you have roots in the town, it's like, okay, well now out. Yeah. Yeah. So that like I'll claim California as my home always and forever. That's where I feel both California and my college life is where I felt like I started to really develop into me, but going from California to Maryland, back to California to DC to then to Orlando for wrestling and then Texas. So it's like justver. Yeah. Yeah. ye. But I mean, it's cool to say that I was able to It travel as much when I was a kid because now now the travel for us prepped you. Yeah. You're like, ye know this is no big deal. Exactly. I don't know where I'm going, but I'll be ready. How do you think like Moving around so much you're exposed to a lot of different cultures, right? Because There's, you know, culture from where you come from, where your family comes from, but then there's also like a local culture. Yes. you know, So how which pieces did you love? like what did you take from each place you lived? Let me tell you. So California I really loved because at least back in the early nineties, you know, there was very rich culture in the Back community plus the Korean community. So I got the best of both worlds. however, Then there was like the rivalry between the two and was like I I'm in the middle. Yeah. But during that time too, that was a lot of like my dad was making sure that me and my sister, we couldn't go outside past like five PM or we could only play. We lived in a cult deac at the time. so we couldn't leave the c deac. So it was a lot of just like, you go outside and play, but only until this time and then you can only play in this place. Yeah But then also then adult always had to be watching just in case because you know, even the neighborhood kind of knew what my dad did and stuff like that Um, but during like The Rodney King era and stuff was like just can't you can't go outside and play today. So There were restrictions there, but I did feel Uh I did I like the melting pot of the different cultures in California. And then we moved to DC and I felt like fish out of water because I think My identity started to develop in California. I was a California girl. And then going to DC, the opposite side of the country.. And then we moved to a town in Fairfax and that is like How do I say this?? lot of white people. Okay. L in like the suburb. Yeah. Yeah. And it wasn't bad. it was just different. Yeah. evenven like going to school, I was I did not feel like I belonged U and even going to school there was only like, a handful of black students and they were all in like a cliicke. and then there were like a handful of Asian students and they were all in a cliicke and During middle and high school, I didn't really have a lot of friends just because I had nowhere to go. And thank God for volleyball, that was like my only saor Yeah because I was the wrestling nerd that I wore like my wrestling shirts all the time and like I got made fun of all the time because I still liked wrestling. But I was a student athlete, so like they couldn't really, they bullied me, but not as bad as it could be Um And then And you were a successful student athlete. Yes. Well. now all of them are, oh my God, I knew it. I wass like, no, you did it. You make fun of me. I remember. Okay, I remember you. Yeah.. And so it's like Going from LA to DC was just a culture shock U and it took a long time for me. I didn't feel like I truly belonged until I went to college, just because I was always like quiet. Kid. themselves. And then there was one, I will say Hey, Mike, there was one guy in high school. he was onene of the popular kids in school And he we bonded over wrestling. And so being friends with him kind of helped me as well. And sure, sure. still to this day, like he got into wrestling after I got into wrestling and like still to this day We chat and like catch up whenever I go visit my mom in Fairfax and like That's cool. Yeah. It's just like, hey, remember at high school when we would just like sit in lunch and just talk about what the Rck and Stonehold did. And he's like, Yeah, and look at you now. like now you're working and you're doing Wrestleania and d d I was like, I know what the heck so reminisce, but also actually have a friend because I didn't have a lot of friends in school Um And it was very dark and lonely during those times. Yeah. That's where I learned a lot about Counseling. Yeah. But it was hard. it was hard to transition into that and also too, I felt The education system from California to DC, it's so different. So going to DC, I was put into like special ed classes because I just couldn't where I was supposed to be for DC or Virginia standandards is I wasn't there Right. So for a long time, like I was So instead of holding you back, you went into special ed classes Yeah. And did it help? I It did. Yeah. it did. it definitely like I feel I always say college was a turning point for me because that's when everything started to make sense. Everything in high school I was I don't know how, but by the time I finished high school, I was like a three point one or two GPA. and so I was like, I barely made the cut to even get a scholarship for volleyball. But even that, I was shocked that I even made it in the threes. And then in college, I became like a three point six. Like things just started making sense in college.. Whereas in high school Everything from math and history and science, like it just felt foreign to me. Well, and also you didn't learn the foundation the same way. Yeah.'s. So that's tricky because You miss so much going from one school to another school and they try to catch you up. Yeah. It's like kind of impossible. Oh my God. Yeah ye. So it's like I feel like I wonder what life would have been, especially for my education if I would have stayed in California, but because The system in Virginia was In my opinion, just at a higher standard. R. It worked out and especially in college, like I went to college in Virginia too, so that and I went to HVCU and I think that's when I really started to find myself because I was One out of two Asians on campus, so immediately everybody was like, Ohh my God, you're cool. L And you play volleyball, come on, let's hang out and come that's great. Yeah, And I just you were just accepted right away. Yes. immmediately. Instead of feeling like the outsider, you were Yeah Part of everything. Yeah. And sought after That was the first time where I've actually fel attractive. I was like, Oh my Godd, the guys actually like me. I'm like, oh, that That was only because I was Mike is still calling you, by the way. Sorry, Mike is still calling you I'm just saying. you were always att tract yah. Thank you. I think just growing up always being, you know, made fun of because I was different or believed that. Yeah. whichich is awful. When you talk about the dark place that you went to, the way you say it It must have been a really hard time Here you go, make me cry just going back to those times. Yeah, it was like, I think Dealing with a divorce And then the conflicts with my mom. And is that why you wound up in Virginia? Be you said your mom wound up staying there. Was the divorce what So Or was it your dad's job? L It was it was my dad's job. They were still together. Wh were you when they Uh Maybe like twelve or thirteen. rightight before the teen years. That's tough. Yeah Yeah. And u, So we moved to Virginia for my dad's job. Okay. And then we were there for a couple of years and then the divorce happened. Okay. And then he left and went back to California or No so he made sure to stay close to us. He got an apartment like a couple blocks down. He made sure to always be close to us no matter what So that was that was really nice to just be like, I'm mad at my mom's home' going to my dad's. But so it was like the divorce plus the, you know, every I feel like It's such a Everybody gets made fun of in high school unless we're the popular kid or whatever but not really having like feeling like I belonged in high school and just feeling so lonely and not knowing who to talk to. because even even your sisters, you're not getting along with. Right Right. Right. And I went through a phase of like boy crazy. So I was always just You know, I had a boyfriend and then they break up with me and then I'd be like, o and then I got a boyfriend or whatever. So like I noticed that When I was in high school, I attached myself to shareways Um Did it do anything crazy But you felt it was just positive attention. Yeah, ye. Yeah. We wanted to feel pretty and loved and wanted and yeah. ye. But you know who doesn't want that? Right, R. I think just Going through that era and especially talking to like there were some teachers that I work was cool with and even telling them like how I felt all of a sudden I get a call and I have to go to the counselor's room and they're like, you know, if you're thinking about something, you know we have to You have to call your parents. I was like up'm good. Yeah. So it's like how not gonna say anything now Right Right. So now you're keeping it inside even more. Yeah So I did like I used to I don't really have time for it anymore, but I used to really like drawing and art Um I made I made a lot of dark arts back then. It's okay, that's how it was coming out. Yeah ye. it helped, but it was also like it was no good when my mom found it. but you it was just u So are you sure it wasn't good that she found it or did she find it and then you got some help that you may have needed or u or a conversation? or was would it have been better to have stayed hidden from her? I mean, I think it did help. I don't think She didn't know what to do So Thankfully, she didn't call anybody or anything, but even her trying to open up and talk to me about it, I didn't want to talk to her. R To me, she was the enemy. So I didn't want to talk to her. I didn't want to talk to anybody in my family I just wanted you felt like she was the reason they got divorced I didn't know. and To this day, I still don't know what happened, but I also don't want to know. R. I love them both very much and I don't want I wasn't sure if that was the reason you were I think I was just resentful. L' like you both You knew What you were doing, I don't know what it was, but you broke the family, both of you. So F the both of you was my mentality. Yeah. And, um I was I tested my mom more because I was scared of my dad. So to this day, I'm still scared of my dad. I'm like, you know, we're scared of your dad too. Yeah, hon. Oh yeah. He would be scared of you. But like to this day, I'm still like, you know, I' got whapons back in the day stuff like that. I'm like, now at least daddy can't catch me. But like I tested my mom a lot because I wasn't scared of her. So it was easy for her. like if she's like, what is this? like do you want to talk about? I' like, I'm not talking about that was she? like get out on my face. Like I was very disrespectful U, but it was I was very independent and I would rather deal with it by myself and if I Survived, been great And if not So it was just one of those things like If I make it through this period of time Cool and if not It Back then, I was like, Wh's gonna miss me anyway? Like who cares? So you thought you didn't matter. How did you finally get to the place? where you know that you do I want to say once again in college with volleball and wrestling because that was when Like I felt accepted, I felt like I mattered and not even just on the court, but walking around campus, like just people saying hi like seeing me. Hey, how are you, Steph, How are you? Like You come into this party tonight, like actually getting invited to things and then with wrestling already having the structure of Tekwondo, swimming, volleyball. likeike it was very easy for me to go with the training program And then when the guys started to realize like, I'm not just here to make it on TV. like I love this shit And I'm going to stick through it. Yeah. no matter what you throw at me. And once they started to see, I wasn't going nowhere, no matter how hard they were going to hit me and then getting accepted is like I felt like I finally Like one doing what I love and to doing what I love with people that actually respect and give a shit about H so Yeah. I think sports definitely Sports and video games but mainly sports definitely helped out a lot. And when did you said you're big on counseling and therapy When did that become a part of the equation? So I into that the a really bad relationship So not before then. No. So you've gone from probably your lowest low All dealing with it by yourself, really not talking to anybody about it but sort of Turning the corner and feeling you know, empowered and a part of something, although P still that unresolved piece of you who doesn't believe all of this is real. becausecause for some reason the stories that we can tell ourselves seem like they're the truth when it's Not Yeah And I'm very where The older I get, the more I can understand my mindset and thought process and I'm really good at It's always been since I was a kid Whenever something traumatic happens I block it out and then I pretend that it never happened. You compomartmentalize it. Yes.. So there are some things that happen that people come up to me like, I'm so sorry that this happened and I was like, o, I forgot that happened. Damned. Oh okay Oh, that's right. I did go through that Yeah. So it was a lot of that in high school too because I just I didn't trust anybody, even the counselors at school. off course, like they just said they to tell on me. They basically said that right away. Right. So I already had the notion of I can't openly talk to them because I'm going to get committed into like a seventy two hour hold or something U so I I can't I can't talk to you guys, I can't talk to doctors. I'll just ust handle it on my own and we'll see what happens. And there wasn't like the help Hotlines and things like that then or you just still didn't trust it? I did call, but I didn't feel comfortable enough to still be one hundred percent. Like I still felt guarded And to me, I think I just needed to find the right therapist as well because I've been through so many, but like I found one that I can really just I know that she just wants me to be the best version of me. You trust her. one hundred percent. Yeah. And it's not a financial situation or anything like that And you just felt that like throughout my years and I'm like, okay, they just want they just want the insurance money and they don't really care. They're just taking notes to send it to my doctor and like you could tell when they're genuine versus when it's like, all right, well They're just here for the hour. Yeah counting down the minutes, you know U So I just with me to get through a lot of hard times, it's like, let me just for an example Okay, let me just get through the next three days and then I'll be home with my dogs. Okay. I just got three days. So it's just even that's always been since I was a kid too, like, okay, well, school sucks, people are making fun of me and throwing my food on the floor so I can't eat today. three days until it's Saturday and then I could sleep in and just not be around them for a little bit. So it's always just counting down like the light at the end of the tunnel. Yeah just kept me going. It's important that light at the end of the tunnel. Oh yeah. It really is something to look forward to. A little hope. little hope. Yeah I feel like that's or like a strategy right that like yeah, that you figured out And it got you through until you could talk to someone like. Yeah. ye. I'm glad. I'm glad it worked out. But so you have this incredibly successful high school career? I mean, college career? Yeah. Yeah. Surprisingly enough, like so for volleyball, there Charlotte played volleyball, Izzy played volleyball, they're like six Right one or two Right, right. So I'm super short for volleyball standards, but my vertical Oh yeah. I could jump. So I bet you're fast. Oh yeah, yeah. I learned I implemented it to wrestling too, where for volleyball, I learned every single position. So I'm mainly an outside hitter, but I could play middle. I could play Oo, I could play Libero, I can't set if the saved my life, but I could do that if I didn't need it I like to learn every single ility player. Yeah. just in case if it's like, oh crap, like our middle player just got hurt like All right, I could jump in.ight. So using that to wrestling as well is like, I want to learn Japanese style. I want to learn Lua, I want to learn the UK style. L I want to learn everything just so I know. Yeah. because you know, better never know when you're gonna need to use it. Exactly. So for volleyball, like that really helped me One become a team player, understanding like the functions of a team, but also in college, I was co captain. So having to lead the team. and I learned a lot of different aspects in college, both on the court and even in school too Um justust with personal relationships and relationships with the teachers and Things like that. It was, you know It was a good time. Yeah. and networking. Yeah, too, right? and how importantp that is in life in your career. Yeah, not Before Twitter was barely popping off. so you had to exchange emails and first started wrestling and I met Sarah Del Ray and Daisy Hayes and I was like What can I do to train with you guys? like? Well, email me and we'll get imediately know Yeah Immediately send them an email and just waiting for like the notification. right? You know? But it's like instead of just tweeting at somebody or sending we had God. We got send tapes. Yeah actual tapes. Yeah. Yeah. so that you making the big ass. Oh my go Cder Yeah put the envelope and st Oh yeah. Oh yeah. Yeah the pig envelope. Oh my gosh. yeah, please Manila foolder with all your stuff st get up there. Yeah. Yeah. I think oh my gosh, I think I said Like, I think it was either to you I hope you never find it. I remember back in the day you guys used to have like, send your fan mail too and then ye. So I sent A hate letter you Oh I hope it, I remember it I was like just learning how to write and everything and all. Well, I maybe I was an outlet honestly waiting a letter back. likender if she's gonna write back. But you remember what you wrote? I don't, but It wasn't nice. But it was probably just like, I hate Stephanie. She's a bonehe. d d d. I hope the rock choke slams her to hell. big. So funny. That ye. So it was, you know, back in those days without ' It makes me so mad when everyone's like, let's just do this spot for the gift and let's go viral. I'm like Oh, that makes me so mad. but that's the age of twenty twenty six now' social media. Yeah. I' like I cherish being able to go to school and actually going outside and playing and not being. consumed by right what you have to do to make a moment. Yeah. Yeah. I loveved the grind of having to send out emails and mailing out tapes and seeing if I got into shhimmer or Um getting into the ring of Honor schoolchool or, you know, any place you went. Yeah. So the grind really made The success much sweeter Because it wasn't easy. Yeah. And I was just gonna say getting like the nose.. It just it was like neverever ending. All right. Yeahah. I'm gonna send out ten more. Like Give me one. Just give me that one Are you ready to hold WWE history in the palm of your hand Tops is bring you closer to the action than ever before with WWE Tops now highighlighting the biggest matches and milestones from WWE shows and PLEs throughout the year Paps Now is enhancing the fan experience by connecting collectors to the superstars and spectacles that ignite their passion Featuring stunning event exclusive photography, each card is made for the moment And for some lucky collectors, that moment could become the pull of a lifetime Along with serial numbered parallels, some tops now releases offer a chance at rare short prints suuperstar autographs and even pieces of the matte. gear or other items used during the featured match So which moments will you collect With eachach card only available for a limited time, you won't want to wait to begin your Ts now journey Be sure to subscribe to the WWE Tops Now mailing list on tops d. com and follow tops on all social media platforms so you never miss a single moment you're Dad was military, so do you think that that did he teach you work ethic and anyy particular way percent? Well, u Like I said, I grew up on whoopons, so can't be late. I know And a woman was Oh, you know Belts switch from outside, whatever. Yeah. whatever was. Yeah. It wasn't like but a real like what like a just like a a quick just a quick little you know, just wake me up Okay. Not abuse. It was nothing abusive. It was just I appreciate it because I'm only asking you because everyone's Deinition Oh yeah no, it was a quick, you know, ye. whyy'd you do that pot like a like a pot? Yeah.. Yeah, it's a quick pot But It was enough for me to make sure that I made sure to never do drugs because my dad If I E even weed I was too scared to try it because I'm like, my dad's gonna kill me. He's going to literally kill gosh. I think I took I think I took my first sip of alcohol when I was like, or nineteen so and even then I was just like, this is wrong, yeah. Yeah. But he was very strict, very strict on punctuation, making sure that we were always on time U we had a comeback inside from playing outside like when the street lightights came on, but you had Once the street lights came on, you had ten minutes to make it back home. Oh yeah you're in trouble But you were close to the Cul deacs, so you were al right. Oh yeah.. Once they came on, me and my sister sprinted home. Yeah. But it was that along with You know, growing up, he said, yes, sir, no, sir Y, ma'am, ma' Um No, we weren't allowed to be friends with boys No boys allowed. Sorry, Mike It might just be cool. I' always just been cool. But like it was, I think because I've always Shanea and J Duke are my best friends. They're like my sister. Liva is my sister But for some reason, growing up, I've always been closer with the guys only because like I can go out and play football. You could relate to them ye. Yeah. Like if they wanted to go skateboarding down the block, like I was gonna go to I don't know skboard relations too guys are easier. There's just less drama. Yes. And now that I'm older, I feel like Yeah Less guys is great. But growing up just trying to find a place to fit in, I fit in more with the guys just because I wanted to be active and I wanted to you know, when you know, when people asking you all kinds of questions you don't want to answer. Yeah like girls are going to try to get in your business. Yeah yeah. Guys in a different way. Yeah. Yeah. L it was just being one of the guys. E even being with the OC, I'm one of the guys and it it's great until Whenever there's a situation so In California, I remember there was a situation where Like every all the kids were playing in the cul deack and then this It so stereotypical. like this we've never seen it before. a white van just like slow driving like past us And like all the guy kids like surrounded the girls. It was just Really? Yeah. So like yeah, they're still it was safe. Yeah It' still safe So it was cool. It's always really cool. my God, I just got used. I was thinking about that. Little things like that and even with the OC, like I'm one of the guys, but anytime we do meet and greets and there's a drunk guy that's like I want to take a picture of her. they would swich me in and it' like nope you're going, you're staying on out I just feel protected when I'm with like close friends. Yeah, especially with guys But shoot, not I'm best friend Shan and J Du guys the same thing.. But yeah it is it was a lot easier just just interacting with guys, making guy friends and just like kicking in with the guys. Yeah. And so we started to get into how you found your therapist Um If you're comfortable talking about sort of what led you You know, what happened after college U I O when did you meet this man? Um We met in twenty either zero nine or ten. It's Now it's one of those things where I'm like haaven't talked about it in so long that I'm like I gott to go back and thinkink, but it was I think, ero nine or ten Um And And I'm sorry, that's after college. Yes. So after college, I met Try to remember I moved to to Orlando. It was around like the twenty thirteen time. Okay. because you were doing both. You were at the same time. That's why I little I finish Yeah I finished college in twelve. So I met him I think in thirteen. Okay in thirteen We met And then I was still living in Virginia at the time because during that period, the tri state area, the DMV, DC, Maryland, Virginia That was starting to boom with wrestling. and then you had the other tri state Philly, Jersey in New York was three hour drive for me. So I was making drives every weekend. I was like, I'm going to stay in Virginia because this is a good wrestling area Central. Yeah. Yeah. G h training But with the PC being in Orlando, and I'm like, okay, well maybe I think We have a partnership with T andA, so can I say TNA? Yeah, o. You can say anything you want.. So and I know TNA was based in Universal at the time. So all the bigre like TV wrestling was in Orlando. Um So I meet and we go I moved to Orlando and And was he a part of the business Yes. Okay. And so down to Orlando and just with the hopes of possibly making it making it on TV, whether it's WWT and I just I need a sh TV experience. Yeah But Moved down to Orlando and it was Great At first, But then You know Just it it I think once I moved That's when things went downhill because it was just You were living together Yeah It was just I And married? No. No. o Um I realized you were reliant on him Yeah, like we both we both had jobs and we both were wrestling. It was it was fine. We're training together. It was just Now that I'm out of it Um It was one of those things where it's like, Damn, I really was isolated And u I give credit to my other best friend Liva, who was there and we knew each other, but we weren't close until I moved to Orlando and she was like anyytime I just needed to Get away I went to hers. and she always made sure that like I had a bed there and was able to just go there Um But yeah, it was I uh It was a So well're pretty much Going to therapy what led me go into therapy was it was a violent relationship. and it was hard because Um like it's to the point now, it's been long enough and I've been doing therapy long enough where like I Everything happens for a reason. I learned a lot from it and I forgive I forgive Wow. Everybody But was, um Sorry, I'm stuttering a lot. No your no' stuttering and it's obviously so hard for you to talk about because it happened to you Yeah. and yes, there's Of course, great learning and everything happens for a reason, but to live through Violence that is directed at you by someone that you love is something that people hopefully a lot of people can't relate to, but I do know it happens all the time. Yeah. And domestic abuse is a very, very serious situation. applaud you for being willing to talk about it. In any form that you have talked about it, and for always supporting women who are in these situations because you know, like I've I've heard you say, you know, you when and it's one of the lessons I try to teach my girls and All girls, you need to be financially independent. Y You need to be able to provide and support yourself so that Should you God forbid wind up in a situation where that's bad, you can get out. Um, you know, and a lot of women can't because they feel Hey, they're sort of manipulated, right? They are pattern is to be kept away from your family, from anybody who loves you You are isolated, you are then You know, it's it's it's psychological manipulation and then Physical abuse on top of that It. So many women can't get out It' I always try to Like it it sucked at the time. Well, it' sucks all around, but It's one of those things where when it was happening to me, What made me want to be vocal about it and tell my story was when I would go and open up to my Fellllow coworkers or anytime I have shimmer, like just kind of break down and like It was so much pressure at home that once I left, like I just couldn't help but break down. and it had to come out. Yeah. And so it would just come out and so many of the girls that I worked with like Oh yeah, I've been there Like what It's like, yeah we like The common thing that pissed me off about it all is The fact that as women wrestlers, when we go through that, all of a sudden it's like, oh, well, you're a wrester. L that's that you should be used to that.t you want to read up all the time? Right. And it's exactly. And it's like, okay, but the difference between being in the ring and being at home is consent. I'ending to a wrestling match. I'm notending to getting chok By the way, what we do is entertainment. Right Act. Right. So seeing all of These girlfriends of mine like, yeah, you know, we go through it too, but like what can we say You know, we wrestle guys too. What can we say? And it's like Fuck that, right? Absolutely not because that's why it keeps That's why' happening. And so I'm so glad it's this like defeatist mentality. Yeah Yeah. I understand their point of view because I felt that way, but it was also I think the becausecause you're made to feel that way. Yes. And this this was before the M too movement and I was like I don' care what is said about again', you know, a lot of people has talked trash about me since talking about it. and at the end of the day, it's like, I need to put this message out because there's a woman that's having an intergender match this weekend that's getting beat up at home, but she feels like she can't say anything because she has this freaking match with a guy And now she's worried about all these other wrestlers laughing at her because she can't defend herself at home But then if she defends herself at home, then she's the abuser. R I mean? So it ye. It's such a v double edged sword, a vicious cycle and the mental Oh my Godd, the mental told like I've gotten I usually walk around one thirty five, one forty. during that time, I was like in my early one twenties like weight. and everybody, which also was another thing. I was like, Oh my God, you look great. L your abs are popping and I'm like, thanks in my head. I'm like I don't I I'm just not hungry. I'm so stressed that I just wasn't eating. I wasn't hungry So it it was was a lesson, but I really just wanted to use my own lesson, but also platform it and tell the other Wen wrestlers like, yeah, even though're wrestler and you may wrestle guys, you may do hardcore matches, this is not okay. Yeah, well, that's not the same thing. It's not. It's not the same' always going to hear these doue bags on Twitter or whatever saying Dumb shit Sorry But saying all something sorry. like people just open me off because they don't exactly don they don't know. and it's They're just trying to get a reaction or rage bait or whatever it's called. and we just shouldn't pay them attention. You are correct You are correct was easier said than done though. Yeah ye. for sure. But it's like thankfully for therapy, like I'm able to Like I'm still working through it. like I think That relationship and that whole experience changed who I which I look back and that's one of the reasons why I still cry about it because Back then, I think I was just I was naive, but I thought the world was not as bad like, you know, I still have to deal with the stuff that my dad has been through and things like that. But to me it's like, I just want to wrestle and I just want to play volleyball and I just want to make friends and d d d. and then goingo through that was like, this is what This is what life is, Right And I just want to Wreussell and now I have to go to work and get made fun of because of Like it was It hardened me to a point Who made fun of you and it like on top of social media? and I don't mean names or Oh yeah, no. It was just a lot of like are I always try to I don't like to When I'm mutual friends Like we're, you know, friends with both of us. I don't like to be like, it's either me or him. You gotta side. So mutual friends would be the ones who would make fun of you. Some of them. There's some that by me and ultimately like the friendship off, but then there were others that's like, you're lying. L why Like you got that you got that in a match last week, likeike that mark on your neck. You got that last week, likeike you're ling. Why are you saying that? It's like I always I don't waste my energy arguing back because to me, if you're gonna tell me that you know, I'm lying or I'm m, you're going to believe anything say.ight. So I'm not worth it. It I just clock it in my head like, o, well now I know that you're not safe to be around. So how awful that it was Normalized like that. Yeah, that's what's blowing my mind That anybody would say that Anybody would say that The unfortunate thing, which I know you both understand is as women, we're always going to be effults No matter what, we're always going to be at fult. whether if a relationship don't work, it's our fault. If someone, if we get divorced, it's our fault. So it's Am I surprised? No Because at the end of the day, we always get the shit under of the stick, no matter what, unless reakaking People didn't believe He did until the video came out Yeah And even when the video came out, it's like, okay, but what does she do to deserve deserve? That's like, right right So It's unfortunately just part of being a woman I'm so, so sorry that you had to endure Every that you went through And I'm sure you were so much more vulnerable because of all of the unresolved issues that you already were carrying. Yeah. and I'm just I'm so sorry And I'm grateful you're on the other side Although still working through it. yeah because can never undo what somebody has done to you. It's always going to stick with me, which is wide like put it in the back of my mind, but I always Talking to my therapist now and working through all of that is like looking back back T years ago to now' like I'm still me, but Damn, I'm such a strong person now that like I know the signs, I know how to protect myself. I know like if I even if I see my friends Right P see it much more clearly with friends.fortunately, they don't listen. Yeah, but the best thing that I can do is no matter what, even if because I had to cut off like Shelton. I had to cut off like all my close friends ' to let them know like, hey, no matter what happens, if even if I don't talk to you for years, I'm always going to be here. So just know, I'm always going to be here. even if you can't talk to me or won't talk to me or whatever. like I'll be here So it's just letting them know that when they are ready I'm here. Yeah. You can't force somebody to That's right, you know. And there's so many, I think it was like an average of seven times before a woman actually can leave So I know can you explain that a little bit? So Because of the mental manipulation and just being trapped, whether it's financial or emotional or mental to physical sometimes. A woman leaving a violent relationship, it takes them on average six or seven times six or seven attempts before they can finally leave. So that's why you see a lot of women They leave and then they come back. and then they leave and then they come back. And then it can be frustering to the friends, but it's just the cycle of survival for them. You know tryving to not get out of it. You're trying. Right. But Exactly. And for whatever reason they suck you back in and I'm so sorry and I didn't mean it and I'm a horrible person. Yeah Yeah. and At the end of the day, that's why like after going through it myself, And now being able to see certain signs like within my friends, it's always like, hey I'm gonna love you no matter what.. I'm a support you, no matter what. I'm always gonna be here because I know that in my situation too, whenever people would tell me, you need to leave, it would make me want to stay Yeah, like I don't need to leave. I'm good. I can. Yeah. It was that concept of leaving was not even a thought. Well, and the abusive pattern right is there's a lot of rewards too. It was bombing. Yeah. you know, we had a dog at the time and Dogs are my life. I wasn't Yeah. We all al love I say your dog is I too. I want a bull mastiff so bad. Oh my go.. Well, I grew up with bull mastiffs and now we have mastivs. Oh Yeah, they're slightly bigger. Pty massive. But ye, so I was like, I'm not leaving my do. this is gonna sound so messed up, but I'm like you Put your hands on me as much as you want, Once you put your hands on my dog, like We're gone. Yeah. So That bins. And it's just like, I've I couldn't leave my dog I refuse to leave my dog My dog is my baby. Yeah. So if I have to stay in a in a Viol you couldn't shot the dog you didnt think about it her I was you couldn't Yeah, I was wrestling, you know, wrestling on the weekends and working in nine to five, but even there were times where I would go You know, Lva would be out of town or something and I would just go stay at a rickety holiday or somew for fifty bucks for two nights or whatever and just bring my dog. but that was that was going into my emergency credit card fund, right? So like I couldn't leave It was either, it was either just suck it up until I could figure out what to do or go back to Virginia. And and even if I went back to Virginia, I couldn't bring my dog. So I wasn't, I wasn't leaving my dog no matter what Um So it was a lot of debt that I went into just trying to have, you know, just get away for a night or something and then figuring out what to do with my dog. and yeah So how did you get out Thankfully, u I Oh my way, I gott, I like blocked it out so much There was a time where I filed a restraining order after an incident Um I got I got locked in a closet and So the closet didn't have a lock on it. so I didn't know how he I think he put something in front of the door or something, but like I got locked in a closet and I was able to break my way out of it And Uh reactively like I In the closet in I didn't have my phone. So in the closet what went through my head was if I don't get out of here My parents are getting a phone call that I'm dead. Immediate rage because it's like I refuse to give him the power to hurt my parents Like you can hurt me, but I'm very big on don't hurt the people that I love, R So I just like blacked out, broke out of the closet. and once I saw him, I just like went after him, but of course he like overpowered me and then use a towel to choke me. and then after that happened? Did you lose consciousness? No. I back Um, Because he was on top of me. And like he mounted my my chest area I couldn't really move aside from my hands, which The only thing I could grab So desperation, I did that. And then he, of course, how like how could you do that? And that'sucked I was like, bro Okay And after that incident, that's when I finally filed a restraining order, was able to get Um I had to I I didn't know if you would wherever I was because I was doing a lot of local shows in the Orlando area. so I wasn't sure if he was going to pop up. I wasn't sure If He was going to get a gun. I wasn't sure what was going to happen. So I immediately justed to pack myself in Lave go somewhere Um and found a super cheap apartment. u got into I got help from someone else and like Shelton has helped me a lot with, you know, always, even though he was living in Texas, he's like, you let me know, I will buy you a flight and you stay with me as long as you need But once again, I'm like I can't leave my dog. You know? And it was English bulldog, so they can't fly and I couldn't afford to I didn't know they couldn't fly Yeah. they I think I wonder if it's different now, but back then like they're high risk. so there's a possibility that they could p just from like flying. Oh my go. Yeah. so all like the Frenchies and the bulldogs like those squishhing, squish face. Yeah, Th those are high risk And I was like, I can't you' like I thought about it, but I'm like, I don't I knew to get to me, he' gonna do something to my dog And I could not I could not leave her U So That was that was a turning point for me when When you felt like it was truly life or death, something came over you. And you felt it in your gut and you knew you had to get out And that was reinforced when he had that towel around your neck. Yes. That was the first time that I went across my head that like my family is going to get a phone call. and that I think that changed something in my mind that's like, I'm And how many times had you tried to leave before that? Forward. Like it never got to the point where I actually left, but like, Yes' how so so this moment happens and now. After that, I just like Keeping cool, keeping calm, but in my head, I'm going over a game plan. I'm making a to go bag I am Googling like how and she wouldn't go through my phone or whatever. So like I will Google how to file because I don't know how to do any of that Yeah. Google it and then erase my history. And like so I'm coming up with these plans and even like Shelton was helping me like, hey, make sure you look into this and look into that, like d d d d Um So once he went to work, or like, I think it was either work or wrestlinger or something where he was gone for the day. I just I went and filed Good for you. Yeah was It was It was rough, but at the end of the day, like I don't think I could have made it out without the support system that I had at the time. Yeah It matters very much because for once even Though for an example, with Shelton, even though I had to cut him off Like I couldn't be friends with him anymore The minute Be of the relationship Yeah. So it was dictated to you to not be them And so when I finally reached out and told him everything And immediately he was just like, you let me know what you need. I know I'm not there, but I am here U So him just kind of talking me through everything and let me know that one, I'm not alone, which is why I emphasize to you know, anyone else that's in trouble. emphasize they're not alone Be that even th know how feel they are? Yes. And that changed everything for me because that moment was like I have to fight. Like I have to fight because yourself. Yes. people People will People love me. and I refuse And I matter. Yeah It was It was eye opening to see just how many people when My friends started to realize what was going on, how much they really helped me. physically, mentally, like Liva made sure that I had a place to stay that freaking night and like Let me bring my dog over, even though she got cats. and so It just seemed like the community like came together to make sure that I was safe and okay And It was, um, Yeah, it really made me feel like I mattered and I'm loved and people would actually care if something happened to me. They showed up H And how did you meet Shelton Chicken wings. This was in I want to say twenty ten or eleven, like I just started like doing shows and this One show in Maryland, they brought in I think I wrestled Mickei James and they brought in Shelton and Charlie. and And I think because they brought in all of the WWE people, they actually had catering, which n what? treat. Yeah. So of course, I have my plate and I'm like in line for the chicken wings and then Shelton's right behind me and we both go to grab a chicken wing at the same time. Yeah. and it was just like we just time. So we each took a chicken wing and just like kind of like ate and they like started talking with each other. And I don't know how it diverted to the relationship we have now where we just insult each other all the time. but it was it felt natural and like from the jump I felt like he watchatched my match with Making and immediately was like Oh, she actually cares about this. like she's doing this because she loves it, not because she just wants a be on the cover magazines or whatever. like she actually is passionate about this. So I think him seeing that, he's always givven me advice from, oh my gosh, he's another one where I would say stuff to like the younger generation of wrestlers. and my God, I'm just sh. And I would him for being like the old school guy. And I was like, I just want to wrestle. I don't care about making money. I just want to wrestle. and I great matches. He's like, your b Once you hit thirty, you got to make sure you wrestle for longevity and psychology and make sure you. So he would always like hone in because he knew I wanted to be in WWE. So he made sure to Tell me about like the psychology of my matches, whyy I did this? Why didn't I do this and d d d d and like kind of make sure that I was TV ready Um That's so great. Yeah. Because in my head, I'm like, I don't care. Let me gig. I'm ready to get headir. I'll do it. Exactly. And now like I'm talking to the younger generations. I'm telling them the same things I'm saying. Yeah. I always text Shelton. I' like, thanks Shelton. for what your advice? Helped once again. now it's reflecting off of me to them That's great. Yeah. Yeah. he's been in my life for sense Man, almost two decades now. so that that's my very cool. My family loves him. He is he's my family Yeah. Oh, I love that. I didn't know that. That's awesome. She's Yeah, we're tight. Yeah That's awesome. Yeah, that's I always say like that's my big brother. he My family loves him My dad tried to get him and my sister to get together. Thank off for Biggie man. He stepped in there. But he does love your sister, Biggie. Oh we interviewed him over the summer. Yeah, right? S? Yeah, and he was like, you could tell the heart's in his eyes. Good Yeah Once they got together, it's funny because me Kopfia Woods talk about it all the time because like getting to know E very like wasn't interested in relationships, just wanted to his own thing. And then my sister was very much the same way. And she has rightfully so high standards in a man. So once she sees a red flag, she's out. That's it. She don't care. Yeah. whichich I love that about. Yeah In my head, I'm like There's no guy for her because she deserves the perfect guy Yeah. And so when they met and they because they met at u So I introduced them at WrestleMania I think it was in Hollywood couple years ago when they actually like met and then They got to hang out at Bianca's premiere for her yeah, their love show Yeah And so they actually got to like sit together and talk and I felt like I was cack blalking because like we had somewhere to go. I like, I'm so sorry, but like we got to go. We gott to go. Yeah. But they were able to like exchange numbers and stuff. and then they started to flourish and I was like, they from the jump, like perfect match. Yeah. I think individually, they were their own people and they were Okay being alone. Yeah now that they found each other, they were just like the perfect match. That's so great. love I love seeing my sister in love and he's such a great guy. He a great guy. He's really good at Scrabble. Yeah. And my family has been trying to beat him So Scrabbbleles your family game Scrable is his game, but dad my dad is really good at it. Yeah my sister iss really good at it Not good enough.ot good enough. The goal is they they gott to be E. They gotta be E. So you did you grow up playing Scrabbled up? likeike as a family? I didn't. No. I haven't later. Yeah. I know like my dad has always loved those kind of games. Were there family games? There were, but it was u like The games that we used to play Oh, I'm scared. No, no, I'm aging myself. But we used to play together like The Nintendo sixty four, we play like Um, Mario Kart. Y. and u that I am having a brain fart, but it's like a board game but with Mario Oh Yes, Mario Park. Oh very good. Yeah. Thank you.. We would play like the Nintendo sixty four games together. Okay. And then our next door neighbor in LA had, so we were the Nintendo sixty four, they were like the Playstation. Okay. We would go over to his house and play like Danc' Revolution or like Tomb Raider.. So we would play the Playsttation games next door and then the Nintendo sixty four games Oh, me and my sister used to play WrestleMania two thousand Wind sixty four all the time. Wow, yeah Yeah, good times. I know. you for your fire. But yeah. we used to be a really like, before the divorce we were very tight knit, then the divorce happened and we all like lost our minds. and then after college now we're all together. Yeah Yeah. because even I'm sorry, No, go ahead. What did your parents say when they found out what you had been through I Well, I will never forget like It's Crazy because with my parents, like I knew I knew my parents were gonna to be heartbroken. and they were Um, But it stillill like, oh my God I remember when my sister found out And like We were on the phone and She immediately just started crying. It' like How could this happen? Why? Like not to me, but like I could tell that her thought she was thinking out loud. And she just started crying and it like broke me. And I think that's when it was like And that was that before you left or after This was I want to say This was after Because when I filed, Um It was challenged. When I filed, it was challenged and I had documentation of like all the marks and everything. But of course, I'm like, I don't know how much this is going to do because I it eas exactly. Right And so We had to go to court so I can fight to keep it in place U and having to go to court, I'm like, I to tell my family. Damn, I have to tell my family So then that because I wasn't gonna to tell them. I didn't wereere you embarrassed? Yeah, I was because though it shouldn't have been, but right. No, I can't help how you feel and how you're made to feel. Yeah. even to have it challenged. Yeah. It was just for him to call you a liar It was one of those things where it was like Being the and I always make it a joke with the family, but being the oldest, I feel like I'm The firstborn son. So I have to be the protector now now that my parents are older and my sister, you know, is younger than me, I have to be the protector. role. Yeah. Yeah. having to tellell them that like I know I'm supposed to be the protector of the family, but like, hey by the way, I'm getting beat at home, but I can still protect you guys, you know, It was embarrassing for that, but also They knew the matches that I was having. Right. So I didn't know if they were going to react like if they were going to believe you. Yeah. But they they never questioned it. Yeah. They never questioned it. was reassuring to know that my family, you know still had my back, but it was still embarrassing to, you know,m the most in shape in the family and I'm the most active and I can't, you know, Daddy put me through Tekwando and I was doing moi Thai and all this other stuff and I can't protect myself at home. So like what is all that for? You know That's how you fall Yeah, I just felt like A weak fraud. So you are anything but that Have you been able to get to a place where you see that now? Yes G I in I am in a really good place now. like therapy has helped me through so much. Good be I feel love every time I get to home but also go to work, like just being surrounded by my coworkers and my My friends, you know, and they know they all know like what I've been through, but I just I do feel worthy and powerful and then I w I have And can you love yourself? Yes Good. Good good. It took me a while, but It's always the hardest lesson really is Well, I'm sorry you had to go through so much And I'm so proud of you. and grateful for you And you're setting this incredible example for all young women You know, and for men too, whoever's in an abusive situation There's It's important to get help. Yes, and to know you're not alone. And what are some of the other key messages even though you feel alone are not There are people. your support system is always going to be there. There is outlets too. like like I say, I praise therapy. that If it wasn't for therapy I wouldn't be here Um So that really helps a lot if They're comfortable talking to people but there's You're not alad. And there are people that you could talk to to feel You could talk to people. I don't know. I feel like It it's hard when you don't trust. Yeah, right hard to trust when when the person you trust the most supposedly R is the one doing that. Yeah. So it it's okay like it's okay to be guarded and to protect yourself and to not know where you stand in a room full of people end of the day, like There are family, friends and even, you know People like me that I want know that you are believed Like I believe you, I believe in you and if I can make it out, you can too. possible possible just hold onto the light at the end of the tunnel Hold on to that light. That's so important So here you are The weekend is coming fast Wrestlemania is almost here and You are a part of an angle. that is really high profile M Right? And I don't know, like the three of you guys seem to have some great chemistry So I really am hoping that this has legs Right How are you feeling about it? Oh Well. I manan, this is the first time like I love the hustle and bustle of WrestleMania week and I think for the past three manas, it always fllt on My birthday. my birthday is tomorrow, but Happy early birthday. Thank. But I always forget because like WrestleMania iss priority. So until people's like happy birthday, I was like, Oh that guyss right. Exactly. But this is probably the first time that the possibility of even being up like part of the show. is so exciting. Oh my God. It's everything. It is, right? Be I went through In WWE like, I love I love what I do. I love being here and I love just wrestling and t it all my friends, but There was a moment where I'm like, I'm never gonna have a WrestleMania moment and that's okay because I'm still living my dream. And for this to happen and it happens so fast. I feel like that always R So fast out of nowhere that I'm like, oh my God, there's an actual possibility that I can do something at WrestleMania. I'm like, what What? Yeah And so even even if it's just coming out on Jay's entrance or H getting involved in any way or Anything, that is more than what I ever thought was ever going to happen to me. So I'm excited. I love that I get to finally be a heel. So much more fun by the way. Eough there are little girls who are rooting against you apparently. Wishing herble leters If I ever beet them, I must be the biggest sweetheart But it's just it's so much fun that like before I just got out of an injury. So I'm like, well, there, you know, whatever I was doing before, like that's dead and over with and I guess I'll just Hope for the best and see what happens, but We'll see and then That's when They told me and BeFab Yeah. You're joining Jade is like, Jade, the champion, Jade. card, Jade like because even We would take pictures together just backstage just f And the three of you? Yeah. like We did some we did like a random backstage or promo or something M And we took pictures afterwards. and just like with our own style, it still works. Something about the three of you together works. Yeah, really does. And a lot of people wanted us to dress the same and Jade has her her own style of like I mean d. V yeah ye. Yeah. So me. As a tomboy, I baggy pants and a crop top like I'm good. like sneakers, you ain't going see me in heels. I'll break my ankles But but Jade is doing all this stuff in Stilettos and then you got B fab wearing like thigh high heels, R You can fly and I'm like, Well Here's me. Yeah. like I'll just, you know, I'm comfortable in But you've upgrated your whole look too Did I? Oh yeah. you have. I just When I think about you from NXT to where you are today I mean, it's There is a huge difference. It's all about just being authentic. Yeah. I think it was just putting a mask on and like NXC was me, but I had to rev it up like to the max where it just came off. And now without, you know, I don't have the wigs, I don't have the blue hair, I can wear whatever I want and feel comfortable and not judged. And that's something that me and the girls have talked about where it's like I don't, if I wear the clothes that you guys wear, you're it's going to be obviously not you're not gonna to be comfortable. Like you can tell not be comfortable. I T trying to picture you in one of her fur I mean, it might be funny. It could. I mean that we could we could say that for a cute little video. Yeah, there we go. That could be fun. That could be fun social media viral moment. Ex gota hy. But so having the conversation of like, hey, just let you because in TNA, I had to wear the skirts and being super cutie slash sexy with the dollhouse, which was a great experience, but It wasn't you. It wasn't and I felt I felt like I was wrestling in a clown suit because it just wasn't you. Yeah, and it was to the point where the reason why I don't wear super sexy stuff anymore, especially when I'm phhysical is I remember in TNA, I still wrestled the same, but I had to wear a skirt I did the German brridge and then the match was great, but then when I finished and everybody was just talking, like people were Us, Sirt