Thunder Rosa may have delivered an unforgettable match against Harley Cameron on the November 2 episode of AEW Collision, but the journey back to the ring was nothing short of a nightmare for the wrestling superstar.
During an emotional conversation on the AEW Unrestricted podcast, Rosa revealed the depths of her physical and mental struggles during her time away from the spotlight.
Rosa didnt hold back as she recounted how her injury, which sidelined her for months, pushed her to her breaking point. It was probably the worst year of my life, period, she confessed. Just imagine, like, you could run, you can jump, and they just cut your legs. You cant do that. To have you learn how to walk, how to learn, how to run again Its like, when they take something that you identify yourself with for so long, and they just take it away.
The challenges werent just physical. Rosa revealed the intense mental toll the injury took on her. I had suicidal thoughts for a long time, she admitted. Not only was it the injury, but I felt certain people didnt give me the chance, and some of the fans just turned on me. The comments they were making were awful, like, Go kill yourself.
Despite the darkness, Rosa credits her support system for helping her pull through. I have a very strong team that was with me, she shared. My publicist, my manager, my son, even my former partner. A lot of my very, very close friends helped me tremendously. At the time, I had a really good therapist who helped me with a lot of the issues I was dealing with.
Rosa also found strength in her work behind the commentary desk. Though stepping away from the ring was agonizing, commentary and broadcasting became her lifeline. There were times when I was doing commentary and I was having panic attacks because it was just so hard that I couldnt be in the ring, she revealed. But I endured. I was like, you know what? F**k it. Im gonna come stronger, and nothing is going to faze me anymore.
Now back in action, Rosa is cherishing every moment she gets to spend in the ring. Its a blessing, she said. Ever since then, I enjoy and I am blessed every time I step in the ring, because I never know when this is going to be taken away.
Thunder Rosas story is a powerful reminder of the struggles many athletes face behind the scenes, proving that strength isnt just about physical enduranceits about finding hope in the darkest moments.
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