Tony Khan called Deonna Purrazzo a talented wrestler with strong potential amid her absence from AEW and ROH.
Purrazzo arrived in AEW in early 2024 and quickly entered the Women’s Title picture, although she came up short against Toni Storm at Revolution 2024. Despite a strong 2024, this year, she has only wrestled in two AEW matches. With her last appearance on AEW Collision on January 25.
While absent from AEW, she remained active in ROH until June. During her time away, Purrazzo praised AEW for supporting both her wrestling career and her studies. During the ROH Death Before Dishonor media call, Tony Khan addressed Deonna’s status.
“I like Deonna a lot and I think she is a very talented wrestler, I do value people trying to get reps in AEW or ROH or internationally. Deonna is a really great wrestler and when she came to AEW, she had a lot of success. She still could find her footing here and do really well.”
“It’s think Deonna had gone down to Mexico, and this is something you can grow and learn from, and had an experience down there that wasn’t positive with our partners. In doing some of the wrestling down there and having more involvement with international partners, it’s important to look at how AEW this year has been working with top international promotions, I like Deonna a lot and I’ve been looking at this show as an opportunity to work Deonna back in. I really want to get Deonna going again.”
Khan said it’s ok if something doesn’t go well, and he wants to give a good wrestler like Deonna an opportunity to come back. He noted that one match shouldn’t signify the end of anything.
Tony Khan aims to rebuild Deonna Purrazzo’s momentum in AEW
Deonna Purrazzo has been absent from AEW and ROH but stayed active on the independent scene. Tony Khan mentioned AEW’s international focus wasn’t the right fit for her at the time. He confirmed she’ll compete in the Pure Championship Tournament.
“Deonna has been really positive of AEW and I want to give Deonna a good opportunity. I’m still very interested in Deonna wrestling, and she has been open that she wants to get out there and wrestle more on the independents and take advantage of the opportunities in ROH when they come. Based on the positive sentiment she’s been putting out there and her wanting to do the work. And the body work she’s put up in her career and what I know she’s capable of at her best, absolutely. I want to give Deonna opportunities.”
Tony Khan commends Deonna Purrazzo’s attitude while off AEW TV
Tony Khan described Purrazzo as a strong example in the locker room. He said someone who stays positive even when not featured on TV for months. “Deonna is somebody that is a good example of how to conduct yourself in the locker room. Even if you’re not necessarily featured on TV, being very positive in the sentiment of the company and also expressing an interest in going out and wrestling and taking advantage of the opportunities to go out there and get in the ring and make the most of them.” [H/T: Fightful]
Read More: Deonna Purrazzo Highlights The Positives Of Wrestling On Pre-Shows
