AEW’s Deonna Purrazzo Remembers Facing WWE Champion Nia Jax in NXT

Many newer wrestling fans may overlook Deonna Purrazzo’s time in WWE, but her journey began with a contract in “WWE NXT” in 2018, even though her first official match for the company dates back to 2015 against a fledgling Nia Jax, who was just starting her televised career.

Reflecting on this experience during a recent episode of the “Insight” podcast, Purrazzo shared the anxiety both women felt competing on such a prominent stage. “I love Nia, and she has always been so giving to her opponents.

I remember it was her second match in NXT after she debuted, and I was intimidated because I thought, ‘oh gosh,'” Purrazzo recalled. “We were both new, and this could really turn out poorly. Sarah Amato helped produce, and Triple H was in the ring guiding us. Nia was a sponge, absorbing everything, and she offered me so much more than I needed at that time.”

Less than six months later, Purrazzo and Jax faced off again in “NXT,” and they also competed on “WWE Raw” during the first episode after WrestleMania 36. Unfortunately, this match occurred without fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking Purrazzo’s last bout in WWE before her release.

Despite the circumstances, she cherishes the time spent working alongside Jax. “I think she’s such a great person, and those moments with her were really exciting for me. I am truly grateful for witnessing that development and being a part of it.”