AEW star “The Virtuosa” Deonna Purrazzo recently shared insights into the physical toll professional wrestling takes on her body, revealing she has been managing spinal deterioration and inflated discs since childhood. During a conversation on the Lightweights podcast with Joe Vulpis, Purrazzo highlighted certain wrestling moves that cause her significant pain.
When asked about the toughest move to endure, Purrazzo mentioned, “Body Slam… Number One, 2, 3… I don’t like it. I think it’s the worst bump. Spinebuster. My neck lacks strength, hurts constantly, and I really dislike it, but I remind myself that it’s just uncomfortable.”
She then explained her condition, saying, “That’s why I have scoliosis. My neck has slight curves, and I’ve had to cope with this all my life.” Purrazzo noted that traditional wrestling neck training techniques, such as bridge exercises or hanging one’s neck from a ring apron, are uncomfortable and don’t really work for her.
Instead, she relies on chiropractic care and extensive exercise to help manage her scoliosis and minimize the risk of injury. She added, “I’m very fortunate because I’ve never had a wrestling-related injury like knocking on wood, but there’s always a margin for error, which can be quite frightening.”
Fan Take: This revelation from Purrazzo sheds light on the often-overlooked physical challenges wrestlers endure behind the scenes. For AEW fans, understanding the risks wrestlers face adds deeper appreciation for their performances and highlights the importance of athlete care in the sport’s future.
