Pigeons continue to roam freely throughout the years! Recently inducted into the TNA Wrestling Hall of Fame, Velvet Sky is set to appear alongside Beautiful People’s Angelina Love at Slamdown on November 23rd. The women’s wrestling tournament will take place at the Embassy Suites Orlando from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For Sky, organizing an all-female wrestling tournament was unimaginable when she started her career.
She reflected, “Women’s wrestling has evolved tremendously since I began wrestling in 2001. Back then, women’s wrestling was almost non-existent and seen mostly as eye candy or supporting characters, but I loved that era. It’s incredible how women have now made a name for themselves and secured their place in the industry, proving it’s no longer just a man’s world. Many men admire and respect this change. When Angelina and I were part of TNA as The Beautiful People, we consistently got the highest ratings on the show and received respect and congratulations from male colleagues, not competition or resentment. It’s refreshing to see how far women’s wrestling has progressed.”
At the event, Sky and Love will not only sign autographs but also do a professional photo shoot at 1 p.m., celebrating their achievements as TNA Wrestling Hall of Fame inductees. Sky still finds the honor surreal.
She shared, “I entered wrestling hoping just to be noticed by a TV company and wrestle on their platform. Achieving that was enough for me, and retiring after such a career was fulfilling. But being inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame alongside Angelina Love was beyond what I ever dreamed. I remember attending wrestling shows as a fan, inspired by the female icons before us, and now to be called an icon myself is humbling and incredible. It’s a privilege to help solidify TNA Wrestling’s legacy forever.”
Although her days as Knockouts Champion are behind her, Sky is eager to contribute as a producer, especially in enhancing wrestlers’ presentations and entrances, or potentially as a TV personality. She keeps up with the wrestling world and is enthusiastic about the new partnership between TNA and WWE, something unimaginable during her time.
“I think it’s fantastic,” Sky said. “We’ll get to see crossover talent from TNA shining on WWE platforms and vice versa, which will benefit both brands. The partnership will help introduce TNA stars to WWE’s audience, including fans who may not have seen TNA before. This partnership is a major evolution from the past when mentioning other companies was taboo.”
Sky is proud that TNA is finally gaining respect after years of struggle, largely due to poor management rather than a lack of talent. She openly criticizes former TNA president Dixie Carter for many of the company’s issues.
While not having personal conflicts with Carter, Sky said, “I was never a fan of her business decisions. TNA initially thrived with Panda Energy’s support, but poor leadership choices led to its decline.”
A notorious 2009 behind-the-scenes segment exposed Carter’s harsh ultimatum to the talent, which still resonates today after resurfacing on social media.
Sky recalled, “We were caught off guard during a production day when a harsh talent meeting was filmed. Carter’s bullying and dismissive attitude shocked everyone. The atmosphere was tense, and it was clear people could leave if they didn’t agree with her.”
Despite her grievances with Carter, Sky remains grateful for TNA’s opportunities, especially being signed by Jeff Jarrett. She described an era where people feared repercussions for mentioning rival companies like WWE.
She said, “I endured six and a half years on the independent circuit before getting my big break. I tolerated difficult conditions because I didn’t want to jeopardize my shot at TNA. The roster and management aside from Carter were great, and the Knockouts’ locker room was amazing. I left in 2016 due to injuries and the stressful environment, not because I wanted to quit wrestling. Unfortunately, many others left because Carter’s management became unbearable.”
Sky emphasized she was never personally mistreated by Carter but witnessed her harsh treatment of others.
She recounted comforting a distressed colleague who had been humiliated by Carter backstage during a live recording. Such incidents contributed to her decision not to renew her contract.
Returning to TNA for the Bound for Glory event, Sky felt re-energized by the positive environment under new leadership.
“Being around Carlos Silva and the locker room’s family atmosphere reignited my passion for wrestling,” she said. “Wrestling is my heart and soul, and even if I’m less active now, I’ll always be involved in some way.”
Sky praised Silva’s leadership during Bound for Glory as inspiring and morale-boosting, a stark contrast to previous management.
“It was uplifting to see everyone motivated and excited by his words. It was a much-needed morale boost before a big night, and I can only speak highly of him.”
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Fan Take: This news is a powerful reminder of the progress women’s wrestling has made and the enduring legacy of pioneering talents like Velvet Sky. For TNA Wrestling fans, it signals a hopeful future with stronger leadership and exciting opportunities through partnerships, potentially elevating the sport to new heights.
