Former WWE star Mandy Rose still harbors strong feelings about her release from the company in December 2022. She held the NXT Women’s Championship for 413 days, but her reign ended following the emergence of online content released by WWE the day after she lost her title, which was subsequently removed. On her channel, Mandy Sacs, Rose shared her memories of being promoted to WWE’s main roster in November 2017.
“When I first made it to the main roster, I saw myself as a golden goddess—strong and sexy without even trying,” Rose recalled. However, she was advised to tone down her sexy image. Rose mentioned how pulling her hair back was misinterpreted by WWE as an attempt to appear seductive. This feedback came from the top, referring to then-WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, and she felt compelled to follow it. Rose believes her return to NXT in 2021 was very positive, allowing her more creative freedom and helping her escape characters with forced sensuality, like her Emarina persona.
“I want to be sexy, but on my own terms—I just want to be myself. That felt most authentic during my NXT run,” Rose said. She described becoming darker and edgier with a more genuine persona, saying that although she could still be a “blonde bombshell,” she could also show her true personality. Rose emphasized that gaining confidence in this genuine version of herself gave her a boost, especially when it was supported and celebrated.
Fan Take: Mandy Rose’s journey highlights the ongoing struggle WWE talents face balancing creative expression with company expectations, especially concerning image and character portrayal. This news resonates with fans who appreciate authenticity and could signal a growing push for more nuanced female characters in wrestling, enriching the sport’s storytelling.
