In an interview with The Star Gazette, Beth Phoenix spoke about wrestling men in the WWE and if she would ever return. Here are highlights:
On wrestling men in WWE: “I was very blessed. I could wrestle men or women. I was the powerhouse among the girls, so I could blend in and mix it up with the guys. I had no preference as long as there was a good story to tell, female or male, and that the crowd was entertained.”
On if the women in WWE make as much as the men: “I don’t discuss money, but I will say I made more money than at other things I could qualify for. The key for me is the respect of your peers. I was able to be influential and create a mold. There was no one else who was shaped like me or looked like me. I don’t compare myself to the men.”
On not getting along with everyone backstage: “You don’t get along with everybody, but you have to be able to work with everybody. Respect is important, and if you don’t have it you won’t be on the professional level very long. The ring is not the place to take care of disrespect. It’s supposed to be a safe haven where we protect each other. You can disagree with someone and still do business as a professional. I’ve had some differences of opinion with some, and there were some people I liked more than others.”
On her various career injuries: “You do your best to minimize injuries. I’ve seen a ring rope snap, when there’s been something wrong with the ring, like when a tear in the canvas would result in a bad fall. I worked in an outdoor arena where it was pouring rain, and we were slipping all over the place. You can’t control all that happens. I broke my jaw, still have two titanium plates and nine screws in there. I’ve had ACL surgery, a concussion, black eyes, a herniated disk, sprained ankles and muscles. I broke my hand once. The WWE has strict policies on injuries. The injuries were terrible, but we signed on for them.”
On if she’ll ever return: “Never say never. I’m very happy what I’m doing. But I’m still in fighting shape.”
