WWE’s Eva Marie embracing the hate

WWE’s Eva Marie talks new season of “Total Divas,” reaction from the fans. 

Since entering the WWE, Eva Marie has been the focus of negativity. Many have seen her as more of a manager-type instead of an actual in-ring competitor and they voice their displeasure when she makes her appearances at live events or through social media.

However, Eva has finally embraced those reactions and has worked vigorously to show she has the skills to become a well-rounded wrestler. Eva took some time to talk with FanSided about the fans, “Total Divas,” and the meaning of the word “Divas.”

The fan reaction is a big part of your career starting when you first debuted on Raw in 2013. However, when you continued to go out in front of the crowd the reaction was very negative. How do the boos and criticism affect you mentally?

When I first started, definitely. I would be lying if I said it didn’t just because I am human. Walking into the WWE I was brand new; I did not know how things worked. Deep down I wanted everyone to cheer and adore me but this is the WWE where it doesn’t work that way all the time. There’s a good guy and a bad guy, and I am pretty badass bad guy.

Now that I have the training behind me, I think that really shows I do have the skills and talent to become a well-rounded wrestler. I think it goes back to me asking Vince [McMahon] and Triple H on wanting to go back to NXT to hone my craft and learn the ropes. I feel extremely confident when I walk out there now and I embrace the boos and the craziness from the WWE and NXT Universe.

At one of the live events somebody had a sign that said “If Eva Marie Is Here We Riot.” I thought that was pretty cool. The crowd reaction is something that I definitely love. When I first started if I walked out from behind that curtain and heard a pin drop or deafening silence, then you have to look at switching something up. Now, I am embracing my heel character to the fullest.

You mentioned speaking with both Vince McMahon and Triple H about your career and what you could do to help your wrestling skill set. Do you think you were brought up too soon to the main roster and that was extra pressure for you to succeed?

I don’t think I was brought up to soon. I mean, everything for me has come in so quickly. I got my developmental deal at the same time “Total Divas” was debuting. I was put in a position with an amazing opportunity and if anybody was given the same, you better take it and run. Did I have the wrestling training behind that? No I didn’t. For me I’ve always been an athlete and wanted to be the best at everything I do. Plus, with NXT and the facilities they offer, I would be silly not to take that on. Look at me now though, I am on the road and continuing to improve each and every day.

You will see the trials and tribulations on this season of “Total Divas” of how I am back in the ring and what it takes for me to get those skills sharp each and every day. With all my cast members they all have been wrestling for a very long time or were born into a wrestling family, so they have a lot of matches under the belt which is great experience. Now, I am getting my feet wet and getting that experience I need. That is what I think is awesome in regards to my story You get to see my struggle and to see how I evolved over the last couple of years.

“Total Divas Season 5” premieres Tuesday night on the E! Network. You have been a cast member of the show since Season 1 while other cast members have been shuffled around. Is it still hard for you to to adjust to the cameras when they are rolling?

When I first started it was definitely an adjustment. It was a little weird with a camera in your face and a crew following you all the time. Two years later now, it’s one of those things that has come natural and normal. I think it’s a little weird when the camera isn’t there and I ask “Where’s my crew?” I don’t know if that’s weird, creepy, or a good thing, or I just kind of learned that it’s a big part of my life, especially because I put so much of my personal life out there. So having a camera there through all of that — it’s one of those things that’s normal to me now.

Charlotte recently mentioned in an interview that she wants to retire the word “Divas.” Do you think that word should be removed from the WWE Universe and for you and the others be referred to as women instead of Divas?

I mean, at the end of the day we are all women wrestlers. But we also all are entertainers. I feel if they call me a Diva or a wrestler I think it’s the same thing. Plus, Vince McMahon changed that F to an E for entertainment for a reason. I think it’s all in the person and whatever they prefer. I don’t think either one is bad or insulting because, again, I think they’re both one in the same. All of us are athletes, entertainers, and wrestlers and you can call us one of those names. The names don’t mean much to me because in the end we all have the same goals.

You can catch Eva Marie and the rest of the cast when Total Divas Season 5 premieres Tuesday night at 9:00 p.m. ET on E!