NXT’s Carmella talks Divas Revolution, championship gold

NXT’s Carmella talks the Divas Revolution and championship gold. 

As a former gymnast and cheerleader, NXT’s Carmella has come a long way in a short time in the WWE. With her father being part of the wrestling business the early ’90s it seemed fitting that she would take the path to the squared circle.

She took time to talk to FanSided about NXT, Cass and Enzo, as well as the transition from manager to active roster member and that chance at capturing championship gold.

You came into the NXT organization as a manager for the tag team of Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady. Now you have transitioned to become a big part of the women’s roster. Was it difficult for you to make that switch?

I don’t think so, no. It’s just so crazy though. I was a cheerleader for the most of my life and going out there with the boys was just so much fun. I mean, we get along so great and they are my friends. Now, roles have changed a little bit. Instead of people just cheering Enzo and Cass on they get to cheer me on as well and see what I am all about. The roles have definitely changed a bit. I have to be on my game and show the audience and my peers that I’m not just a manager on the sidelines.

It’s still cool, though, that even though I’m with the boys at times I’m still training five days a week inside the ring. People might be a little impressed with me every time I step into the ring, I’m not going to lie. They will see what hard work have been putting in over the last two and a half years.

Many fans were outspoken about being very negative toward your actions while acting as manager. But now more are seeing you a face character and are embracing your new role. Does the heel or face subject ever come up in your mental aspect?

Well I don’t think I have ever changed anything personally. I just have more opportunity to show more of me outside of the manager type. Obviously, people booed me because I always messed with Enzo. I mean he is my boy but he would always get a little too close so I had to put him in his place. But in the end people saw that I wouldn’t screw them over and I would be on their side.

I think Breaking Ground helped a lot where they saw that totally other side and it’s not just use my verbal skills. I’m here, I’m working hard and I’m not afraid of making a fool of myself. That’s who Carmella is.

The main roster is featuring more and more of the Divas division recently. How have you seen the women in the WWE not only grow individually but as a group since you started in the company in 2013?

Well when I first started the Divas Revolution was just beginning. So to see how far it’s come, such as [with] Sasha and Bayley with the match of the year, it’s amazing. I have been put in a great situation where I was No. 1 contender for the Women’s title. It’s just that looking back on where I was and where I’m at now is mind blowing. The fact that Triple H is giving us the opportunities to show the skills and talent we have is humbling and gives you the motivation to put on the best performance.

Capturing the Women’s Championship would be amazing. Looking at Bayley, who is my best friend and whose taught me so much, and [if] I was to win the title one day I would love for it to be against her. I don’t come from a wrestling background even though my father was one and being a dancer and cheerleader doesn’t turn into wrestling skills. That’s really a testament to our trainers at the Performance Center as well as all the hard work I am putting in.

The hard work has gotten me to this point and I will continue to put in the time and the effort to continue chasing my goals.