It was one year ago Tuesday when Rosa Mendes announced her retirement from WWE after spending over 10 years with the company. She had given birth exactly one year earlier and said her decision to leave WWE was based on her desire to spend more time with family and work on her nutrition business.
In a new interview with former WWE creative writer Kevin Eck of PressBoxOnline.com, Mendes talked about her time with WWE, if she would ever return, her relationship with Paige, and more. Highlights from the interview are as follows:
Kevin Eck: It’s been one year since you officially announced your retirement from WWE. Do you miss performing and being in front of a crowd?
Rosa Mendes: I miss the WWE fans and my co-workers more than anything. Deciding to retire was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make in my life.
KE: What are some of your favorite memories from your time in WWE, and who are some of the people you especially enjoyed working with?
RM: All of the girls are so unique and different that I can’t pinpoint one match and one particular moment, because I had so many great experiences. WWE female superstars are extraordinary women. WWE has done such an amazing job finding women that have the most unbelievably dedicated work ethic and knowledge. The sacrifices and hard work that it takes to become a superstar and to make it on TV, it’s more than a lot of the [fans] know about. I’m glad that “Total Divas” and “Total Bellas” can show them a bit of what it’s like behind the scenes. My favorite memories in WWE? I feel like I need to write a book, because I’ve had so many amazing memories and funny stories that I would love to share — 10 years of them! (laughs)
KE: Paige said on Lilian Garcia’s podcast recently that you reached out to her when she was having a tough time and got her in touch with a therapist. Can you talk about that and what the status is of your relationship with Paige today? Was your friendship strained at one point?
RM: Paige and I are soul sisters. She has a heart of gold. When friends go through hard times, it’s important to be there for them, but it’s also important to step away when they need space. If your friendship is strong enough to withstand obstacles, then I feel that those obstacles will bring you closer together. I’m so happy that her and I reconnected. When I was going through my own problems, [Natalya] was there for me, and I don’t know what I would have done without her at that time in my life. She’s been a true friend for so many years. That’s what being a true friend is all about — being there when someone needs you, not when their friendship can benefit you.
KE: Will we ever see you back in the ring one day?
RM: Never say never!
For the full interview with Rosa, click here.