In a fresh interaction with TV Insider, Saraya candidly conversed about subjects including her scandalous sex tape leak, the timing of her AEW exit, and her new ventures into authoring and podcasting, amongst others.
Highlighted excerpts from the conversation are as follows:
About the concurrence of her AEW departure and her new memoir and podcast: “The two things seemed to intertwine and hit me simultaneously. Alongside this, my podcast was also began. The announcement of all these elements could feel somewhat inundating for people. Certainly, it was quite intense for me too given the barrage of messages I received regarding all this. I want to clarify that I parted ways with AEW amiably – there was nothing contentious. I believe Tony [Khan] is a wonderful person, however, there was not much left for me to contribute. Mercedes [Mone] is already there and has her storyline, which I am aware of. There isn’t a place for me there, at the moment. I want to explore avenues beyond wrestling and don’t want to be a hindrance or seize the spot of someone else. If an opportunity comes knocking in the future, I will happily consider it. For now, I am eager to dip my toes into projects outside the wrestling ring.”
When asked about re-experiencing the discomfort from her sex tape scandal: “It is astounding that people still discuss it, but it no longer fazes me. It’s a critique more of the person doing the ridiculing than of me. When it happened, I sunk into deep depression. However, talking about it now is somewhat therapeutic. I’ve realized that I can’t change it. Rather than stressing about things I can’t alter, I prefer not to dwell on it. I prefer to work on myself and accept what’s happened. I was the primary scapegoat [for the incident]. Even today, I still receive a lot of flak for it. While it was an ill-judged decision I made as a teenager, I don’t regret it. Instead of lamenting over past mistakes, I choose to learn from them. Although it was a bitter pill to swallow, I managed to endure it. I want to use my experiences, including this one, to show people there’s light at the end of the tunnel. The key is always to move forward.”
Talking about women’s wrestling in the present times: “I brim with pride when I see the women of today. They get to have matches I could only dream of during my time. The revolution that began during my era has now picked up pace. It’s a mixed feeling for me – I wish I could be a part of it, but I am also ecstatic for them. Women across all companies are doing amazing things and elevating the status of women’s wrestling. It’s only going to get bigger. The Evolution pay-per-view was a hit and I wonder why haven’t we seen more of them. I strongly believe women wrestlers could host their own major events like the guys. They are running the show and doing a fantastic job at it.”
On Gail Kim’s TNA layoff: “I’m shocked to hear that. She is an asset and any smart organization would be lucky to have her. She exudes positive energy and is a terrific person. More women like her are required behind the scenes. Here’s hoping she lands somewhere soon.”
Talking about her future plans: “My goal this year is to find my way back into the ring, train intensively, and rediscover myself. I want to learn – possibly at Nattie’s school. I’m yet to participate in a Royal Rumble or an Elimination Chamber, I hope to change that in the near future.”
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