If you thought WWE and AEW had always been rivals, think again. Just before the groundbreaking 2018 AEW All In event, WWE made a power move that flew under the radar—pulling a newly signed Knockouts Champion from the card.
📌 What Happened?
Deonna Purrazzo—fresh off her reign as TNA Knockouts Champion—was originally set to take part in All In 2018. According to Fightful Select reports, she even showed up at a press event alongside other talent. But plans changed abruptly.
Between the press conference and the show, WWE offered Purrazzo an NXT contract. Faced with a choice, she accepted—and WWE promptly pulled her from All In. Organizers were warned: if she went through with the appearance, her NXT deal would be rescinded.
🧩 The Cancelled Match
Purrazzo was reportedly scheduled for the women’s four-way bout that eventually featured Britt Baker, Madison Rayne, Chelsea Green, and Tessa Blanchard. There was even talk of it being a TNA Knockouts Championship match, given Blanchard held the belt—but TNA management refused.
🎙️ Purrazzo Joins WWE
Following her All In withdrawal, Purrazzo debuted on WWE NXT in August 2018. She stayed with WWE until her pandemic-era release in 2020. She then returned to TNA and made a one-off AEW appearance in 2022, and officially signed with AEW in 2024.
🧭 Why This Matters Now
With All In 2025 on the horizon, this story highlights WWE’s early attempts to disrupt the growing AEW brand even before it officially existed. It shows the fierce competition for rising stars and the lengths WWE would go to protect its investment.
🔥 The Ripples Today
- Deonna Purrazzo is now a major player in AEW, after her WWE stint.
- This incident spotlighted WWE’s strategy and its impact on talent.
- AEW’s rise was fueled by fan-favorite talents like Purrazzo.
📝 Final Takeaway
This behind-the-scenes peek into WWE’s tactics before All In 2018 reveals how WWE took early counter-programming steps. Deonna Purrazzo’s journey—TNA → WWE → TNA → AEW—shows how one decision reshaped the wrestling landscape and fueled AEW’s momentum. As All In 2025 approaches, this secret WWE move from 2018 remains a pivotal moment in modern wrestling history.
