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In her first interview since departing TNA, Velvet Sky spoke to Sports Illustrated about her decision to leave TNA, her background and training in the business, dating WWE's Bubba Ray Dudley and the potential of her going to WWE or NXT down the line. I'm actually surprised that WWE hasn't given her a look yet just based on the fact that was she routinely the second-highest merchandise mover in TNA, behind only Jeff Hardy, for much of her run.
Noting that the reason she left college and began working the independents was the chance to one day work for WWE, Sky commented on the idea of working for the company's main roster or even NXT, telling Sports Illustrated, "I think I would do well there. The women there are killing it, and empowering and building up the women would be a great role for me. Bayley is so much fun to watch wrestle. She has so much energy and passion, and the people feel her energy and feed off that. She’s so great at expressing herself, and she’s so genuine. Nattie Neidhart is also someone I’d love to work with. I’ve known her for a long time, and she is someone that I look up to and respect. She’s someone I’d love to learn even more from."
The piece looks at Sky's training (initially under former ECW star Jason Knight with additional assistance later on from the Anoa?i family) and the importance of her time as a member of the Beautiful People to TNA, where the Knockouts were routinely one of the highest rated segments on a weekly basis for Impact Wrestling.
On leaving TNA, when her last contract with the company expired, Sky commented the departure was the best decision for her. "I’d been there for almost ten years and I’d accomplished everything I wanted to do," said Sky "My contract was coming up, and this was a business decision I made for myself. It was hard because there are so many memories there with the fans and the TNA family, but I don’t regret it. I look back on the career I had with TNA, and I’m so proud. I did what I set out to do, and I’m very proud of what I accomplished.”
The article noted that Sky is now enrolled in college in Connecticut as a marketing major and goes into her relationship with Bubba Ray Dudley, who she credits with continuing to motivate her into believing in herself.
On others from TNA having success in WWE, Sky said, "You’re never fully satisfied or fulfilled in wrestling until you get to the big leagues. Nobody gets in this business just to bump. I’ve never stopped learning, so I’m glad I have not worked there yet. All I ever wanted in the business was a chance, an opportunity. If I get that with WWE, I’ll give so much.”
It should be interesting to see if WWE does indeed give her that chance as Sky's track record for TNA was excellent in terms of making a mark for the company during it's strongest days.
"I’m not the best wrestler in the world, but I have an emotional connection to the crowd,” Sky told Sports Illustrated. “No one can take away from the entertainment side of what I bring to the ring. I feed off the crowd, and they’re the ones who inspire and motivate me in the ring.”
To read the complete article, click here.
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