Deonna Purrazzo Breaks Down Why Winning ROH’s First Women’s Pure Title Was the Perfect End to a Brutal Year

After a difficult year of self-doubt and setbacks, The Virtuosa Deonna Purrazzo finally found her way back to the top—and did it with a title that couldn’t have meant more.

Appearing on Gabby AF, Purrazzo opened up about becoming the first-ever Ring of Honor Women’s Pure Champion, a moment she described as deeply personal and emotional after nearly a decade of history with the promotion.

“Yeah, I think especially because it was Ring of Honor and I’m a Ring of Honor kid,” she said. “I’ve been a part of this company for 10 years in some way, shape or form. I am a former Ring of Honor Women’s World Champion. And there was at one point, back in like 2020, that I really didn’t think going to Ring of Honor would ever be a possibility for me again.”

Her win wasn’t just about gold—it was a comeback story. Purrazzo admitted that 2025 was a mentally taxing year filled with personal setbacks that made her question her place in the wrestling world.

“To come full circle and now be the first ever Pure Women’s Champion is something that I think defines what this title means in my style of wrestling and how I’ve adapted it through the years,” she explained. “So, again, it was just kind of like the perfect way to end what I might call a really crappy year.”

Even with the victory, she didn’t see it coming—especially after learning she was advancing to the finals due to Queen Aminata’s injury.

“No, I was definitely shocked because I was like there’s no way,” she said. “I’m not the type of person that’s like ‘I deserve to be a champion.’ I just want to tell good stories and have good matches. And if that means I come out on top in some of that, then that’s the cherry on top for me.”

Purrazzo had originally been scheduled to face Aminata in the tournament but was instead given a direct path to the finals.

“I was originally supposed to wrestle Queen Aminata and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, she’s doing so much stuff on Dynamite and Collision and really embroiled in these stories with these girls — there’s no way they’re not going to want her in the finals,’” she recalled. “Unfortunately, she got injured, and I got a pass to the finals. I was really shocked.”

But what made the moment more powerful was how she clawed her way through an identity crisis all year long.

“I’ve questioned myself and if there’s a place for me in wrestling anymore so much this year,” she admitted. “I’ve really had to go back to my roots, go back to the indies because I felt like I wasn’t getting enough reps. And when I was getting reps, I wasn’t confident in myself and I wasn’t putting out the best version of the Virtuosa that I could.”

“I just think throughout the year I’ve really had to grind and kind of like melee around in the sht so I can get to the top.”*

Now with the ROH Pure Women’s Title in her hands, Deonna feels right where she belongs.

“The Pure Women’s Championship is definitely my style of wrestling. Ring of Honor is my heart and my soul. And now to be part of leading it, it has made all of the trials and tribulations this year, and the doubt, and the worry, and the insecurity — worth it.”

Deonna didn’t just win a championship—she reclaimed her identity. After a year of mental struggle and professional uncertainty, the win signifies much more than gold. It’s about rediscovering her voice in the ring, proving she still belongs, and showing the world what perseverance looks like.

Do you think Deonna Purrazzo is leading a new era for women’s wrestling in Ring of Honor? Would you want to see her defend the Pure Title on AEW television next? Drop your thoughts below and let us know how you feel.