Naomi Reveals If Controversial Walkout Led to Backstage Issues After WWE Return

Naomi stands out as one of the most athletically skilled and gifted in-ring performers currently gracing WWE. Naomi has been back in WWE since the Royal Rumble back in January and has now addressed whether she had any backstage issues after returning to WWE following her controversial walkout.

In 2022, WWE experienced a significant walkout when Naomi and Mercedes Mone left the company in protest of creative decisions and relinquished their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. Both wrestlers eventually explored new opportunities before returning to the wrestling scene.

While speaking in an interview with WWE Deutschland, Naomi reflected on her return to WWE at the Royal Rumble 2024. She addressed the walkout and expressed relief at being back with the company, emphasizing how the return felt like lifting a heavy weight from her shoulders. Naomi appreciated being accepted back and was eager to continue and complete her story with WWE.

“That too felt like a relief, you know what I mean? Just all the negativity surrounding the walkout and everything that Mercedes [Mone] and I’ve experienced. It just felt like a big weight off my shoulders to be back home. To be accepted back home, and just to have the opportunity to continue where I started and finish the story; my journey.”

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Naomi mentioned that there were no backstage issues upon her return, though she admitted to feeling a bit nervous. Overall, Naomi described the experience as special, noting that the support from fans and the positive atmosphere backstage made it feel as though she had never been away.

“Just to have the opportunity in my career where I started and finish things the right way, and to reconnect with my WWE fans. Just to push through that entire time in my career. It felt really really good and special to be back. People made me feel that. Even backstage, you know, I was a little nervous, but it was like I had never been away.” 

As for Mercedes Mone, she didn’t feel like she truly belonged towards the end of her WWE run. Regardless, Naomi and Mercedes Mone will continue to support each other no matter what and that’s all that matters.

What do you think of Naomi’s run so far in WWE following her return? Let us know in the comments section below!