SouthernWorldwide.com – Thunder Rosa stands as one of the premier female professional wrestlers globally, yet the ascent to the pinnacle of her sport is a continuous endeavor.
Rosa, whose birth name is Melissa Cervantes, currently competes for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), two of the most prominent wrestling organizations in North America. However, while the majority of professional wrestlers embark on their careers through specialized training schools, Rosa’s initial professional path was as a social worker before professional wrestling captured her interest.
She recounts feeling a profound calling, sensing a greater platform awaited her. This led her to pursue a tryout, and upon experiencing it, she developed an immediate and deep passion for professional wrestling.
The captivating essence of professional wrestling, encompassing its theatrical elements and athletic demands, was what initially drew her in.
Despite having limited prior experience in sports, she embraced the formidable challenge that wrestling presented.
She elaborated that it’s the comprehensive nature of wrestling, encompassing intricate details and diverse components, such as its theatrical flair and high level of athleticism, that makes it so compelling. The ability to travel with the sport and its inherent difficulty also appealed to her. She recognized it would be a significant physical undertaking, given her lack of extensive sports background, but felt confident in her ability to pursue it at that time.
Rosa explained that she had to start from the very basics, meticulously learning fundamental skills like rolling, exercising effectively, building her physique, and mastering body control. This involved extensive training in gymnastics and the foundational aspects of various sports. She emphasized the necessity of self-awareness and a realistic assessment of her capabilities during this foundational period.
She found herself compelled to dedicate more effort than anyone else in her training sessions, often being the sole female participant in her classes or even the entire training room.
Rosa noted that there wasn’t a single definitive moment when she knew for certain that venturing into professional wrestling was the right decision. It was only when she realized her schedule was too demanding to accommodate her full-time job that the possibility of making a career out of wrestling began to solidify.
She expressed that even when significant opportunities arose, her initial reaction was one of disbelief and attributing it to luck. However, she came to understand that it was her demonstrable skills, talent, and undeniable “it” factor that led others to offer her chances.
She elaborated that as her career in professional wrestling began to gain momentum with larger opportunities, she reached a point where she felt confident in leaving her full-time employment to pursue wrestling professionally. This realization was particularly strong after securing her first contract with Lucha Underground, when she found she no longer had sufficient time to attend her regular job.
That juncture marked the opportune moment for her to transition to the next phase of her life and career. It was then that she truly believed in the feasibility of her aspirations, acknowledging that while it would be arduous, it was indeed achievable.
Rosa joined AEW in 2020 and subsequently began defending the National Wrestling Alliance Women’s Championship on their program “Dynamite.” She eventually lost that title to Serena Deeb. Her first acquisition of the AEW World Women’s Championship occurred when she triumphed over Britt Baker in a grueling cage match.
She held the distinction of being the fifth woman to claim this prestigious title. However, her reign was cut short due to a debilitating back injury, which necessitated her relinquishing the championship.
She reflected on the remarkable journey many wrestlers, including herself, have experienced over the past six to seven years within AEW. She has witnessed the organization evolve from humble beginnings into a major force, capable of drawing crowds of up to 80,000 people for its events.
She expressed immense pride in her role in contributing to the growth of the women’s division, providing it with a more prominent platform and opportunities with significant stakes. She highlighted the pivotal moments in 2021 and 2022 that shattered numerous barriers for the women currently in the division, enabling them to continue opening doors for future generations of female wrestlers.
She also found it incredibly fascinating to observe the collaborative efforts between different wrestling companies, noting a symbiotic relationship where their mutual support and cooperation have fundamentally altered the professional wrestling landscape. This shift signifies an end to the era of wrestling promotions operating in isolation.
She believes that while professional wrestling has historically existed within a niche, its cultural influence is steadily expanding. She credits AEW with playing a crucial role in this burgeoning growth and broader appeal.
Rosa has pledged to continue using her platform to advocate for the rights and well-being of women and children, emphasizing the profound personal importance of this cause. Additionally, she is keenly focused on upcoming events later in the year, particularly the Grand Slam Mexico.
She outlined her extensive plans, which include an unwavering commitment to daily self-improvement in her wrestling craft. Beyond the ring, she is dedicated to her advocacy work for women and young children, deeming it a matter of utmost importance, and to championing her community. She remains focused on seizing the opportunities that lie ahead.
Her immediate priority is a laser-like focus on the Grand Slam event in Mexico City. Following that, significant events are slated for September and October, coinciding with the Dia de Los Muertos celebrations. These periods are expected to present numerous opportunities. She approaches each day with a deliberate mindset, and while she desires to reclaim championship gold, she acknowledges that this outcome is not entirely within her control. Her strategy involves persistent hard work and actively seeking out opportunities.
She maintains that even in defeat, she ultimately emerges victorious, citing her memorable matches, such as the one at the last Forbidden Door event against Divine Dominion and Olympia, where they consistently deliver performances that resonate with fans. She reiterates her commitment to working tirelessly in the hope of securing championship gold in the future, but if that doesn’t materialize, she vows to cherish and appreciate the journey just as much.
