Former WWE star Mandy Rose recently shared insights about her time in WWE, revealing her favorite opponent during her wrestling career. Speaking on her “Power Alphas with Mandy & Sabby” show, Rose named Asuka, a former WWE Women’s Champion, as her preferred rival in the ring.
Asuka: The Ultimate Opponent
When asked by fans about her favorite WWE opponent, Mandy Rose did not hesitate to highlight Asuka. “I would say Asuka was always my favorite opponent. She is just so good, she’s been wrestling for so long obviously,” Rose commented, expressing deep respect for the Japanese wrestling star.
Rose elaborated on her choice, explaining how Asuka’s skills and experience brought out the best in her. “I feel like she always kind of brought the best out of me, someone who didn’t have as much experience out there. As much as there was a little bit of a language barrier at times, sometimes I had like my greatest matches with her ’cause I just felt like she brought that energy and she just brought that feeling out there and she moves so fast so like keeping up with her was always fun so ya I would definitely say Asuka was one of my faves,” Rose stated.
Memorable Matches and Mutual Respect
One of Rose’s first matches in WWE was a tag team bout against Asuka, setting the stage for a professional relationship that would see them cross paths multiple times. Their encounters included several championship matches, both in singles and tag team formats. Notably, in 2019, Rose and Asuka worked an entire month of house show matches for the “WWE SmackDown” Women’s Championship.
Rose’s admiration for Asuka is rooted not just in the matches they shared but in the energy and challenge Asuka brought to each bout. Despite the occasional language barrier, Rose found that Asuka’s presence in the ring pushed her to improve and perform at her best.
Mandy Rose’s WWE Journey
Mandy Rose entered WWE through the 2015 Tough Enough competition, where she finished as the runner-up. This achievement earned her a five-year contract with the company. Throughout her WWE tenure, Rose made significant strides, culminating in a 413-day reign as the “NXT” Women’s Champion—her only title in WWE.
Her journey from Tough Enough contestant to champion is a testament to her dedication and growth as a wrestler. Despite her eventual departure from WWE, Rose’s reflections on her career highlight the meaningful rivalries and personal development she experienced along the way.
Stephen’s Insight
Mandy Rose’s acknowledgment of Asuka as her favorite opponent sheds light on the profound respect and camaraderie shared among professional wrestlers. It’s fascinating to see how even amidst fierce competition, there’s a deep appreciation for the skills and contributions of fellow wrestlers. Rose’s narrative underscores the importance of challenging opponents in shaping a wrestler’s career, pushing them to elevate their performance and achieve new heights.
Asuka’s influence on Rose’s career highlights the broader impact that seasoned wrestlers have on their peers, serving as mentors and benchmarks of excellence. This dynamic not only enhances individual careers but also enriches the overall quality of wrestling entertainment for fans.
