Purrazzo credits AEW tuition program for reclaiming her image

Deonna Purrazzo said she has reclaimed control over her public image and her future, describing how meeting fans in person and company support for continuing education helped her move past years of online body shaming. In a recent interview, the professional wrestler credited a combination of personal work, therapy and AEW benefits for changing how she responds to anonymous critics and for helping to shape her decision to sign with All Elite Wrestling.

Purrazzo, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from Southern New Hampshire University in August 2023, told the interviewer that AEW's tuition reimbursement program was a major factor in her move to the promotion in early 2024. AEW reimburses talent for tuition up to a set amount each year, she said, adding that the program made it "easy and seamless" to return to school. She said she is now halfway through a masters degree and called the company "so great" for encouraging performers to pursue education.

The conversation also focused on the toll of online harassment and how Purrazzo has learned to separate abusive commenters from real supporters. "That one person that's rude is the person who stands out the most, and that's...