WWE Champion Would Have Been ‘Mid-Card Act 10 Years Ago’ Says TNA Star

A TNA Wrestling star feels someone like WWE’s Tatum Paxley would have been a “mid-card act” 10 years ago and “never a champion.”

After competing in WWE NXT for four years, Tatum Paxley is now one of the brand’s top stars and is coming off the most notable six months of her career thus far.

Paxley became WWE NXT Women’s Champion for the first time in October 2025 and although her reign only lasted under a month, she soon captured gold again on the brand by defeating former tag team partner Izzi Dame at WWE NXT Vengeance Day on March 7 for the NXT Women’s North American Championship.

Paxley’s title wins are a reflection of the 29-year-old’s popularity in NXT, with her character standing out among the brand’s women’s roster.

Speaking with Soundsphere, TNA Wrestling’s Rosemary spoke highly of Paxley and the fact that there’s more acceptance for alternative stars in today’s wrestling landscape.

Citing the fact that Paxley is a champion in WWE as proof of this, Rosemary said:

“Tatum Paxley… we absolutely adore her,”

“She’s got a wonderful following… and to allow her to be this alternate character that she is, and to show that kind of love for what she is… her true self on television… She’s a champion.”

“Ten years ago, someone like her is a mid-card act, never a champion, because she’s just a weird kid,”

 “Well, she is now.” “There is more of acceptance for weird kids like her, like us… like so many countless others out there.”

Paxley and Rosemary previously shared a ring twice on WWE NXT in September 2024, with Paxley getting wins over her TNA counterpart in singles and tag team action.

Rosemary On The Importance Of “Weird” Characters In Wrestling

Much like Paxley in WWE NXT, Rosemary’s darker character and style has helped bring something different to the TNA Knockout’s Division over the past decade.

With the 42-year-old set for another new chapter in TNA alongside the “resurrected” Allie (fka The Bunny in AEW), she discussed the importance of “weird kids” like herself being represented in wrestling promotions.

“Why doesn’t it work? Why do you feel that we don’t fit?”

“We’re the freaks and the geeks and the weird kids, because we don’t fit in, but we do. There is a place for us. A place of belonging for the un-belonging.”

“The weirdos are out there in the audience, so do they not get someone to identify with on television as well?”

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