9. Naomi Says She Had To Beg To Be Cleared To Compete At WrestleMania 33

During a recent interview with FOX Sports, current SmackDown Women’s Champion Naomi discussed getting cleared in time to compete at WrestleMania 33, re-capturing the Women’s Title of the blue brand & more. Below are the highlights:

On what she had to do to get cleared to compete at WrestleMania 33:

“Yes, it was literally the week before (whether it was a close call). And even then it was still a possibility, ‘I don’t know if you want to risk it or give it more time.’ I fought and fought and fought and begged. Just had to really get them to trust me. ‘Trust me, I know my body. I can go, I can do this.’ And it was literally a week before. I for sure thought I wasn’t going to make it.”

On trying to hide her injury:

“At that time I honestly was trying everything in my power not to let anybody know what happened. But realistically there was no way I could compete and perform. I didn’t know how bad it was. I had an MCL sprain, which I got on the finish. So I was just blown away, I was like ‘there’s no way this is happening, why does stuff like this always happen to me?’ I had to just rehab and take care of myself. I’m very blessed and fortunate to even have come back, and for the injury not to be as bad to where I needed surgery and be out longer.”

On defending her Title against Charlotte Flair:

“Charlotte definitely is one hell of a challenge and a great competitor, and I think me being against her is only going to bring out the best in me… I’m going to reach my fullest potential being in there, because she is one of the best.”