Eva Marie Discusses Her Role in WWE, “Total Divas,” Skeptical Fans

WWE and NXT diva Eva Marie recently spoke with Rolling Stone to promote the upcoming season of “Total Divas,” which premieres tonight on the E! Network at 9/8 C. In the interview, she discusses a variety of topics, including her role as a diva and where she fits into the company, this season of “Total Divas,” fans being skeptical of her wrestling abilities, and more.

Below are some highlights from the interview:

Where does Eva Marie fit into the Divas landscape, which is markedly different than during your last main-roster run?
So much has changed. I’m a pretty big bad guy, so that would definitely transpire on the main roster. I’d be coming in as a major heel. I think they need some heel blood for sure, so hopefully that can happen.

Was part of the plan to have this Total Divas season introduce the work you’ve been doing in NXT to a wider audience before returning to the main roster?
Yes, exactly. I was not the most liked cast member last season, so this season you’re gonna see how and why I chose to go to NXT and the reasoning behind going to hone my craft and build my character as well. I think that’s great for not only the E! network, but our WWE universe to see, because you get to see the difference between myself and people like Natalya or Paige, who were born into wrestling. I think it’s good for people to see the difference between the two and how much work it does take to become a WWE Diva.

How do you win over fans that are still skeptical about your commitment to wrestling as opposed to the overall Eva Marie brand?
People are always going to have something to say, where it’s good, bad or indifferent. And for me, I know exactly why I became a WWE Diva. I think people forget I tried out to be a Diva before I got Total Divas. So I was given this amazing opportunity that, if presented to anybody, they would take. As far as my commitment to being a wrestler, the proof is in the pudding. I asked to go back to NXT when I really didn’t have to. I was already on the main roster, so I could have continued doing what I was doing up there. I never want to do anything mediocre, so I needed to make that personal assessment and ask Vince McMahon and Triple H, “Can I go to NXT?” Because we have the resources, so why wouldn’t I want to capitalize on that? I’ve put in blood, sweat and tears to progress, which is awesome, ’cause look at me now: I’m working a live event tonight. It was definitely one of the scariest – but best – decisions I’ve ever made.

You can read the full interview at this link.

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