PAIGE VANZANT reveals that she was battered by pro wrestling training - and turned down WWE to join rivals AEW.
VanZant made her first AEW appearance last September as the latest star of Dan Lambert's American Top Team MMA club.
Paige VanZant has been signed to AEW, a pro-wrestling promotion
She made her debut in an in-ring match in May. This marked the culmination of months of preparation.
VanZant has been to 13 MMA bouts, as well as 2 in the bare-knuckle ring. She is used to tough knocks and trash talking.
The American was surprised at the physical challenges that a career as a pro wrestler would pose to his body.
VanZant, 28 years old, told SunSport that he knew he would excel at it.
"It's the exact same with me on Dancing With the Stars. I knew that I would have the right skills for it.
"But, I didn't realize how physically demanding it was. It was much more painful than I had expected.
"It was a really tough, hard training, and I was ready to go home and just relax and ice my body.
"Training and getting ready for the first match was extremely difficult. Pro wrestlers are an elite group of athletes.
"It's amazing how they can do so much with their bodies. After just one match, I was sore and in pain.
"And then they go to do matches every weekend, so it's an honor to go out and do what they do.
"I loved the training, but it was definitely more intense that I expected."
VanZant left the UFC in 2020 and had talks with the WWE to cross-over to them. They wanted her to be an exclusive signing.
But AEW offered her the opportunity to continue fighting and to wrestle on a part-time basis. This was too tempting to refuse.
VanZant stated: "I am still continuing my MMA/bare knuckleboxing career.
"So, I wasn’t ready to stop that to pursue pro wrestling. AEW was extremely flexible with me.
"Now that I have a fight, I've taken a step back to concentrate on the fight and just make sure I balance my schedule so I can do both.
"I can still make these appearances and matches in AEW, but I can also be very dedicated to bare-knuckleboxing.
"That was an area where the WWE were more exclusive. They want you to be a full-time wrestler and I wasn't ready for that."
VanZant lost her first two BKFC bouts against Britain Hart 32 and Rachael Osovich 31.
She will be back in London on August 20, looking for her first win at the bare-knuckle crown.
Talks were held with the WWE by the former UFC star
Paige VanZant's BKFC Return on August 20
