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Deonna Purrazzo is IMPACT Wrestling's greatest female star in recent memory. The Knockout of the Year 2020 has faced all-comers and is currently the reigning Knockouts Champion since November 2020.
She will defend her title against Mickie James at IMPACT's Bound for Glory event on October 23 in Las Vegas. The event is sold out, and Mickie could potentially be another fallen victim to Deonna's impressive run with the company.
Deonna has previously performed for WWE, having signed an NXT contract. She appeared on the black-and-gold brand at the time, and also competed in the inaugural Mae Young Classic. She was released from her contract in April 2020 due to budget cuts.
That being said, let's take a look at five WWE dream opponents for Deonna Purrazzo.
#5. Deonna Purrazzo vs. Nia Jax
On April 6, 2020, episode of WWE RAW, Nia Jax squashed Deonna Purrazzo in just one minute and thirty-five seconds. It marked Deonna's last ever appearance with the company. She signed with IMPACT Wrestling following the expiry of her non-compete clause and has not looked back since.
If Purrazzo is ever to step foot back into a WWE ring, her sights should be firmly set on Nia Jax. She could ultimately blame Jax for being instrumental in her departure by embarrassing her on RAW. At the same time, she could also thank Jax for inspiring The Virtuosa we see today in IMPACT.
Behind-the-scenes, Deonna Purrazzo had nothing but praise for Nia Jax, who was influential to her throughout her time in NXT:
"That last match with Nia is funny because it’s full circle. My first in NXT as extra talent was against Nia, and that spans a five-year difference. From day one to my last day in WWE, she has been so great. Never have I walked away hurt or banged up, or feeling like I can’t work the next day. I feel the need to defend her from my point of view because I can’t say anything negative about her," said Deonna Purrazzo. (h/t Wrestling Inc.)
It would be a dream match, one that would see just how far Deonna has come since her last outing with The Irresistible Force.
#4. Deonna Purrazzo vs. Bianca Belair
The EST of WWE, Bianca Belair vs. The EST of IMPACT Wrestling, Deonna Purrazzo would be an exceptional match if it were to happen in the future.
It would essentially be a test of strength, endurance, and in-ring talent. Bianca would bring her unmatched athleticism while Deonna would bring her tenacious style.
Deonna and Bianca have competed a handful of times one-on-one on NXT house shows in 2019, and just once on NXT television in 2018. These two ladies have come so far since then and the spotlight, on each respective promotion, is firmly on them.
Purrazzo spoke to Les anti-pods de la Lutte about her dissatisfaction in NXT, which eventually saw Bianca Belair steam past her:
"I feel like I didn’t get a proper shot in NXT, and I wasn’t featured regularly on NXT TV. I wasn’t in the women’s championship title picture. I feel like my opportunities there were squandered really fast and, to be honest about it, I wasn’t the chosen one," said Deonna Purrazzo. (h/t Post Wrestling)
Recently, Bianca Belair claimed the top spot in the PWI 150 female superstars of 2020. Deonna Purrazzo came in third. This just shows you the high level these two women are performing at right now. It would be incredible to see two wrestlers square off.
#3. Deonna Purrazzo vs. Sasha Banks
Earlier this year, Deonna Purrazzo picked her Mount Rushmore for professional wrestling. Purrazzo lists Trish Stratus, Alundra Blayze, The Bella Twins, and Sasha Banks as her picks. Sasha Banks is the only current active performer from the list and could be pitted against Deonna in the future.
The pair have never faced each other, even during their days in NXT. It is a match that ultimately should happen.
Deonna spoke about why she picked Sasha Banks on her Mount Rushmore:
"Sasha Banks is still actively wrestling and pushing the envelop [in the ring], as well as being on a path to mainstream success. Being featured in The Mandalorian is an amazing accomplishment and, by staying at the pace she is at, there’s no doubt in my mind she should be on Mount Rushmore," said Deonna Purrazzo. (h/t The Sun)
It is not just a dream match for us, but also for The Viruousa, who will one day be picked on someone else's Mount Rushmore as one of the best.
#2. Deonna Purrazzo vs. Becky Lynch
Interestingly, Deonna Purrazzo has already taken it to The Man on WWE television. On the December 27, 2016, episode of SmackDown, Deonna was disguised as La Luchdora and attacked Becky Lynch.
This was during Becky's SmackDown Women's Title match against Alexa Bliss. Lynch was already portraying La Luchdora in the feud with Bliss. The La Luchadora character turned heel and, during the unmasking a few weeks, later it was revealed to be Mickie James, and Deonna had been removed from the role.
If Deonna was to ever show up to WWE, Becky might remember the incident. It could instantly spark off a feud and a dream match for the ages. Their two styles are pretty similar and could make for a compelling series of matches.
The Man vs. The Virtuosa is a match that we need to see in the future. It would instantly steal any match card that it is booked on.
#1. Deonna Purrazzo vs. Charlotte Flair
Imagine this one. Deonna Purrazzo is IMPACT's most decorated star of the modern era. Charlotte Flair is WWE's most decorated female superstar of all time. It is a clash worthy of main-eventing any show. It would live long in the memory of wrestling fans around the world.
Purrazzo has spoken in the past about facing WWE's Four Horsewomen, but none get bigger than Charlotte Flair. Charlotte is the twelve-time Women's Champion on WWE's main roster and is following in the footsteps of her father, Ric Flair, in becoming the greatest world champion ever.
Deonna is forging her legacy carrying the IMPACT Knockouts Title and also the AAA Reina de Reinas Championship at present.
The pair have never faced each other. It would be a classic and should rightly get plenty of time to tell one grand story.
Who is your WWE dream opponent for Deonna Purrazzo? Do you think she will return to WWE one day? Let us know in the comments below!
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
