WWE
Mandy Rose, former WWE NXT Women’s Champion, has become an influential voice for wrestlers navigating life after WWE, particularly those impacted by recent roster cuts. Drawing from her own experience when she was released in late 2022, Rose encourages former WWE talent to take control of their careers by creating explicit content on subscription platforms as a sustainable, lucrative alternative. Her candid advice sheds light on the evolving landscape for wrestling talents outside the ring.
From WWE Stardom to Digital Entrepreneur: Mandy Rose’s Journey
Mandy Rose rose through WWE’s ranks after appearing on Tough Enough and enjoyed a prominent run in NXT, holding the Women’s Championship for over 400 days. However, in December 2022, WWE released her following news that she had been selling online subscription content directly to fans. Instead of this marking an end, it was a pivotal moment that relaunched her career on her own terms. Rose has since become a millionaire by leveraging platforms like OnlyFans, capitalizing on her brand in ways WWE never permitted.
Speaking on her Power Alphas podcast, Rose highlighted how her path equips her uniquely to help other released wrestlers. “I got the blueprint,” she said. “It’s not about if, it’s about when that call comes, because we all know it will come”—referring to WWE’s frequent release cycles. Rose stresses that she’s thriving beyond the company’s walls and is open to guiding anyone contemplating similar moves[1][4].
Why WWE Releases Are Business Decisions, Not Reflections of Talent
Rose has also been vocal about dispelling harmful rumors that recently released performers were simply “lazy” or not working hard enough. She describes WWE’s roster cuts as predictable business cycles driven by budget and strategic decisions rather than judgments on work ethic.
In her words: “It’s a business model with a revolving door… They say, ‘We have cuts this week… we have to eliminate people to hire new ones.’ That’s just how it goes.” She points out the grueling work schedule wrestlers endure, training all week, traveling for live events, and rarely getting breaks, making the “lazy” accusations unfounded[2][5].
A WWE insider confirmed this perspective, stating, “The company’s cuts this year came down to dollars and numbers, not individual effort. Talent work hard, but the business side is ruthless and cyclical.” This insider noted that some talents leaving simply don’t fit new creative plans, further underscoring the non-personal nature of the cuts.
Embracing Autonomy: Why Creating Adult Content Is a Viable Path
The growing trend among released female wrestlers to launch subscription-based content brands reflects a broader shift in how performers monetize their fame. Rose calls this move not grooming but empowering, allowing wrestlers ownership over their brand and future income. She said:
“You’re going to be connected to that stigma, but I see it as incredible… they get to control their entity, their brand, and the revenue.” According to Rose, the lack of benefits and job security as independent contractors in WWE further motivates this trend, as many former talents must find financially sustainable and flexible opportunities[3].
Sources close to several released WWE talents shared that they have reached out to Rose for advice on navigating the online adult content industry, viewing her as a trailblazer in establishing a blueprint for success. “Mandy showed us a side of the business WWE wouldn’t talk about,” one former NXT star said. “She’s not just creating content; she’s creating careers beyond wrestling.”
The Controversy: Mixed Reactions Among Wrestling Community
While many applaud Mandy Rose for transparently advocating for wrestlers’ financial independence, her advice has also sparked debate within wrestling circles. Some former WWE talents have publicly criticized the move, concerned that the “OnlyFans route” may overshadow traditional wrestling careers or perpetuate unwanted stereotypes about female wrestlers[7].
On the other hand, Rose remains unapologetic and encourages others to explore all avenues for success without shame. She clarified on Power Alphas that she isn’t “secretly recruiting” anyone but acknowledges that her success has inspired others, and with that influence comes responsibility.
What Released WWE Stars Need to Know
For wrestlers facing release or uncertain about their futures, Rose offers practical advice beyond social media: figure out your value, create your own brand, and utilize multiple platforms to generate revenue. The key takeaways she shares include:
- Plan for the inevitability of WWE release cycles instead of fearing them.
- Diversify income streams by leveraging adult content as one option, merch, coaching, or other creative outlets.
- Take control of your own narrative and brand, rather than relying solely on promotions.
- Network and seek mentorship from former talent who have successfully transitioned.
An agent familiar with transitioning WWE talent remarked, “Mandy’s story is a wake-up call. Wrestling careers can be short and unstable. The smarter you are about life after WWE, the better your chances of long-term success.”
Looking Ahead: A New Model for Wrestler Empowerment
Mandy Rose’s outspoken encouragement denotes a significant cultural and economic shift in professional wrestling, where controlling one’s brand outside canonical wrestling is becoming mainstream. As WWE continues its business-driven release cycles and talent turnover, creating alternative revenue streams online is an increasingly viable and sometimes necessary option for wrestlers.
Sources within WWE acknowledge this trend is unlikely to be reversed. “The old model of wrestlers only wrestling or appearing on TV is gone,” a longtime WWE producer admitted. “Talent now has to be entrepreneurs, influencers, creators. Mandy was just ahead of the curve.”
With former stars embracing this new paradigm, Rose’s advice offers a roadmap that more released wrestlers are now eager to follow, balancing controversial opinions with undeniable business acumen.