IN REALITY LOURDES II

Sitting across from Lourdes in the podcast studio felt like catching up with an old friend. The energy was vibrant, the kind that can only be sparked by shared history and mutual interests.

As she kicked off the conversation with "Round 2," I couldn't help but smile at the memory of our last chat, where we uncovered our family ties.

"Last time, I was here, we found out we were related and you were pregnant," I said, recalling how surreal that moment had been. It was amazing how life twists and turns, leading you to unexpected connections.

Lourdes nodded, her expression both amused and thoughtful. "Yes. Your mother's father is my father's uncle. And I was a couple of weeks pregnant, Luis was acting like I couldn't be left alone because of my morning sickness and you were pretending to be single."

I chuckled at that. "I wasn't pretending. I told you that dating is tricky. Everybody is dating the same people and it's like I don't want to be another checkmark on someone's list, you know? I want marriage and more children."

Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "So it was complicated status, not single status?"

"Yup, but now it's definitely taken status," I replied a hint of pride in my voice.

"Maybe even marriage and baby status," she teased, wiggling her eyebrows.

I laughed, feeling the warmth of her banter. "We'll see," I said, keeping my cards close to my chest. The truth was, while things were serious with my partner, I was hesitant to rush into the expectations of my relationship with Joshua.

Shifting the topic to wrestling, I felt a familiar excitement bubbling up. Women's wrestling has transformed over the years, evolving from a side attraction to a central part of the spectacle.

We dove into discussing the phenomenal talent now showcased across promotions, each match often eclipsing those of our male counterparts. Yet, the frustration remained: WWE's championship landscape still felt restrictive for women.

"Do you think these championships will come to life?" Lourdes asked, her curiosity palpable.

I leaned forward, eager to share my thoughts. "I think a women's mid-card title would be a great way to show off all the talent on the roster. Our roster is so stacked. These mid-card championships could highlight the true talent of our division."

There was something powerful about advocating for the change we needed. I wanted to see more women recognized for their skills, and more opportunities for everyone on the roster. Just having the women's tag titles and the main championships felt limiting. The introduction of a Women's Intercontinental Title or a Women's United States Title could provide a platform for rising stars, giving them the chance to shine.

It was an exciting thought, one that made me feel hopeful about the future of women in wrestling. While WWE hadn't confirmed anything, the rumors were buzzing, and I was ready to support any move toward inclusivity and recognition.

As the conversation continued, I shared a bit about my personal journey. "My current contract is set to expire by the end of this year, and WWE reached out to me, and I signed a new deal."

It felt significant to announce that I was staying with WWE. I had started my career in the independent circuit in 2012 and signed with WWE in 2013. My journey has been incredible, filled with ups and downs, and the commitment from WWE reassured me that my hard work was paying off.

"Congratulations! That's amazing!" Lourdes responded, her enthusiasm infectious.

"Thanks! It really is. My debut on NXT back in October 2013 feels like just yesterday. I remember my match against Summer Rae vividly. The nerves, the adrenaline—it was overwhelming yet exhilarating."

Reflecting on that moment made me appreciate how far I'd come. I remembered the grueling training sessions and the sacrifices made along the way. Moving up to the main roster in early 2014 was another leap, one that solidified my place in the industry.

Wrestling was more than just a job for me; it was my passion, my way of expressing myself. And while the fame and recognition were nice, what mattered most was the connection with the audience and the stories we told in the ring.

Lourdes shifted the conversation again, digging deeper. "What has been the most surprising part of your wrestling journey?"

I paused, contemplating. "Honestly, the relationships I've built with my fellow wrestlers. It's like a big family, especially the women. We support each other and push each other to be better. It's empowering to see how we all uplift one another, especially in a space that's historically been male-dominated."

I thought about my peers, the women who have inspired me and who I hoped to inspire in return. Each one of us has a unique story, and sharing our experiences can create a powerful narrative.

Our discussion eventually circled back to the fans and how crucial they are to our success. "The fans have really driven the growth of women's wrestling. Their support has opened doors for us," I said, recalling the electrifying atmosphere during women's matches. The cheers, the chants—it was all a testament to how far we've come.

"I think about the first women's main event at WrestleMania and how that changed the game. It was a historic moment not just for WWE but for women in sports everywhere," I continued, my voice filled with conviction.

Lourdes nodded in agreement. "It's incredible to witness this evolution."

"Absolutely. But there's still work to do. More representation, more titles, more opportunities. We can't stop pushing for what's fair."

The conversation flowed effortlessly, and I felt a sense of camaraderie with Lourdes. Our shared passion for wrestling, coupled with our personal experiences, created a rich tapestry of discussion.

As we wrapped up the podcast, I reflected on how this platform allowed me to share my story and advocate for the changes I believed in. I wanted to inspire other women and girls to chase their dreams, whether in wrestling or any other field.

As I left the studio, I felt invigorated. The conversations we had were more than just talk; they were part of a larger movement, one that was reshaping the landscape of women's wrestling. I was proud to be a part of it and excited to see what the future holds.

I realized that wrestling was more than just a career for me. It was a calling—a way to create impact, forge connections, and champion the next generation of female wrestlers. The journey is far from over, and I am ready for every challenge and triumph ahead.