On the newest episode of the “Power Alphas” podcast, former WWE star Mandy Rose (Mandy Saccomanno) discussed her transition to Tough Enough to Total Divas:
“I knew I was going to be very respectful and friendly and nice and whatever. However, you know, it’s reality TV. I already went through that experience on Tough Enough of being like, the nice girl kind of finishes last, like I had Lita and Jericho come up to me and was like, ‘Listen, you got everything what it takes, but like, you gotta step it up when it comes to the reality part and like, drama. This is reality, like you have to stand out.’ So that’s when I became the Big Bad Wolf.”
“Anyway there was an equilibrium for me. So I thought”OK, in order to get people to like me, I have to make a statement and make a noise. I must create an atmosphere, however as I said, I don’t have anyone to share my feelings with, or compete against. For instance, I didn’t have one to go up against. In particular, I was Daria who was on Tough Enough that we just got along. We always stood by one the other’s side. If someone was being unkind to her, I would intervene. If anyone was bothering me, she’d get involved as if we were one team and, as you can imagine we’re very loyal to each other to each other like that. I didn’t experience that through Total Divas. It was like it was all of the girls against me. well to make a point on TV however, it was also the case in real life. Which is what led me to my amazing excursion into Paris.”
“Paris was truly amazing, and really fascinating. I don’t believe I’ve ever discussed this in the past, but, I’m thinking maybe a few fragments from it but what. Paris was the moment when I thought”okay it’s not for me. I phoned my ex-boyfriend and I told him, “I’m crying.” I was crying the night before and I said”I don’t want to do this. I’m like I’m not suited to be this way. I’m not happy about it. They’re mean. I don’t feel that it’s a show for TV. I think it’s meant for real life. I’m being left out. People do not want to hang with me. It’s like in a bad mood. I hate it.’ My tears were erupting. It was really disturbing. I was just didn’t really know what to do, but it was an extremely stressful moment for me too as, everything was happening, and I felt so much anxiety about I know that Mandy Rose is the next biggest thing. Everything I did was watching, and I was overwhelmed with the thought of “Oh my God.”
“I have come from the show Tough Enough that I had immense confidence. I was just glowing with confidence, and I was like I was in the love with this. I’m sure this will be a great thing. I’m so happy, then be able to enjoy this, but then being like I felt so tiny. I felt like I was unsure of myself. I tried to be nice but I was feeling like I was just a freakin’ twit. I wasn’t clicking with anyone. I was a fan of Eva right from the beginning, however, I was feeling like that the Bellas were the most popular and you can tell they spent the most time and had a strong presence around them. It was like I felt that everyone was wanting to be pleasing the Bellas and the girls and, like, I tried to please them, too. But I don’t think that they liked me too often in the beginning. I’m not lying. I’m getting along very well. I love them, and have a lot of respect for them. I was able to see them in person during The Big Event signing. I am awestruck by their music. I believe they’ve accomplished amazing things. I am envious of them following in their footsteps, but back then, I didn’t believe they were huge fans of me. I would really like to ask them to be honest, like the next time I meet them and say, ‘By way, I’ve talked with you on the podcast. But, did you feel like you liked me when you first met me? ‘”
“Anyway I was in a state that didn’t feel me. I wasn’t sure what to do. I didn’t know anyone. I wasn’t sure who was with me. I felt completely isolated. When it came to the producers and those working behind on the scene, I believed that they’d always put other girls first they were right, and it’s okay but I felt as if nobody was at my side. I was Tough Enough that I was as if I was considered a huge shot in the industry. I felt that I gained lots of respect. The boss was impressed and was impressed by my work. I believed that the producers were truly in my corner, but as it was with Total Divas, I felt as if they were attempting to kill me.”
