As I said in the Best and Worst of TLC, Carmella was the hero of the Mixed Match Challenge, and R-Truth played a huge role in building her up as a likable babyface, which reflects really well on him too. In a recent interview with Metro, Carmella spoke about her experiences in the tournament and specifically about what it’s like working with R-Truth:
Oh my gosh it’s been so much fun! Before it started I was one of the most hated people in the company, everyone hated Carmella and I was such a brat. A few weeks later and suddenly everyone is cheering me because I’m with R-Truth. It was unreal and I couldn’t believe it. It’s definitely bought out a different side to Carmella which has been so much fun. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner and we won the whole thing. Now we both get to be number 30 in the Royal Rumble.
I didn’t know him that well before we started this whole thing but he’s such an easygoing guy. It’s been really fun getting to know him, and honestly, how you see us on TV is how we are in real life. We finish each others sentences, we’re so silly and we have turned into such good friends. I feel super lucky, he’s a great, great guy and he’s not afraid to make a fool out of himself and have a good time. Every opportunity he gets he embraces it and makes the most of it. That’s something everyone in this company can learn from it. Never think you’re too good for a role, and never take yourself too seriously.
Later in the interview, the former Smackdown Women’s Champion talks about her past and future with the company:
2018 was for sure the year of Carmella. I’m so fortunate, I cashed in, became champion and became everything people thought I wouldn’t be. I beat Asuka, I beat Charlotte twice, and now I’m just having fun and embracing every opportunity that I get. I will become champion again, that’s for sure, but right now everyone has their moment and then you get back into the mix. I’m not in any rush, when it happens it’ll happen.
The whole interview is worth a read, especially if you’re a fan of the Princess of Staten Island. Everybody who read my Mixed Match Challenge recaps knows that I’m a bit biased in favor of Carmella, but her attitude here is impressively positive. I really do believe she’ll rise to the top again, and maybe this time she’ll be beloved by fans instead of hated. Time will tell.
