Why Did This WWE Star Retire In 2012?
The former Women's Champion has shed some light on her exit.
Speaking on the After the Bell podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix revealed exactly why she decided to call time on her in-ring career back in 2012.
Phoenix was storyline 'fired' by then-Raw Managing Supervisor Vickie Guerrero for her performance in a match with AJ Lee in October 2012. Yet, in reality, the former Women's Champion had given her notice in September and wanted to leave for a number of reasons.
She told podcast host Corey Graves that both of her grandparents and her uncle - who she was particularly close to - all suddenly passed away from cancer during a one year period. Due to her commitments to WWE, Phoenix unfortunately had to miss funerals. On top of this, Phoenix also claimed she was exhausted from the crazy WWE schedule and the star admitted that she 'shed tears over hoping that I didn’t waste my life.'
At this time in her life, Phoenix had also just met Edge in the wake of his sudden retirement from wrestling and the pair both decided they were ready to start a family. All of the above eventually led to Phoenix choosing to step away from the ring at such a young age.
The 'Glamazon' has since sporadically appeared in matches over the years, appearing in a few Women's Royal Rumbles and wrestling at WrestleMania 35. Outside of the ring, Phoenix currently performs as an NXT colour commentator.