Thunder Rosa recently returned to AEW after a lengthy hiatus due to a severe back injury. However, the comeback wasn’t in the ring but behind the commentary table. On the February 8th edition of Dynamite in El Paso, Texas, the former Women’s Champion joined the Spanish commentary team.
It has now been announced that she will remain on the Spanish commentary team while her injury rehab continues, plus in another exciting role. In a post on social media, Thunder Rosa announced her new role in the promotion.
Exciting news, #AEW fans! While my recovery continues, I’ll join @AEW as a Spanish commentator & on-screen personality. I’m thrilled to be able to serve Spanish-speaking fans in this unique way. Health is a journey with ups and downs. Meanwhile, I’ll see you from the booth!
Thunder Rosa Relinquished The AEW Women’s Championship
At St Patrick’s Day Slam in 2022, Rosa defeated Britt Baker inside a steel cage to finally win the women’s title. Following six successful defences and a 172-day reign, she was forced to pull out of a scheduled championship bout due to injury.
A women’s interim title was introduced, which caused frustration among fans and on the roster. Before competing at Full Gear Interim Women’s Champion, Toni Storm said that Rosa should just “come back to work” and “defend her title like she’s supposed to.” The comments came after reports the situation had been “bothering a lot of people.”
Further controversy followed after it was announced that Rosa would be taking a break from the ring. Several negative reports began to emerge about her conduct backstage. It was reported that the star had acted badly towards extras, and had heat with Jamie Hayter for breaking her nose in a match at Battle of the Belts III.
There were also claims she purposely “sandbagged” Marina Schafir. However, she refuted these claims on The MMA Hour, stating:
“No. And like I said in the New York Post I have nothing but respect for my opponents. Nothing but respect for my opponents. Anyone that dares to stand in the ring with me, I have nothing but respect for my opponents. And I send them nothing but blessings.”
“Moving on forward I will continue to work harder to have the best matches I can bring and to bring the most opportunities for all the women that are behind me so when they step in the ring with me they’re like ‘ok cool.’ People are gonna talk then that’s fine, I’m not worried about that. I will continue to move forward and I will continue to show with my body of work what I am all about. That’s all I have to say.”
There is no time frame on when Rosa will return to the ring. Specific details about her injury have been few and far between, although she has confirmed that she’s dealing with a back issue.