In a candid interview with Chris Van Vliet, former WWE wrestler Sonya Deville shared her thoughts on the Pure Fusion Collective faction she was a part of, alongside Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark. Deville, known for her outspoken nature, did not hesitate to express her dissatisfaction with the faction’s name, calling it “terrible” [1][3].

The Pure Fusion Collective was formed last summer with the aim of disrupting the WWE Raw women’s division. Despite their ambitions, the group struggled to find its footing, and Deville’s departure from WWE in February marked the end of her involvement with the faction [2]. Since then, both Baszler and Stark have been relatively absent from WWE television.

Background of the Faction

Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler, and Zoey Stark formed the Pure Fusion Collective in an effort to shake up the WWE landscape. Deville had previously pitched a return to her MMA roots, which aligned with ideas Triple H had for a new faction. However, the coming together of these diverse personalities proved challenging to market effectively [1][3].

“I didn’t know how the three of us were going to blend together… me, Zoey (Stark) and Shayna (Baszler) in PFC,” Deville explained, highlighting the difficulties in creating a cohesive unit [3]. Despite these challenges, Deville saw herself as the mouthpiece for the group, mediating between the driven Stark and the seasoned Baszler [2].

The Name: A Critical Misstep?

Deville’s dissatisfaction with the “Pure Fusion Collective” name stems from her belief that it lacked the necessary impact. “I thought that was terrible. I don’t think it was ever going to be the thing,” she stated, reflecting on the faction’s overall performance [1][3]. This sentiment suggests that branding and marketing were crucial factors in the group’s inability to gain significant traction.

According to sources close to the WWE, the naming process often involves a collaborative effort between creatives and management. However, in this case, it seems that the end result did not align with Deville’s vision or expectations [1].

Dynamic with Former Teammates

Despite the challenges faced by the Pure Fusion Collective, Deville praised the talents of her former teammates. On “Busted Open Radio,” she highlighted Baszler’s unique style and Stark’s phenomenal athleticism, suggesting that both wrestlers have the potential to excel in their careers [2].

“Shayna’s like the cool vet… and Zoey’s like the feisty, hungry, wants to do everything now,” Deville noted, emphasizing the diverse strengths within the group [2]. This diverse dynamic was a significant aspect of their performances, but ultimately, it was not enough to overcome the branding issues.

Future Prospects for Baszler and Stark

With Deville’s departure from WWE, the future of Baszler and Stark remains uncertain. Despite their reduced presence on television, insiders suggest that both wrestlers retain a strong following and possess the skills necessary to succeed in the wrestling world [2].

According to a WWE insider, “Zoey Stark and Shayna Baszler have the potential to break through as solo acts. Their unique styles and personalities could be leveraged to create compelling storylines, especially if paired with the right opponents or alliances.”

Conclusion

Sonya Deville’s candid assessment of the Pure Fusion Collective highlights the importance of branding and creative alignment in professional wrestling. While the faction’s name may have been a misstep, the talents of its members are undeniable. As the WWE continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Baszler and Stark navigate their careers, potentially capitalizing on the strengths they developed during their time in the Pure Fusion Collective.

For fans interested in following the developments of these wrestlers, it’s advisable to stay tuned to WWE.com and other reputable sources for updates on future storylines and roster changes. Meanwhile, interviews like Deville’s with Chris Van Vliet offer a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of professional wrestling, providing insight into what makes successful factions tick—and what doesn’t.