Former WWE NXT Women’s Champion Mandy Rose recently opened up about a surprising and little-known challenge she faced early in her WWE career: a herpes outbreak that led talent, including herself, to clean the wrestling rings at WWE’s NXT Performance Center. This revelation came during an episode of The Power Alphas Podcast, where Mandy and her husband, former WWE and NFL athlete Tino Sabbatelli, reflected on their time in WWE’s developmental system and the tough path rising stars were expected to endure[1][2][5].

Cleaning WWE Rings: A Humbling Experience Amid a Health Scare

Mandy Rose recounted that during their NXT days, a significant herpes outbreak among talent forced the company to take drastic hygiene measures. “We had to clean the rings in NXT ’cause there was like a herpes outbreak, guys. I don’t even know if everyone knows that one,” Mandy explained on the podcast[1][4][5]. The cleanliness effort was not just about sanitation but also served as a rite of passage — a way for newcomers to stay grounded and earn their place.

Tino Sabbatelli added context on how the NXT environment was challenging, particularly for him as an outsider transitioning from the NFL to pro wrestling. He noted that some talent viewed him skeptically, as though he was trying to “steal their spot.” Mandy chimed in by humorously sharing how even the production crew reacted to the backstage reality, recalling, “I watched this good-looking stud put up lights, and then he saw your first cockroach and was like, ‘Oh my god.’” The ring cleaning was a literal bottom of the ladder task that most wrestlers, regardless of prior fame or background, had to perform[1].

The Old NXT Culture vs. Modern WWE Development

Both Mandy and Tino emphasized how WWE’s approach to talent development has changed significantly since their time in NXT. Mandy pointed out that back then, whether you were an indie darling, a major name, or a newcomer from a different sport, you had to prove yourself by doing everything — from setting up lighting rigs to cleaning mats — before expectations increased. She stated, “This is the beautiful thing, too. I get why they do this for most people, because there’s always a bottom. You always have to work your way up. But things have changed a lot in WWE”[1][2][5].

In contrast, today’s WWE talent pipelines include signees from various sources such as top independent circuits, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) college athletes, and direct star acquisitions. This diversification has prompted shifts in training and onboarding routines — less emphasis on menial labor and more focus on immediate in-ring readiness and marketability.

Facing Criticism Despite Early Opportunities

Mandy Rose also touched on the mixed reactions she faced early in her WWE run. Despite her rapid rise, which included appearances on Total Divas and securing sponsorship deals during her developmental phase, some peers criticized her for seemingly being fast-tracked. She recalled, “Even when I got there, it was like, even me, they were like, ‘Oh, this girl’s getting thrown in Total Divas, and she has a following.’ I was able to do some of my sponsored things in the beginning, people didn’t like that”[5].

This tension highlights the competitive and sometimes contentious nature of the wrestling locker room, where new talents’ external success can invite resentment. Yet, Mandy’s journey—from cleaning wrestling rings in difficult conditions to becoming NXT Women’s Champion—exemplifies endurance and growth within WWE’s evolving system[1][2].

Background and Legacy of Mandy Rose in WWE

Mandy Rose, who held the NXT Women’s Championship and led the faction Toxic Attraction, eventually left WWE in 2022 under complex circumstances involving her external business ventures and contractual issues. Since then, she has focused on expanding her career outside wrestling while remaining a respected figure among fans and peers alike[1][4].

Sources Close to Mandy and WWE

According to sources close to Mandy Rose and the scenario discussed on The Power Alphas Podcast, the herpes outbreak and subsequent cleaning duties were a stark reminder of the less glamorous aspects of wrestling life behind the scenes. Fightful provided a detailed transcription of Mandy and Tino’s discussion, shedding light on untold backstage challenges and WWE’s developmental culture in the late 2010s and early 2020s[5].

Keywords: Mandy Rose, WWE NXT, herpes outbreak, wrestling ring cleaning, WWE developmental system, Tino Sabbatelli, WWE backstage news, NXT Women’s Champion, WWE Performance Center, Toxic Attraction, WWE talent challenges

This candid disclosure from Mandy Rose adds a rare peek into the intense and sometimes uncomfortable realities WWE Superstars faced in development, underscoring the resilience required to succeed in the pro wrestling world.