WWE superstar Alexa Bliss recently spoke to Sports Illustrated to discuss her experience at this year’s WrestleMania 36, which for the first time ever was held over two-nights at an empty Performance Center due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. Highlights from the interview are below.
Opening this year’s WrestleMania and breaking her losing streak:
I’ve had a lot of amazing opportunities at WrestleMania, including hosting last year,” said Bliss. “I walked in as champ at my first two WrestleManias, but I had a streak of losing my title at WrestleMania. This year I didn’t lose a title, I gained one. I’m looking forward to WrestleMania with all our fans, but opening the show with Nikki was a lot of fun.
How she’s dealt with her eating disorder and thoughts on mental illness:
When I went to the hospital, I almost went into cardiac arrest. And I wasn’t allowed to go to sleep—they thought I’d die if I did. I take it day-by-day. Dealing with eating disorders, anxiety, and depression, I’m no stranger to mental illness. Every few years, I deal with a really bad spell of depression. You have to know it doesn’t have to overtake your life. Mental illness can dictate someone’s entire life. I put myself in a position to be in the public eye, but I’m doing what I love. I’ve gone to therapy, I’ve done everything I can do to get my brain in a healthy place.
Giving back to her supportive parents:
My parents have been supportive of anything and everything I’ve wanted to do since day one,” said Bliss. “I wanted to be a gymnast, so they found me gymnastics classes. My dad coached my softball team. I wanted to cheer, and they supported me there, too. They’ve always been there for me. When I signed with WWE, I wanted to give back to them. I bought them a house down the street from me in Florida. They watch all my matches, they were there for the title wins. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
Thoughts on performing during the Coronavirus pandemic:
If we can help people escape reality for a couple minutes, then it’s worth it,” said Bliss. “It’s a very unfortunate situation going on right now in the world, so I’m trying to stay positive. WWE is taking all the precautions to make sure everyone at our shows is safe. For me, it’s also nice that I can spend time at home with my family and my animals. That’s my positive way of looking at it.