In collaboration with PWI, Bell To Belles interviewed over 20 women who have ranked on this year’s PWI Women’s 100 ranking. Bell To Belles will release one interview per day, celebrating the past year in women’s wrestling and the strong women who dedicate their lives to the sport.

LuFisto, who ranked #35 on this year’s Women’s 100, chatted with Warren Hayes of Bell To Belles on her last year in wrestling, the decision to not retire, and her role as an intergender wrestling legend.

In early 2019, LuFisto made the announcement that 2019 would be the last year of her career. Having sustained some serious injuries throughout her career, LuFisto stated it was unhealthy to compete with an injury, and had to make the best decision for her future.

However, LuFisto decided to stick around the industry she loved, after all. Warren asked what made her decide to stay.

I had my plan; I wanted to wrestle Tyson Dux, and then just go home and do something else. Then, I couldn’t get that match happening. I met my boyfriend who knew me for 20 years, and he’s pushing me like no one else ever did. He’s like, ‘I saw you work too hard.’ And because of him being constantly so supportive like, ‘You can do it, you can do it,’ sometimes you just need that person to believe.”

LuFisto

Watch the entire interview with LuFisto on her past year in wrestling below. Buy the digital version of the Women’s 100 edition today from PWI here.

Return to Bell To Belles every day until early November for a new interview from a 2020 PWI Women’s 100 ranked woman. Also visit Bell To Belles for relevant news, unique op-ed pieces, and advocacy. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for access to all of our video and audio interviews, and new upcoming video content.

Please credit Bell To Belles for the interview and quote transcription.