Former WWE Star Mandy Rose Announces Comeback Plans to Reclaim Bodybuilding Title

Amanda Rose Saccomanno, better known as Mandy Rose, is returning to her roots. While the former WWE star started her pro wrestling career in 2015, Rose was a bodybuilding champion before that. Rose competed in bodybuilding contests in 2013 and even won the 2014 WBFF Bikini World Championship.

The 33-year-old recently appeared on the Power and Podcast and announced her return to competitive bodybuilding. The former NXT champion surprised her fiance, Tino Sabbatolli, who also appeared on the podcast with her. “Are we ready for my big announcement?“ said Mandy Rose before pulling out her WBFF sash. 

“I‘m coming back to take what is rightfully mine,“ said the former Toxic Attraction leader with the 2014 WBFF Bikini World Champion sash. “I’ve decided I’m going to commit, which is something I’m deciding right now,“ added the former NXT champion. “I feel like it’s time. Let’s do it!“ she exclaimed.

However, Rose’s fans may have seen it coming. Mandy Rose teased her bodybuilding comeback for the first time on May 5th. The 33-year-old posted a physique update on Instagram. “Seeing if I still got it… It’s been 10 years since I competed… You guys think I should step back on stage?“ Rose asked her fans.

After that, she has continued to post more bodybuilding content. After her physique update, the former WWE star also posted a leg and glutes workout video. However, Rose didn’t say if she’ll return at this year’s WBFF Worlds. Since she only has two months to prepare for the event set to be held in August, fans might wonder about the timing of her move.

While her bodybuilding comeback is in the works, Mandy Rose hasn’t closed the door on pro wrestling despite her controversial WWE release.

How Mandy Rose lost her WWE career

Mandy Rose lost her NXT women’s championship in December 2022 after 413 days as champion. She lost her title to longtime rival Roxanne Perez. However, shortly after losing her title, the WWE released Rose from the promotion. Journalist Dave Meltzer revealed the reason behind the decision on Wrestling Observer Radio.

Meltzer explained that NXT’s Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative, Shawn Michaels, decided to take action when he learned about Mandy Rose’s premium content on her Fantime page. The WWE also removed all of her content published under the WWE banner on social media. 

Despite the setback, Mandy Rose has continued to publish premium, paywalled content. She has grown her brand since being released from the WWE and has also found financial success. While the former NXT champion may return to pro wrestling, it seems like she’ll be putting her efforts into bodybuilding for the foreseeable future.