Sol Ruca

28:32Because sometimes I think it's hard when we think about like, what would, what would I do? You know, but how would you coach somebody? What are some of the common threads that, that you see, um, that could be helped with, you know, different lessons that you learned? Um, so I did have like a focus in child developmental psychology. Um, and I think that has been, it's just a really cool like topic, like, because like every single thing a parent does to a child says to a child positive or negative, like affects them. And I think like throughout life, when people make decisions that hurt someone else, or if you, you know, uh, do something that other, another person doesn't approve of or thinks is wrong or whatever.

29:20You have to understand that every single thing that they've done up until this point led them to that decision. So like when people say like, oh, if I was in your shoes, I wouldn't do that. Like, yes, you would because you would be them. And they made that decision. Right. Right. You know? And I think that is like a really cool concept to think about when you're having conflict with people or, um, yeah, just like even just talking to people, like trying to understand like where they came from and like just being empathetic to them and their situations. I feel like that's something that I like, it's always in the back of my head.

29:53Like, even when I'm talking to people and just being like, I don't even know your whole story. And like, it's just, it's so cool how we all, you know, have such different backgrounds and we don't even know like the things they've struggled with and like how they've come to be here and how they move through the world. It's just, it's really cool, really cool thing. It is. And I, well, I mean, I'm biased, but I think especially in this world, you know, it's like I grew up with all different people all around me all the time. And I had the opportunity to get to know, you know, so many of them and you're right.

30:31You never know what someone else is going through or what they have gone through and, you know, who they are on the other side of that or the decisions that they made along the way, you know, and that Elise actually sent me a post the other day and it was a train station and it was all of these people walking through and the thought bubbles. And it was like, my dog died today. Yeah. It's like, yeah. And you just, you never know. Right. And yeah, somebody might be a little rude or whatever, but you don't know what happened to them. Exactly. Yeah. You know? Yeah. Even like the haters that we get online and like it's annoying but like I don't know who you are and I'm sure you know something happened within your life that's led you to to say this and do I agree with it no but like but I don't hate you for it there's nothing I can do about it like you feel bad no matter what where people are gonna hate it's you know you just have to try and not let that you know get to you and just just be empathetic towards people and yeah so let's give like a real example so you're scrolling.

31:36I mean, I'm making up a scenario, but you're, you're scrolling and you come across one like super negative comment about you and you feel it. Right. And then what is, what is the conversation you have with yourself to get to that point where you're feeling empathy versus hurt? Um, I guess, yeah, I feel like it does depend on, on the context and like the comments and stuff because like, not going to lie, there are some that like do really hit personally, but I've noticed the ones that do actually affect me are the ones that I kind of also believe if that makes sense. Because then it's validating your...

32:15Yeah, because if I see a comment about something that's like completely just like not true, like I don't believe, like it doesn't affect me, but there's always that one where I'm like, ooh, that one kind of hurt because like I can see myself telling myself that and like believing it. So I think that's like the mindset shift I'm like okay this isn't hurting me because this person said it it's hurting me because like I kind of believe it so then it's trying to like work through that and trying to change that and being like that's it's not true you know so it helps you sorry no just because someone else said something that I've also thought before like it doesn't it doesn't hold any weight like that's just it's just like confirming what these like negative beliefs that in your head are showing you, I guess.

33:03If that makes sense. No, that makes so much sense. It definitely does. It actually sounds really true. Yeah. Yeah, because like you said before, if you think someone's having a tone because you already have something in your mind, you're reacting because of what you feel. And it's your own insecurity or whatever it might be. That's really fascinating. And then it's not on that person, but then it's on yourself. So then how do you take it from a place of not like, y 'all, you know, why are you thinking like this? Why do you care so much? Oh, you know, like, how do you take it then from a negative self-talk to one where you're like, okay, let me assess this.

33:44What is it exactly that I'm reacting to and why do I feel this way? Like, what are the steps there? I guess just like dissecting where that like originated from. Like where did that negative self-talk like come from? Was it from like my childhood? Did someone say this to me one time that really like stuck with me? Or just, yeah, trying to get like to the base bit.

34:14And I guess something that helps me is like taking a step back and kind of laying out all the like good things or like all the things that I've accomplished and like kind of weighing them like, oh, is this one negative thing? Okay, but what about all of these like good things that I love about myself or whatever it is? And then trying to, I guess I feel like I do still struggle with this because I do kind of just like, okay, whatever, I'll just like not think about that. But then when it comes up again, then it's like back there. So it is like still trying to figure out how to completely get rid of it, but I don't even know if that's possible, you know?

34:52So I think it's just, yeah, just trying to get back to that positive mindset and appreciating how far you've come and yeah, just trying to move on from that. It's helpful to know that you still struggle with it, even having all of these tools in your tool chest, you know and being soul Ruka yeah cause like right who's saying anything sorry it's true I mean I mean really so do you recall or are you comfortable sharing anything from especially with a focus in child psychology like that's also very fascinating to me I was just telling a story actually to the team and I'll just say one of my daughters I won't say which one But it was, she was trying to point out to me that she felt like I wasn't validating her feelings in a situation.

35:56Because she was trying to tell me how she felt about, you know, various things. This wasn't just like a one-time thing. And I kept trying to give her the solve. Right? I'm like, no, don't focus on that. Do this. And she couldn't articulate it to me right away, but ultimately she was able to tell me, basically, you're not validating my feelings. You're just saying that, no, that's not right. You have to do this. And she's like, but that doesn't change how I feel. I feel this and I feel this way. And she felt like I wasn't acknowledging how she was feeling. recognizing that she was feeling a certain way and respecting that.

36:43And then maybe giving her suggestions or whatever. But I don't even think she wanted the suggestions. She just wanted me to know how she was feeling. And it was really an important and very hard lesson for me to learn as a mom because I felt like, oh my God, I always thought I was there. Yeah. You know, and somehow I missed this. um are there any times that you can think of and not not saying that your mom didn't do something your dad didn't do something but you know moments when you were a child looking at it now through the lens that you have of you know a struggle that you went through that you could have helped yourself a little differently um honestly I feel like the same sort of situation with with what you were just sharing uh I think parents in general they want to fix things and they want to you know comfort them in that way by being like okay well since you're feeling like this how about this this and this or it's because of this this and this when a lot of the times especially when you're growing up you just need them to like listen and like let you feel this and then I mean I guess it depends on the person, but maybe then give the solutions or whatever it is.

38:04Um, or just like just being comforting and just being like, it's okay. Like just cry it out, like do what you got to do. And like, we'll move on from this. Um, I definitely think that, uh, my parents were the same way they would, you know, come from me and be like, okay, like it's, it's no big deal. Like, you know, trying to like fix the situation or fix why I was upset instead of just like giving me the space and time to be upset and then move on from it, if that makes sense. Yeah, to give space and time. And I think, you know, with anything, the way that we treat our kids is how we operate in the world, right?

38:41Like there's nothing more important than how you treat children. And that sort of the loving kindness that I think we should all bring. like why why do we treat a young child differently than we do an adult but we do you know it's like I wish we could have that same lens yeah yeah you know yeah as we're all experiencing this for the first time right you know one knows what what they're doing to be honest yeah it's true especially parents yeah yeah there's a a meme that I share with all of my mom friends often that's like sometimes I forget I'm just a 30 something year old person going through life the first time too.

39:22Yeah. Yeah. Which is a helpful reminder as a mom and a person in general. Like we're all, we're all just doing the best we can. Yeah. Yeah. We're trying. Sometimes we get there. We are partners with Fanatics and they have a question for you. Okay. We know you have a background in gymnastics as has been discussed. who is the one gymnast that you really aspired to be and that you would ultimately want an autograph from cool so when i was young i really looked up to nastia because she was also tall and i was like same she's not as tall but she's pretty tall um i do think i have a autograph from her but i feel like now probably simone biles because she's just insane yeah like i don't I don't understand.

40:14Like, I thought I was athletic. Like, she blows me out of the water. She's amazing. Yeah, she's amazing. WWE World returns to Las Vegas this April 16th through the 20th, and it's the can't-miss destination during WrestleMania week. WWE World brings the WWE universe closer than ever to the superstars, legends, and iconic moments that define WWE. with immersive exhibits, exclusive merchandise, and experiences you won't find anywhere else. See superstars like Drew McIntyre, Liv Morgan, Jey Uso, Dominic Mysterio, Tiffany Stratton, and many more with even more appearances still to come. Tickets are on sale now at wweworld.com.

41:02Save 10 % with promo code YOURSTORY10. what do you think is the most important lesson for young parents um or parents in general i don't necessarily mean young parents i was thinking of you i know i went to lean in and i punched the mic um i guess in terms of what we were just talking about like it's okay to want to like fix things like you people are doing that out of of love and out of like you know no one wants to see their kid upset you know you want to try and fix it but that um when you're trying to fix it it kind of gives sometimes the child the mindset that their reaction is wrong that it's wrong to be feeling this way but that needs to be fixed and I think that's just trying to like understand that and kind of just figuring out what what they actually need and I know it's hard with kids because a lot of time they don't know what they need.

42:04They don't know what's going on, how they're feeling, or why they're feeling that way. And you want to be that guardian figure and try and navigate your own personal experience into it and try and give them your output. And I think sometimes you just need to let them be for a second and ask them questions like, where are you feeling this? Is this something that's in your chest or is it like your whole body's like tense like just like trying to like let them or give them the opportunity to really like explore the emotion because I think once you know how to like show emotion and like feel emotion and control it not even necessarily control it but just like figure out where it's coming from it yeah you're just gonna be so much more like emotionally uh mature when you grow up like instead of just being like I'm having this emotion it needs to be fixed and like I need to do this, this, and this to like get over it.

43:00I just need, you know, to move on. And I know I was saying that earlier moving on, but I mean, like, I feel like it's so hard to explain, like being able to, to feel it and understand it and move on is different from like feeling it and ignoring it and moving on. Right. And I think, I think that is a really important thing parents should be, I guess, like focused on is like trying to get their kid to be emotionally like mature or emotionally available and aware because I feel like emotions really do play a huge role in how you grow up and how you treat other people. Yeah, and your decision making and everything else.

43:46I mean, we are kind of governed by our emotions and, you know, I will just say hormones are a bitch. Yeah, that's the other thing. Big old bitch. They are. I mean, man, talk about trying to control your emotions. Yeah, yeah, yeah. It's not fair. Yeah. Just throw all these hormones in there. Yeah. But it is a really, it's such a fascinating way to look at it. And even the things that you were saying, like, where do you feel it? You know, where in your body do you feel it? How do you feel it? It's, that's great advice. It really is. that's very helpful. I always said to my kids they could cry it out.

44:30It's okay. Have a good cry. It's important. Let it out. Go to your room. Scream in the pillow. Cry your eyes out. It's okay. Ugly cry. Have a good old fashioned ugly cry. Or the shower. Also a good place for that. I heard. But it's an outlet. Yeah. And then they do learn, you know, sort of when those things happen, right, that it's okay. So how do you then for and apply it like to today and where you are in life today? Because what I'm thinking also is as parents, we repeat patterns, right? Like, so I might have been repeating a pattern that I was taught or shown or, you know, And stoicism is like a big thing.

45:21And how do you break patterns? And that's a little bit of what you were talking about, right? Is like allow yourself to feel it, feel it, and then move on from it. Versus, oh God, I'm feeling something. I'm going to put it over there and shove it to the back. and then it'll just keep coming up because I still have that trauma or scar or memory or whatever it is. So how do you, and again, I'm not saying you have all the answers. I'm sorry to keep putting you on the spot. I think she does. Yeah, I think you're very knowledgeable and you have an awesome perspective. And I love also that you have such a youthful perspective being a jaded old person.

46:09older getting older middle age 50 not yet really yeah almost September reaction every time because it's unbelievable yeah it is not unbelievable anyway she's shocked what is she knows all yeah almost 50 yeah jaded but so how like how can you in general break patterns behavioral patterns I think it's just I guess like educating yourself on on yourself I guess like really just taking the step to again like dissect where this comes from was it something I was taught from my my parents and do I actually believe in that or is that just something that I've like went along with because like that's what my parents did or you know just trying to I guess like think for yourself in a way um and like truly figure out like what you believe in.

47:06I think just like really taking the time to get to know yourself is really, really important when it comes to trying to develop as a person. And... There's something that you just said that triggered something in me. So knowing like where you stand. So when situations occur, you don't hesitate, right? Like I know there was an executive that I was working with who this situation occurred and it was like a potentially tricky situation and he handled it right away and he was like nope I'm not going to do that you know I'm sorry that's non-negotiable for me and then like moved on and I was really impressed because I think I would have no pun intended wrestled with it I would have been like oh like why is this person saying that and should I think that is that okay I wish I had the self knowledge to be like no I know exactly where I stand and I'm not going to be swayed by anything because this is my principle my value whatever that is is that a little bit about like what you were saying Yeah, and that's like, it is really hard to do that.

48:30Like, I feel like I still like really struggle with that because, so I have ADHD and I think, especially women who have ADHD, we're more prone to being people pleasers just because of the whole, the stigma around just women being, you know, told to be still, be quiet, be small. and with ADHD like it's really hard to do that so you learn how to like mask that and uh kind of like push that push that down so you try and fit in by people pleasing and I think that's really really something that I struggle with is like trying to take a moment and be like okay do I feel this way because I'm trying to people please or do I feel this way because I actually believe in it and I think a lot of people even if you know they don't have ADHD like I think a lot of people just struggle with that in general.

49:19Like everyone wants to be liked. Right. You know, it might not be to the extent of like being a people pleaser, but I think that does play a huge role in how people, you know, go about life is like trying to do the right thing, even if it doesn't like correlate to what you believe in. It's like, I should be doing this. So I'm going to do it instead of like, no, this is what I want. Right. And like standing by it. Well, and also when it's, it depends on who's asking, right? And if it's a boss or a partner, you know, like that also factors in, you know, and when, how old were you when you were diagnosed?

50:00So I had a bit of a tricky like diagnosis process because I was taken to get evaluated for dyslexia because my mom's dyslexic. and the guy was like, she does show signs of ADHD. And my mom was like, she doesn't have ADHD. Just because like the stigma was like people are bouncing off the walls and they're super loud and like interrupt people and stuff. But I had, you know, being in gymnastics and being in sports and just being a woman, you're just told that you can't do that. So you mask it. So I went up like pretty much my whole life until I think I was in college about where I actually, like when I started studying psychology, I was like, actually, I think I have this.

50:44Even my roommate was like, yeah, you definitely do. And I was like, okay, well, maybe I'll go get checked out then. And so then I got checked out and got put on like the non-stimulants and stuff, which ended up not really doing anything. But yeah, it definitely was like later in life, I guess. But that's something that I'm like really passionate. So you struggled with it for so long without knowing why or what it was that you were feeling or so you started to say it's become a passion for you yeah I love like I can write a book on ADHD I mean I know I'm not like technically qualified to like you know say much stuff about it because I don't have like a doctorate or whatever but I do read like a lot of books about it and well and you have your own personal experience yeah it's just like a really interesting topic to me I guess just because I do have that personal experience and uh it does affect everyone differently and it just it just ties everything all of my experiences and like what I've been talking about like together it's like me you know being diagnosed so late and like figuring out like oh that's why I do that oh that's why I think this way oh that's why I like perceive situations in this way when it's like not true I guess can you give me one of those examples um so kind of going back to what I was saying with like people's tone like when you when someone says something you have this negative thought and then you think like oh they're validating what I'm saying so in ADHD especially for me um there's rejection uh sensitivity dysphoria that a lot of people experience so which that is is like it's basically that someone could say something to me and if I think that it's in like a negative way like I feel like physical pain so people with ADHD, they feel, um, rejection, not even just like straight up rejection, like getting rejected by a guy or whatever.

52:38It's like anything that I perceive as rejection, like I feel it like physically. Like in your heart? Yeah. Yeah. Like I get really like hot and sweaty and like really uncomfortable. Um, and yeah, it's just, it must be very hard to deal with. It's really like, I thought everyone dealt with that, but I'm sure people at some degree, And even just like what I was saying with, if you have these negative thoughts, like that can happen. But with ADHD, it's like a physical like feeling. I think that was like learning that I was like, okay, so everyone doesn't hate me. And it's just me. I'm just perceiving everything in this weird lens because of this.

53:18Did you ever go through those moments? Like when you were competing gymnastics or acro, like, did you looking back now realize that's what you were feeling. Yeah, yeah, yeah, for sure. I feel like once I learned all of the stuff about ADHD, I would go back through my life and be like, okay, this all makes sense now. Yeah, just thinking like competing at such a high level and then maybe if you have an off moment or something, you're going to feel that differently. Do you think that's one of the reasons why you were so competitive? And I don't mean competitive, but why you were able to compete at such a high level?

53:56Yeah, I definitely think so, especially with like ADHD being so like, you're just like craving this like dopamine because you have a dopamine deficiency. And so that's where I got my dopamine from was from sports and from competing and from doing well and from improving and learning new skills. And I definitely think that's kind of what helped me push me to where I am today. Your superpower. Yeah. Yeah. They actually say learning new things promotes brain development, growth development in particular areas. I didn't know if the ADHD is what fueled you to study psychology, but not. No, not really.

54:40Or maybe not consciously. Not consciously because I kind of got into it after the fact I started doing it. I wanted to originally be a chiropractor. So I was going to school and I was starting my degree in human phys. but chemistry was just not my thing. It's tricky. Oh my God. It was the worst. And so I was like, okay, maybe this job isn't for me. Maybe this isn't really what I want to do. So I was like, I still like, I think the human brain's cool. Like I think anything about the body is really cool. So I'll study that. And then, yeah, I just, I fell in love with it. I think it's really cool.

55:14So just because you found it fascinating. Yeah. That's how you changed. Yeah. That's another thing with like ADHD is like, I have so many like interests and like hobbies and like things that I get into for like short amount of times or like long amount of times and then like forget about um and I think and do you fixate yeah yeah yeah definitely um and I think when I first got here I felt like somewhat of like imposter syndrome because a lot of people in this in this um business have this is what they wanted to do their entire lives like grew up watching it all that stuff and for me I had like a million different things that I wanted to do and I never had like this is my dream job like I did for like little bursts of time um but I also think it's like kind of cool that I've been able to like pick up things and kind of like excel at stuff and then like move on and like excel at this and then try this thing so yeah I think like ADHD is it sucks but it's also pretty cool yeah it can be a gift I think that is the way you have to look at it right it's because like anything we don't want to focus on the negatives of whatever it is, but like, what are the positives?

56:25You know, and you've, you've been able to do so many things. And don't have imposter syndrome. Like I've watched you. You're pretty phenomenal. Thank you. I mean, I've actually never seen anyone come in and be able to do the things that you do with such poise. Like it's, you're not herky jerky. You don't hesitate. You're not, you know, like such, you're so graceful and you're so, like you're very aware in the ring. I'm not sure what, oh, here we go. Damn, there it is. Oh, and did we pull up the gymnastics? Yeah, I think if you look up like Calix Hampton bars, like level nine bars, it might pop up.

57:08Yeah, how'd you get your name too? I love your name. My real name? Yes. so like I said my mom wanted to be a florist and she had this perfume that was named Calix and she absolutely loved it googled the name and it's the green part of a flower that holds the petals together and so she was like that's perfect so yeah that's where that came from that's beautiful it is a beautiful name wow I've never heard it before thanks it's so pretty yeah I would have loved to keep it but yeah well Sol Rook is pretty cool too and Sol I imagine because the sun yeah yes and so what are some of the other like hobbies and interests that you've had um so when I was really young I really wanted to be Hannah Montana uh so that was something that I was really interested in um it's kind of cool because now looking back I'm like everything that I wanted to do like I'm doing now like wrestling is like yeah and it's really cool I'm like I wish I would have known about wrestling before but whatever like I wanted to be a fashion designer for a really long time.

58:10There was a picture on my mom's Facebook where my dad was throwing away a pair of pants that he wasn't going to wear anymore. And I was like, give it to me. I could do something with that. And I made a whole dress with a little like bandana thingy. And my mom put me in my, in her high heels and I'm like in the hallway. I ended up getting a sewing machine. I learned how to do like a square and then moved on to the next thing and never, never looked back. Um, I wanted to be like an artist. I wanted to be a graphic designer. Yeah, I want to be a chiropractor. I want to be a stunt double. And I feel like I'm doing all of that now.

58:44Like I make my own gear. You do make your own gear. I make my own gear. I've started making like my own like merch style shirts. Like I made this shirt. I like I've just kind of been doing everything that I wanted to do as a child and like brought it into into this. And I think it's like really cool. That's one of the coolest things about WWE. It really is because, and there's the performer side, right? And you're, even through social media, like you're marketing, you're branding, you're creating your persona, you're trying new things, you're designing your own gear, your whole look, right? And what works and what doesn't work and trying new things.

59:20And then from another perspective, you can learn production, you can learn all of these different facets, you know, merchandise, live events, like all of these different things. And there's no limit on you as a performer. You can, you can cross any boundary that you want. Yeah. You know, and that's, that's an exciting, exciting world. It's, it's so, so freaking cool. Even, even music. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. You know, and, and you can have influence in your own music. you can create your own music you can yeah yeah it's so cool it's so different from from sports too because sports you're like you have to wear this you have to do this and this is your routine and you have to show up like this and that and whatever but here it's like when I got here I thought it was going to be the same thing I thought they're gonna be like okay this is your character this is your name this is what you wear this is what you do and then I got here they're like so what's your character and I was like you're asking me that question like no one's ever asked me to like put input in my like performance like it's it's really strange but it was really hard at first trying to figure out like that's what I was wondering what works what doesn't work and like what resonates with me or what's gonna like correlate on tv or like are people gonna relate to this and as much as that was like really hard it was like really cool to be able to just be vulnerable with the fans and like try stuff and then if it fails it fails if not you know that's the beauty of NXT too.

1:00:48Yeah. You know, and one of the things I think that people don't necessarily understand about our business, but like when you start here, our fans, the NXT fans know that they are part of the process of deciding like who makes it and who doesn't make it. You know, but they're also willing to give you multiple chances. Yeah. You know, like they're along for the ride. They give you their real reaction and they're invested in you. And then if if you do then go on, which you already are, they're right there and they're with you for the entire journey. Yeah. And that's like, it's very, very powerful.

1:01:27Yeah. To have that kind of emotional connection with your audience. Yeah. Yeah. Because everyone wants to be like, oh, I used to, you know, see them in NXT and now they're on like WrestleMania. Like everyone wants that. And I think it's, yeah, I think NXT is really, really cool. And I think them bringing in athletes is really, really cool as well. I think it's giving a lot of us athletes that didn't have the option to go pro. Like there's no pro acro. There's no pro gymnastics. Like I see like a lot of athletes just going back to like normal jobs that they're not necessarily like in love with because like there's really nothing else for them to do within like athletics and sports.

1:02:06But I think this has opened up like a whole new world for athletes to continue doing what they love and to continue performing. Yeah, I agree. And are you familiar at all with the NIL program? So I graduated right before that was like allowed. So I don't know too much. I didn't get to participate, unfortunately. Do you have a perspective on it? I feel like I don't really know too, too much about the whole process in terms of like what it, I guess, like entails and stuff. But yeah, it just gives people the opportunity to be like scouted before they graduate. Well, it depends on, you know, the usage, right?

1:02:49So like for WWE, yes, we're trying to recruit, you know. I think for, you know, a lot of other athletes, it's the opportunity to get paid. Yeah, yeah. You know, and make a lot of money that they wouldn't ordinarily have made. I think a lot of people that were in my like class are a bit butthurt about the whole situation. it's like well where's my compensation right but i mean there's nothing we can do about it yeah i mean i do think it's it's cool for for the athletes i do think i feel like i have seen a lot of uh posts about how much the like football guys are getting and whatnot i'm like it's not really necessary for whatever but i mean good for them not everybody can say that wwe slid into their dms I know.

1:03:35Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That's true. So. Yeah. I think what WWE is doing is really cool. Getting the athletes in here and, you know, having them on their radar just in case they do want to come and make this their reality. I think it is a nice way to have like for the athletes to have something to like look forward to, to have something in their back pocket. Another option. Yeah, exactly. To continue. Yeah. We had the opportunity to interview Livvy Dunn and she's a big advocate for NIL. And her perspective that she told on the pod is especially for women. There's not, you know, and it's limited for men too, but there's a lot less professional sports opportunities for women out of school and, you know, to really make the most out of their NIL deals that they can and, you know, how to maximize their brand.

1:04:27and, you know, awareness and get as many followers as possible and, you know, all that stuff. So it is a big opportunity, I think. Yeah. But yeah, for us, come on. Yeah. I keep trying to recruit Livy indirectly, but... Team for us. Right? Team WWE. Yeah. Livy, if you're watching or listening. You got this. You got this. Yes, absolutely. Soul. Obviously, you are one of the biggest stars on NXT. And for everyone out there, you can watch Soul and all of the other unreal NXT superstars on the CW every Tuesday at 8, 7 Central, next day on the free CW app. Soul, what would you like your legacy in NXT to be?

1:05:16I want my legacy to be all about showing people that you can literally do whatever you set your mind to. being from my background, which I had no, you know, prior wrestling experience to now being where I am today. I just want to show people that you can do that too, as long as you set your mind to it and you're not afraid to fail, not afraid to look a fool. You're not afraid to fall. That you just got to keep picking yourself back up and keep striving for what you want. And I hope that through my career, people can see that. Thank you. It's a beautiful answer. And it's really on point with everything you were saying.

1:05:55You know, just keep moving forward. Absolutely. So what would you say to, you know, women right now who are maybe in gymnastics or who are playing basketball or who are really making the most out of their college opportunities? Like WWE is one option, right? but what other advice would you give them you know in terms of thinking about their post-collegiate career I guess just figuring out like what do you really want to do not necessarily what should I do going back to that whole like topic and right I think at least like for me I remember growing up and like wanting to be a musician or wanting to do all this stuff and then being like oh well they don't get paid a lot so probably should just do some job that pays a lot but like you're not going to be fulfilled that way you know so I think just really figuring out what you want to do and even if you do get a job that's like not necessarily like your dream job but being able to have the time and the space to do what you actually love on the side as well I think having that balance um I do think the WWE is like for for most athletes like what they would want to do they want to be a professional athlete they want to perform so right right I think you know just highest level yeah just trying to figure out yeah exactly what it is you want to do and and just trying to to strive for that I think that's always hard too though yeah right like what do you want to do yeah like I yeah I had no idea I feel like I was in the perfect place when I got recruited because I didn't really have too much like going on I had just graduated I was living in Hawaii and I was just doing social media full-time and I was uh doing online personal training um so to have like a set job.

1:07:44I wasn't like settled down anywhere. And then this opportunity came and I was like, yeah, why not? If I, if I do tryout and I don't get it, that's a cool story to tell everyone. But if I do, then like, I'll do it. We'll see what it's about. Well, you're kicking ass. Thanks. And what would you say is the hardest thing you've had to learn so far? Um, just being a character, just being able to be less like stoic and serious in the ring I feel like that was really hard to to figure out just with sports having to be so serious all the time um was yeah being able to like show emotion and to to be silly at times yeah exactly and I still I really struggle with that especially like if I have to do a promo where I'm like angry I just I don't know how to do that yet um but yeah what does make you angry uh I think my brother's the only person that can make me angry he just really knows how to antagonize him in a way imagine him.

1:08:42I know. When you're supposed to be angry. Yeah. You're talking to him. Yeah, exactly. I know. I need to get into that mindset. Uh, but yeah, I think just being, yeah, being a character was really, really hard for me. Definitely. Well, and especially when your character's close to who you actually are. Cause there was like, Oh, be yourself, but like dial it up a little bit. I'm like, how does it, it doesn't make sense to me. Cause I am nice. Like, this is how I would react. How do I like, if I dial this up, then I'm not myself, you know? Right. So yeah, I feel like that was really hard, but I feel like I kind of have been understanding it like more and more.

1:09:15You can go completely opposite too, though. Yeah. You don't have to just be yourself. Yeah. It's a great place to start and it really works for some people. It is definitely working for you, but you have the freedom to, you know, to, to do other things. Like for me, I hate being a baby face. It's the worst. Like I just personally like trying to be liked. It's so much harder than trying Trying to be disliked. Yes. Yeah. It's easy to be disliked. Yeah. And it's much more fun. Yeah. And you get to try all different kinds of stuff and you can't really do anything wrong because, you know, if they hate it, good.

1:09:53Yeah. You know, you're supposed to hate me. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah. So it is much easier to be a heel. But for the same reason, like it's hard to be sort of yourself as a baby face. And then when people don't like you or it's not working. Yeah. It's like, what's the matter with me? Why don't they like me? Yeah, but they never really liked me from the jump. So it's okay. I just played into it. We like you. Thanks, Elise. Elise likes me. I got one. Joe, there's two. Oh, Jackie. Oh, look at it. Oh, thank you. Okay. Everybody. Thank you, guys.

1:10:26But yeah, like while you're, you know, going through this phase, like just it's like you were saying, have fun. Yeah. You know, and the audience, it's funny because it's all a feel. and it's nothing you can really articulate, but it's a connection that you have with them. And if you're having fun, they are having fun. Yeah. You know, and that's just the vibe, right? So it's like, don't worry about it too much. Just keep having fun. Yeah. Keep developing. Keep knocking everybody's socks off, doing the things you can do that nobody else can do. I mean, it's really so impressive. And, you know, I just can't wait to see your career and where it goes.

1:11:18And just you as a person, you're so different than what I thought you were going to be. I mean, a little bit the same. Where did you think I was going to be? Well, I didn't know. I honestly didn't know. And you're like, you know, like I said, the age thing is like weird for me, right? And it's like, as you get older and Nick Khan, you know, our president, he always used to say the two things as you get older that you know that go first are technology and music and it's like and at least at least is younger than me and so like move she's laughing at me but movies like different things it's like you how are we gonna relate yeah you know and um and just who you are and how your brain works and the different things that you have experienced your perspective is so fresh and I've just I've really enjoyed our conversation yeah thank you for being you thank you and thanks for sharing so much actually I learned a lot I think I didn't expect to learn so much yeah I didn't expect the conversation to go that way at all but yeah what were your expectations um I don't know I feel like you're gonna yell at her a lot maybe a little bit yeah I thought it was just gonna be more yeah just personal like life but i feel like we took a turn into psychology and the brain and i think that's i thought it was really cool i hope i was able to explain everything and i don't want to again come across like i'm all-knowing and i'm perfect at all of this like i still like yeah yeah so yeah it was really interesting about your life that you would like to touch on that we didn't um i guess the i feel like black history month i'm mixed i feel like a lot of people don't really accept that.

1:13:05Or I guess some people accept it, some people don't. I do feel like that is it's always crazy every year when this month rolls around and people are like, why are you calling her black? She's not black. Or there are other people defending me and stuff. I don't know. I think people just need to like, why would I lie about that? Right. I don't know. I think people just need to be a little nicer to each other. I didn't know that you were mixed race. My dad. Your dad is African American yep okay yeah what would be your message to the people who you know who nay say or why would they even do that I really don't even know like I just think it's ridiculous that people would you know I get a lot of people that are like asking for proof like oh prove it like show me a picture of your dad and then I do and they're like he's mixed he's not full black I'm like why why does it matter anyway and also yeah why does it matter like I don't It's just like it always baffles my mind every time the like people start finding out again.

1:14:08Like I feel like it goes in like waves of people like, oh, I didn't know she was black. Like all this stuff. I'm like, guys, it's I don't know. Just like I understand how I look, but like jeans are crazy. Jeans are what they are. Yeah. And did you experience, you know, was there a lot of any judgment growing up? um yes and no um I do feel like there was one time when I was out with my parents and we went into this like small shop and I believe I was really young so I don't really remember but I believe like we got kicked out um that was like one memory I have and then I feel like in in in sports a lot people would like joke around and be like if I did well they're like oh that's not fair because she's half black because there's the stigma that black people are more athletic or whatever, completely undermining everything that I've worked hard for.

1:15:08But I think because of the way I look that I was fortunate enough to not have to go through a lot of challenges that people that are darker than me do experience. And I completely understand that. And I completely understand when people get upset when people say that I am a black woman. and because I don't have those experiences that they do. Right, right. And I get that. However, I still am. Like I've never claimed that I'm a black woman. I know I'm mixed. Right. But I still think it should be accepted. I feel like a lot of mixed people have this like identity crisis because it's like, where do I fit?

1:15:45Right. And people are going to tell you that you're not this or you're not that or you're not black enough or you're not white enough or you're whatever. And I'm just like, why does it matter? Right. Yeah. It shouldn't matter. Yeah, I feel like I've had a lot of more conflict via social media with it than like personal, like in life experience with it. Yeah, it's easier for people to make comments on social media. Yeah, exactly what I was going to say. Yeah, they're hiding behind their keyboards at home. I'm sure they have a lot to say. It's a weird topic that I still feel like don't really know how to navigate.

1:16:18Right. But I mean, like I know who I am. I know who my dad is and who my mom is. And like there's nothing I can do about it. So. Right. And you're proud of who you are. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. As you should be. Yeah. Yeah. That is a, it is, I've had some of my black friends experience similar things. And I, you know, obviously I have had very different experiences, but it's, it shouldn't be a taboo topic and you should be able to do and support whatever and whoever you want. without being judged or criticized for it. And the same with everyone else, right? That gives a little bit of insight as to what you were talking about when people make comments on social media and trying to have grace for them and what may have led to them making those comments and how hard those must be.

1:17:18I'm so sorry. Yeah, it's okay. It's not okay. Yeah, I feel like I've worked through it. them. Yeah, I mean, clearly you're doing great. But still, that's very, very hard to deal with. I'm sorry that you have to deal with that. Just remember that hurt people hurt people. Yeah. Yeah, that's true. It's very true. I wish I had something better to say. It's okay. Fuck the haters. Yeah, I know. I got real hated for you over here. Brought it back down. Well, now I have even more respect for you. Thanks. So, and I want to support you even more. So really, like I'm even more impressed. Thank you. You know, and again, I'm totally behind you a thousand percent.

1:18:06And I'm excited for you to find your place, you know, and you're just going to keep shining because that's who you are. And you're going to keep standing out because you can't help it. and you can do things that nobody else can do. And your timing and your precision, like it is true. All of the things you've done have really led you here. And let me just tell you that the WWE world is completely mixed in general. Like we are all, I always say it's like the Island of Misfit Toys because it's like - From all over the place. It's from everywhere and we're all different and we all come from different places and we all have different orientations and beliefs and backgrounds.

1:18:50And that's true of our fans too. Like it's this beautiful world, you know, where we all actually exist together and get along because we all share this passion and this passion and this love for what we do and the stories we can tell and the characters we can become because there is no limit on who you can be or what you can do. and that's like the power of our brand that I love so much yeah and that I had the privilege of growing up in yeah it's just a really really cool world it is like its own little world yeah yeah and we're excited to have you as a part of it yeah yeah happy to be here I'm happy I was brought in I'm happy that you know Shawn Michaels is you know opened these these doors to you know athletes and and triple h for you know starting everything with with the athletes and with nxt and like it's it's they're doing some really really cool stuff and giving some people some really cool opportunities and yeah i'm just i'm happy that everything worked out the way it did me too soul ruka everybody

1:20:11I'll see you next time.