Popular WWE legend recalls "worst case scenario" during RAW debut match

Even the greatest WWE Hall of Famers have suffered mishaps along the way during their careers. A certain pioneering legend just recalled a terrible experience that came during a RAW singles debut, and how they feel about their opponent after all these years.

Beth Phoenix began wrestling in the indies in 1998 and signed her first WWE developmental contract in May 2004. She remained with the company until leaving in October 2012, was later inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017, and then did various commentary work. Phoenix debuted on RAW in May 2006 as Trish Stratus' ally. Her in-ring debut came later that same month as she and Torrie Wilson defeated Victoria and Candice Michelle.

The Glamazon's singles debut came on June 5 that year as she defeated Victoria. Phoenix suffered a fractured mandible but was able to finish the bout. Despite multiple surgeries and a severed jaw, Beth was back in action in two months. She did spend one-year doing therapy and had surgery even, which included a titanium plate and screws in her jaw. Adam Copeland's wife recently spoke with Chris Van Vliet and was asked about the injury from her singles debut. The 43-year-old recalled feeling like she blew her big chance.

"It's pretty much worst case scenario. I had put all my eggs in the basket of wrestling, and it blew up right in front of me. This is my moment... I'm standing next to Trish Stratus, and I'm working with Mickie James, and everything just crashed," Beth Phoenix said.

The Diva of Doom was then asked if Victoria felt bad about what happened. She offered additional details on the incident and took the blame. She also gave a big nod to The Black Widow.

"Oh, she felt horrible, and it was not her fault. It was literally that I had my mouth slightly open... It was my fault. When you take a hit to the face, you're supposed to clench your jaw so that doesn't happen. She still feels terrible about it, she shouldn't. I love her to death, she's maybe one of the kindest woman in this business," Beth Phoenix said.

Phoenix left WWE earlier this year. She has not wrestled since Elimination Chamber 2023, where she and Edge defeated Finn Balor and Rhea Ripley.

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Beth Phoenix on her WWE relationship

Sources reported in July that Beth Phoenix was no longer under contract to WWE. There have been rumors about the Hall of Famer possibly joining her husband Adam Copeland in AEW, but nothing has been made official.

The Glamazon appeared on INSIGHT this week and confirmed that she was a free agent. She spoke fondly of WWE and her time at the NXT commentary desk. The former Divas Champion was asked if she had signed.

"I am not. I am currently a free agent, and I have a great relationship with WWE. I treasured my time there. I feel like there’s more; there’s other opportunities that have presented themselves. I feel the motivation right now to kind of explore and explore what else is out there and explore myself. But my relationship with WWE hasn’t changed. I have so many friends there, and I appreciate and enjoy the product as I always have. I love NXT; I have a special place in my heart for NXT, of course, and just the system, and seeing young people come up and go through that excitement of developing themselves for the big time," Beth Phoenix said.

Phoenix is a three-time WWE Women's Champion, a one-time Divas Champion, and a one-time OVW Women's Champion. She also won the 2008 Diva of the Year Slammy Award.