“Honestly, I’ve seen guys just get in trouble because they were heading out with the wrong person,” Zova said. “I never understood why it’s wrong, like, just because somebody doesn’t like this person it doesn’t mean he’s bad. You know, just let me make my own judgment. 

“I don’t know how it is now. I hope it changed, but back then it was a little bit of toxic, I have to say.”

Zova — who is a competitive kickboxer – ventured into the world of acting some years after her WWE exit, making appearances in shows such as “Brooklyn Nine Nine” and “MacGyver.” Zova put together her own comedy show, “Make Laughs Not War,” and started touring around the United States in 2022. The show aimed to support the people of Ukraine — Zova’s mother is from Ukraine — amid the nation’s conflict with Russia. 

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit “Developmentally Speaking” with a H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.