WWE nearly launched an all-female version of Tough Enoughbut according to NWA Womens Tag Team Champion Valentina Rossi, the project was shelved at the last minute.
Rossi revealed the behind-the-scenes story during her January 27, 2026 interview with The Wrestling Classic, describing how close she came to being part of the unrealized competition series. According to her, the show was meant to crown a new WWE Diva, similar in concept to the original Tough Enough that produced stars like The Miz and more.
Rossi said she advanced through the entire casting process, only to learn the project had been shut down right before filming.
Before wrestling, Rossi had been working as a model in Los Angeles, but never felt creatively fulfilled. She said this WWE opportunity seemed like a perfect fit.
WWEs Tough Enough franchise has been dormant since 2015, and fans have often wondered if the company would revisit the concept. Rossis story suggests they came closer than most people realized, but it just didnt happen in the end.
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