Former WWE Divas Champion Kelly Kelly has set the record straight regarding her absence from the all-women’s Evolution II premium live event earlier this year. In a new interview, she explained that her decision was based on family commitments and not, as was previously rumored, a demand to have a match on the show.
Speaking with Chris Van Vliet on the “Insight” podcast, Kelly first discussed her new life as a mother and how her children are now her top priority. This led to her explaining why she turned down the last-minute invitation to appear at the event in Atlanta. “So when I got the call, it was in Atlanta, obviously. Again, it was one of the weekends, the only weekend I had off, and my kids, I think they had something going on. And I feel like when I come back, I want my kids to see me there and they wouldn’t been able to make it,” she said. “There were just a lot of different things that were kind of keeping me from going.”
She then directly addressed the rumors that she had demanded a match, rumors that were fueled by a previous social media post where she had written, “Thank you love 🥹,I was So honored to be invited to Evolution II, to sit in the crowd it just didn’t feel like the right way to come back. I’ll always be proud to have been part of the first, my heart is with every woman in that ring tomorrow. I’ll be back when the time’s right❤️.”
She was adamant that these reports were not true. “Somebody on the dirt sheets was like, ‘Oh, somebody in the higher ups said that she only wants to come back if she has a match’, which could not have been farther from the truth. I didn’t need a match to come back,” she stated. “If it was in LA, I would have been there no questions asked. But to fly across the country to do that… with my kids, I’m very picky about what I say yes and no to right now.”
Kelly explained that the invitation came at the last minute and conflicted with her husband’s work schedule, which would have created a difficult logistical situation. “It was a last-minute call,” she confirmed. “Like I said, if it was on the West Coast, I could have made it work. I could have figured something out. But my husband was having to work… It was just a lot, and that’s the thing, it had nothing to do with wanting a singles match. WWE knows exactly why I said no, and they were totally [fine with it].”
She added that she has a positive relationship with WWE. “At the end of the day, I have to thank WWE for my career. They’re who made me, I wouldn’t have the career that I have if it wasn’t for them. I am so appreciative of them. That’s why I signed a legends deal, and that’s why I still come back all the time,” she said. “But yeah, I think hopefully a few years down the line, when my kids will be able to sit next to me if I’m in the crowd, and cheer me on.”
The full interview with Kelly Kelly, where she also discusses her 2012 WWE release, can be seen on “Insight with Chris Van Vliet.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Chris Van Vliet with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
