When Thunder Rosa steps through the curtain, whether in paint or in pain, the crowd doesn’t just see a performer—they see a purpose.
Born Melissa Cervantes, Thunder Rosa has spent the last decade breaking barriers in pro wrestling, often doing it with a chip on her shoulder and a heart full of fire. Her journey from reality TV hopeful to NWA Women’s World Champion, AEW mainstay, and respected voice in wrestling media is more than just a career arc—it’s a blueprint for how passion and perseverance can force an industry to change.
“You have to create your own opportunities.”
That’s a mantra Thunder Rosa has lived by—quoted often, and meant every time. After early stints in Lucha Underground (as Kobra Moon) and on the independent scene, Rosa made waves in NWA, where she became the face of a revitalized women’s division. Her matches brought old-school fire with modern flair. Her promos had edge. But more than anything, she brought credibility.
When she arrived in AEW, first as an NWA crossover talent and later as a full-time roster member, Rosa wasn’t just another signee—she was the future. Her Lights Out match with Britt Baker in 2021 became an instant classic, and in many ways, a turning point for AEW’s women’s division.
“That match changed the way people look at women’s wrestling,” Rosa said in a 2022 episode of Busted Open Radio. “It wasn’t just about violence—it was about respect.”
Respect is something Rosa has demanded every step of the way. Not just for herself, but for the women around her. In 2019, she founded Mission Pro Wrestling, an all-women’s promotion focused on empowering talent in and around the ring. What started as a regional showcase in Texas has become a pipeline for stars, a place where wrestlers are taught the business side, trained properly, and treated with dignity.
“We wanted to build something where no one feels like an afterthought,” Rosa told Sports Illustrated in 2023. “You walk in that locker room, and you’re not just talent—you’re family, you’re part of something bigger.”
Mission Pro has become a proving ground, not just for wrestlers, but for ring announcers, referees, production crews, and even commentators—all with a focus on representation. The promotion’s influence can be felt beyond just its cards. AEW, WWE, and TNA have all seen talent pass through Mission Pro en route to bigger stages.
“It’s not just about one match or one moment,” Rosa said. “It’s about opening doors for the next generation. That’s what we’re doing at Mission Pro.”
A Warrior’s Body, A Broadcaster’s Voice
Rosa’s in-ring career has faced its share of setbacks—most notably a severe back injury in 2022 that forced her to relinquish the AEW Women’s World Championship. For many, it would’ve been a breaking point. For Rosa, it was another platform.
She joined Busted Open Radio as a regular contributor, alongside hosts Dave LaGreca, Tommy Dreamer, and Bully Ray. Her candidness, insight, and honesty quickly made her a standout. She didn’t dodge questions about AEW’s backstage dynamics or her own injury frustrations—she embraced them.
“I’m not here to sugarcoat things,” she said on-air. “I’m here to speak the truth and to keep pushing for a better environment in wrestling—for women, for Latinos, for everyone.”
Her transition to broadcasting revealed a different side of her—a thoughtful, media-savvy advocate who could connect with both fans and peers. While still working toward an in-ring return, she’s remained visible, active, and vocal. She’s even taken steps into commentary and analysis during AEW Spanish-language broadcasts and at indie events.
“Doing commentary helped me learn to see wrestling differently,” Rosa said in a recent Busted Open segment. “You understand the rhythm, the story, the psychology—it made me better.”
The Duality of Thunder Rosa
Few wrestlers carry the dual weight of performer and promoter the way Rosa does. She’s balancing recovery and potential in-ring return with running Mission Pro, co-managing bookings, overseeing shows, mentoring talent, and growing her media presence. For her, it’s all part of the mission.
“I don’t want to just be remembered for matches,” Rosa said. “I want to be remembered for creating something that made wrestling better.”
And she is. Mission Pro’s reputation has grown thanks to its professionalism, inclusivity, and integrity. AEW’s women’s division is slowly building depth—and it owes a piece of that to Rosa’s push for more screen time and more opportunities. Her voice on Busted Open keeps her presence alive in the minds of fans every day.
Backstage reports in early 2025 have hinted that Rosa has been medically cleared, and AEW’s recent social media posts suggest a possible return storyline could be brewing.
“If Thunder Rosa returns at 100%, she’s instantly back in the title picture,” Bully Ray said on a recent episode of Busted Open. “There’s very few in this business who combine intensity, authenticity, and connection the way she does.”
What Comes Next?
Her in-ring return remains a “when” not “if,” with Rosa herself recently stating in a March 2025 interview, “I’m not done. Not by a long shot. But I’m going to do it the right way, on my terms, when I know I’m 100%.”
She’s not chasing glory anymore—she’s building legacy. Whether she returns to claim the AEW Women’s World Title, continues growing Mission Pro into a major indie powerhouse, or cements herself as wrestling’s next great on-air analyst, Thunder Rosa is no longer just the underdog fighting for recognition.
She’s a leader.
A visionary.
A game-changer.
And the business is better with her in it.
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