Carmella may no longer be the SmackDown Women's Champion, but she continues to play a big role on the show as R-Truth's partner in the crime.
The pairing started as a joke, with Truth commenting that the way to get to SummerSlam is by "beating Carmella," and has turned into a full-fledged partnership. Carmella has accompanied Truth to the ring for his matches in recent weeks on SmackDown and they are paired together for the second season of Mixed Match Challenge.
Speaking to Scott Fishman of TV Insider, Carmella discussed her newfound friendship with Truth.
?It?s only been a few weeks, so it?s crazy it has turned into this,? she said. ?That?s the same thing with Big E and New Day. I didn?t really know them until we were paired together for the Mixed Match Challenge. We just had this instant connection and great chemistry. It was just fun. I?m game to make a fool of myself. I don?t care." Carmella continued by saying, ?I?m game to have a good time and play a character and know my role. Whether it was being a manager for Enzo and Big Cass in NXT and then with James Ellsworth and now with R-Truth. It?s cool to show different sides of myself and my character. I feel like not that many people get to do that. They sort of stay the same their entire career, but I totally am open to all aspects of Carmella. She ended by commenting, "I want to keep growing and learning. And whatever opportunity I?m given right now like for R-Truth. I will be the best rapping manager for Truth. I want to do whatever I can do to be the best at whatever I?m doing.?
Carmella and Truth are scheduled to face season one Mixed Match Challenge winners The Miz and Asuka. While Carmella does not have much experience in intergender tag team matches, she's looking forward to the chaotic nature of the competition.
?The other night Truth had a match with Andrade [Cien Almas], and Zelina [Vega] was out there. I pulled her off the apron, and the crowd went nuts,? she said. ?I think when there is this intergender concept is happening, it?s different. You don?t know what is happening or what to expect, where if it?s just a women?s match you know they are going to fight. But when there are men and women involved, you just don?t know. I think it?s unexpected.?
Fightful will have complete coverage on tonight's SmackDown Live and Mixed Match Challenge.