Peyton Royce knows all about social media and everything that comes with it.
Back in August, comments made by Dave Meltzer regarding Royce's appearance from NXT to WWE set wrestling Twitter on fire. Meltzer noted that Royce "a lot lighter" in NXT. Upon hearing the comments, WWE superstars came out of the woodwork to defend their co-worker and drag Meltzer for his sexist comments.
Speaking to Scott Fishman of TV Insider, Royce discussed the perils of social media.
"You know, if it wasn?t for Billie, I would really struggle. I?m just being completely vulnerable here. You?re right. Being on the main roster, there is a lot more talk. Sometimes I can?t even go on Twitter for days because I just feel it's negative comment after negative comment," said Royce. "I understand that I put myself out there, and everyone is allowed to have their own opinion and say what they want, but Billie reminds me I have to take a step back. It?s just social media. This is the highlight reel of my life."
One of the first superstars to rush to Royce's defense was her IIconic teammate and best friend Billie Kay. In the same interview, Kay explained how she helps protect Royce from those on social media.
"Sometimes I go into mom mode. Being a little bit older, I get more protective of Peyton," said Kay. "I feel like I always have to watch out for that because we do have thick skin. Being in this business you have to have thick skin. But in saying that, you do get a lot of negativity. That?s just how it?s going to be. Everyone has their own opinions, and I?m not going to let someone else?s opinion affect my life or feelings because I?m in control of that. We always try to bring each other up. That?s what is important in life."
While social media can be a toxic place, the IIconics admit that there is plenty of good that comes with the territory.
"There is the negative aspect of social media, but there is a lot of positivity that comes from it too," said Royce. "Like my favorite thing in the world is seeing someone wearing our Iiconics shirt. Billie and I try to highlight that on our Instagram story. That makes me genuinely smile. That makes me so happy to see."
On the subject of social media and navigating through the good and bad, Lita recently stated that WWE superstars have it harder today than she did due to the immediate criticism fans can give in 2018.
Whe the IIconics have been on-and-off television in recent weeks, they are scheduled to face Naomi and Asuka at WWE Super Show-Down on Oct. 6.