Lacey Evans has no regrets.
Following her return from maternity leave, Evans was repackaged with a new look and a new attitude. Retiring The Sassy Southern Belle character, Evans would debut her military-inspired persona on SmackDown. While it was primarily done to pay homage to her time in the Marine Corps, many drew comparisons to a former World Champion’s military persona; Sgt. Slaughter.
The look was not the only thing that angered some fans, as Evans utilised Slaughter’s Cobra Clutch finisher in her matches. The blatant gimmick infringement angered Sgt. Slaughter, who stated that he wouldn’t watch SmackDown as Lacey Evans was a part of it. More members of the Hall of Famer’s family would vocally voice their disapproval of Lacey Evans, with Sgt. Slaughter’s daughter vocally stated on social media that this was not ok. In response to the criticisms, Evans has lost no sleep on the matter.
Speaking with Chris Van Vliet, the former WWE Superstar has no sympathy for the Slaughter family and that she was simply following instructions:
“I think they’re frickin weak. Remember that weak word we just talked about? Yeah. And no disrespect to like Hall of Famers in WWE that have paved the way, he can kiss my ass and his daughter can too so record that. Have a good day. I don’t know where the hell that came from. They know the game. You go to work. You get told this is what you’re doing. And what a lot of people don’t know what is was said and what was done, how they discussed it with him and they talked to him, and that is none of my damn concern.
What do you call it in the military when you frickin you have seniors above you? You have a rank structure. In WWE when you’re a performer you’re like down here, whatever goes above your head [happens] a lot of times, unless you start crying about it and go banging on doors. I don’t like that, I’m not gonna cry about it. You tell me what the f*ck you need, you tell me what time the bell rings and then and I’ll do whatever it is.
Evans continued, stating that she found the whole situation amusing:
Then, because I got a family to feed, a husband I love, and I say that with conviction. Because I made sure I was in shape, I made sure I could do the flippy flops, the drop downs, I made sure to create the character. They told me you’re gonna go out, you’re gonna do the Cobra Clutch and he’s gonna come in and help, and then whatever happened. Next thing you know he’s not out here, I’m still doing the Cobra Clutch.
But don’t get mad at me. Because I’m doing my job, you know what I mean? Or let’s have that conversation. Right? And at no point was that conversation ever had. Whoever his daughter is, from that side, that was wild. It didn’t really ruffle my feathers. I kind of thought it was funny, like you know, bless their f*cking hearts, but I didn’t lose no sleep over it. My family still got fed, I still did what I f*cking needed to do. And I just hope they keep that same energy, that same kayfabe energy when they see me because I don’t do sh*t like that.”
Also during the interview, Lacey Evans admitted that she has not missed WWE at all since leaving.
When Did Lacey Evans Depart WWE?
Signing a developmental contract in 2016, Evans had her final televised match in June 2023, losing to Charlotte Flair. In August 2023, Lacey Evans confirmed her WWE departure.
If you use any quotes from this article please credit Chris Van Vliet and leave a h/t to Inside The Ropes.