As evidenced by the thunderous chants of “How you doin’?” that echoed through Dallas, the WWE Universe was thrilled to see Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady make their Raw debut just one night after WrestleMania. However, longtime fans of The Realest Guys in the Room were slightly disappointed that Carmella, the team’s bombshell manager, was not at their side.

With Enzo & Cass trash-talking The Dudley Boyz and brawling their way through the No. 1 Contenders’ Tournament to hopefully earn a WWE Tag Team Title opportunity, fans still have one lingering question: Where’s Carmella? To get the answer, WWE.com went straight to The Princess of Staten Island. We got her thoughts on Amore & Cassady’s big move and what it means for her future in NXT.

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WWE.COM: What were you feeling when you saw Enzo and Cass debut on Raw the night after WrestleMania?

CARMELLA: Pure excitement. I’m so proud of them. Seeing them out there, they looked like stars. They looked like they belong there. It was really exciting to see.

WWE.COM: Having spent so much time with them in NXT, how do you think Enzo & Cass will do on Raw and SmackDown?

CARMELLA: I think they’re going to kill it. I might be a little biased, but they were the most popular team in NXT. They had crowds hanging on every word they said. I know it will translate really well on Raw and SmackDown. The WWE Universe is going to love them. It’s new and exciting, so I can’t wait to see them succeed!

WWE.COM: They’ve been getting right into it with WWE’s most experienced tag team, The Dudley Boyz. Do you think they’re biting off a little more than they can chew at the start?

CARMELLA: Well, The Dudleys have been around for a long time. It will be interesting to see Enzo & Cass against them, but I don’t think that there’s going to be any issue with my boys going out there and dominating. I’m excited to see them battle.

WWE.COM: Some of the passionate members of the NXT Universe were a little disappointed that you weren’t out there with Enzo & Big Cass on Raw. How do you feel about not being with them?

CARMELLA: My entire NXT career has been alongside Cass & Enzo. Of course, it would have been nice to be out there and relish in the moment of their debut on the night after WrestleMania with them. But, I’m here to be a Superstar and an in-ring performer. I’ve been training for over two years in the ring now. A lot of the fans don’t necessarily get to see what I can do, because they’ve seen me as the hype girl for Cass & Enzo.

I’m here to compete at a higher level. I want to be NXT Women’s Champion. Unfortunately, I can’t do everything. I can’t be with them and take over the NXT Women’s division at the same time. Of course, it’s a little sad to not be with them, but it’s a super-exciting time for me to break out on my own.

Carmella, the No. 1 contender to the NXT Women's Championship, faces stiff competition in the form of Emma, but also has to keep a close eye on Dana Brooke. Video courtesy of the award-winning WWE Network.

WWE.COM: Are you ready to go it alone?

CARMELLA: Of course. It’s a great opportunity for me. It’s really exciting to be a part of the Women’s division here in NXT. Now that my focus isn’t with Cass & Enzo, it’s on me. I can show the NXT Universe what I’ve been working on in the ring over the last two years. It’s my time to shine and get the NXT Women’s Championship.

WWE.COM: There’s been a big change in the division recently, with Asuka taking the NXT Women’s Title from your best friend, Bayley. How do you think that affects the division going forward?

CARMELLA: It’s exciting. Bayley was an incredible champion. As my best friend, I’m so supportive of her and I wanted to see her retain the title at TakeOver: Dallas. However, Asuka is a force to be reckoned with. She made a statement from the moment she debuted in NXT. It changes everything. There’s no one like her in NXT, with her hard strikes and submissions. She’s going to make everyone step up their game. I’m ready and willing to do just that.

WWE.COM: What can the NXT Universe expect to see from you in the weeks ahead?

CARMELLA: They’ll see a big change in me. My focus is just on me and on becoming NXT Women’s Champion. I don’t have to worry about what my boys are doing now. I support them and I’m so excited to see their success. But now, everyone gets to see Carmella and who she really is. I’m not just the hype girl.