Tag: Cora Jade

Cora Jade (Elayna Black) Announces Hiatus from Wrestling to Focus on Mental Health

Another young star is stepping away from the ring — at least for now.

Former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion Elayna Black, known to WWE fans as Cora Jade, has announced she’s taking an extended break from professional wrestling. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Black opened up about the importance of prioritizing her mental health, telling fans she plans to take the rest of the year off to “take care of me and go from there.”

Black also apologized to both fans and promoters, acknowledging that her decision means stepping away from previously scheduled bookings. “I’m sorry to anyone I’ve let down, but this is something I need right now,” she wrote.

Before this announcement, Black had remained active on the independent scene following her time with WWE, most recently teaming with Brooke Havoc to face off against The IINspiration (Cassie Lee and Jessica McKay) at Prestige Wrestling’s Combat Clash on July 13.

While there’s no timetable for her return, the wrestling world has shown overwhelming support for Black’s decision, echoing a growing trend of talent putting personal well-being first. It’s a reminder that even in a business built on larger-than-life personas, mental health matters.

We wish Elayna Black the very best during her time away and look forward to seeing what the future holds for her — both inside and outside the ring.

Elayna Black (Cora Jade) Opens Up About Life After WWE, Talks Possible AEW Future and Surviving a Near-Fatal Medical Emergency

After her WWE release, former NXT star Cora Jade (now back to wrestling under her indie name, Elayna Black) is finally speaking out about her time away from the ring—and what could be next for her career. In a candid appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Jade touched on everything from a brush with death in 2023 to her openness about potentially joining AEW full-time.

AEW Before WWE: A Path Not Taken… Yet

Long before she stepped into the NXT ring, Jade actually had a brief stint in AEW, working a pair of matches on the now-defunct AEW Dark in 2020. At the time, she believed that’s where her career was headed.

“I thought I was going to end up in AEW,” Jade admitted. “I loved it there. I did a few matches and just felt like that was the place for me. Then WWE came in with an offer before AEW did, so I went with that.”

Still, the door to AEW remains very much open—and it sounds like she’s hoping to walk through it soon. Jade praised the promotion’s commitment to creativity and storytelling, two elements she feels are critical to her as a performer.

“I would definitely be open to going to AEW,” she said. “I love how much creative freedom they give. I’m really into character work and stories, and they let people explore that.”

Jade also expressed some interest in wrestling for TNA and even heading to Japan—goals that were delayed by the pandemic but remain on her radar.

A Life-Threatening Emergency That Nearly Took Her Out

One of the more shocking revelations from the interview came when Jade detailed the real reason she was pulled from NXT television ahead of Stand and Deliver in early 2023. She suffered an ectopic pregnancy that nearly cost her her life.

“I ended up in emergency surgery the night before I was supposed to wrestle Lyra Valkyria,” she said. “The pregnancy ruptured, and I was internally bleeding. If I hadn’t gone to the hospital, I probably would’ve died.”

Doctors had to remove her left fallopian tube, and while the surgery saved her life, the mental and emotional aftermath pushed her to the brink.

“I was just the most mentally depressed I’ve ever been in my life,” Jade shared. “I didn’t even know what was wrong at first. I later found out it was postpartum depression. I was only 22 or 23, and it was the craziest thing I’ve ever experienced.”

Though she returned to action shortly after Stand and Deliver, the psychological toll lingered. Jade eventually reached out to WWE medical staff for mental health support, a move she says was crucial to her recovery.

Ready for a New Chapter as Elayna Black

Jade’s road didn’t get any easier after that. A major knee injury, a difficult breakup, and the passing of her dog all came in quick succession. Yet through it all, she’s remained resilient and focused on her next chapter—this time, on her own terms.

Now performing again as Elayna Black, she’s made it clear that her time in wrestling is far from over. Whether it’s AEW, TNA, Japan, or the indies, she’s ready to show the world what she’s truly capable of.

“I just want to be somewhere I can be creatively fulfilled,” she said. “I’ve been through hell and back, but I’m still here—and I’ve never been more motivated.”

Wrestling fans, keep your eyes on Elayna Black—her story is still being written, and the next chapter might just be her most compelling yet.

Cora Jade & Gigi Dolin Speak Out After WWE Releases, Push Back on “Lazy” Narrative

WWE’s latest wave of talent cuts has stirred up plenty of conversation—and two of the most talked-about names are firing back at behind-the-scenes claims surrounding their departures.

Gigi Dolin and Cora Jade, both of whom had been prominently featured on WWE NXT, were released this past Friday, just weeks after appearing at NXT Stand & Deliver in a kickoff four-way tag team elimination match. Their exits, alongside several other talents from both the main roster and NXT, came as part of another round of budget-related releases.

However, the narrative took a turn when Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer reported that some of those cut were believed to not be putting in enough effort during training, even citing the term “lazy” as being used internally. That didn’t sit well with either Dolin or Jade, who took to social media to push back.

Dolin, clearly frustrated, defended her commitment:

“When I wasn’t traveling for either of the two companies I worked for, I trained hard 3-4 days a week—bumping, doing cardio drills with one of the toughest coaches I’ve ever had. I worked out every day, did live events every other weekend. So yeah, I don’t wanna hear this lol. The way my body feels says otherwise.”

Jade, meanwhile, shared a more personal and troubling aspect of her WWE experience, revealing that she chose to train at her own gym after dealing with body shaming within the company:

“This, plus can’t forget having to go to my own gym after ‘strength and conditioning’ that wasn’t doing anything for me — other than getting me body shamed by my bosses, coworkers, and fans 🙂 crazy!”

Both Dolin and Jade signed with WWE in January 2021 and had become key players in the NXT women’s division. Dolin, as part of the Toxic Attraction faction, held the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship twice, while Jade quickly emerged as one of the brand’s standout personalities and future prospects.

While neither has addressed their next move just yet, it’s clear that both women are leaving WWE with plenty still to say—and plenty still to prove.

With the women’s wrestling scene thriving across promotions like TNA, AEW, and STARDOM, could a new chapter be just around the corner for Dolin and Jade?

Update On Cora Jade Following WWE NXT Match Stoppage

Last night’s NXT saw an unfortunate turn of events when Cora Jade’s match against Jordynne Grace had to be stopped early due to a legitimate injury. The abrupt ending left fans concerned, especially given Jade’s history of knee issues, but the 24-year-old quickly took to social media to clarify that her knees were fine—she had simply been “rocked” during the match.

According to Fightful Select, the injury was related to Jade’s head, leading many to speculate that she may have suffered a concussion. However, no official confirmation has been made regarding the severity of the injury or whether it will sideline her for any length of time.

The timing of this setback couldn’t be worse for Jade, who only recently returned from a devastating knee injury that kept her out for nine months. In January 2024, just days before her birthday, she tore her ACL, MCL, and meniscus in her left knee, forcing her to undergo an extensive recovery process. Though she made an early return to the ring, she has been competing with a knee brace ever since.

Beyond potentially missing ring time, this latest injury puts Jade’s upcoming match against TNA Knockouts Champion Masha Slamovich at risk. The two were scheduled to clash at TNA Sacrifice on March 14, with Slamovich’s title on the line. Adding to the hype, Slamovich was even spotted in the crowd during Jade’s match against Grace, building anticipation for their showdown. Now, with Jade’s status uncertain, fans will have to wait and see whether the match goes on as planned.

Stay tuned for updates on Cora Jade’s condition and what this means for her highly anticipated title opportunity.

TNA Genesis 1/19/2025 (Results), NXT’s Fraxiom, Cora Jade & Ashante “Thee” Adonis Appeared, Plus JBL

TNA Genesis delivered an action-packed event full of thrilling matches, shocking moments, and a major title change. The show also marked the beginning of a new partnership between TNA and NXT, which was front and center throughout the night. Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything that went down.

Pre-Show

The TNA-NXT partnership was officially introduced by NXT’s Arianna Grace, who took full credit for facilitating the collaboration. She wasted no time in hyping up the relationship before the surprises began. The first? Ashante “Thee” Adonis made an unexpected appearance, issuing an open challenge to the TNA roster.

That challenge was answered by none other than Jake Something, who overwhelmed Adonis with his raw power and sealed the win with a devastating swinging side slam.

In another pre-show bout, TNA veteran Frankie Kazarian squared off against rising star Leon Slater. Despite Slater’s high-energy offense and crowd-pleasing dives, Kazarian’s experience and cunning gave him the edge. Slater’s showboating cost him the match, as Kazarian countered a high-risk swanton 450 splash with his knees before sneaking a roll-up victory with a handful of tights.

Genesis

X-Division Championship: Moose (c) Retains Against Ace Austin

The show opened with a high-stakes clash between Moose and Ace Austin for the X-Division Championship. Moose unveiled a sleek new belt design before stepping into a power-versus-speed battle with Austin.

Ace had momentum on his side late in the match, even managing to fend off interference from Moose’s allies in The System. However, Moose’s relentless power proved too much. After catching Austin mid-air with a brutal spear, Moose landed another devastating spear to retain his title. The post-match beatdown by The System was thwarted by Eric Young and Steve Maclin, setting up the next bout.

Eric Young & Steve Maclin defeated Brian Myers & Eddie Edwards

In a continuation of the chaotic scene, Eric Young and Steve Maclin teamed up to take on Brian Myers and Eddie Edwards of The System. Despite interference from Alisha Edwards, who tried to tip the scales in her husband’s favor, the babyfaces emerged victorious. Young neutralized Edwards, allowing Maclin to hit the KIA finisher on Myers for the win.

Knockouts Tag Team Championship: Jody Threat & Dani Luna (c) defeated Ash by Elegance & Heather by Elegance to retain the titles.

The Knockouts Tag Team Champions Jody Threat and Dani Luna successfully defended their titles against Ash by Elegance and Heather by Elegance. Ash and Heather, decked out in Dallas Cowboys cheerleader-inspired attire, couldn’t match the champions’ intensity. Luna’s German suplex barrage and a massive deadlift suplex set up their signature Pressure Drop powerbomb combo to retain the titles. However, a bit of controversy about the legal competitor hinted this feud may not be over.

Tessa Blanchard Defeats Jordynne Grace

In a hard-hitting battle, Tessa Blanchard emerged victorious over Jordynne Grace. Grace used her incredible power to keep Blanchard on her heels, but Tessa’s underhanded tactics ultimately won the day. After removing a turnbuckle pad and using it to her advantage, Blanchard landed a flying Codebreaker to score the win.

Mike Santana Defeats Josh Alexander in an “I Quit” Match

Santana and Alexander put on an absolute war in their “I Quit” match. With Northern Armory banned from ringside, Alexander unleashed a relentless assault, but Santana’s refusal to quit kept the match going. Santana eventually zip-tied Alexander’s hands behind his back and threatened to curb-stomp him onto steel steps, forcing Alexander to say the dreaded words. After the match, Alexander honored his word, shaking Santana’s hand and officially passing the torch to him as TNA’s new standard-bearer. The moment was bittersweet, as Alexander announced he was leaving TNA.

Knockouts Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) defeated Rosemary in Raven’s Clockwork Orange House of Fun match to retain the title.

Masha Slamovich retained her Knockouts Championship in a brutal Raven’s Clockwork Orange House of Fun match against Rosemary. The bout featured everything from barbed wire boards to ladders and even Janice, Rosemary’s signature weapon. Despite Rosemary’s resilience, Slamovich ended things with an avalanche piledriver onto a pile of chairs. After the match, NXT’s Cora Jade made her presence felt, staring down Slamovich in a tease of what’s to come.

TNA World Tag Team Championship: Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy (c) defeated Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz to retain the titles.

Matt and Jeff Hardy defended their TNA World Tag Team Titles against Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz in a thrilling encounter. Midway through the match, NXT’s Fraxiom appeared ringside, creating tension with both teams. After security intervened, the Hardys took control, with Jeff hitting a Swanton Bomb on Trey to secure the win.

TNA World Champion: Joe Hendry defeated Nic Nemeth (c) to win the title.

The main event saw Joe Hendry dethrone Nic Nemeth to capture the TNA World Championship in a thrilling conclusion to the night. The match had its fair share of drama, with Ryan Nemeth banned from ringside and Frankie Kazarian teasing a Call Your Shot cash-in. However, Kazarian’s attempt to enter the fray was cut short by a surprise appearance from JBL, who laid out Kazarian with a Clothesline from Hell.

The match resumed cleanly, with Hendry showing incredible heart. After trading finishers and near falls, Hendry countered a superkick into his Standing Ovation slam to secure the victory and claim the TNA World Championship. The crowd erupted in celebration as Hendry stood tall to close the show.

Final Thoughts

Genesis was a landmark event for TNA, showcasing the promotion’s ability to seamlessly blend veteran talent, emerging stars, and a dose of unpredictability. From Joe Hendry’s emotional title win to the rising tensions between NXT and TNA rosters, the seeds have been planted for some exciting developments in the weeks to come. What’s next for this burgeoning partnership? Only time will tell, but the future looks bright.

Cora Jade Returns To WWE NXT, Attacks Giulia

Cora Jade has made her return to WWE NXT.

On the premiere episode of WWE NXT on The CW Network, Giulia faced off against Roxanne Perez for a shot at the WWE NXT Women’s Championship.

Near the end of the match, Jade hit the ring to nail Giulia with a DDT on the outside while the referee was trying to convince Perez not to use the Women’s Title as a weapon on the other side of the ring.

Jade eventually rolled Giulia back into the ring, and Perez hit Pop Rocks to retain the title.

Jade has been dealing with a knee injury since January.

Source: eWn

WWE Officially Confirms Cora Jade Injury, Likely Recovery Timeline On NXT

During Tuesday’s episode of “WWE NXT,” commentator Vic Joseph confirmed that former “NXT” Tag Team Champion Cora Jade has suffered a torn ACL and is expected to be out of action for close to a year.  Jade was injured last Friday at a house show during her match against “NXT” Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria. She reportedly had to be taken backstage by four officials.

Jade, who has been with WWE since 2021, had just made her return last month to the developmental brand. Jade had previously lost to former main roster star Dana Brooke (now Impact Wrestling’s Ash By Elegance) in a Kendo Stick match, before clearing out her locker on the August 1 episode. She ended up being gone a total of four months, finally making her return on December 9 at the “NXT” Deadline premium live event, where she attacked Valkyria.

Jade was scheduled to compete in Tuesday’s 20-woman No. 1 contender’s match (a battle royal that turned into a four-way) for Valkyria’s title; Joseph made the official announcement of Jade’s injury, which had been previously reported, immediately prior to the bell. Jade was replaced by newcomer Wren Sinclair (a debuting Madi Wrenkowski) in the contest, which was ultimately won by Jade’s arch-rival and former tag team partner Roxanne Perez.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Cora Jade Injured At WWE NXT Live Event

During Friday’s NXT live event in Dade City, FL, WWE had to halt Cora Jade’s main event match due to an injury she suffered.

Jade was challenging Lyra Valkyria for the Women’s Title when she unfortunately injured her knee, causing the match to be stopped. The referee and medical attended to her before assisting her backstage.

Source: eWn

Potentially Major Update On Cora Jade’s WWE NXT Status Ahead Of Deadline PLE

WWE “NXT” Superstar Cora Jade could be making her WWE return this Saturday at the Deadline premium live event. According to “PWInsider,” there were reportedly talks about her return during this past week’s “NXT” taping.

If the former “NXT” Women’s Tag Team Champion does make her return on December 9, this will be the first time since she “cleaned” out of her locker on the August 1 episode of “NXT.” Her last in-ring match was a loss to former WWE Superstar Dana Brooke in a Kendo Stick match on the July 25 episode of “NXT,” which ended their summer-long feud.

This past October, Jade was asked on social media when she would return to the developmental brand. Her blunt response was to stop asking her because “it sucks there.” When she first said she was leaving the brand, there were rumors that she was going to join the main roster, which didn’t turn out to be true. 

Things are a little different since Jade was last seen on television; at the time the “NXT” Women’s Champion was Tiffany Stratton, while Lyra Valkyria now holds the belt, having won the title from Becky Lynch at Halloween Havoc. In her two-year tenure with WWE, Jade has won one title — the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship alongside Roxanne Perez.

Jade, who signed with WWE in January 2021, made her WWE in-ring debut on the January 20 taped episode of “WWE 205 Live.” Her “NXT” in-ring debut came about a month later on the February 10 episode of “NXT,” where she lost to Xia Li.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Natalya Returns To NXT, Attacks Cora Jade

Veteran WWE Superstar Natalya appeared in an NXT ring for the first time in a long time during this week’s edition of NXT 2.0.

Natalya returned to her old stomping ground at WWE’s Orlando Performance Center when she made a surprise appearance on the April 12 edition of NXT 2.0 on USA Network … which did not end well for rising star Cora Jade.

The segment in question kicked off with Cora Jade making her way to the ring, where she preceded to address the NXT Universe. Jade lamented her failed attempt to capture the NXT Women’s Championship at Stand & Deliver, but assured fans that her goal is the same now as it was when she was a child of eight journaling about how she would one day become a champion in WWE. The 21-year-old vowed to one day be considered as successful as the likes of AJ Lee, Paige, Sasha Banks, and more … and then Natalya’s music hit, and the main roster Superstar made her way to the ring — much to the joy of the fans in attendance, who cheered and chanted her name.

Nattie got on the mic and said that the Performance Center brought back a lot of memories for her. The emotional veteran introduced herself to the upstart standing opposite, but she needn’t have bothered as Jade had been familiar with Natalya for a while. Jade shared an anecdote in which Natalya pointed at her during a WWE house show the 11-year-old Cora attended. As a child, Jade sent Natalya a message on Instagram, but Natalya didn’t see the message until years later when she sent Jade a message of congratulations regarding her NXT debut.

Jade continued to express her admiration for Natalya, and Natalya said Jade was the future of NXT … but added that the future was bleak before blindsiding Jade with a huge open-palmed strike to the side of the face. Jade fell to the mat and Natalya slapped a Sharpshooter on the youngster, forcing her to tap out as the segment drew to a close and officials tried to quell the carnage.

Later in the episode, Natalya was confronted in the locker room by Tatum Paxley, who challenged her to a match on NXT week’s NXT 2.0. That match will be Natalya’s first in an NXT ring since 2016.

https://twitter.com/WWENXT/status/1514072398584328193

Source: TheSportster