Latest news with #NXTWomen'sTagTeamChampionship
Newsweek
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Released WWE Star Taking Break From Wrestling
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Elayna Black, known to WWE fans as Cora Jade, has announced that she is taking an indefinite break from professional wrestling. The 24-year-old star, who was released from her WWE contract in May, is stepping away from the business to focus on her mental health. In a candid statement posted to her social media accounts on Monday, Black explained her decision to her followers. She stated that her passion for the industry has waned and she needs time away. In her announcement, Black was direct about the reasons for her hiatus. She said she needs to find out if the love she once had for wrestling can return. "I am going to be taking a break from wrestling for the foreseeable future," Black wrote. "It's no longer good for my mental health and I'll never know if that love for it I once had will return if I don't step away. I'm gonna take the rest of the year to take care of me and go from there." She also apologized to the fans and independent promoters who had booked her for upcoming appearances. Her announcement was met with an outpouring of support from the wrestling community. The WWE logo is seen on the front of the WWE wrestling world headquarters on January 28, 2024 in Stamford, Connecticut. WWE founder Vince McMahon resigned from the WWE and its parent company TKO as... The WWE logo is seen on the front of the WWE wrestling world headquarters on January 28, 2024 in Stamford, Connecticut. WWE founder Vince McMahon resigned from the WWE and its parent company TKO as executive chairman and its board of directors following allegations of sexual assault made public in a lawsuit in Connecticut. A former employee Janel Grant accused McMahon, 78, of sexual assault and sexually trafficking her. MoreBlack's decision to speak openly about her mental health is part of a growing, positive trend in the demanding world of professional wrestling. The industry's relentless travel, physical toll, and public scrutiny can be immense, especially for young performers. In recent years, other top stars have also taken necessary breaks to prioritize their well-being, helping to destigmatize the issue. Her decision to step away to "take care of me" is a powerful and courageous statement. It highlights the importance of mental wellness in a high-pressure profession. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation During her time in WWE as Cora Jade, Black was one of the breakout stars of the NXT 2.0 era. With her "skateboarding rebel" persona, she quickly became a fan favorite. She had memorable moments in high-profile matches, including a daring dive from the top of the cage at a WarGames event. Black's biggest success came when she teamed with Roxanne Perez to win the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship. This led to her most memorable storyline, where she shockingly turned heel on Perez, throwing her half of the championship belt in a trash can. This established her as the leader of the "Generation of Jade" and one of the top villains in the NXT women's division for a significant period before her eventual release. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports
Newsweek
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Released WWE Superstar Has Major Interest From AEW
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former WWE Women's Tag Team Champion Isla Dawn is expected to join All Elite Wrestling. A new report states that AEW has significant interest in the recently released superstar. Dawn was released from her WWE contract in February of this year. According to the report, she was recently backstage at an AEW television taping. A Deal Is Reportedly Imminent The report comes from WrestleVotes. It indicates that an agreement between the two sides is expected soon. "We have learned through sources that AEW is heavily interested in recently released talent, Isla Dawn," the report said. "The expectation is that she will begin working AEW shows in the very near future." The move would provide a fresh start for Dawn. Many fans felt her WWE release was premature. A Champion Comes To AEW During her seven-year tenure with WWE, Dawn achieved significant success. She was known for her unique, witch-like gimmick. She formed the tag team "The Unholy Union" with her partner, Alba Fyre. Together, they held both the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship and the main roster WWE Women's Tag Team Championship. Appolo crews and Titus battle in the ring during the WWE show at Zenith Arena on may 09, 2017 in Lille north France. / AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUEN Appolo crews and Titus battle in the ring during the WWE show at Zenith Arena on may 09, 2017 in Lille north France. / AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUEN More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Dawn would be the latest former WWE star to find a new opportunity in AEW. She would join a women's division that includes other former WWE talents like current AEW Women's World Champion Toni Storm. Since its inception in 2019, a core part of AEW's strategy has been signing prominent former WWE stars to add experience, credibility, and create dream match scenarios. This began with Chris Jericho, who became the first-ever AEW World Champion, and Jon Moxley (formerly Dean Ambrose), whose surprise debut was a major statement for the new promotion. The company made its biggest splash in 2021, signing CM Punk, Bryan Danielson, and Adam Cole within a matter of weeks, shifting the balance of power in professional wrestling. This trend continued with legendary names like Adam Copeland (Edge), who became a TNT Champion, and Christian Cage, who also held the same title. AEW also significantly bolstered its women's division with talent like Saraya (Paige), Ruby Soho, and the current AEW Women's World Champion, Toni Storm. These high-profile acquisitions have consistently generated buzz, provided veteran leadership, and helped establish AEW as a true top-tier alternative in the wrestling landscape. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Star Set To Return After Year-Long Injury: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. WWE Raw superstar Kiana James is close to returning to the ring after being out for a year. The report comes from Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The update on James's status indicates her long absence from WWE programming is nearing its end. Meltzer stated, "Kiana James is close to returning." This news signals that her recovery process is in its final stages. WWE fans can expect to see her back on television soon. Kiana James Nears WWE Return James has been out of action since June 2024 following a leg injury. Her last match was on the June 17, 2024, episode of Monday Night Raw. She competed in a Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifier against IYO SKY and Zelina Vega. The injury, which occurred shortly after, required surgery and an extensive rehabilitation period. COLOGNE, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 07: A WWE Logo at the WWE Live Tryout at the Motorworld on November 7, 2018 in Cologne, Germany. COLOGNE, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 07: A WWE Logo at the WWE Live Tryout at the Motorworld on November 7, 2018 in Cologne, Abrupt Halt to Her WWE Main Roster Push The timing of the injury stalled her career momentum. She was drafted from NXT to Raw just two months earlier in the April 2024 WWE Draft. Before being sidelined, James made her main roster debut with a victory over Natalya. The win positioned her for a solid push on the Raw brand before the injury stopped her progress. Kiana James' Road to Recovery By September 2024, reports confirmed she was dealing with a leg injury. WWE then moved her to its internal miscellaneous roster list, which is standard for injured talent. The initial recovery was expected to take at least six months. More recently, James was reportedly on the verge of being medically cleared and was seen training with Charlotte Flair. During her time in NXT, James made a name for herself with her businesswoman character. She had a notable run as a heel and captured the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship alongside Fallon Henley. Throughout her time away, it has been reported that James has impressed many within WWE with her strong work ethic and dedication to her recovery. In May 2025, reports suggested she was on the verge of being medically cleared. Recently, James was seen training with former champion Charlotte Flair, further fueling speculation that her return is imminent. During her tenure in NXT, James made a name for herself with a businesswoman gimmick. She had a notable run as a heel, which included capturing the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship alongside Fallon Henley, who would later become a rival. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Injured WWE Star Breaks Silence On Retirement Rumors
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. WWE Raw star Zoey Stark has addressed false retirement rumors that began circulating online while she has been away with an injury. She confirmed in a social media video that the rumor was started by a convincing AI-generated clip. Stark also provided an update on her recovery from a serious knee injury. She promised to share her journey back to the ring with her fans. The Injury And The Rumor Zoey Stark has been off WWE television for several weeks. She was injured during a Money in the Bank qualifying match on Raw. Stark landed awkwardly on her foot and was immediately taken to the back by medical personnel. She later revealed to fans that she had suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus. During her absence from television, a video began to circulate online claiming that she was retiring from wrestling. The AI-generated video was realistic enough to fool many people. DORTMUND, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 01: Natalya competes in the ring against Shotzi during the WWE Live Show at Westfalenhalle on November 1, 2022 in Dortmund, Germany. DORTMUND, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 01: Natalya competes in the ring against Shotzi during the WWE Live Show at Westfalenhalle on November 1, 2022 in Dortmund, Germany. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Zoey Stark Sets The Record Straight Stark took to social media to personally shut down the false rumors. She explained the situation and gave an update on her intensive rehabilitation process. "That's pretty funny actually. This AI video, whoever made it, great job. You did a fantastic job because a lot of people fell for it, including my own family," Stark said. "It's not true, I'm not retiring. Not any time soon. In fact, I'm here at the UFC Performance Institute to do rehab on my knee, and working my a** off three to four times a day of physical therapy." The Road To Recovery She concluded her message with a promise to her fans. She intends to be open about the entire recovery process. "Look, I'm gonna share my journey with you guys. You know, the good, the bad, the ugly, the road to recovery, and what it is," she stated. "So, stay with me. I love all you Stark marks." Stark rose through NXT, capturing the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship with Iyo Sky. She made her main roster debut as the enforcer for WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus. After their alliance, Stark established herself as a singles star. We wish her a speedy recovery. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Superstar Details Horrific Injury As They Face Months Out Of Action
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. WWE RAW superstar Zoey Stark has revealed the full extent of the brutal knee injury she suffered during the May 19th episode of RAW. In a video posted to social media, Stark confirmed she underwent major surgery to repair a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus. The video showed the moment she was injured during a triple-threat qualifying match for Money in the Bank. Stark landed awkwardly after attempting a missile dropkick and had to be carried out of the arena by WWE medical personnel. Unfortunately, this is familiar territory for Stark, who was sidelined with a similar knee injury in late 2021 while in NXT. That injury also required surgery and kept her out of action for approximately nine months. Before this latest setback, Stark had been the last remaining member of the "Pure Fusion Collective" faction on RAW. Her partners, Shayna Baszler and Sonya Deville, had both been released by WWE earlier in 2025. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Stark first signed with WWE in 2021 and found early success in NXT, winning the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship with Io Shirai (now IYO SKY). After being called up to the main roster in the 2023 WWE Draft, she was immediately placed in a high-profile storyline. COLOGNE, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 07: A WWE Logo at the WWE Live Tryout at the Motorworld on November 7, 2018 in Cologne, Germany. COLOGNE, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 07: A WWE Logo at the WWE Live Tryout at the Motorworld on November 7, 2018 in Cologne, served as the enforcer for WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus during her heated feud with Becky Lynch. Stark played a crucial role in that program, helping Stratus in major matches at Night of Champions and Payback. Stark's recent video update noted that her surgery, originally scheduled for two hours, ultimately took three and a half hours to complete. The video ended by teasing a further update, promising that fans will find out "What's next for Zoey Stark?" on the June 16th episode of RAW. Stark is someone who is liked within the locker room and a solid in-ring worker. Once she's back, hopefully, she returns to full strength and can continue to build on her career while on the main roster. It will be interesting to see if she gets a renewed push once she's back in action and what brand she will end up on once she returns. We wish her a speedy recovery. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
