For professional wrestlers, the ring is a place of triumphs, setbacks, and—sometimes—life-altering decisions. This week, the wrestling world was rocked by the heartfelt announcement of Brinley Reece, a rising WWE star whose journey has been marked by both promise and adversity. On January 4, 2026, Reece—real name Breanna Ruggiero—publicly declared her departure from WWE, closing a three-year chapter that began with high hopes and ended with a message of resilience and hope for the future.
Reece, just 25 years old, took to Instagram to reveal the difficult decision. Her statement, which quickly circulated among fans and wrestling media, laid bare the challenges she faced: “After three years, I am officially closing my chapter Wrestling at WWE. This decision came after navigating personal health challenges and a serious injury that required surgery last year. It wasn’t an easy choice, but it was a necessary one — choosing my health, my body, and my future first. That choice alone has been one of the most powerful lessons this journey gave me.”
For those who have followed Reece’s journey, the news carried a bittersweet weight. She entered WWE in mid-2022 as part of the Fall Rookie Class, catching the eye of company officials during a tryout at the SummerSlam weekend in Nashville. Her athletic background as a former tumbler and cheer captain at Sacramento State set her apart from the start, and she quickly became known for her explosive energy and connection with the NXT crowd.
Reece’s first televised appearance came on October 17, 2023, when she stepped in for the medically-uncleared Jakara Jackson during the Women’s NXT Breakout Tournament. That debut marked the beginning of a string of high-profile matches and storylines. In early 2024, she participated in a 20-woman battle royal for a shot at the NXT Women’s Championship, ultimately falling to Roxanne Perez but earning respect for her performance. The year also saw her in a gauntlet match in August and a mixed tag team program in late 2024, where she teamed with Dion Lennox against Ashante “Thee” Adonis and Karmen Petrovic. Her versatility and willingness to step up made her a reliable presence on NXT Level Up and beyond.
But the journey was not without its hurdles. In March 2025, Reece made her debut for the Evolve brand, defeating Masyn Holiday. Yet just two months later, she suffered a serious shoulder injury that required surgery, sidelining her for the remainder of the year. Her last televised match reportedly took place on March 2, 2025, at a WWE Evolve taping, and she has not competed since.
The physical demands of professional wrestling are notorious, and Reece’s story is a stark reminder of the toll the sport can take on even its youngest and most promising stars. In her Instagram post, she reflected on the lessons learned: “The last three years have been truly life-changing. WWE pushed me in ways I never imagined, taught me resilience, discipline, and belief, and allowed me to grow not only as a wrestler, but as a person. Every setback, every win, every long day and hard moment shaped who I am today, and for that I am so grateful.”
Reece’s gratitude extended to her supporters, whom she credited for helping her persevere through the toughest days. “To my supporters — you are the reason I kept going on the hardest days. Your messages, encouragement, love, and belief in me never went unnoticed. You stood by me through injuries, healing, growth, and transformation, and I carry that support with me forever. I love you more than words can say.”
While Reece never captured championship gold during her WWE tenure, her growth as a performer and her resilience in the face of adversity earned her widespread respect. She was a regular face in NXT’s women’s division, working programs with some of the promotion’s top names and even appearing in a crossover with TNA Wrestling in late 2024. There, she competed against Ash By Elegance on TNA Impact and at the Bound For Glory pre-show, further expanding her reputation in the industry.
Her departure, though sudden, is not unprecedented in the world of professional wrestling. The sport’s history is filled with stories of promising careers cut short by injury—names like Tyson Kidd, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Edge come to mind. Each faced their own crossroads, forced to weigh their passion for the ring against the realities of their health. For Reece, the decision to walk away was, in her own words, “a redirection, not an ending.”
Reece’s final words to her fans and colleagues were filled with optimism: “I’m proud of everything I gave to this chapter, and even more excited for what’s ahead. Thank you for being part of my journey. The best is still to come.”
Since making her announcement, Reece has officially changed her Instagram handle back to her real name, Breanna Ruggiero—a symbolic gesture of turning the page. As she steps away from WWE, speculation swirls about what the future might hold. Will she pursue new athletic ventures, focus on recovery, or perhaps take her talents outside the world of wrestling entirely? For now, she’s keeping her cards close to her chest, but her message makes one thing clear: her journey is far from over.
The wrestling community has responded with an outpouring of support, with fans and fellow wrestlers alike commending her courage and wishing her well. It’s a testament to the impact she made in just three years—a short time, perhaps, but one filled with unforgettable moments and hard-fought battles.
As the WWE universe looks ahead, Brinley Reece’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and rewards that come with chasing a dream in professional wrestling. Her chapter with WWE may have closed, but the lessons she’s taken—and the inspiration she’s given—will no doubt resonate for years to come. The best, as she says, may still be on the horizon.
