Cora Jade, the former WWE star, confirmed her post-WWE ring name and expressed her feelings about her release in a heartfelt statement on May 5, 2025. The 24-year-old wrestler, known for her tenure in WWE's NXT, shared that her departure was not an end but rather a "new beginning" as she announced she would be returning to her previous ring name, Elayna Black. In her post on X, Jade reflected on her journey, stating, "Dropping out of high school at 15 to chase my dreams was scary but I'm so thankful it worked out for the time that it did! I got to live out so many childhood dreams, go so many places, do so many things and most importantly I met some of the most important people in my life that I know I'll have in my corner forever. Unfortunately it didn't go how I envisioned and I'm disappointed by a lot of things but I can look back with no regrets and know I did everything with love and passion and always stood up for myself, even in the times I was scared. I'm proud of myself for that. With all that being said, TRUST that this is not the end and only my new beginning. I have a lot to say when the time is right. I have so many ideas and am excited for the future and to be able to show what I truly am capable of. Elayna Black is back from the dead bitches! See you in 30."
Jade's announcement comes on the heels of her surprising release from WWE, where she was considered one of the breakout stars. Her journey in the company had been promising, especially after her return from injury last year. However, the recent round of talent cuts shocked many fans and industry insiders alike. Alongside Jade, notable names such as Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler, Dakota Kai, Katana Chance, and Gigi Dolin were also released, leading to speculation about the current state of WWE's roster management.
Following her release, Cora Jade did not hold back in expressing her frustrations about her time in WWE. After a report suggested that recently released superstars were "lazy" or did not stand out, Gigi Dolin, another former WWE talent, took to social media to defend herself and others. Dolin claimed, "When I wasn’t traveling to work for either of the two companies I was working for, I trained very hard 3-4 days a week, bumping my ass off and doing cardio drills with one of the best/toughest coaches I’ve worked with. And worked out every single day. With live events every other weekend. So yeah I don’t wanna hear this lol. The way my body feels says otherwise."
Jade's response to Dolin's comments was equally pointed, revealing that she had faced body shaming from her bosses, coworkers, and fans during her time with the company. She tweeted, "This, plus can’t forget having to go to my own gym outside of work after ‘strength and conditioning’ that wasn’t doing anything for me other than get me body shamed by my bosses, coworkers, and fans 🙂 crazy!" This revelation has sparked a debate about the culture within WWE, especially under the current regime led by Triple H and Nick Khan, which many had considered an improvement over previous management.
The implications of Jade's allegations are significant, raising questions about the environment WWE cultivates for its talent. Body shaming and mental health issues are increasingly coming to the forefront in professional wrestling, and Jade's comments may encourage others to speak out about their experiences. The wrestling community is watching closely to see if WWE will respond to these allegations or if they will remain silent.
As Jade prepares to return to the independent wrestling scene under her new name Elayna Black, the anticipation among fans is palpable. She previously competed as Elayna Black before joining WWE in 2021, even making appearances for AEW Dark in October 2020. With a 30-day non-compete clause in effect, Jade's return to the ring will be eagerly awaited by her supporters.
In the wake of her release, Jade has expressed excitement about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. Her statement reflects a common sentiment among wrestlers who have transitioned from WWE to the independent circuit, where they often find more creative freedom and the chance to redefine their careers. Jade's journey serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination that many wrestlers possess, even in the face of adversity.
As the wrestling world continues to evolve, Jade's story is just one example of the challenges and triumphs faced by professional wrestlers. The recent wave of releases from WWE has reignited discussions about talent management, mental health, and the pressures of the wrestling industry. With her bold statements and plans for the future, Elayna Black is poised to make a significant impact in the wrestling world once again.
Overall, the developments surrounding Cora Jade's release from WWE highlight the complexities of the wrestling business and the personal struggles that many athletes face. As fans await her next move, one thing is clear: Elayna Black is ready to reclaim her place in the ring and prove her critics wrong.
