Former NXT talent Elayna Black continues to walk a diplomatic tightrope when discussing her WWE departure. While she’s been upfront about sensing her release was inevitable, the wrestling veteran remains tight-lipped about any potential backstage drama that might have contributed to her exit from sports entertainment’s biggest stage.
The Writing Was on the Wall
Speaking candidly on the Going Ringside podcast, Black revealed that her WWE release wasn’t the blindside many departing wrestlers experience. Instead, she acknowledged having an instinct that her time with the company was winding down.
“I feel like it’s always a shock, you know. I feel like everyone at some point in the back of their head—especially there, because it is so cutthroat and they are always doing the releases—I feel like it’s always in the back of your head. Like, maybe, maybe, maybe. But I kind of had a feeling, and you know, when the call comes, there’s nothing to do but go out from there.”
Her comments reflect the harsh reality of WWE’s corporate structure, where talent releases have become a regular occurrence. Black’s awareness of this environment suggests she was reading the room and picking up on subtle cues that her position might be in jeopardy.
Dodging the Backstage Politics Discussion
When podcast host Scott Johnson attempted to dig deeper into what specific factors might have triggered her release, Black quickly shut down that line of questioning. Her response was diplomatically vague but telling.
“We don’t need to get into all of that, but I feel like there’s little inklings here and there, and you know, you get the vibe.”
This carefully crafted non-answer speaks volumes about Black’s approach to handling her WWE departure. She’s acknowledging that something was brewing behind the scenes without providing ammunition for wrestling dirt sheets or burning bridges with her former employer.
A Pattern of Professional Discretion
Black’s latest comments mirror her previous media appearances following her WWE exit. During an interview with renowned MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, she similarly sidestepped questions about potential backstage issues or internal conflicts that might have influenced her release.
This consistent approach demonstrates Black’s commitment to maintaining professional relationships within the wrestling industry. Rather than airing grievances publicly, she’s chosen the high road—a strategy that could serve her well as she navigates her post-WWE career.
Reading Between the Lines
While Black isn’t explicitly confirming backstage heat or political maneuvering, her repeated references to “getting the vibe” and sensing “little inklings” suggest there’s more to the story than a simple roster cut. Her diplomatic language indicates she’s aware of specific circumstances but has made a calculated decision to keep those details private.
The wrestling industry thrives on relationships and reputation, making Black’s measured approach particularly shrewd. By avoiding public criticism of WWE while subtly acknowledging underlying issues, she’s protecting her future opportunities while still being somewhat transparent with fans.
Elayna Black’s handling of her WWE departure showcases the delicate balance wrestlers must strike when discussing their experiences with major promotions. As she continues building her post-WWE career, will her diplomatic approach pay dividends, or will fans eventually demand more transparency about what really went down behind the curtain?
