The wrestling world is still buzzing about WWE’s recent talent cuts, but few releases have raised as many eyebrows as Elayna Black’s departure from NXT. What makes her exit even more puzzling? The former NXT standout has now revealed she was actively being discussed for championship gold just 48 hours before receiving her walking papers.
Championship Dreams Cut Short
During a candid interview with Denise Salcedo, Black dropped a bombshell that highlights the unpredictable nature of WWE’s current landscape. The talented performer had been grinding away in NXT, positioning herself for bigger opportunities when creative approached her about something major.
Two days before her unexpected release, WWE’s creative team had a conversation with Black about potentially capturing the NXT Women’s North American Championship. The timing couldn’t have been more ironic—or more confusing.
“I was just working my ass off and trying to be the best version of myself for any opportunity that came my way. I actually had a conversation two days before I got fired with someone in creative—they were talking about the North American Title and stuff like that. Then, two days later, I got released. I was like, ‘That’s weird… but okay, yeah.'”
The Disconnect Within WWE’s Structure
Salcedo didn’t mince words when addressing what appears to be a significant communication breakdown within WWE’s decision-making process. The veteran journalist pointed out how these mixed signals reflect deeper organizational issues.
“From an outsider’s perspective, it feels like there’s a bit of a disconnect. So hearing you say you had conversations about winning a title and then got released two days later—it really does feel like there’s a big disconnect.”
This observation strikes at the heart of what many wrestlers and industry insiders have been whispering about. The rapid-fire changes in WWE’s corporate structure seem to be creating scenarios where the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing.
TKO Merger Fallout
Black’s honest assessment of her situation sheds light on the chaos that can occur during major corporate transitions. She acknowledged that the TKO merger has created an environment where traditional decision-making processes might be completely upended.
“Yeah, I have no idea. I don’t think anybody really knows—unless you’re really, really high up and know all the ins and outs. I just think there’s so much change happening right now, especially with TKO. Who knows? Maybe someone at a desk at TKO turned on NXT, didn’t like me, and said, ‘Get rid of him.’ I don’t know.”
Accepting the Unpredictable Nature of Sports Entertainment
Rather than dwelling on the confusing circumstances surrounding her departure, Black has chosen to take a philosophical approach. Her mature response demonstrates the resilience that defines successful wrestlers, even in the face of unexpected setbacks.
The former NXT competitor admitted that trying to understand WWE’s current power structure would be an exercise in futility. With so many moving parts and new decision-makers in the mix, even longtime company veterans might struggle to predict which way the wind will blow.
“I don’t even really understand how it works there anymore. I just know there’s a lot of change, and I don’t know who’s in control of what at this point. It’s one of those things where I could sit there and think about it and drive myself crazy, but I have no idea. There’s just so much going on, and I guess I just didn’t fit into the direction they’re heading in. And again—that’s fine.”
Looking Forward, Not Back
Perhaps most telling about Black’s mindset is her recent declaration that she wouldn’t return to WWE even if they came calling tomorrow. This statement suggests she’s genuinely ready to explore what the wrestling world has to offer beyond Stamford’s walls.
Her attitude reflects a growing trend among released WWE talent who view their departures as opportunities rather than setbacks. With promotions like AEW, Impact Wrestling, and various independent companies offering creative freedom and competitive compensation, wrestlers have more viable options than ever before.
Black’s story serves as a fascinating case study in how quickly fortunes can change in professional wrestling. One day you’re discussing championship reigns with creative, the next you’re packing up your gear and heading for the exit. As 2025 unfolds, will we see Elayna Black capture gold elsewhere and prove that WWE’s loss was another promotion’s gain?
