The wrestling business is full of heartbreak, but rarely do we see it expressed as raw and genuine as Roxanne Perez’s recent comments about losing her closest ally. When WWE’s latest round of cuts claimed Cora Jade (now going by her real name Elayna Black), it didn’t just end a character—it separated two wrestlers whose careers had been inseparable since their independent wrestling days.
From Indie Dreams to WWE Reality
Speaking candidly with the New York Post, Perez couldn’t hide the emotion in her voice when discussing her former partner’s departure. The crack in her tone was unmistakable as she shared memories of their shared journey.
“I absolutely love Cora so much. And, yeah, we definitely talked about making it to the WWE together before we even made it, and being able to share all of those moments that we were able to share together from her last (NXT) match, being to tag with me was really cool.
This wasn’t just another wrestling partnership that developed on television. These two women had mapped out their WWE dreams long before either stepped foot in the Performance Center, making the separation all the more devastating.
The Creative Chemistry That Shaped a Star
What many fans might not realize is how deeply Cora Jade influenced Perez’s development as a complete performer. Looking back at her NXT tenure, Perez credits her friend with unlocking aspects of her personality that audiences had never witnessed.
“I feel like, when I look back at my NXT career—I just see Cora and how much she helped me, how much she helped me with my character work, and to be comfortable with who I am.”
The behind-the-scenes collaboration extended far beyond their in-ring chemistry. Their backstage segments and promotional work became laboratories for Perez to experiment with different facets of her character.
Breaking Down Barriers Together
Perez revealed that working alongside Jade pushed her into uncharted creative territory. The comfort level they shared translated into more authentic performances that resonated with NXT audiences.
“So being able to do all of these promos with her and these backstages really brought out a different side of me and a more comfortable side, and a side that I had never really shown to the world or the crowd before.”
Moving Forward on Raw Without Her Partner
Now stationed on Monday Night Raw’s roster, Perez faces the challenge of continuing her WWE journey solo. The transition hasn’t been easy, as she openly admitted the difficulty of performing without her creative partner by her side.
Despite the personal loss, Perez maintains confidence in WWE’s long-term vision for her career. Her Royal Rumble appearances and cross-brand matches on both Raw and SmackDown suggest the company views her as a key player moving forward.
Interestingly, Perez noted she doesn’t typically question creative decisions or overthink booking choices—a professional approach that likely serves her well during this transitional period.
Elayna Black’s Next Chapter Begins
While Perez adjusts to WWE life without her friend, the wrestler formerly known as Cora Jade is already plotting her comeback. Recent promotional material shows Elayna Black is ready to forge her own identity outside WWE’s umbrella.
Her message was clear and defiant: “This was never your story. It was always mine.” The statement suggests Black is embracing this career reset as an opportunity rather than a setback.
“So yeah, I absolutely love Cora, and it’s hard to do it without her now, but I know she’s gonna absolutely kill it in whatever she decides to do. I think everybody should definitely keep an eye on Elayna Black because she’s gonna do some really cool things.”
The Bond That Business Can’t Break
What stands out most in Perez’s emotional interview is how genuine friendship can survive the wrestling industry’s coldest business decisions. These two performers built something real that extends beyond storylines and corporate restructuring.
As Perez continues climbing WWE’s women’s division and Black prepares for her independent wrestling return, their parallel journeys will be fascinating to follow. Will their paths cross again in a wrestling ring, or will they support each other’s success from different corners of the wrestling world?
