The bonds forged inside WWE’s squared circle often transcend corporate contracts and career changes. Wrestling’s unique blend of physical trust and emotional vulnerability creates connections that survive even the most unexpected roster cuts.
Life After WWE: Friendships That Endure
Speaking on “Busted Open,” former WWE talent Tegan Nox opened up about maintaining relationships with her former colleagues following her November release. The Welsh wrestler, now performing as “Nixon Newell” on the independent circuit, painted a picture of genuine camaraderie that extends far beyond scripted storylines.
Professional wrestling demands an extraordinary level of trust between performers. Every move executed requires complete faith in your opponent’s ability to protect you, while every promo segment can make or break careers depending on the delivery.
Staying Connected: Nox’s Inner Circle
The conversation revealed which WWE stars remain part of Nox’s regular social circle. Her connections span different tiers of the WWE roster, from established veterans to rising talents who faced similar career upheaval.
“I see Shayna [Baszler] quite often… I got to hang out with her and have a couples of whiskies. Dakota [Kai], I talk to quite frequently. It was a shock for a lot of them, especially Dakota. Like, she’s another worldly talent; just generation in my opinion. So, I do keep in contact with them a lot but seeing their personality now and seeing their next steps, I’m excited for them to absolutely skyrocket in whatever they do next.”
The Shayna Baszler Connection
Nox’s friendship with MMA veteran turned WWE star Shayna Baszler appears particularly strong. Their off-screen bond includes casual hangouts over whiskey, suggesting a relationship built on mutual respect rather than professional necessity.
Dakota Kai: A Generational Talent
The praise for Dakota Kai stands out as especially significant. Nox’s description of her former colleague as “another worldly talent” and “generational” carries weight coming from someone who worked closely with WWE’s women’s division.
The May 2024 Release Wave
Nox referenced the shock waves created by WWE’s recent round of talent releases in early May. This batch of cuts included several notable names that surprised both fans and wrestlers alike.
The releases affected performers across different divisions, with Braun Strowman, Cora Jade, Gigi Dolin, and Shotzi among those receiving their walking papers. These unexpected departures created ripple effects throughout the locker room community.
Nixon Newell’s Independent Renaissance
Following her November 2023 WWE release, Nox didn’t disappear from wrestling entirely. She made her return to the independent scene in March 2024, adopting her previous ring name “Nixon Newell.”
Her comeback has focused primarily on UK promotions, allowing her to reconnect with her wrestling roots while building momentum for whatever comes next in her career journey.
The Psychology of Wrestling Relationships
What makes wrestling friendships unique is the constant balance between cooperation and competition. Performers must simultaneously support each other’s success while vying for limited spots on television and pay-per-view cards.
This dynamic creates relationships that either crumble under pressure or become unbreakably strong. Nox’s continued connections suggest she built the latter type during her WWE tenure.
As more wrestlers navigate career transitions in an increasingly unpredictable industry, stories like Nox’s remind us that the human connections formed between the ropes often prove more valuable than any championship gold. What other surprising wrestling friendships do you think have survived beyond corporate boundaries?
