Elayna Black, known to WWE audiences as the rebellious and unpredictable Cora Jade, has announced she is stepping away from professional wrestling for the foreseeable future, citing concerns for her mental health.
In a candid message shared on social media, the 24-year-old wrote:
“I originally had a 10 minute long video explaining where my head’s at, and maybe eventually I’ll post it but seems unnecessary for now. I’ll keep it short but I am going to be taking a break from wrestling for the foreseeable future. It’s no longer good for my mental health and I’ll never know if that love for it I once had will return if I don’t step away. I’m gonna take the rest of the year to take care of me and go from there.”
She concluded her post with a message to her fans and supporters:
“I apologize to the fans and promoters who were looking forward to/booked my upcoming appearances. I hope you can understand. To my supporters, thank you
Brie/Elayna
‘Let go or be dragged’”
From NXT Star to Independent Trailblazer
Elayna Black’s release is just months following her May 2, 2025, WWE release, as part of a wave of company-wide cost-cutting. Her release came after four years with the promotion, where she worked her way up through the ranks of NXT and emerged as one of the brightest and most incendiary stars of the new era of the brand.
As Cora Jade, Black first became popular during the times of NXT 2.0. Her “skateboarding rebel” image immediately became a fan favorite. She was featured with career-high performances in main event matches, including a stunning dive off the top of the cage in a WarGames match where both her aggression and drama appeal were revealed.
Her biggest spotlight moment was with her takedown along with Roxanne Perez, for which the group garnered the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship. In an unexpected heel turn that shocked the women’s division, Jade betrayed Perez and physically trashed her title belt, starting what would be her hallmark era as leader of the self-titled “Generation of Jade.”
Jade’s heel work was some of the most widely debated content on NXT, solidifying her place in history as a true great performer and a character that everyone loved to hate. She may be gone, but she’s spoken well of her stint with the company, stating she was bummed about how it ended but remains proud of what she accomplished there and has no regrets.
