In a surprising move, former WWE Superstar Elayna Black, formerly known as Cora Jade, has announced her decision to take an extended break from professional wrestling. This development comes after her release from WWE in early May 2025, marking the end of a four-year stint with the company. During her time in WWE, Black, who is just 24 years old, managed to make a name for herself, particularly by winning the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship alongside Roxanne Perez.
Background and Career Highlights
Cora Jade, who initially gained fame through her appearances in WWE’s NXT brand, had a promising career that began in 2021. She was part of the growing and vibrant NXT scene, which has been a launching pad for many successful wrestlers. Her journey in WWE was highlighted by her tag team success, including a notable win with Roxanne Perez to claim the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship. However, her time with WWE came to an abrupt end when she was released in May 2025, a move that was part of a larger wave of talent cuts.
The Decision to Take a Break
In a heartfelt message on social media, Elayna Black explained her decision to step away from wrestling. She noted that continuing to wrestle was no longer beneficial for her mental health and that she needed time to focus on herself. According to her, this break is indefinite, and she has decided not to take any bookings for the remainder of 2025. This decision was not made lightly, as she acknowledged the disappointment it might cause her fans and promoters who had already booked her for upcoming events.
“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. I apologize to all the fans and promoters who were looking forward to/booked my upcoming appearances. I hope you can understand. To my supporters, Thank you,” Black explained in her post.
The Impact on Her Career and Future Prospects
Elayna Black’s decision to take a break from wrestling has sparked discussions about her future in the industry. Despite her relatively short tenure with WWE, she has shown great potential and has been active on the independent circuit since her release. However, her health and well-being are now her top priority.
According to a WWE insider, “Elayna’s decision to step away is a tough one, but it’s clear she’s prioritizing her health, which is crucial in this demanding industry. We wish her all the best during this time and are hopeful that she might return to wrestling when she’s ready.”
A Future in WWE?
While Elayna Black has not ruled out a potential return to WWE, her current focus is on her personal well-being. In a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, she suggested that the door for a WWE return remains open, especially given her young age and the positive relationships she built during her time with the company.
“Definitely, I feel like the door [is open]. I’m 24 years old. I feel like I didn’t end on horrible terms there. Like I said, yes, there’s things that p****d me off, but I’m human and I love wrestling, so that’s only natural, but I’m not gonna sit here and be like, ‘Oh my God, my time there was so horrible. I never wanna go back.’ Absolutely not. I loved my time there. I loved the people I met there. I feel like anything is possible,” Black shared.
Conclusion
Elayna Black’s decision to take a break from wrestling highlights the importance of prioritizing mental health in the demanding world of professional wrestling. While her fans might be disappointed by her hiatus, they also understand and support her choice. As she takes this time for self-reflection and personal growth, the wrestling community remains hopeful for her return, whenever that may be.