WWE NXT fan-favorite Adriana Rizzo has revealed the harrowing details of her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which has kept her off television since March 2025. In a candid TikTok video and interviews shared widely on social media and wrestling news outlets, Rizzo explained that she had been wrestling with a partially torn ACL for more than a year before the injury fully worsened during a training session, forcing her to step away from the ring for surgery and recovery[1][2][5].

The 26-year-old superstar, known for her impactful role in The D’Angelo Family faction on NXT, described the injury timeline and her decision to postpone surgery to continue competing. Rizzo revealed she initially sustained a partial ACL tear roughly eighteen months ago during a match when an opponent pushed her knee in an awkward position as she executed a throw over her head. Despite the pain and limited damage, she chose to keep wrestling rather than have immediate surgery.

“I had a partial tear—not fully—partial tear on my ACL. A year and a half ago, I was doing a throw over my head and somebody pushed my knee in, partially tore my ACL. Whatever. I’m fine. I worked through it for a year and a half,” Rizzo said, adding that she was fully aware of the risks but was determined not to sit out for an extended period due to what she called “a splinter on my ACL”[3][1].

Rizzo’s determination to persevere through the injury was motivated by her passion for wrestling and desire to build momentum in her NXT career. “Yes, I knew there was a chance it was gonna fully tear, but I wasn’t about to sit out for a year and a half because I got, you know, a splinter on my ACL. I’m gonna get surgery when the whole kabang goes,” she explained emphatically, underscoring her resolve to delay surgery until the injury significantly worsened[1].

Unfortunately, the inevitable happened during a recent practice drill—far from the spotlight of a live match. While running towards a corner during training, Rizzo’s knee gave out completely: “Boom—my knee just, you know, bada bing, bada boom, explodes. I fall over. I lay on the floor for like four minutes because I knew. I knew my knee exploded and I was like, ‘Well, s***. There it goes.’” This devastating moment confirmed the full ACL tear and accompanying meniscus damage, requiring surgery and a lengthy recovery period[2][4].

Despite the setback, Rizzo remains optimistic about her future in WWE and professional wrestling. Sources close to the young star indicate she is approaching her rehab with the same grit and determination that served her well during her injured wrestling run. She expressed confidence in social media posts that this surgery will not keep her down for long and that fans can expect a “better than ever” Adriana Rizzo when she returns[2].

According to WWE.com and several insider reports from Fightful and Ringside News, Rizzo’s injury timeline and decision-making reflect a broader trend among WWE talent who often work through injuries to maintain their career trajectories, sometimes at the cost of longer-term health[1][3][5]. Her story provides a sobering look into the physical toll wrestling can take, even on younger performers, and highlights the risks involved when athletes compete through injuries.

This latest news marks a pause in Rizzo’s rising trajectory within WWE NXT, where she had established herself as a promising and dynamic performer. She was prominently featured in key storylines such as the D’Angelo Family breakup earlier this year. Now sidelined, she’ll be focusing on rehabilitation and physical therapy over the coming months in hopes of making a successful comeback that lives up to her potential.

As of August 2025, there is no confirmed timeline for Rizzo’s return, but WWE insiders suggest her surgery and rehab could keep her out of action for most of the year. Fans and commentators alike are rallying behind her, appreciating candid openness about her injury struggles.

In sum, Adriana Rizzo’s story is a testament to toughness and perseverance in professional wrestling: managing a partially torn ACL for over a year, prioritizing her career while accepting the eventual need for surgery. It shines a light on the physical hardships athletes in WWE endure and offers reassurance that once healed, Rizzo will be back stronger than ever[1][2][5].

Sources close to Adriana Rizzo revealed she made a calculated decision to delay surgery until absolutely necessary, reflecting both her commitment to the sport and the physical risks inherent in professional wrestling.

For ongoing updates, follow WWE.com, official WWE social media channels, and trusted wrestling news platforms such as Fightful and Ringside News.