Nia Jax issues statement on WWE release, vaccination report

Image: WWE

Former Raw Women’s Champion Nia Jax has issued a statement following her release from WWE.

Jax was among 18 wrestlers who were released by WWE during a round of cuts on Thursday night. The New York Post reported that “a source with knowledge of WWE’s operations” told them that one of the reasons Jax was released was due to being unvaccinated.

Jax hadn’t appeared on WWE television since an angle on the September 20 episode of Raw where she was beaten down by Shayna Baszler. WWE posted a storyline update claiming that Jax would be undergoing surgery following the attack.

In her statement, Jax clarified that — with the full support of the company — she had taken a short leave of absence from WWE for a mental health break. Jax wrote that she received her schedule to return starting on November 15, but she asked for an extension of the break. Jax claimed that she never received a response from WWE, and the next thing she heard was that she was being released.

Jax wrote that her vaccination status “was never mentioned” and she “wasn’t given any choices or options.”

Jax’s full statement from her Instagram account is available below:

I usually keep my personal life private, but yesterday’s reports leave me with no option but to clarify matters. I recently took a short leave of absence from WWE for a mental health break. I’ve been working through so much — more than I can share — and so I took some time, with the full support of the company, to take care of myself.

Earlier this week, after WWE sent me my schedule to return to the ring for the November 15 show, I asked for an extension to my mental health break, feeling that I needed more time, and hoping I would have the ongoing support of the company I have given my all to for the past 7 years. I did not receive a response. The next I heard, I was being released. My vaccination status was never mentioned. I wasn’t given any choices or options.

It breaks my heart to be so abruptly let go, without consultation, when dealing with so much privately. I loved my career at WWE, I love the men and women I worked with, and I am going to need time to process this huge loss. I appreciate those people who have shown understanding and compassion during an incredibly difficult time.