Entertainment
Nia Jax claims WWE release came ‘during mental health break’ as she clarifies vaccination reports
The former champ has addressed her departure (Picture: WWE)
Former WWE superstar Nia Jax has claimed WWE released her while she was taking a mental health break.
The one-time Raw Women’s Champion, who was written off TV last month at the hands of her tag team partner Shayna Baszler, was let go from the company on Thursday and has now said she had asked for an extension to her break after being scheduled to return to the ring from November 15.
In a lengthy statement shared on social media on Friday, she wrote: ‘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.’
Jax’s comments come after a report from the New York Post claimed a refusal to get vaccinated was part of the reason for her release.
She admitted she is heartbroken by her departure and described her release as a ‘huge loss’ to her personally.
She added: ‘It breaks my heart to be so abruptly let go, without consultation, when dealing with so much privately.
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‘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 incredible difficult time.’
Metro.co.uk has contacted WWE for comment.
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