WWE fans devastated as star quits after 8 years to focus on ‘next chapter’-Alistair McGeorge-Entertainment – Metro

Kayla Braxton is officially leaving WWE almost almost a decade (Picture: WWE)

Kayla Braxton has quit WWE after almost eight years working for the wrestling giant.

The beloved 33-year-old broadcaster has become a firm favourite as a panelist, host and interviewer chatting to the biggest superstars in the business since signing with the company in October 2016.

Now, she has confirmed she will ‘officially sign off’ after next week’s show at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

She wrote: ‘After nearly 8 years holding the microphone on WWE television, I am setting it down to pursue my next chapter. Next week at the world’s most famous arena, I will be officially signing off.’

Fans and performers alike are gutted to see her go, including Women’s Tag Team Champion Isla Dawn, who replied: ‘KAYLAAAA 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭’

‘We will miss u kayla real talk,’ wrote @GrzzCmpnyMan, while @robertdogrrd added: ‘Extremely sad to see you go but excited to see what you do next!’

X user @harlanwheelerr summed up many fans’ feelings, as they simply wrote: ‘I can’t believe she’s leaving.’

While Kayla hasn’t gone into detail about what’s next just yet, she did reveal that her move to Los Angeles saw her ‘offered new opportunities’ to grow and use the skills she’s learned with WWE.

‘Now on the west coast, I have been offered new opportunities that will further utilize the skills I gained working for the largest sports entertainment company in the world,’ she continued.

Kayla has hosted the WWE Hall of Fame and more over the years (Picture: WWE)

Her work with Paul Heyman will go down in history (Picture: WWE)

In her lengthy statement, Kayla also took the time to thank WWE bosses Nick Khan and Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque, particularly for letting her in so graciously as an ‘outsider’.

She said: ‘I am extremely thankful to Triple H, Nick Khan, WWE and all of its partners for allowing me to be a trusted voice on WWE television for all these years.

Kayla thanked Triple H for the chances he’s given her in WWE (Picture: Instagram / Kayla Braxton)

‘Thank you to every single person who made me feel like this was my home and that I was a part of this family.

‘Thank you for taking a chance on me and welcoming this outsider with open arms. I hope I made you proud and I’d love it if you’d stay with me for this next chapter.’

Kayla was hired as a ring announcer in NXT, before moving onto host Hall of Fame ceremonies, Kickoff shows, and over 200 episodes of The Bump, which she helped create.

The broadcaster has travelled the world with the wrestling juggernaut (Picture: Instagram / Kayla Braxton)

Fans will fondly remember her exchanges with many top stars, including Hall of Famer Paul Heyman, whose on-screen rivalry with Kayla was often one of the most entertaining part of the show, particularly during the pandemic.

‘During my years with WWE, I was able to master the art of the back-stage interview. I hope I was able to turn minutes into moments for you who watched week to week and maybe even ushered in a new fan base.

‘My banter with Paul Heyman became the stuff of legend, and I am so thankful for all he has done to elevate my career.

‘I gained a wealth of knowledge from the Wise man and for that, I’ll be eternally grateful.’

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