Shortly after last night's shocking series of WWE releases, reports surfaced that Nia Jax was fired because she refused to take the COVID-19 vaccine. She supposedly wasn't the only one, though, and it will be interesting seeing if those names start coming to light in the next few months.
Regardless, Jax has now responded to those claims and says that her vaccination status was never brought up by WWE (reading between the lines, though, it sounds like she's unvaccinated). The former Women's Champion also reveals that her hiatus was a result of a "mental health break."
"I usually keep my personal life private, but yesterday’s reports leave me with no option but to clarify matters," she says in the Instagram post below. "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," Jax continues. "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."
Jax had a habit of injuring her fellow WWE Superstars, so the roster has probably breathed a collective sigh of relief. Her response is an interesting one, though, and we're curious to see what else will come out regarding WWE seemingly releasing talent because they're unvaccinated.