Nia Jax Claims WWE Fired Her While On Mental Health Break

Former Raw Women's and Women's Tag Team champion Nia Jax was released from WWE on Friday, as part of a wave of cuts that included 17 others from the main roster and NXT alike. Jax last wrestled for WWE on the September 20 Raw, losing to former partner Shayna Baszler.

A subsequent report from the NY Post claimed that several of WWE's cuts were due to their unvaccinated status, with Jax specifically named.

In a statement posted to her Instagram, Jax claims to have been on a "mental health break" since that match with Baszler, and was due to return to the company in short order.

Wrote Jax, "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."