WWE NXT wrestler Adriana Rizzo has officially confirmed she is romantically involved with fellow roster member Cutler James, addressing the unique dating environment within NXT. This revelation sheds light on the personal dynamics amidst the WWE Performance Center where talent trains and works closely together.
The Dating Scene Among WWE NXT Roster Members
NXT has often been noted for the number of relationships that form among its wrestlers, with Rizzo and James now adding to that ongoing trend. In a discussion on the Stuck In My Thoughts podcast, Rizzo reflected on her experience of dating within the wrestling community, sharing insights into how common and complicated romance can be in this tight-knit setting.
Adriana Rizzo’s Perspective on Romance and Challenges in NXT
Rizzo explained that she initially planned to avoid dating within the wrestling world due to past difficulties. She refrained from pursuing any relationships for about two years, even though many other talents quickly started dating. However, her feelings changed over time, leading her to give a relationship a chance with someone who had long admired her.
“I actually had the plan to not date anyone there because I had previously tried to date someone on a team in the past, and I was like, ‘This is too much, too much,’ so I’m like, let me not get into that.
“So I went about two years, I didn’t talk to anyone, I didn’t date anyone, so that was pretty cool of me because everyone else is dating immediately. No shade to any of you, but you did. You all did that.”
– Adriana Rizzo, WWE NXT Star
Rizzo gradually acknowledged her feelings for Cutler James, revealing that after ignoring her crush for over a year, she finally decided to take a chance, which she describes as a positive decision. James, who is part of the DarkState faction in NXT, is known for his outspoken and often quirky commentary.
“Anyways, this boy, who I will soon name, he had a crush on me for the longest time, and for a year, I really liked him, but I’m like, ‘I’m not doing that.’ So I ignored it, I ignored it, I ignored it. And then I liked him for over a year, and I’m like, ‘Alright, I’ve had a crush on him for over a year, he’s been trying to date me, let me give it a shot.’ And it was the best thing.
“Cutler James is his name. He’s a DarkState member, and he makes lots of questionable comments, that’s kinda his thing he’s got.”
– Adriana Rizzo, WWE NXT Star
Complexities and Realities of Dating in a High-Pressure Environment
Despite the positives, Rizzo acknowledged the challenges and potential drama involved when romantic relationships take place in the workplace, especially in a physically demanding and competitive atmosphere like wrestling. Breakups can create tension when performers must still interact professionally and sometimes face one another in the ring.
“It was great, I’m glad I did it. But not everyone should, because there’s also a lot of negativity that comes with dating on the job. You date, and it goes wrong, then there’s drama. You see them everyday, sometimes you have to wrestle them, so that’s even more awkward.”
– Adriana Rizzo, WWE NXT Star
She further noted the unusual situation of frequently encountering ex-partners during training sessions and matches.
Sometimes we do mixed classes, you’re wrestling your ex-boyfriend, that’s a little weird. But sometimes it works out. Some people, you know, they get married, there’s a lot of Bianca and Montez, there’s a lot of success stories, so hopefully that’s where I’m headed.
– Adriana Rizzo, WWE NXT Star
Current Status of Adriana Rizzo and Context on Cutler James and DarkState
Adriana Rizzo is presently sidelined due to a torn ACL and meniscus injury, with ongoing hopes for a full recovery. Meanwhile, Cutler James continues to perform as a member of DarkState, a faction that includes talent like Dion Lennox, Osiris Griffin, and Saquon Shugars. Notably, Lennox and Griffin currently hold the NXT Tag Team Championship, highlighting the group’s prominence on the NXT roster.
Implications of Personal Relationships in WWE NXT’s Professional Setting
The confirmation of Adriana Rizzo’s relationship with Cutler James provides a candid look into the intersection of personal life and professional wrestling in the WWE system. It emphasizes not only the emotional complexities wrestlers face but also the adaptability required to maintain both career and personal balance. This openness may encourage a more understanding culture around romance in wrestling’s demanding world, while reinforcing the need for professional boundaries.
