Moments after her recent WWE release, Elayna Black, previously known as Cora Jade, leaned on her longtime mentor in wrestling, CM Punk, for support and guidance. The topic of CM Punk mentoring Elayna Black after WWE release came into sharp focus as she detailed the heartfelt exchange that helped her navigate the emotional aftermath of leaving the company.
Guidance From a Respected Mentor
Elayna Black, reflecting on her time in WWE and her next steps, opened up about the influence CM Punk has had on both her personal and professional life. Shortly after learning she would no longer be part of the main roster or NXT, Black’s next call was to Punk, whom she affectionately refers to as her “wrestling dad.” His immediate availability offered her comfort and perspective at a pivotal moment in her career.
“It’s just so weird to have that person in your life that literally shaped me who I am. I was the biggest fan of him. To have that person as a mentor, be there for all my big moments, always give advice, always just be there. He was the first person I talked to after I got fired. On the phone, talked to him, literally the very first person. He’s the best person I could get advice from,”
—Elayna Black, Wrestler
CM Punk’s Lasting Impact
Elayna Black detailed how Punk’s support has repeatedly proven valuable, not only during this setback, but throughout her entire wrestling journey. As someone who has experienced his own ups and downs in WWE and elsewhere, Punk offered a grounded perspective, drawing from his own history to provide advice uniquely suited to the situation Black now faces. His words centered on the importance of managing difficult emotions and avoiding actions taken in the heat of the moment, counsel that Black clearly treasures and credits as foundational to her growth.
“Obviously, he’s been through it all. He knows what he’s doing. He always gives me advice to not do necessarily what he’s done and say things too early or say things when you feel them. Control your emotions. I feel like that’s what he’s always been very good at helping me realize is what I need to do. [He] just always gives good advice in those times. I couldn’t be more thankful for him. I feel like he’s shaped me so much as a wrestler and growing up and as a person, but also the promo skills. All my promo skills are like him, AJ [Lee], Jon Moxley was another great one. I always watched people like that who were able to be real, but also be so deep as a character. I feel like that’s where I pick it up from.”
—Elayna Black, Wrestler
What’s Next for Elayna Black
After leaving WWE, Elayna Black’s journey continues as she returns to the independent wrestling scene. As a former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion and a winner of the Women’s WarGames in 2021, she already brings an impressive resume to her next chapter. Bookings for independent appearances have already been announced, marking a new stage in her career where her skills—shaped under the mentorship of CM Punk, AJ Lee, and Jon Moxley—are set to shine further.
The support from CM Punk is likely to play a critical role as Black embraces her new opportunities and takes on her next challenges. Her experience, both in WWE and alongside key figures such as Punk, highlights her resilience and passion for wrestling. Fans and industry observers will be watching closely to see how this mentorship continues to influence her evolution inside and outside the ring.
