Cora Jade, once known for her tenure in WWE NXT and now wrestling as Elayna Black, candidly discussed the Cora Jade body shaming experience in WWE during a revealing interview with Ariel Helwani. She described the distressing comments she endured as a teenager in the company, explaining how the critiques about her physique left a lasting impact on her confidence and career.
Elayna Black Shares Details of Her WWE Struggles
At just 19 years old, Black began her WWE journey and quickly faced relentless scrutiny regarding her body. Harmful remarks came from various people, some of whom she did not name, which magnified her feelings of frustration and disappointment. During her conversation with Helwani, she candidly shared the specifics of these encounters.
“I definitely think things could’ve went differently if it weren’t for certain things like the body shaming thing. I came in at 19 years old, I was like 110 pounds, I was so small. It was constant comments, whether it was from guys who think they were being funny, or, I’m not gonna name names again, but I remember specifically being told that I wasn’t and wouldn’t be champion in that company because I looked like I couldn’t crack an egg.”
—Elayna Black, Former WWE NXT Star
The Impact of Hurtful Remarks and Her Response
Black revealed that repeated criticisms about her build did not merely bruise her ego—they led to deeper, more complicated struggles with body image. She remarked on the difficulties of being a young woman subjected to unwarranted opinions about her appearance from colleagues, indicating how the climate surrounding body acceptance within the company was particularly challenging.
“Multiple conversations about my body, which I don’t think anyone, especially as another man, should be saying that to a female. I was so young and it created a lot of issues for me body-wise.”
—Elayna Black, Former WWE NXT Star
Despite these obstacles, Black demonstrated determination and resilience. She pushed herself both physically and emotionally, focusing on personal growth and athletic progress, rather than succumbing to negativity.
“But obviously I gained so much muscle after that. I worked my ass off.”
—Elayna Black, Former WWE NXT Star
Rediscovering Her Identity After WWE
After her WWE exit, Elayna Black returned to the independent wrestling circuit, reclaiming her original identity and voice. She has since been open about her experiences with body shaming, using her story to challenge toxic attitudes in the industry. By addressing her experiences publicly, Black highlights ongoing barriers for women in wrestling and inspires others facing similar adversity.
Her account also serves as a call for accountability and change within wrestling circles, suggesting that progress is still needed to make the scene more inclusive for everyone. As Black continues her journey outside of WWE, her willingness to speak out positions her as a strong advocate for respect and empowerment, resonating with fans and fellow competitors alike.
