Cora Jade nearly died from ectopic pregnancy surgery during WWE, as she opened up about the traumatic event that unfolded while she was still competing as a rising star in WWE NXT. Formerly known as Elayna Black, she discussed the incident during The Ariel Helwani Show, describing how emergency surgery in January 2023 became necessary after a ruptured ectopic pregnancy nearly cost her life.
How a Medical Crisis Unfolded
Black recounted preparing for a scheduled match against Lyra Valkyria when the situation turned dire. She recalled,
In January of 2023, I was supposed to wrestle Lyra Valkyria on Tuesday,
—Elayna Black, WWE performer. The night before her bout, she was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, causing significant internal bleeding, a dangerous complication that required immediate intervention. As she explained,
And long story short, I ended up in emergency surgery in the hospital the night before—literally almost dying and bleeding out because I had an ectopic pregnancy that had failed and exploded.
—Elayna Black, WWE performer.
Pushing Through the Pain Despite Warning Signs
Initially, Black tried to ignore her symptoms, attributing her pain to the physical demands of her wrestling career. She shared,
I had the wrestler mentality. I was just thinking, ‘I just have to get through the match tomorrow.’ I knew something was wrong, but I thought I could tough it out.
—Elayna Black, WWE performer. Her condition was related to complications involving an IUD, which is a recognized risk factor for ectopic pregnancies. The situation escalated quickly and required doctors to perform emergency surgery to manage the internal bleeding.
Life-Changing Consequences and Emotional Recovery
During the operation, she lost her left fallopian tube, a stark reminder of how severe the crisis had become. She recalled,
The doctors had to remove my left fallopian tube,
—Elayna Black, WWE performer. The physical ordeal soon gave way to an overwhelming emotional struggle as well. She missed participating in Stand & Deliver that year, stating,
I was bummed about missing Stand & Deliver that year,
—Elayna Black, WWE performer, and described her mental state upon returning:
But honestly, after I came back those few months I was just the most mentally depressed I have ever been in my life.
—Elayna Black, WWE performer.
Moving Forward After WWE
Her candid account comes on the heels of her release from WWE in May 2025, marking a new chapter both personally and professionally. Black, now performing under her original name Elayna Black, has launched an OnlyFans platform and returned to the independent wrestling scene as her 30-day non-compete period ends. Her open discussion of her ordeal and recovery has drawn support from the community, highlighting both the risks female athletes face and the resilience required to continue after such a life-altering experience.
What Lies Ahead for Elayna Black
Elayna Black’s decision to share her story sheds light on the serious health challenges that can remain hidden behind the scenes in professional wrestling, reinforcing the importance of recognizing and responding to health crises quickly. As she rebuilds her career and reconnects with fans, her journey serves as a powerful reminder of the vulnerability and determination inherent in the industry.
