Elayna Black, previously known to wrestling fans as Cora Jade during her time with WWE NXT, is swiftly moving forward after her release from the company in May 2025. In a candid conversation with Ariel Helwani, Black opened up about her transition, from launching an OnlyFans account to exploring future opportunities in wrestling, including a possible role in AEW. The Cora Jade post-WWE career, OnlyFans launch, AEW interest, and more were key topics as Black discussed her personal and professional ambitions in this new chapter.
Black revealed she sensed her WWE exit was imminent, noting that she “kind of had a feeling” as early as November 2024, months prior to her official release. The former NXT standout learned about her departure just after receiving news about a close friend Bea Priestley’s (Blair Davenport) husband also being let go by WWE. The company made it clear to Black that this was strictly “a company decision.”
Stepping Back Into the Wrestling Spotlight
Following the expiration of her 30-day non-compete clause, Black wasted no time returning to the ring. Her comeback match is scheduled for June 14th with Black Label Pro, and she already has several appearances booked on both the U.S. independent circuit and in Canada, signifying her commitment to staying active in the wrestling scene.
“I’m really excited to go and, like, do all the things that I haven’t been able to do in the past four years with the platform that I have now,”
she stated. —Elayna Black, Former WWE Superstar
Her drive to quickly resume wrestling was clear.
“I just wanted to get right back on it, like I don’t have time to waste,”
Black stated. —Elayna Black, Former WWE Superstar
Responding to OnlyFans Controversy and Embracing New Ventures
On the same day she spoke to Ariel Helwani, Black unveiled her OnlyFans account, which immediately drew both enthusiasm and criticism online. Directly addressing detractors, Black made her stance clear about expressing agency over her choices.
“It’s 2025, and people are still trying to tell women what they can do with their bodies. If I was posting a bikini picture on Instagram a month ago, everyone was happy about it. Now that I’m profiting off it, suddenly it’s a problem? Don’t like it? Don’t subscribe.”
—Elayna Black, Former WWE Superstar
Looking Toward AEW and Future Wrestling Ambitions
When discussing her wrestling future, Black expressed genuine interest in joining AEW. Remembering her positive experiences participating in AEW’s Dark matches prior to joining WWE, she highlighted her connections within the promotion and her appreciation for the freedom it offers wrestlers.
“I would definitely be open to AEW. I loved my time there [doing Dark matches before WWE]. I have a lot of friends there. I watch all the shows. I love the fact that they have as much creative freedom as they do,”
she said. —Elayna Black, Former WWE Superstar
“My 30 days was just yesterday, so not yet [talked to them], but you never know.”
—Elayna Black, Former WWE Superstar
Though she also mentioned TNA as a potential destination, Black feels it is too closely linked to WWE at the moment and prefers to keep some distance. In addition, she remains hopeful about competing in Japan’s Stardom promotion, which stands as another dream goal in her career.
“I just know that wherever I do end up, I want to make sure that it’s better than what I was before… and make people be like, oh sh*t. Like, this is the better version of Elayna Black than we’ve ever seen.”
—Elayna Black, Former WWE Superstar
Building Her Legacy Post-WWE
Inspired by the reinventions of wrestlers like Matt Cardona and Chelsea Green, Black envisions creating her own impactful legacy outside WWE. While not ruling out a potential dramatic return to WWE someday, she is firmly focused on this new era, determined to use her platform and freedom to redefine her career.
Her journey continues with new opportunities and a bold approach, as she navigates the wrestling world with energy and conviction, determined to make her mark wherever she competes.
