Nia Jax opened up about a personal moment when she apologized to fellow WWE wrestler Shayna Baszler for not giving her best effort during their time as a team. This admission came as Jax discussed her challenges and growth spanning from her departure to her return to WWE in late 2023.
During an interview on the Beyond The Bell podcast, Jax revealed that she was at her heaviest and least healthy around SummerSlam weekend in 2022, a period that forced her to re-evaluate both her physical condition and in-ring performance. She acknowledged that her lack of peak fitness had affected her abilities and ultimately her teamwork with Baszler.
It’s funny because you met me in Nashville and that’s when I wasn’t with the company. That weekend was when I found out that I was my heaviest, I was large but not healthy. That was when I had to sit and re-evaluate. I had to go back and watch my wrestling and watch what I used to do. It was funny cause I sat with Shayna, Shayna is one of my closest friends outside of work as well. I just remember looking at her when I watched myself back and saying, ‘I’m so sorry that I didn’t give you the best that I could have given you just because I wasn’t my healthiest.’ I saw that I moved slower, I wasn’t crisp enough, I wasn’t there. I think it helped me on my return because now I feel as though I have a little bit more of an edge because I am a little bit quicker, I’m a little bit lighter on my feet. I can definitely perform a little bit better than I used to. It was that time off that I didn’t realize I really needed to re-evaluate myself and thankfully have the opportunity to come back better.
– Nia Jax, WWE Wrestler
From Setbacks to a Stronger Comeback
Following nearly two years away from regular wrestling, apart from a Royal Rumble appearance, Jax’s return marked a noticeable transformation in her in-ring abilities. She credits her hiatus for allowing her to improve her agility and overall performance, which was clearer to fans soon after she returned to WWE programming in 2023.
This period of introspection and physical improvement has also given Jax renewed motivation and confidence, equipping her to take on matches with greater speed and precision. She emphasizes that this second chance in the wrestling world has helped her regain the edge that she felt she lost during her earlier struggles.
Emotional Moments and Professional Growth
Jax also reflected on the emotional high points following her achievements since returning, including a memorable victory for the Women’s Tag Team Titles alongside Lash Legend. The win was not only a professional milestone but an emotional experience that highlighted her progress and the deep bonds forged within the wrestling community.
Her continued evolution as a performer demonstrates how stepping back and addressing personal challenges can lead to renewed success and stronger relationships in a demanding industry like WWE.
