Nikkita Lyons has finally removed her knee brace following over two years of recovery from an extensive knee surgery, marking a pivotal moment in her wrestling career. Her journey back to the ring after a full reconstruction of her right knee highlights the challenges wrestlers endure physically and mentally during injury recovery.
Background on the Lengthy Recovery Period
More than two years ago, Lyons underwent a severe knee surgery that required reconstructing her entire right knee, sidelining her from wrestling activities and halting her momentum in the industry. Throughout this period, she consistently wore a knee brace, often humorously comparing herself to Stone Cold Steve Austin, a wrestler also known for wearing one.
On the March 3 episode of NXT, fans and commentators alike noticed Lyons appearing without her knee brace for the first time, signaling that she may have reached full recovery. This development ends a long chapter of physical limitation and indicates her readiness to continue pursuing her wrestling career without restrictions.
Recent Performance and Competitive Environment in NXT
Despite the encouraging news regarding her recovery, Lyons recently faced a setback in competition when she lost to Wren Sinclair during the WWE Speed Tournament. Sinclair, supported by Kendall Gray, leveraged her experience and momentum to advance past Lyons in an intense match.
At 26 years old, Lyons is in a highly competitive era for the NXT Women’s division, which is considered one of the most talented and densely packed in wrestling history. This environment presents a significant obstacle for Lyons as she strives to reestablish herself and rise to the top ranks within the division.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities in Wrestling
Losing the knee brace after such a prolonged period symbolizes a major personal and professional milestone for Lyons, underscoring her resilience and dedication to her sport. Going forward, the depth and talent of the NXT Women’s division will test her skills and perseverance as she seeks to reclaim her position among the leading wrestlers.
NIKKITA LYONS#WWENXT pic.twitter.com/gnea6ZbcJz
— Eslam (@EslamRollins) March 4, 2026
