Nia Jax says WWE release came after requesting more time off for mental health

Nia Jax was a controversial figure for much of her WWE run, and it seems like the end of her time with the company will be even more so.

Responding in part to reports she was released because she had chosen to not get a COVID-19 vaccine, Jax’s statement on her release yesterday (Nov. 4) indicates the company did not broach that subject with her. They also didn’t get back to Nia - whose real name is Savelina Fanene - on her request to extend a “mental health break” while she dealt with a number of unspecified private matters. She was informed she was being cut while awaiting a response.

“I usually keep my personal life private, but yesterday’s reports leave me with no option but to clarify matters. I recently took a short leave of absence from WWE for a mental health break. I’ve been working through so much — more than I can share — and so I took some time, with the full support of the company, to take care of myself.

“Earlier this week, after WWE sent me my schedule to return to the ring for the November 15 show, I asked for an extension to my mental health break, feeling that I needed more time, and hoping I would have the ongoing support of the company I have given my all to for the past 7 years. I did not receive a response. The next I heard, I was being released. My vaccination status was never mentioned. I wasn’t given any choices or options.

“It breaks my heart to be so abruptly let go, without consultation, when dealing with so much privately. I loved my career at WWE, I love the men and women I worked with, and I am going to need time to process this huge loss. I appreciate those people who have shown understanding and compassion during an incredible difficult time.”

WWE hasn’t commented directly, and chances are they won’t. Jax’s statement does paint the company in an even more unsympathetic light than even terminating a bunch of contracts within hours of reporting unexpectedly high revenue did. But if they weren’t concerned with those optics, there’s no reason to think they’ll be concerned with the scrutiny Nia’s allegation brings.