Credit: WWE.com
The WWE community has been buzzing after former developmental talent Alexis Lete accused ex-NXT star Cora Jade of bullying during their time at the WWE Performance Center. However, Cora Jade, now wrestling under her real name Elayna Black on the independent circuit, has strongly denied these allegations and responded with pointed criticism towards Lete.
The Origin of the Controversy: Alexis Lete’s Accusations
Alexis Lete, who was signed to WWE’s developmental system in 2022 but released in 2023, recently appeared on the That One Time podcast where she opened up candidly about her short and turbulent tenure at WWE. Lete described her time in the Performance Center as more physically and mentally taxing than she initially expected, emphasizing that professional wrestling was far from the “fake” spectacle she imagined.
Despite holding some positive things to say about fellow talent Roxanne Perez, Lete claimed that her experience was marred by bullying, singling out Cora Jade as one of the main sources. She recounted a specific incident involving a TikTok video she posted, which Cora Jade reportedly pressured her to take down for allegedly exposing aspects of the wrestling business. Lete maintained she wasn’t revealing anything “kayfabe” but was simply sharing a fight planning routine, which she felt did not constitute a breach of industry secrecy.
In her words:
“She’s like, ‘You’re exposing the whole industry.’ I wasn’t. I did not give away anything kayfabe. It was just, ‘This is a fight. We’re planning it out,’ but I didn’t say I was planning it with my competition.”
Cora Jade’s Unfiltered Response
Cora Jade did not stay silent for long. Taking to social media, she released a detailed and fiery rebuttal dismissing the bullying claims as baseless and accusing Lete of leveraging her name for personal attention. Jade revealed she had shared screenshots of their text exchanges with her lawyer, confident that the story Lete painted was far from the truth.
She wrote in part:
“I shouldn’t be giving this girl an ounce more of my energy, but this will be the one and only time I speak on this. This girl came into the PC and immediately had heat with everyone for being disrespectful on more than one occasion.”
A WWE insider told Ringside News:
“From what we gathered backstage, Elayna Black (formerly Cora Jade) was frustrated not just about the bullying accusations, but the timing and manner in which Alexis decided to come forward. Many within the locker room felt Alexis’ claims didn’t align with their own experiences.”
More Than Just a TikTok Dispute?
Beyond the TikTok confrontation, Lete hinted at a broader pattern of hostility, describing Jade as a “mean girl” who made her time in the Performance Center difficult. However, competing sources suggest that the tension may have had layers beyond simple personality clashes, including instances of perceived disrespect from Lete towards other trainees, which may have fueled backstage heat.
According to commentary and leaked discussions on social media platforms:
“Lete’s attitude rubbed some wrestlers the wrong way right from the start. She struggled to adapt to the demanding environment and the tough camaraderie at the PC, and tensions seemed to escalate rather than settle down.”
Cora Jade’s Mental Health Break and Career Outlook
In the backdrop of this drama, it’s important to note that Elayna Black (Cora Jade) recently announced a mental health break from wrestling after her WWE release in May 2025. She shared on social platforms her intention to take time off “for the foreseeable future” to focus on regaining her passion for wrestling and personal well-being.
Her announcement was met with a wave of support from fans and peers wishing her well in her recovery and future career moves. The ongoing accusations and public scrutiny may have also played into her decision to step away temporarily.
What Does This Mean for WWE Talent Culture?
This episode illustrates the complexities of navigating locker room dynamics and public personas in the digital age, where social media posts can quickly become flashpoints for misunderstandings or conflicts. The wrestling industry’s demand for toughness and camaraderie can sometimes clash with individual personalities and coping mechanisms, leading to frictions like the one between Lete and Jade.
Sources close to WWE talent development indicate:
“The Performance Center is an intense environment meant to build resilience. But that intensity also means clashes are inevitable. Management encourages professionalism and respect, but it’s up to wrestlers to navigate those relationships. Social media adds another layer of challenge.”