Elayna Black, widely known to WWE fans by her ring name Cora Jade, has spoken out against parasocial fans obsessed with her past romantic links during her NXT days. Black, who attracted attention for her rumored relationships with Bron Breakker and Harlem Lewis, emphasized that her private life should not be a topic of constant speculation or harassment from fans.
Setting Boundaries Amid Fan Intrusion
During her early WWE career in NXT, Elayna Black had a very public dating life, which inevitably attracted WWE’s extensive fanbase. However, as her career progressed, she noticed a growing trend where fans, especially on social media, persistently revisited and commented on her personal relationships. According to Black, this fixation crosses a line into unwarranted invasion of privacy.
In a recent statement, Black asserted that while she understands fans have a natural curiosity about the lives of wrestlers, repeatedly dragging up her past relationships is both disrespectful and unfair. “Just because I was linked to a few people doesn’t mean I owe anyone an ongoing account or explanation. Fans need to realize they don’t really know me,” Black highlighted during a candid conversation with wrestling media.
This response comes amid a larger conversation in the wrestling world about parasocial relationships—one-sided emotional attachments fans develop toward public figures—which often manifest in unhealthy levels of obsession and entitlement.
Elayna’s Challenging Transformation From NXT to Independent Wrestling
Following her release from WWE in early 2025, Elayna Black’s journey took a difficult turn. She cited having a toxic relationship with wrestling due to the intense stress, lack of rest, and mental health struggles she endured. Speaking to TMZ’s Inside the Ring, Black revealed that she faced panic attacks before matches and experienced deep depression, prompting her to take an indefinite break and focus on therapy and healing.
Her experience highlights the intense pressure female wrestlers often face behind the scenes and the burden of public scrutiny extending beyond the ring. A WWE insider noted, “Elayna was one of those talents with immense potential, but the environment and expectations can sometimes be overwhelming, especially when personal life becomes a continuous topic of public discussion.”
Responding to Bullying Allegations and Locker Room Dynamics
Black’s time in WWE was not without controversy. In the months following her WWE exit, former recruit Alexis Lete accused Black (then wrestling as Cora Jade) of bullying at the WWE Performance Center. Lete claimed Black pressured her to delete a TikTok video she posted, alleging it revealed behind-the-scenes industry details. In response, Black denied these accusations, emphasizing that she never intended to bully anyone and was prepared to pursue legal action to counter what she deemed false claims.
Despite the accusations, sources close to WWE indicate that locker room dynamics are often complex and stressful. One backstage source explained, “Wrestling is a tough business — personalities clash, and sometimes misunderstandings get blown out of proportion by fans and media alike.”
Parasocial Relationships and WWE Stars: A Growing Concern
Elayna Black’s recent comments shine a light on an ongoing issue many WWE superstars face: the parasocial phenomenon. With the rise of social media, fans gain unprecedented access to wrestlers’ personal lives, which can blur the boundaries between professional performance and private existence.
Sports sociologists studying wrestling fandom note that parasocial relationships may drive fans to “feel” like they are part of the wrestler’s inner circle, sometimes leading to entitlement and intrusive behavior. Black’s call for respect and personal boundaries essentially advocates for greater awareness around this dynamic, asking fans to engage with wrestlers as professionals first.
What’s Next for Elayna Black?
After stepping back to focus on mental health and well-being, Elayna Black has begun appearing in independent promotions such as GCW, signaling a gradual return to active wrestling. While her future in WWE remains uncertain, Black’s priority appears to be her own healing and maintaining healthier boundaries between her personal and public life.
As one WWE insider remarked, “Elayna’s story is a reminder that wrestlers are real people beyond their characters. We have to support their right to privacy and mental wellness.”