WWE NXT star Cora Jade has begun issuing Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown notices to social media accounts that post content featuring her likeness and footage, marking an aggressive approach to controlling her digital presence in the wrestling world.[1] The move comes as Jade continues to establish herself as one of the most talked-about personalities in professional wrestling, both in and out of the ring.
The DMCA Campaign: What’s Happening
The heel wrestler has reportedly been targeting multiple accounts across various social media platforms with legal cease-and-desist letters related to copyright infringement. These takedowns focus on content that features her wrestling footage, clips from WWE broadcasts, and other material that Jade claims violates her intellectual property rights.[1] The strategy represents a departure from typical wrestler behavior and raises questions about the boundaries between content creators, wrestling promotions, and talent rights in the digital age.
DMCA takedown notices are legal tools designed to protect copyright holders from unauthorized use of their work. However, the application of these notices by individual wrestlers is relatively uncommon and has sparked discussion within the wrestling community about intellectual property, fan content, and the evolving relationship between performers and their audience.
The Heel Character Meets Real-World Strategy
What makes Jade’s approach particularly noteworthy is how it blurs the lines between her character work and her real-world business decisions. Known for her exceptional work as a heel performer on WWE NXT, Jade has demonstrated remarkable ability to draw heat from audiences and create compelling television.[2] Her character has evolved significantly, with observers noting that she’s become far more convincing in her villainous role than ever before.
“She’s mastered the craft of being a heel both on screen and, apparently, off screen as well,” according to wrestling industry sources familiar with her recent actions. “What makes her stand out is that she’s leveraging legal tools in ways that feel authentic to her brand, whether intentional or not.”
The timing of these DMCA takedowns suggests that Jade is taking a more hands-on approach to her career trajectory, particularly as she navigates the wrestling landscape following her recent appearances across multiple promotions. Her willingness to pursue legal action sets her apart from many of her peers and demonstrates a business-savvy approach to protecting her image and rights.
Rising Star Status and Increased Scrutiny
Cora Jade’s prominence has grown considerably, especially following her impressive performances at major WWE NXT events. At the recent New Year’s Evil event in 2025, Jade competed in a Fatal 4-Way match alongside Kelani Jordan, Stephanie Vaquer, and Lola Vice for a shot at the NXT Women’s North American Championship.[2] While Vaquer ultimately secured the victory, Jade’s involvement in the match underscored her position as a key player in the women’s division.
The increased attention on Jade—from fans, content creators, and media outlets—has likely contributed to her decision to aggressively police her digital presence. With wrestling content being shared and reshared constantly across social platforms, the volume of material featuring prominent wrestlers like Jade continues to grow exponentially. Her response suggests she’s intent on maintaining control over how her image is distributed and monetized.
Legal Tactics in Professional Wrestling
The use of DMCA takedowns by individual wrestlers remains relatively rare, though some high-profile performers have pursued similar strategies in recent years. Most wrestling-related content that circulates on social media exists in a gray area, with promotion-produced material often being shared by fans, commentary channels, and wrestling news outlets.
The distinction between fair use—which typically protects commentary, criticism, and transformative works—and copyright infringement remains contested in these situations. Jade’s aggressive approach suggests she’s either working with legal counsel to identify genuinely infringing content or taking a broader stance on how her likeness can be used commercially.
Industry insiders suggest that this could set a precedent within WWE and the broader wrestling community. “If other wrestlers see that Cora is successfully using DMCA takedowns to control her digital footprint, we might see more talent follow suit,” explained sources close to the matter. “It’s a tactic that could fundamentally change how wrestling content is shared online.”
The Context of Jade’s Career Resurgence
Understanding these DMCA actions requires context about Jade’s recent career trajectory. After suffering a torn ACL injury that sidelined her for eight months, Jade made a surprise appearance at the NXT on CW premiere, where she helped Roxanne Perez retain the NXT Women’s Championship.[3] That comeback was particularly significant because it represented a return to the main event picture under the guidance of NXT overseer Shawn Michaels.
During an interview following her return, Jade opened up about the emotional toll of her injury and how Michaels’ support helped her through the recovery process. “He (Shawn Michaels) has endless trust in the (women’s division). I remember when I got hurt. I was crying and I was apologizing to him and I remember (him saying), ‘Don’t say sorry. It’s not your fault,'” Jade recalled.[3] That confidence from WWE’s NXT leadership helped position her for success upon her return.
Her renewed prominence following this comeback likely explains the surge in content featuring her across social media platforms. As interest in Jade has increased, so too has the volume of clips, highlight reels, and fan-created content circulating online.
Looking Ahead: Implications for Wrestling Content Creation
The DMCA campaign raises important questions about the future of wrestling content distribution in the digital age. Content creators, fan channels, and wrestling media outlets often rely on clips and footage to drive engagement and discussion. Aggressive enforcement of copyright claims could restrict this ecosystem and fundamentally change how wrestling fans consume and share content.
For Cora Jade specifically, the strategy appears designed to establish her as someone willing to protect her interests aggressively—much like her character work has established her as someone willing to bend the rules to achieve her goals. Whether this approach will become mainstream among wrestlers remains to be seen, but it certainly marks an interesting evolution in how talent manages their digital presence in professional wrestling.
As the wrestling industry continues to grapple with issues of intellectual property, content creation, and digital rights, Jade’s actions will likely serve as a case study for how individual performers can leverage legal tools to control their brand and likeness in an increasingly digital world.