Former WWE NXT standout Cora Jade, now rebranded as Elayna Black, is under intense scrutiny from wrestling fans following her latest social media update, which has sparked a wave of criticism. The backlash coincides with mounting Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown notices targeting her content across platforms, complicating her post-WWE career transition.
Controversial Linktree Drop Ignites Fan Backlash
On November 15, Elayna Black released a new Linktree update promoting fresh, provocative content that caught the attention of many fans—but not in the way she likely intended. Unlike the positive buzz typically associated with debuting new material, Black’s post triggered sharp criticism from wrestling enthusiasts, many of whom expressed disappointment and frustration over the direction she’s taking.
The crux of the backlash centers on her pivot to what fans consider overly sexualized content, a move that contrasts starkly with the more athletic and character-driven image she cultivated during her WWE stint. Social media users voiced their concerns that this shift feels disingenuous and alienating to her original fan base from the black and gold era of WWE NXT.
According to a source close to the former WWE talent, “Elayna is trying to redefine herself beyond wrestling, but the transition has been rocky. She’s passionate about this new venture, yet underestimated just how fiercely protective wrestling fans can be of her past persona.”
DMCA Takedowns Add Fuel to the Fire
Compounding the fan criticism, Elayna Black’s social media channels have been hit by multiple DMCA takedown requests in recent days. These notices have targeted unauthorized uploads and reposts of her past wrestling promos, matches, and now controversial personal content. The removals have affected her outreach and visibility, sparking a debate on the challenges former wrestling stars face when navigating digital rights and online identities after leaving established promotions.
A backstage insider in the wrestling industry commented, “It’s not uncommon to see ex-wrestlers struggle with managing intellectual property after they part ways. WWE is known for aggressively protecting its content, and when talents pivot to new platforms, it becomes a legal tightrope.”
Prior Controversies: Bullying Allegations and Mental Health Struggles
This recent uproar is layered atop a series of previous controversies and personal revelations from Elayna Black’s career journey. In mid-2025, she was embroiled in a public dispute sparked by bullying allegations made by another former WWE recruit, Alexis Lete, who labeled Black as a “main bully” at the WWE Performance Center.
Black forcefully denied those allegations, describing them as “baseless lies” and detailing her efforts to assist Lete despite tensions. She dismissed the claims in a detailed social media statement, stating, “There is absolutely no respect for wrestling with people like this and it’s not my job to care about anymore” and confirmed she would not revisit the topic further[1][2].
In an exclusive interview with TMZ Inside The Ring, Elayna Black further opened up about her reasons for stepping away from wrestling, citing anxiety, panic attacks, and a toxic mental relationship with the industry she once loved[3]. She emphasized that she is not retired but on an indefinite hiatus to focus on her well-being.
New Chapter: From Wrestling to Adult Content and Beyond
Since her WWE release in May 2025, Elayna Black has been carving out new career paths, including adult content creation and business ventures complimented by her growing presence on OnlyFans and other platforms. This transition has been polarizing among her former fans, who are divided between support for her independence and criticism over the perceived departure from wrestling’s family-friendly ethos[4].
Wrestling observers note that such pivots are increasingly common, albeit fraught with challenges — balancing personal rebranding with legacy expectations can alienate core supporters.
What’s Next for Elayna Black?
Sources close to Elayna suggest she is committed to her new identity and career direction despite the backlash. A wrestling industry observer explained, “Elayna’s story is one of reinvention—a harsh but often necessary journey for talents released by major companies. While the negativity online is loud, those close to her say she’s focusing on mental health and new opportunities.”
For now, the combination of fan criticism and legal hurdles in content sharing platforms will likely continue to define Elayna Black’s post-WWE narrative. Wrestling fans and industry insiders alike will be watching to see if she can successfully balance these competing pressures or if further controversy lies ahead.
As the wrestling world grapples with the realities of talent transitions outside WWE’s spotlight, Elayna Black’s journey remains a telling example of the challenges faced by former stars reinventing themselves in a digital age.