Backstage update on recent WWE departure; door remains open - Reports
WWE has parted ways with many talents in 2024. Another fan-favorite recently left the company amid controversial rumors related to AEW, but the door remains open for a return. Backstage sources have revealed new details on the matter.
Kayla Braxton aka Kayla Becker recently announced that she would be leaving World Wrestling Entertainment ahead of rumors of "secret talks" with All Elite Wrestling, which she denied. The on-air talent finished up with the company at Friday's SmackDown from Madison Square Garden, ending her almost eight-year tenure with the global juggernaut.
Braxton is officially done with WWE. Despite social media speculation, the 33-year-old is no longer under any sort of contract or agreement. She is still on the SmackDown website roster but should be moved to Alumni imminently.
The former SmackDown LowDown host recently indicated that she was moving on from pro wrestling. However, Fightful Select reports that the door remains open for Braxton to make a potential return to the Stamford-based promotion someday. Officials are not opposed to bringing her back.
Braxton reportedly was working under a verbal agreement when she announced her departure just over a week ago. Her contract had already expired, but she apparently agreed to keep working. There were contract talks between the two sides, but Braxton reportedly turned the offer down. It was recently revealed how WWE once discussed a controversial vaccine segment with Kayla's involvement.
Regarding the AEW rumors, Tony Khan's company learned of her contract status a few weeks back, but it remains to be seen who reached out, and if there were any talks at all.
Kayla Braxton reacts to WWE moment with Cody Rhodes
Kayla Braxton ended her run as an on-air talent for World Wrestling Entertainment at Friday's SmackDown in New York City. After the show, Cody Rhodes gave Braxton an emotional send-off in front of the WWE Universe.
Braxton later penned a heartfelt statement, giving thanks and revealing how Triple H and others greeted her backstage. She said she plans to always be a part of the WWE family.
"I'm so overwhelmed. So thankful. Wow. I still can't put what last night meant to me into words. But to have @americannightmarecody buying me out into MSG to bid my farewell to all of you while @tripleh and members of my WWE family were waiting for me in the back to congratulate me … I couldn't have asked for a better goodbye. This family is truly special and I plan to always be a part of it. I love you all more than you know. And thanks to one of my closest friends @viewsfromsant for capturing this moment. Love you so much [red heart emoji]," Kayla Braxton wrote.
Braxton has held numerous roles on RAW, SmackDown, and NXT since 2016. She hosted non-televised live events, did backstage interviews on all three brands, and served as co-host of The Bump, among other jobs.