Cora Jade Credits Shawn Michaels for Helping Her Bounce Back After ACL Injury

After enduring a torn ACL just one month after her return to WWE NXT, Cora Jade is making a triumphant comeback. Jade surprised fans by appearing at the NXT on CW premiere, helping Roxanne Perez retain the NXT Women’s Championship against Giulia. Now, the reunited duo is set to take on Stephanie Vaquer and Giulia at Halloween Havoc.

In an interview with Rick Ucchino of The Takedown on Sports Illustrated, Jade opened up about her journey back from injury. She described tearing her ACL as a rock-bottom moment but acknowledged that the forced break gave her a chance to reset and come back stronger.

“At that point, it was almost like I was at rock bottom. Everything was already bad, so you could only go up from there. I had no choice in the matter,” Jade shared, reflecting on the difficult time.

After years of nonstop wrestling since her mid-teens, Jade admitted that while the injury was unfortunate, it gave her much-needed time to recharge. “I’ve never had a break. I wish it never happened, but in retrospect, I think it was good that I got the time to just sit back and breathe for a second.”

Now, Jade says she feels more prepared than ever. “I’m as ready as I’ve ever been. I’m in the best shape physically and mentally that I’ve ever been in, so I’m excited. I think this is gonna be a very good run for me.” She also expressed confidence in the rising NXT women’s division, saying, “I think we’re skyrocketing right now.”

Jade recalled the emotional moment when she informed Shawn Michaels about her injury, feeling guilty despite it being beyond her control. However, Michaels reassured her. “I was crying and I was apologizing to him, and I remember [him saying], ‘Don’t say sorry. It’s not your fault.’”

Michaels showed faith in Jade by quickly placing her into a main event storyline upon her return. “He gave me the time to mentally and physically get better, and then as soon as I came back… he had the faith and the trust in me to throw me back in the main event picture.”

With Jade and Perez set to face Giulia and Vaquer at Halloween Havoc, Jade is eager to prove she’s back for good. The match will be one of five featured bouts on the card.

Do you think Cora Jade and Roxanne Perez will cement their comeback with a win at Halloween Havoc? Share your thoughts in the comments!