Elayna Black says she has something to prove now.
The TNA Knockout spoke with WrestleZone Managing Editor Bill Pritchard about her evolution in the wrestling business. Many fans know her as Cora Jade in WWE, but she returned to the name she used on the indies after her May 2025 release.
Black took a break from the business to focus on her mental health. Despite dealing with retirement rumors in that time (which she ultimately used to her advantage), she debuted as a member of the TNA Knockouts roster in January. Asked what the biggest difference is between “Cora” and who she is now, Black said it comes down to confidence and knowing who she is now.
“I think Cora Jade was still a kid. I got into WWE when I was 19,” she explained. “By the time I left, I was only 24. I kind of grew up there. Those years are most people’s college experience, but for me, it was growing up in WWE. [I was] finding my way, figuring out who I am, finding my confidence, and finding my stride.
“Now, as Elayna Black, I feel like I know who I am. I feel confident in the ring. And I feel like I have more of a chip on my shoulder,” she added. “I feel like I have something to prove, and that drives a different type of aggression and motivation. It’s really about confidence and knowing who I am, what I want to do, and having a clear goal in mind.”
Despite only being 25 years old, Elayna Black feels like she’s already been through a lot in the wrestling business. However, she doesn’t need to figure out who she is anymore, and believes it’s her time to shine now.
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