Just weeks after being released as part of WWE’s post-WrestleMania 42 roster cuts, Nikki Cross has reverted to the Nikki Storm name. She made a surprise public appearance during a community outreach event tied to Teacher Appreciation Week.
The former WWE star joined Byron Saxton and Bronco Nima for a visit to Lakeview Elementary School. She offered encouragement to students ahead of testing week.
The appearance marked one of Nikki Storm’s first public outings since confirming her WWE departure on April 24.
While her in-ring future remains uncertain, the visit showed the former Raw Women’s Champion still finding ways to connect with fans outside the squared circle.
Even after being cut from the roster, it seems Nikki hasn’t tapped out on making an impact.
Nikki Storm appears at a school event to motivate students following WWE release
Saxton shared footage from the visit on social media (X) alongside a heartfelt message celebrating educators and students. In his post, the WWE broadcaster wrote, “One of the greatest gifts God gives us is the ability to help our youth achieve their dreams.”
According to Saxton, the group spent time motivating third through fifth-grade students while encouraging them to “stay cool, calm, and collected” during their upcoming exams. He also thanked Lakeview Elementary and teachers participating in Teacher Appreciation Week.
Nikki Cross was among roughly 25 WWE and NXT talents released following WrestleMania 42. The cuts included names such as Kairi Sane, Zelina Vega, Aleister Black, and the entire Wyatt Sicks faction, of which Cross had been a member.
Since her release, the former champion has already begun rebuilding her pre-WWE identity. On April 28, she filed trademarks for “Nikki Storm” and “The Best In The Galaxy.” This signals a return to the persona she used before signing with WWE in 2016.
After spending nearly a decade in WWE collecting championships and Money in the Bank gold, Nikki Storm’s next chapter continues to unfold. For now, though, her latest appearance proved that even outside the ring, she can still rally a crowd without needing a three-count.
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