Former WWE NXT star Elayna Black (fka Cora Jade) has shared high praise for TNA Wrestling, detailing the supportive environment backstage and the creative independence she has experienced since joining the promotion earlier this year.
Speaking in a new interview with Soundsphere magazine, Black reflected on the positive culture within the TNA locker room, describing it as a unique blend of camaraderie and healthy competitive drive:
“Probably the greatest locker room I’ve ever been a part of.”
She elaborated on how the roster balances mutual support with an internal desire to push performance standards higher on every show:
“We’re watching the person’s match before us, and we’re like, damn, that was a really good match — but I’m gonna go out there and be better than you.”
Step-Up In Leadership & Trainer Advice
Beyond the locker room atmosphere, Black highlighted her growing leadership responsibilities inside the ring. She pointed to a recent multi-woman contest on TNA Xplosion where she realized she was the most experienced competitor in the matchup:
“I had a match recently on Xplosion. It was a four-way, and I realised I was the most experienced person in the match. So it was kind of on me to guide.”
As she continues to evolve as a performer, Black noted that she continuously relies on a core piece of advice passed down from her original trainer:
“Keep your mouth shut and your ears open.”
Creative Freedom In TNA vs. WWE
A significant contrast Black noted between her current tenure in TNA and her previous run in WWE involves character development. While WWE provided a more structured framework with hands-on creative direction, TNA places the responsibility on the wrestler to pitch and shape their own identity:
“They kind of have an idea for your character maybe already.”
“It puts more pressure on me to create something great and decide who Elayna Black is now in 2026 and for years to come.”
Embracing A New Character Dynamic
Having spent the majority of her professional wrestling career portraying a heel, Black admitted that she naturally enjoys working as a villain:
“Being able to play the bad guy and say the things that maybe you wouldn’t say in real life — I think that’s so much fun.”
However, with TNA affording her a fresh start, Black expressed enthusiasm for exploring a different side of her on-screen persona moving forward:
“I’m very excited and challenged right now to see who Elayna Black is in this new light. I don’t want to say a blank slate or a fresh start, but something along those lines.”
RELATED: Elayna Black Reflects On Bloody TNA Lockdown Cage Match, Debunking Retirement Rumors
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