Former WWE star Tegan Nox, now wrestling as Nixon Newell, has spoken for the first time about her release from the company. The 30-year-old Welsh wrestler, who competed on Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, was released in November 2023 as part of WWE’s talent cuts.
In an interview with Metro, Newell revealed that she had been dealing with an undiagnosed illness before her departure, which kept her out of action for months. Despite being medically cleared, she was never given the chance to return to the ring, citing miscommunication between WWE’s medical team and outside doctors as a major factor.
I’m giving myself two years to either find the love, find myself, or just call it a day. That’s what’s driving me right now—trying to find this happiness again.
Newell admitted she saw the release coming and struggled to gain creative momentum in WWE. Despite pitching multiple character changes, including a football hooligan-inspired heel persona, she was often portrayed as an underdog due to her history of injuries.
She also faced online harassment, with some trolls sending her cruel messages after her knee injuries in the Mae Young Classic tournaments.
With her 90-day noncompete clause expired, she is set to return to wrestling in May for ATTACK! Pro Wrestling, facing former WWE colleague Dani Luna.
While training with top stars like Pete Dunne and receiving advice from veterans such as Sheamus and William Regal, Newell remains uncertain about her long-term future in wrestling. She has given herself two years to rediscover her passion for the sport or consider retirement by mid-2027.
I tried to change everything—new gear, new look, a new style—but it always came back to commentary mentioning my knee injuries.