Elayna Black's Combat Sports Background: From Muay Thai to MMA and Professional Wrestling

Elayna Black

Elayna Black's Combat Sports Background: From Muay Thai to MMA and Professional Wrestling

Elayna Black, known to WWE fans as Cora Jade, has made waves in the world of professional wrestling. However, before she entered the squared circle, Black had a brief but significant journey through the world of combat sports, training in both MMA and Muay Thai. Her background in combat sports not only shaped her athleticism but also played a pivotal role in her approach to professional wrestling. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into her combat sports experience, explore how it shaped her wrestling career, and analyze the impact of her journey on her rise in WWE and beyond.

Early Combat Sports Interest for Elayna Black

Elayna Black's interest in combat sports was ignited at a young age. Growing up in Chicago, she was exposed to various athletic pursuits, but it was mixed martial arts (MMA) that really captured her attention. Inspired by the fierce athletes she saw competing in the UFC, Black decided to pursue training in MMA. Her path wasn’t immediately clear, though. Wrestling was her ultimate goal, but with limited opportunities for female wrestlers at the time, she took a detour into the world of MMA.

In an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Black shared how, at the time, she was too young to find a wrestling school willing to train her. Instead of waiting around, she decided to jump into MMA. Black’s decision was also fueled by her admiration for CM Punk, the former WWE Superstar who transitioned to the UFC. Punk’s time in the cage resonated with her, as she saw similarities in their journeys—both were outsiders trying to prove themselves in a new, unforgiving world. Little did Black know that her experiences in combat sports would help her forge a path toward WWE stardom.

Muay Thai and MMA: The Early Battles

Before making her name in the world of professional wrestling, Elayna Black dipped her toes into the world of Muay Thai. She participated in an amateur Muay Thai bout, where she experienced the brutality and intensity of striking combat. Unfortunately, the match didn’t go in her favor, and she suffered a technical knockout (TKO) loss. However, rather than viewing the loss as a setback, Black embraced it as a valuable learning experience.

This amateur fight served as a turning point for Black, who would later reflect on it in conversations with CM Punk. During an interview, Black revealed that she and Punk bonded over their shared experience of losing in the combat sports world. Punk, who had faced defeat in his UFC career, found common ground with Black in their mutual understanding of what it means to experience loss and how those defeats contribute to an athlete’s mental toughness.

Despite the setback in the ring, Black’s training in Muay Thai and MMA served to hone her athleticism, sharpen her focus, and prepare her mentally for the challenges that would later come in professional wrestling.

The Transition to Professional Wrestling

Although Black's time in Muay Thai and MMA was brief, it played a critical role in shaping her identity as an athlete. Her commitment to combat sports gave her a foundation of mental and physical toughness that would later propel her to success in WWE. In 2018, after refining her skills in MMA and Muay Thai, she shifted her focus to wrestling, where she found a new avenue to showcase her combat prowess.

Under the ring name Cora Jade, Black made her debut in WWE’s NXT brand. She quickly garnered attention for her athletic ability and fearlessness in the ring. During her time in NXT, she formed a strong partnership with Roxanne Perez, which led to the duo capturing the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship. Black’s experience in combat sports helped her with the physical demands of wrestling, including the stamina, precision, and mental toughness necessary to perform at the highest level.

However, despite the success she found in WWE, Black’s journey took another turn when she was released from the company in May 2025. She expressed a sense of relief following her departure, as it allowed her the freedom to pursue opportunities outside of WWE’s confines. Returning to the independent circuit, Black embraced her original ring name, Elayna Black, and began to compete in various promotions, including Game Changer Wrestling (GCW), where she remains a prominent figure.

The Impact of Combat Sports on Her Wrestling Career

While Elayna Black’s time in Muay Thai and MMA was short-lived, it had a lasting impact on her professional wrestling career. Combat sports taught her invaluable lessons in discipline, resilience, and the importance of mental toughness—all of which she carries with her into the wrestling ring.

Training in MMA and Muay Thai instilled in Black the kind of athleticism required to thrive in a physically demanding sport like professional wrestling. Whether it was her conditioning, her striking ability, or her mental fortitude, Black was well-equipped to handle the rigorous demands of the WWE and the independent wrestling scene. It’s no surprise that she was able to make such a seamless transition from MMA to professional wrestling, as the fundamental skills learned through combat sports naturally translated to the squared circle.

Additionally, Black’s experiences in combat sports also shaped her approach to storytelling in wrestling. Combat sports are about more than just physical prowess—they are also about mental strategy, the will to overcome adversity, and the ability to learn from defeat. These are all elements that Black has incorporated into her wrestling persona, making her not just an athlete but a compelling storyteller in the ring.

What's Next for Elayna Black?

With her return to the independent circuit, Elayna Black has embraced a new chapter in her career, one that offers her the creative freedom to explore different styles, techniques, and storylines. She’s scheduled to compete in several upcoming Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) events, where she’ll undoubtedly continue to demonstrate the skills and resilience she cultivated through her time in combat sports.

In interviews, Black has expressed an interest in returning to the larger promotions and even teased the possibility of joining All Elite Wrestling (AEW). With her strong combat sports background and years of wrestling experience, she is well-positioned to continue making waves in the industry. Whether it’s through intense, hard-hitting matches or captivating storytelling, Elayna Black’s journey is far from over.

FIGHT.TV Breaks It Down

Elayna Black’s journey through Muay Thai, MMA, and professional wrestling showcases the power of determination, athleticism, and mental toughness. While her time in combat sports was relatively brief, it provided the foundation for her success in the world of professional wrestling. As she continues to evolve in her career, there’s no telling where her unique blend of combat sports experience and wrestling skill will take her. What’s clear, however, is that Elayna Black is a force to be reckoned with, and the combat sports world will be watching her every step of the way.

Stay tuned to FIGHT.TV for more updates on Elayna Black’s journey and other exciting developments in the world of combat sports!

Elayna Black