An ex-WWE star has looked back on her time in the company, describing it as a “roller coaster” but also acknowledging that she would not be where she is today if it didn’t happen.
A part of the company from 2013 to 2023, the former Dana Brooke first debuted on NXT and was one of Asuka’s first opponents as part of The Empress’ record-breaking winning streak. Debuting on the main roster in 2016, Brooke first aligned herself with Charlotte Flair as The Queen’s protege before feuding with The Queen when the partnership disintegrated.
Brooke was also a part of Titus Worldwide, won the 24/7 Championship 15 times and had a notable return run in NXT before being released from her contract in September 2023.
In early 2024, the former Brooke was seen in the crowd at TNA Hard to Kill under her new name and persona of Ash By Elegance. During an appearance at For The Love of Wrestling, Ash By Elegance looked back on her time in the company:
“I will be completely open and honest. It was like a toxic relationship. It was definitely a roller coaster ride. But I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for WWE. WWE gave me an amazing platform to interact with all my fans, to get to know one another, and I’m real.
My fans will know that I will try and reach out and just be super motivating and super inspiring. If it wasn’t for WWE, I wouldn’t have the fans and be able to interact like I do. With that being said, it really was an eye-opening experience. I was there during the women’s evolution.
We, I say as Charlotte Flair, myself, Sasha Banks, Bayley, everyone in that era of NXT was just truly amazing, Asuka. I was Asuka’s first opponent when she came to the States. I was on the first-ever NXT Takeover. I was on the first Evolution, the first Women’s Royal Rumble. So it’s been an amazing journey. Also I started my career with Charlotte Flair by my side, I had Ric Flair by my side, so it’s [been] very memorable moments in my career,’
Ash by Elegance made a one-off return to NXT in 2024 as part of the ongoing WWE and TNA partnership to interfere in the NXT Women’s Championship match between Roxanne Perez and Jordynne Grace.
Former WWE Stars Returning To NXT
With TNA stars continuing to make surprise appearances on NXT, one of the biggest tag teams in company history is set to compete inside an NXT ring. Following a challenge from the No Quarter Catch Crew, Matt And Jeff Hardy will be back on WWE TV on February 25th.
H/t to Fightful.