A match was stopped early due to serious injury concerns at a recent WWE NXT taping.
During the February 13th broadcast, Shotzi approached NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria. Demanding a title shot, the match was booked for the next episode of NXT which will be broadcast on February 20th.
With the February 20th episode being taped after the February 13th episode went off the air, the title match has already taken place. Unfortunately, according to those in attendance, one of the competitors has suffered a serious injury.
As reported by Fightful Select, Shotzi suffered a knee injury in the match. The spot that caused the injury saw the SmackDown star hit her knee against the side of the ring while falling to the outside in what was supposed to be a standard setup spot for a commercial break. Shotzi was unable to continue and the match was stopped.
Fightful’s Corey Brennan has provided more information, noting that Shotzi was unable to put any weight on her knee and required assistance to make it to the back. Officials were concerned that the SmackDown star was in a lot of pain and Shotzi was immediately evaluated to assess the severity of her injury. There have been no updates from further reports or WWE at the time of writing.
In regards to the spot that caused the injury, the report describes it as “a freak accident” and there is no heat on either performer.
Shotzi was scheduled to compete on the February 16th broadcast of SmackDown to face Tiffany Stratton in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match, but this has been changed due to the injury. Providing an update on social media, General Manager Nick Aldis stated that Shotzi is not cleared to compete and will not be in the qualifying match, with Alba Fyre being announced as the replacement.
“Good evening WWE Universe, it is your SmackDown General Manager, and ahead of this Friday’s SmackDown I have some unfortunate news to kick things off. Shotzi is unfortunately injured and unable to compete so we wish her the best in her recovery, but it does mean that opportunity knocks for another superstar, and that superstar is Alba Fyre, so we wish her the best.”
Providing an additional update on Wrestling Observer Radio the next day, Dave Meltzer stated that he did not know the severity of Shotzi’s injury but she was seen leaving the venue on crutches. One week later an update on the WWE Superstar has been provided.
WWE NXT Title Match Altered At Short Notice [Spoiler]
Fightful’s report also states how the situation was handled in regard to the continuation of the program. With Shotzi unable to continue, General Manager Ava changed Valkyria’s title match to an open challenge, which was answered by Lash Legend. Valkyria would retain the title in the impromptu match. Sources have noted to Fightful that Ava, Valkyria and Legend were all commended for being able to adapt to the situation given the unfortunate circumstances.
According to a new report, WWE continues to make changes to the Elimination Chamber card.
In other injury news, Nick Aldis provided a positive update.
Everyone at Inside The Ropes would like to wish Shotzi a full and speedy recovery.