NXT Training Methods Questioned After Yet Another ACL Injury
Matthew Perez NXT might never be in a place where it replicates the success of the black and gold era, but whatever it's doing now with Shawn Michaels in charge has got it closer than ever. There's a stacked roster on WWE's third brand right now putting on some fantastic shows and matches. However, a string of knee injuries to NXT's female stars has reached a point where it feels like more than mere coincidence, and some have called the brand's training methods into question.
The Injury List
The critique comes amid reports Cora Jade is the latest to suffer a torn ACL, going down with an injury during an NXT live event over the weekend. If the injury is as serious as it seems, it'll mean Jade spends the bulk of 2024 recovering, much like Charlotte Flair. Flair doesn't fall under this particular umbrella, though. It's NXT's methods that are being called into question as Jade joins a list of female NXT stars to have torn their ACLs that also includes Sol Ruca, Nikkita Lyons, Wendy Choo, and Tegan Nox who suffered two serious knee injuries in NXT.
Joaquin Wilde Goes Viral For Literally Flying Through The Air On NXT
Wilde got some serious air with the help of his teammates on NXT this week.Dave Meltzer revealed on Wrestling Observer Radio that even before Jade's injury, concerns with the build-up of knee injuries to women in NXT had been expressed (H/T to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription).
I've had people... telling me that that they were questioning the method of training... Just questioning, 'What are they doing in training?' because historically, women don't get torn ACLs left and right.
Striking A Balance
Meltzer adds that it's likely an attempt by NXT to keep all of its Superstars in top condition, but the balance between that and not suffering serious injuries is one that isn't being struck. That it's largely women suffering the injury does make it seem like it's something happening at the Performance Center under a particular training regime, and it's something that needs to be addressed.
It's a real shame for Jade too who will now spend a lot of time on the sidelines if she has torn her ACL. It's only been a month since Jade returned to the ring following a five-month hiatus, and now she's potentially staring down the barrel of an even lengthier spell on the shelf. On the bright side, Jade has only just turned 23, celebrating her birthday at the weekend. Not a good way to ring in a birthday, but she hopefully has the majority of a long career ahead of her.
