Why Did Nia Jax Get Fired? Who is Nia Jax? The Early Life of Nia Jax!

In the world of professional wrestling, stories of departures and comebacks are not uncommon. Nia Jax, whose real name is Savelina Fanene, is no stranger to this rollercoaster journey. This article delves into the reasons behind Nia Jax’s WWE departure in 2021 and her subsequent return in 2023. We’ll explore the challenges she faced, including mental health concerns, and the uncertainties surrounding her future in the wrestling world.

The Departure: Why Did Nia Jax Get Fired?

Nia Jax faced a series of challenges that ultimately led to her departure from WWE in November 2021. It all began when her tag team partnership with Shayna Baszler came to an end. Jax, for personal reasons related to her mental health, requested some time off to address her well-being.

However, the unexpected twist came on November 4, 2021, when WWE released her from her contract. This decision raised eyebrows and left fans wondering about the circumstances surrounding her exit. One theory that emerged was her familial ties to the wrestling legend, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and the Samoan wrestling dynasty. Some believed that these connections might have shielded her from constructive criticism within the company.

Stevie Richards, a former Hardcore Champion, was among those who criticized Jax’s in-ring performance and perceived lack of improvement. Richards speculated that her inability to heed advice and work on her weaknesses could have potentially led to her firing. Despite her courageous attempt to challenge Rhea Ripley at Crown Jewel, questions continued to arise regarding Nia Jax’s future in WWE.

Nia Jax: The Wrestling Sensation

Before we delve further into Nia Jax’s journey, let’s get to know the woman behind the persona. Nia Jax was born on May 29, 1984, in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. She stands tall at 6 feet and weighs an impressive 272 pounds, making her a formidable presence in the wrestling ring.

Interestingly, Nia Jax is a cousin once removed to the legendary Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Her wrestling career began in 2014 when she joined WWE, initially performing in the developmental brand NXT under the ring name Zada. It wasn’t until August 2015 that she adopted the name Nia Jax.

Throughout her career, Nia achieved significant success, becoming a one-time Raw Women’s Champion and a two-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, both times teaming up with Shayna Baszler. Her journey, however, had its share of ups and downs, as we’ve already explored.

The Early Life of Nia Jax

Nia Jax, born as Savelina Fanene, had an intriguing early life. Although she was born in Sydney, Australia, she grew up in the picturesque city of Honolulu, Hawaii. Raised in a diverse background of German and Samoan heritage, she shares a family connection with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, being his second cousin once removed.

During her time in the United States, Nia attended Carlsbad High School in California and even played college basketball at Palomar College. In 2005, she graduated from Cal State San Marcos with a degree in marketing. Interestingly, before stepping into the world of professional wrestling, Nia Jax pursued a career as a plus-size model. Her journey from Australia to Hawaii and then California showcases her diverse experiences before finding success in the wrestling ring.

Nia Jax’s Wrestling Career

Nia Jax, originally known as Savelina Fanene, kicked off her wrestling journey with WWE in 2014 when she signed with the company and joined their developmental brand, NXT. Initially, she wrestled under the name Zada, but in August 2015, she adopted the name Nia Jax. Her debut in NXT came in October 2015, and it didn’t take long for her to gain attention for her powerful wrestling style and evolve into a formidable heel character.

In 2016, Nia Jax moved up to the main roster, drafted to Raw. She embarked on a winning streak and engaged in feuds with notable names like Alicia Fox, Sasha Banks, and Bayley. Her career reached a significant milestone in 2018 when she won the Raw Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 34 by defeating Alexa Bliss. However, her reign as champion was short-lived as she lost the title to Bliss at Money in the Bank.

Teaming up with Tamina, Nia Jax had a successful run as a tag team, winning the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. Despite her achievements, Nia Jax faced criticism for incidents labeled as “unsafe working,” often leading to accidental injuries to fellow wrestlers. Despite these challenges, she continued her career, participating in events like the Royal Rumble and various championship matches.

However, her alliance with Shayna Baszler ended in 2021, and Nia Jax took a break from WWE for mental health reasons. It wasn’t until a brief Royal Rumble appearance in January 2023 that she officially made her return to WWE, marking her comeback in September. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a loss at Crown Jewel, Nia Jax remains a significant presence in the women’s division.

Nia Jax’s Impressive Physique

Nia Jax, the Australian-American professional wrestler, is known for her remarkable physique. She is billed at a weight of 272 pounds (123 kilograms) and stands tall at 6 feet. Born as Savelina Fanene on May 29, 1984, in Sydney, Australia, her impressive career in WWE has solidified her reputation as a powerhouse in the wrestling ring.

Beyond her accomplishments inside the squared circle, Nia Jax’s diverse background adds another layer to her persona. With German and Samoan heritage, she brings a unique blend of cultures to the wrestling world. Before joining WWE, she pursued a career as a plus-size model and graduated with a marketing degree from Cal State San Marcos in 2005.

Nia Jax’s Age in 2024

As of 2024, Nia Jax, the Australian-American professional wrestler, is 39 years old. Born on May 29, 1984, in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, as Savelina Fanene, she has made a significant impact in the world of wrestling.

Nia Jax’s career in WWE, where she is known for her powerful wrestling style and accomplishments like winning the Raw Women’s Championship, has spanned several years. Her age, combined with her athleticism and diverse background, contributes to her unique presence in the wrestling industry.

Nia Jax’s Net Worth

Nia Jax, the Australian-American professional wrestler, has an estimated net worth of around $500,000 as of 2023. This wealth primarily comes from her contracts with WWE, where she gained fame for her powerful presence in the ring and achievements like winning the Raw Women’s Championship.

Before wrestling, she earned money as a plus-size model. Additionally, her appearances on the reality TV show Total Divas contributed to her financial success. Jax’s journey from modeling to wrestling has played a significant role in shaping her net worth, reflecting her success in both fields.

Why Did Nia Jax Get Fired – FAQs

1. Why was Nia Jax fired from WWE in 2021?
   Nia Jax faced challenges and mental health issues, leading to her release from WWE in November 2021.
2. When did Nia Jax return to WWE after her release?
   Nia Jax made a brief appearance at the Royal Rumble in January 2023 and officially returned to WWE in September of the same year.
3. What criticisms did Stevie Richards have about Nia Jax’s WWE return?
   Stevie Richards criticized Nia Jax’s in-ring performance, suggesting familial ties to The Rock and the Samoans shielded her from constructive criticism, possibly putting her job at risk.
4. What championships has Nia Jax won in WWE?
   Nia Jax is a one-time Raw Women’s Champion and a two-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, both times partnering with Shayna Baszler.
5. How did Nia Jax’s wrestling career begin?
   Nia Jax signed with WWE in 2014, starting in the developmental brand NXT under the ring name Zada before transitioning to Nia Jax.