Tag: Brinley Reece

NXT wrestler announces departure from WWE

Posted on by Ian Carey

NXT wrestler Brinley Reece has announced she is leaving WWE.

The 25-year-old has not wrestled since March and underwent shoulder surgery in May. She posted a statement to social media on Sunday, stating that her decision to leave WWE was based on navigating personal health challenges.

Reece wrote:

“After three years, I am officially closing my chapter Wrestling at WWE. This decision came after navigating personal health challenges and a serious injury that required surgery last year. It wasn’t an easy choice, but it was a necessary one — choosing my health, my body, and my future first. That choice alone has been one of the most powerful lessons this journey gave me.

The last three years have been truly life-changing. WWE pushed me in ways I never imagined, taught me resilience, discipline, and belief, and allowed me to grow not only as a wrestler, but as a person. Every setback, every win, every long day and hard moment shaped who I am today, and for that I am so grateful.

To my supporters — you are the reason I kept going on the hardest days. Your messages, encouragement, love, and belief in me never went unnoticed. You stood by me through injuries, healing, growth, and transformation, and I carry that support with me forever. I love you more than words can say.

This isn’t an ending — it’s a redirection. I’m proud of everything I gave to this chapter, and even more excited for what’s ahead. Thank you for being part of my journey. The best is still to come. 🤍✨

With Love, 
Brinley Reece”

Reece, whose real name is Breanna Ruggiero, signed with WWE out of Sacramento State in 2022, where she was a cheer captain. She has a background in tumbling and acrobatics and made her in-ring debut in September 2023.

Ruggiero also announced her engagement to Marcus Aponte last August, writing, “BRB- Changing my last name! 8.2.25 was the best day of my life. This moment was more magical than my younger self could have ever dreamed of. I love you, forever!!”

Her social media post is below:

WWE NXT wrestler Brinley Reece undergoes shoulder surgery

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE NXT wrestler Brinley Reece is recovering from shoulder surgery.

On social media today, Reece shared a brief video documenting her day as she had surgery done. The video ended with Reece saying she is on the road to recovery. She did not mention what the specific injury is or how long she expects to be sidelined for.

Reece, real name Breanna Ruggiero, joined the WWE Performance Center in 2022 and made her in-ring debut in 2023. She has a background in cheerleading, tumbling, and acrobatics, including being the cheer captain at Sacramento State when she was in college.

In WWE, Reece has been featured in NXT and on Evolve. She also made some crossover appearances for TNA Wrestling in 2024 with the partnership that exists between NXT and TNA. Her most recent match took place this March at an NXT house show.

WWE NXT wrestlers appear at Thursday TNA Impact taping

Posted on by Josh Nason

The relationship between TNA Wrestling and WWE NXT continued at Thursday’s Impact taping in Nashville, Tennessee.

While full spoilers from the Skyway Studios taping have yet to emerge, images on social media from fans in attendance showed Sol Ruca, Wendy Choo and Brinley Reece in action in addition to on-screen “NXTNA liaison” Arianna Grace.

Ruca and Choo were previously announced for the show, competing in a trios match that saw Ruca team with TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace and Masha Slamovich against Choo, Rosemary and Tasha Steelz. Reece took on Ash by Elegance.

The taping was originally set to take place last weekend in Spartanburg, South Carolina, but was canceled due to the effects of Hurricane Helene in the region.

If you have spoilers from Thursday’s taping, please email us the results.

Here’s a few notes that have emerged from Thursday:

  • Sami Callihan, PCO & Joe Hendry defeated The System
  • Josh Alexander defeated Eric Young
  • A three-way Full Metal Mayhem match was made for Bound For Glory between The System, ABC and the Hardys
  • Frankie Kazarian will be the special guest referee for the Bound for Glory title match between World Champion Nic Nemeth and Joe Hendry

Jakara Jackson out of WWE NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Jakara Jackson is out of the NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament.

On Monday afternoon, NXT’s account on X announced that Jackson was out of the tournament due to not being medically cleared. Brinley Reece, a newcomer to NXT TV, will replace her in the tournament.

“BREAKING: @JakaraWWE has not been medically cleared and will be withdrawing from the #WWENXT Women’s Breakout Tournament,” NXT’s account on X wrote. “@brinleyreecewwe will be taking her place.”

Reece responded to the news on X, writing “I’m ready to show the world what Brinley Reece is all about.”

Reece, real name Breanna Ruggiero, was signed at a tryout held during last year’s SummerSlam. She has a background in tumbling and acrobatics and comes from Sacramento State University.

Jackson, who is part of the Meta-Four stable with Noam Dar, Oro Mensah, and Lash Legend, was slated to face Arianna Grace in an opening round match. The winner between Reece and Grace will advance to the semifinals, where they will face Kelani Jordan.