NXT wrestler announces departure from WWE
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:
Ian Carey is a writer from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, whose work has been featured in NOW Magazine, The Huffington Post, and more. A lifelong wrestling aficionado born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, he has covered the industry for a decade and a half. He joined the f4wonline.com team in 2019.