Brinley Reece Exits WWE: Prioritizing Health Over Career After Injury

In a move that underscores the often-unseen sacrifices behind the glitz and glamour of professional wrestling, NXT star Brinley Reece, known outside the ring as Breanna Ruggiero, has officially announced her departure from WWE. After three years with the company and a ten-month absence due to a debilitating shoulder injury, Reece confirmed on social media that she is “closing my chapter” with the organization, prioritizing her long-term health and future.

Reece, 25, has not competed since March 2025, having undergone shoulder surgery in May of that year. Her decision, while undoubtedly difficult, highlights a growing trend among athletes to put personal well-being above the relentless demands of a high-stakes career. It’s a testament to her self-awareness and foresight, choosing a path that ensures a sustainable future rather than risking further complications for immediate career gains.

Prioritizing Health: Reece’s Difficult Decision

In a heartfelt statement posted to her Instagram account on Sunday, Reece laid bare the reasons behind her pivotal choice. “After three years, I am officially closing my chapter Wrestling at WWE,” she wrote. “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.”

Her words resonate deeply, reflecting the immense pressure athletes face to perform while often battling unseen physical and mental tolls. For Reece, this choice was not merely an exit but a profound lesson in self-advocacy. “That choice alone has been one of the most powerful lessons this journey gave me,” she added. This perspective transforms a perceived setback into a moment of empowered growth, a powerful message for anyone facing similar crossroads.

The journey through injury and recovery is often a solitary and grueling one. For an athlete, being sidelined can feel like an existential crisis, a threat to their very identity. Reece’s transparency about her struggles offers a valuable glimpse into the resilience required, not just to return to the ring, but to make peace with leaving it when necessary. Her statement, as reported by Post Wrestling, emphasized that while this marks the end of her WWE tenure, she views it as a “redirection” rather than a definitive ending, a forward-looking perspective that hints at new opportunities on the horizon.

From Tryouts to NXT: A Three-Year Journey

Brinley Reece’s path to WWE was marked by a unique blend of athleticism and determination. She was signed by WWE following the SummerSlam tryouts in Nashville in July 2022, a testament to her raw talent and potential. Before stepping into the squared circle, Ruggiero honed her physical prowess as a cheer captain at Sacramento State, boasting an impressive background in tumbling and acrobatics. This foundation provided her with exceptional body control and agility, attributes that quickly made her stand out at the WWE Performance Center.

Her in-ring debut came in September 2023, marking the official start of her professional wrestling career. Over the next two years, Reece became a consistent presence, particularly on NXT Level Up. She made her televised in-ring debut on the October 17, 2023, episode of NXT, stepping in as a replacement in the Women’s NXT Breakout Tournament. Her tenure saw her compete in several notable matches, including a number one contender’s battle royal in January 2024 and a gauntlet match in August 2024, demonstrating her developing skills and commitment.

One of the more unique aspects of her career was her participation in the NXT crossover with TNA Wrestling in late 2024. During this period, she competed against Ash By Elegance on TNA Impact and at the Bound For Glory pre-show, showcasing her versatility and willingness to embrace new challenges. Her final match, a testament to her dedication even amidst injury, took place on March 2, 2025, at a WWE Evolve taping.

The rigorous schedule of a WWE developmental talent, constantly training, traveling, and performing, can push even the most seasoned athletes to their limits. Reece’s ability to navigate this environment, all while dealing with underlying health issues that ultimately led to serious injury, speaks volumes about her resolve. Her time in WWE, though cut short, was clearly a period of intense personal and professional growth, shaping her into the resilient individual she is today. As noted by WrestlingNews.co, she expressed immense gratitude for the lessons learned: “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.”

Beyond the Ring: A ‘Redirection’ for Brinley Reece

While the WWE chapter closes for Brinley Reece, her message is one of optimism and anticipation for what lies ahead. The concept of a “redirection” rather than an “ending” is a powerful reframing, suggesting that her journey is far from over, merely taking a different course. This perspective is crucial for athletes who often define themselves by their sport; it allows for evolution and the pursuit of new passions and opportunities.

Her statement also included a heartfelt thank you to her supporters, acknowledging their unwavering encouragement through her injuries, healing, and transformation. “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,” she wrote. This connection with her fanbase highlights the human element of professional wrestling, where performers often forge deep bonds with those who cheer them on, a bond that transcends the confines of any single promotion.

What does this redirection entail for Breanna Ruggiero? While she hasn’t explicitly detailed her next steps, her focus on health and future suggests a period of healing, reflection, and perhaps exploring avenues outside the intense physical demands of professional wrestling. Given her background in tumbling and acrobatics, and her evident discipline, it’s not hard to imagine her finding success in various fields, whether it’s coaching, fitness, or an entirely new venture. Her engagement to Marcus Aponte, announced last August, also points to a rich personal life that will undoubtedly factor into her future decisions.

Brinley Reece’s departure from WWE serves as a poignant reminder of the physical and emotional toll exacted by professional sports and the profound importance of prioritizing one’s health above all else. Her courageous decision to step away, despite the passion and dedication she clearly held for wrestling, is not a sign of weakness, but rather a powerful demonstration of self-respect and long-term vision, setting an example for athletes everywhere that true strength lies in knowing when to pivot for one’s well-being.