When NXT 2.0 began, fans were introduced to a whole new generation of professional wrestlers. WWE’s developmental brand saw the rise of names such as Bron Breakker, Carmelo Hayes, Roxanne Perez, Cora Jade, Solo Sikoa, and more. Another of these names includes Nikkita Lyons. After beginning her career in WOW, Lyons made her WWE debut in 2021. Initially having her first two matches on 205 Live, she has since become one of the most popular wrestlers in NXT, but the fan favorite has not been seen on television due to serious knee injuries that have prevented her from competing.
UPDATE: 2023/11/19 14:30 EST BY BENJAMIN VIEIRA
Since January 2023, Nikkita Lyons has been absent from NXT television. While her time in the ring has been short, she has made a massive impression on fans and became one of the more prominent stars on the roster. However, an injury in her knee has kept her out of action for almost a year. However, she provided fans with an update recently that she is working towards getting back into the ring and training again. This is good news for her, as the women’s division in NXT has been steadily growing, and she will certainly be a force to be reckoned with when she returns.
Nikkita Lyons Has Had A History Of Knee Injuries In NXT
Out With A Torn ACL
This is not the first injury that Lyons has had to endure since being on NXT. In May 2022, Lyons was taken out of the NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament due to an injury that had happened during training. She revealed in an Instagram post that the injury had been a partial tear in her MCL. She had since recovered and returned to the ring.
However, Lyons’ injury at this moment is keeping her out of action for much longer. She is unable to compete currently due to a torn ACL and meniscus in her right knee. Although, she did undergo a successful surgery to address it. In a Twitter post to fans after the surgery, she wrote, “Thank you deeply to the WWE Universe, my Lyon Pride for all the love and support you show. I’ll be back stronger than I’ve ever been.” She also thanked doctors, surgeons, and nurses who had been involved in helping her. As has been seen with numerous wrestlers, knee injuries are devastating and can take a performer out for months as they heal and undergo the necessary procedures to get themselves back to full health.
Lyons provided an update for fans on the February 21, 2023 edition of NXT. After her successful surgery, she gave an interview where she said that she will be absent, by doctor’s estimates, for 11 to 12 months. She also stated that her goal is to be back in under a year.
Nikkita Lyons Is One Of The Most Popular Stars In NXT Today
Grew In Popularity With Fans
Prior to Lyons’ injury, she was on a fast ascent to becoming one of the biggest stars in NXT. She had picked up numerous wins in dominant fashion. She has competed in matches against Indi Hartwell, Roxanne Perez, Mandy Rose, and Elektra Lopez. Lyons has also achieved a lot of success in the women’s tag team division in NXT. In a team with Zoey Stark, the duo picked up wins over Arianna Grace and Kiana James and Toxic Attraction. However, when they challenged Katana Chance and Kayden Carter for the titles, they came up short. This also resulted in Lyons’ entering into a feud with Stark. Stark ended up defeating Lyons in a televised NXT match. Lyons has also been in number one contender’s matches for the NXT Women’s Title, but came up short in those.
Her final match was on NXT Level Up, where she defeated Jakara Jackson. Lyons was last seen on the January 31, 2023, edition of NXT. Lyons was seen on the ground in the parking lot, with it being unknown who her attacker was. As Hartwell and Lyra Valkyria aided her, a number of wrestlers were alluded to in the background. Lyons has no idea who it was that attacked her from behind.
| NXT Debut | 2021 |
| Hometown | Las Vega, Nevada |
| Finisher | Tornado Kick-Split Pin |
When She Returns, Nikkita Lyons Has A Bright Future Ahead
NXT 2.0 Standout
Lyons is still in the early stages of her career. At 23 years old, she still has a long career ahead of her. While NXT 2.0 had many criticisms made about it, Lyons was one of the bright spots of the entire rebranding. In a relatively short amount of time, she became one of the most popular and beloved fan-favorites. With a ton of charisma, charm, and momentum on her side, Lyons will undoubtedly continue to be one of the biggest stars of NXT when she returns to the brand.
There is an immense amount of possibilities for Lyons’ to do when she comes back to WWE. There is the question of who attacked Lyons in the parking lot. She could reignite her rivalry with Stark. She could pursue the NXT Women’s Tag Team Titles, or go for the NXT Women’s Championship.
While she will be out of action for almost a year, the “Lyon Pride” cannot wait for the return of one of the biggest up-and-coming stars in professional wrestling. With such a promising and bright future ahead for her in professional wrestling, there is still a lot for Lyons to do upon her inevitable return to the ring.
Nikkita Lyons Is Working Towards A Return
Provided An Instagram Update
On an Instagram post in September 2023, Lyons had let fans know that she was preparing to make her eventual return back to professional wrestling. She wrote (h/t Wrestling Inc), “mood bc she gets to start training in the ring again soon 😌.” While fans will have to wait a bit longer for Lyons to make her return back to NXT, it is good to know that it may come sooner rather than later.