It was a rough couple of years for Tegan Nox, beginning with a torn ACL before the 2017 Mae Young Classic. After working her way back to compete in the 2018 Mae Young Classic, Nox suffered a torn ACL, MCL, lateral collateral ligament, meniscus, and patellar dislocation in her second-round match against Rhea Ripley.
With two serious knee injuries in back-to-back years, Nox wondered if she could continue in wrestling.
"The injuries were tough and I still struggle with the effects of them mentally to this day. The physical effects of any injury of that magnitude is hard to overcome of course, but in comparison to the mental side of things it's nothing," Nox told Wales Online. "There was even a point when I told my coaches I was struggling and thinking of giving it all up. Luckily I had an incredible support group around me with my friends and the team at the WWE, and they helped me get back fighting fit. There was a therapist on the line the next day to help me with my mental state, and a medical team on hand to help with the physical side of recovery too. They all worked so hard and I can't thank them enough. I think that's important for people to know. With anything in life the mental side can be the hardest part and I found that out first hand. Being on shows such as Smackdown and Royal Rumble was amazing, but if I had to say what my proudest achievement was now, I would have to say just overcoming that injury and getting back in the ring."
Nox is now a featured player on NXT television and is currently feuding with her former best friend Dakota Kai. The two squared off in a cage match on last Wednesday's episode of NXT with Kai picking up the victory.
Fightful provides live coverage of NXT every Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.
