Nia Jax, a former WWE Superstar, is known for her imposing presence in the ring. As one of the larger women on the roster, she quickly gained attention both for her size and her strong, aggressive wrestling style. However, her career has not been without controversy, particularly when it comes to criticisms of her in-ring safety. Over the years, Jax faced accusations from both fans and fellow wrestlers that her wrestling style was “unsafe” and caused unnecessary injuries. The most notable incident occurred in 2018 when Jax was involved in the injury of Becky Lynch, which led to Lynch’s absence from the Survivor Series event. This event brought the issue of safety in the ring into the spotlight and raised questions about Jax’s role in WWE’s women’s division.
The Becky Lynch Incident: A Turning Point in the ‘Unsafe’ Criticism
One of the most widely discussed moments in Nia Jax’s career was her involvement in the injury of Becky Lynch. The incident occurred during a heated segment on the November 12, 2018 episode of Raw, when Jax inadvertently hit Lynch with a punch that left her with a broken nose and a concussion. As a result of the injury, Lynch was forced to withdraw from the Survivor Series match against Ronda Rousey, a highly anticipated showdown between two of WWE’s biggest female stars at the time.
The incident sparked widespread criticism, with many fans and wrestlers questioning Jax’s ability to work safely in the ring. While some defended Jax, stating that accidents happen in wrestling, others believed that she should have been more careful, given the high stakes of the match and the physical nature of professional wrestling. In the weeks following the injury, Jax faced a lot of backlash on social media, and many began labeling her as “unsafe.”
Nia Jax’s Response to the ‘Unsafe’ Criticism
In response to the criticism, Nia Jax addressed the situation publicly in interviews. She explained that she had no intention of injuring anyone and was deeply regretful that Becky Lynch got hurt. Jax emphasized that professional wrestling is a physical business where accidents can and do happen and that no wrestler ever goes into a match intending to cause harm to their opponent.
Nia also acknowledged the challenges that come with being a larger wrestler in WWE, where much of the spotlight is on smaller, more agile performers. As a wrestler of her size, Jax explained that she had to strike a balance between working with strength and power while also being mindful of her opponents’ safety. She admitted that it was difficult to adjust her in-ring style to accommodate the needs of her smaller counterparts and that sometimes the intensity of the matches led to unintentional contact.
Impact on Her Career and WWE’s Response
The controversy surrounding the Becky Lynch incident undoubtedly impacted Nia Jax’s career. While she continued to appear on WWE programming and eventually captured the Raw Women’s Championship, the criticisms never fully went away. Fans remained divided on her in-ring style, with some defending her as a victim of circumstance and others continuing to question her safety in the ring.
Despite the negative attention, WWE did not take drastic action against Jax, and she was allowed to continue performing. This was partly due to her status as a major figure in the women’s division and her popularity as a powerhouse character. Additionally, Nia Jax’s involvement in prominent storylines and rivalries, such as those with Alexa Bliss and Ronda Rousey, kept her in the public eye.
However, WWE also began to shift its approach to Nia Jax’s character and in-ring style. In the years following the incident, Jax’s performances became more refined, and she adapted her technique to ensure that she worked more safely with her opponents. It was clear that she took the criticisms to heart and worked hard to improve her in-ring technique. Over time, Jax was able to balance her hard-hitting style with a more calculated approach, showing growth as a performer.
The Bigger Picture: Wrestling’s High Physical Demands
The ‘unsafe‘ criticism surrounding Nia Jax highlights a broader issue within professional wrestling—the immense physicality of the business. Professional wrestling is a dangerous sport where injuries are not uncommon. Wrestlers constantly push their bodies to the limit, and the risk of accidents is always present. Jax’s situation serves as a reminder that every wrestler, regardless of their size or experience, is always walking a fine line between performing safely and delivering an engaging show for the audience.
Moreover, the criticism directed at Jax also raises questions about the expectations placed on women wrestlers in WWE. While male Superstars are often expected to perform with physical intensity, female wrestlers like Jax have historically faced additional scrutiny when it comes to their in-ring style. There is often a tendency to expect women in wrestling to fit a specific mold, whether it’s being more agile or more technically s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁ed, and when someone like Jax comes along and defies these expectations, it can result in backlash.
