On Saturday, Kayla Braxton announced that she would be leaving WWE after the June 28th episode of SmackDown.
“After nearly 8 years holding the microphone on WWE television, I am setting it down to pursue my next chapter. Next week at the world’s most famous arena, I will be officially signing off.
During my years with WWE, I was able to master the art of the back-stage interview. I hope I was able to turn minutes into moments for you who watched week to week and maybe even ushered in a new fan base. My banter with Paul Heyman became the stuff of legend, and I am so thankful for all he has done to elevate my career. I gained a wealth of knowledge from the Wise man and for that, I’ll be eternally grateful.
In 2016, the legendary Michael Cole brought me in to begin my WWE career as a ring announcer with NXT, but I quickly found myself touring the globe, hosting hall of fame ceremonies, kickoff shows and helping launch WWE’s first weekly morning show, “The Bump”. I exited “The Bump” after more than 200 shows and a move to Los Angeles. Now on the west coast, I have been offered new opportunities that will further utilize the skills I gained working for the largest sports entertainment company in the world.
I am extremely thankful to Triple H, Nick Khan, WWE and all of its partners for allowing me to be a trusted voice on WWE television for all these years. Thank you to every single person who made me feel like this was my home and that I was a part of this family. Thank you for taking a chance on me and welcoming this outsider with open arms. I hope I made you proud and I’d love it if you’d stay with me for this next chapter. I’m excited to reveal to all of you what I have coming up next!!!!”
Fightful Select reported that Braxton is currently working for WWE under a verbal agreement as her contract has already expired. They added that the two sides have been in negotiations on a new deal, but the outcome of these discussions has not been disclosed.
Baxter, real name Kayla Becker, joined WWE in 2016. She worked with the company in a number of different roles, including backstage interviewer, ring announcer, kickoff show panelist, co-host of Talking Smack and WWE’s The Bump.