Lady Leigh and Drako Knox set indie debuts after WWE releases

Two recently released WWE developmental talents have scheduled their first independent matches, joining a growing list of performers returning to the independent circuit after a round of roster cuts earlier this month. Jin Tala, who is now wrestling under the name Lady Leigh, will make her debut for Beyond Wrestling at the Novembercanrana event on Friday, November 14, at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston, Rhode Island. Drako Knox has been booked for All Caribbean Wrestling’s show on December 5 in Miami Gardens, Florida, where he is listed alongside Tala.

WWE announced multiple releases and contract expirations during the week of October 10, affecting several names from NXT and the EVOLVE program. Tala and Knox were among those whose WWE ties ended in that round. Knox joined WWE in 2023 and appeared on EVOLVE and the AE series LFG. Tala initially appeared as Leigh Laurel on the first season of LFG before competing under the Jin Tala name on EVOLVE and on NXT house shows.

Beyond Wrestling billed Lady Leigh for its November 14 card, marking Tala’s first confirmed appearance under her new ring name. Promoters and social media postings indicate she had previously been announced for...