Former WWE EVOLVE star Anya Rune is stepping away from professional wrestling, and she’s not even sure when she’ll be back. Just over a month after WWE released her, the wrestler known as Airica Demia says she’s fallen out of love with the business and needs time away for her physical and mental health.
Rune broke the news on social media Monday night, October 19, admitting that she never imagined she’d be making an announcement like this. She also acknowledged that some fans would be disappointed, but made it clear that taking a break is something she needs to do.
“Hi everybody. I know a post like this is gonna let a lot of you down but I feel like its very necessary. Hell, I never thought I would end up making a post like this.”
Rune then explained that she’s putting wrestling on hold indefinitely, hoping that spending time away might help her rediscover the passion she once had for it.
“I need to take a step back from wrestling. Both for my physical and mental health. I don’t know how long this is going to last but I’m hoping to find a new love for it in the time I will be spending away. I will be keeping my social media somewhat active, it’ll just be less wrestling related content.”
She didn’t sugarcoat how she’s feeling about wrestling either. While she still appreciates the opportunities and experiences the business has given her, the love she once had for it simply isn’t there right now.
“I have unfortunately fallen out of love with wrestling but that doesn’t mean I don’t love everything its given me.”
Rune ended her message by thanking the fans who have continued supporting her through everything.
“I love and appreciate every single last one of you guys who have continued to support me through everything. Thank you so much”
The announcement comes just weeks after Ringside News covered Rune’s WWE release on September 4. She was among several talents let go from WWE’s developmental system after competing on WWE EVOLVE as part of the WWE ID program.
Before signing with WWE, Rune wrestled on the independent scene under the Airica Demia name and earned a WWE ID contract in March 2026. She eventually adopted the Anya Rune character for EVOLVE, but her time with the company was cut short before she could move into a regular NXT role.
Rune had also reacted to her WWE departure, thanking fans who continued to support her after she was let go. Now, barely six weeks later, she’s announcing a break from wrestling altogether.
The timing is particularly unfortunate considering how recently she earned her WWE opportunity. Rune went from getting her foot in the door with the company to losing that opportunity and now stepping away from the ring in a matter of months. She hasn’t specified whether her WWE release contributed to her decision, and she hasn’t offered a timetable for returning.
For now, Rune is putting herself ahead of wrestling, and she’s not making any promises about when she’ll be back. Whether this turns into a short break or something much longer remains to be seen, but she’s clearly reached a point where forcing herself to keep wrestling isn’t what she wants to do.
What do you think about Anya Rune stepping away from wrestling so soon after her WWE release? Do you think time away could help her rediscover her love for the business? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
