Nixon Newell Nearly Quit Wrestling After Devastating Knee Injuries

Nixon Newell’s road to recovery wasn’t just hard on her body — it nearly broke her spirit completely.

In an interview on The Wrestling Classic podcast, Newell opened up about the psychological toll of her repeated knee injuries — revealing that she came dangerously close to walking away from wrestling forever.

“Halfway through my recovery I told Sara Amato, ‘I don’t want to do this anymore. I’m done.’”

Newell described how the mental weight of multiple surgeries and grueling rehab nearly crushed her. But just as she was on the verge of quitting, a core group of women stepped in to keep her grounded — and fighting.

“If it weren’t for Candice LeRae, Dakota Kai, Sarah Logan, and Shayna Baszler, I don’t think I’d have made it through. They kept me sane.”

While fans often focus on comeback moments and big returns, Newell’s story is a stark reminder that the journey behind the scenes is often filled with silent battles. Her vulnerability shines a light on the mental health struggles many athletes face, far from the spotlight.

Today, Nixon Newell is transitioning into a new role behind the scenes — helping others with injury recovery and performance support. And after hearing her story, it’s clear why: she’s been to the edge and made it back, thanks to the people who refused to let her fall.

What do you think of Nixon Newell’s powerful story of resilience? Have you ever had someone pull you out of a dark place like that? Share your thoughts — and give some love to the friends who show up when it matters most.

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