Sol Ruca’s Halloween Havoc Exit Might Be a Work and Not a Real Injury

WWE NXT’s October 21 episode took a surprising turn when Sol Ruca appeared on crutches and revealed she wasn’t cleared to compete at Halloween Havoc. The reigning Women’s North American Champion and Women’s Speed Champion addressed the crowd in an emotional moment, seemingly surrendering her title due to injury. But according to a new update, things might not be as straightforward as they appeared.

During the October 23, 2025 episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer broke down the entire segment—and both questioned whether Ruca’s injury was legitimate or part of a bigger storyline. Ruca came to the ring with Ava, saying she wasn’t blaming anyone and just wanted to be honest with the fans about her condition.

“She says, I didn’t come out to place the blame on anybody. Injuries happen. I’m not cleared to defend the North American title against Blake. I don’t know when I’ll be cleared. Not gonna be good for Saturday.”

Alvarez noted that Ruca’s demeanor and the way the segment was handled made him skeptical about the injury’s authenticity.

“At that point, I was like, I don’t know about this injury.”

Meltzer shared the same sentiment, explaining that the segment came across as something scripted rather than spontaneous.

“It felt way too storyline… I have not had anyone confirm the injury to me, but I’ve had nobody not confirm it. So, when that happens—it’s like with Rollins—it could be legit, but they’re doing it like a storyline.”

The segment then took a twist when Blake Monroe came out, demanding Ruca hand over the title. Zarya stepped in, telling Blake she hadn’t earned it and announcing she would defend the championship on Ruca’s behalf at Halloween Havoc. Ava left the decision to Ruca, who tearfully agreed to let Zarya step into her place.

Given Ruca’s previous ACL tear in 2023 that sidelined her for nearly a year, fans are now questioning whether WWE is teasing another real injury or crafting a long-term storyline that could see Zarya’s loyalty tested.