Zena Sterling isn’t wasting much time closing the door on her WWE chapter after being released from the company’s developmental system. However, instead of looking for another promotion, she’s made a much bigger decision about what comes next.
Following her release, Sterling took to Twitter and addressed her future, making it clear that “Zena” was a character she played in WWE. She’s going back to being Olena now, and whatever she decides to pursue next won’t involve stepping inside a wrestling ring.
“Chapter’s closed 💗 Zena was a character, I’m Olena now. If that’s who you’re here for, stick around and follow along to what I’m doing next just not in a wrestling ring! If not, no hard feelings!”
Olena didn’t reveal exactly what she plans on doing next, but she left very little room for confusion about wrestling. She’s ready to move forward with something different and gave the fans who followed Zena Sterling one final farewell.
“Onto the next 🙂 one last time… #ZENAtion 👋👋”
The decision comes after Sterling was included in WWE’s latest round of developmental cuts on September 4. She had been in WWE’s system since 2023, initially working under her real name, Olena Sadovska, before eventually being repackaged as Zena Sterling.
Much of her run was spent training at the WWE Performance Center and working NXT live events. Sterling eventually received more exposure through WWE LFG and WWE Evolve, where she competed against names such as Laynie Luck, Anya Rune and PJ Vasa.
Sterling had even returned to Evolve earlier this summer with a new look and talked about wanting to make an impact after spending time away. That opportunity never really got the chance to develop before WWE decided to move on.
Plenty of wrestlers immediately start looking for independent bookings after being released by WWE, but Olena is choosing a completely different route. Zena Sterling is staying behind with her WWE run, and whatever comes next apparently won’t happen between the ropes.
What do you make of Olena deciding to walk away from wrestling after her WWE release? Let us know in the comments.
