The next time you watch WWE RAW and Smackdown, you’ll notice a familiar face is absent from the production, and that face belongs to Kayla Braxton — a longtime reporter who often gets match previews and reactions from ring talent backstage.
Following this Friday’s episode of SmackDown, the 33-year-old announced she is leaving WWE, penning a heartfelt post that thanked many in the promotion for time spent since signing on in 2016.
Her final show will be the SmackDown scheduled for June 28 in Madison Square Garden.
SEE FULL RECAP OF BLOODY SMACKDOWN EPISODE HERE.
She will “sign off” for good once it goes off-air.
"After nearly eight years holding the microphone on WWE television, I am setting it down to pursue my next chapter. Next week at the world's most famous arena, I will be officially signing off. During my years with WWE, I was able to master the art of the backstage interview. I hope I was able to turn minutes into moments for you who watched week to week and maybe even ushered in a new fanbase.
“My banter with Paul Heyman became the stuff of legend, and I am so thankful for all he has done to elevate my career. I gained a wealth of knowledge from the Wise Man and, for that, I'll be eternally grateful.
“In 2016, the legendary Michael Cole brought me in to begin my WWE career as a ring announcer with NXT, but I quickly found myself touring the globe, hosting Hall of Fame ceremonies, kickoff shows and helping launch WWE's first weekly morning show, ‘The Bump’. I exited ‘The Bump’ after more than 200 shows and a move to Los Angeles.
“Now on the West Coast, I have been offered new opportunities that will further utilize the skills I gained working for the largest sports entertainment company in the world. I am extremely thankful to Triple H, Nick Khan, WWE and all of its partners for allowing me to be a trusted voice on WWE television for all these years. Thank you to every single person who made me feel like this was my home and that I was a part of this family. Thank you for taking a chance on me and welcoming this outsider with open arms.
“I hope I made you proud and I'd love it if you'd stay with me for this next chapter. I'm excited to reveal to all of you what I have coming up next!!!!"
Rumors have been circulating as of late that Braxton was working on an expired contract with WWE and, as such, working on a per show basis. She has built up enough cache to have garnered other opportunities around not only the industry of sports entertainment, but of sports in general.
It will be interesting to see where the young, talented reporter ends up next.
::: FULL CALENDAR FOR WWE EVENTS HERE.
