Gigi Dolin Opens Up About Struggles with Depression During NXT Tenure

Gigi Dolin, known for her time in WWE’s NXT, recently shared her personal battle with depression during her run in the company. In an interview on Saraya’s “Rulebreakers” podcast, she revealed how difficult it was to transition from the indie wrestling scene to the structured environment of NXT.

Before joining WWE, Dolin enjoyed creative freedom and a dynamic role on the independent circuit. However, once she entered NXT, the strict schedule and limited creative control led to feelings of isolation and self-doubt. She admitted her time in NXT was very rocky and that she experienced a deep depression during that period.

Her struggles were worsened by a serious knee injury sustained in training. Dolin tore her meniscus, which sidelined her physically and affected her mental health as well. The injury was a turning point that intensified the challenges she was facing.

Despite these hardships, Dolin found comfort and support through her tag team partnership with Shotzi and Tatum Paxley. Their alliance brought new energy to the women’s division and helped improve her well-being. Dolin expressed that this team experience was one of the positive highlights of her time in NXT.

Her release from WWE in May 2025 marked another major change. Although initially devastated, Dolin has since embraced her independence and returned to the independent wrestling scene. This shift has allowed her to reconnect with fans and regain creative control over her career.

Dolin’s openness about her mental health struggles highlights the pressures that wrestlers face behind the scenes. Her story promotes awareness of mental health in professional wrestling and emphasizes the need for support systems for athletes inside and outside the ring.