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Status of 'WWE SmackDown' Superstar Amid Rare Absence Before 'WrestleMania 41'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Fernando Quiles Jr. | Last updated Apr 2, 2025 2:21 PM ET

The absence of one prominent member of the "WWE SmackDown" roster has been a talking point as of late.

With "WrestleMania 41" drawing closer, it isn't often that key on-air talents aren't seen on TV just prior to WWE's most popular show of the year. Top "WWE Raw" star Sami Zayn is currently on hiatus after being written off TV due to a storyline injury, and many don't expect him to return until after "WrestleMania."

Zayn hasn't been the only surprising absence. "Friday Night SmackDown" star Nia Jax hasn't been seen in the ring since the "Elimination Chamber" PLE on March 1. She teamed with Candice LeRae to take on WWE Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton and Trish Stratus in a losing effort.

WrestleVotes of Backstage Pass is reporting that Jax hasn't been cleared for action at this time. It was noted in the report that the former multi-time world champion was expected to be cleared in late March, but she has yet to appear on TV since her match at "Elimination Chamber." It isn't clear what exactly caused Jax to be placed on the inactive list.

In the weeks leading up to her most recent match, Jax vowed to take the WWE Women's Championship back from Stratton. Jax lost the title when Stratton successfully cashed in her Money in the Bank contract during the Jan. 3 episode of "WWE SmackDown." Despite this, Jax was the one who took the pinfall in the tag team match at "Elimination Chamber," putting any chances of another title match between the two on hold.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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