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'WWE SmackDown' Star Shares Devastating Personal News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Fernando Quiles Jr. | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 5:43 PM ET

The family of one top performer on "WWE SmackDown" has been struck by tragedy.

On WWE TV, Alexa Bliss has a wave of momentum, having advanced in the Queen of the Ring tournament. She's set to face Asuka in the semifinals for a spot on the "Night of Champions 2025" card. The winner of the Queen of the Ring finals will be guaranteed a world title opportunity at "SummerSlam."

Outside of the ring, Bliss is in mourning. The former multi-time world champion has shared that her cousin, Vanessa, has passed away after a battle with cancer. Bliss shared two photos of her cousin, along with a farewell message to her loved one on X.

The strongest fighter & most positive girl I know. my cousin Vanessa. I’ll miss you & I love you. Until we meet again pic.twitter.com/p19HsdblA8
— Lexi (Kaufman) Cabrera (@AlexaBliss_WWE) June 15, 2025

"The strongest fighter & most positive girl I know," Bliss wrote. "My cousin Vanessa. I’ll miss you & I love you. Until we meet again."

Notable wrestling names such as fellow "SmackDown" star Charlotte Flair and AEW on-air personality Renee Paquette shared their condolences on social media. A slew of wrestling fans have also sent messages in support of Bliss amid her loss.

Bliss' performances on WWE TV have remained strong amid the personal news. She's been involved in a storyline with Flair. Dating back to the "Money in the Bank 2025" qualifiers, Bliss had been trying to align with "The Queen." Flair refused, but since that time, Bliss has one-upped her by taking spots in the MITB match and the Queen of the Ring. Bliss defeated Flair, Alba Fyre, and Candice LeRae in a fatal four-way match to advance in the tournament.

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

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