UPDATED 2/14 at 12:30 AM ET
Fighful Select has provided an update as it pertains to Shotzi.
The report indicates that Shotzi hit her knee against the side of the ring during a spot that was planned before the match going into a commercial break.
Fightful’s Corey Brennan spoke to several sources within WWE/NXT. He was able to confirm that Shotzi was not able to put any weight on her injured knee and was forced to hop to the back with assistance from the WWE medical team. It was also said that when Shotzi arrived backstage, she was in a large amount of pain. Backstage WWE officials backstage were said to be very concerned, as she was immediately taken for medical evaluation.
Fightful has confirmed that this injury is not a work. One source told Fightful there is no heat on Lyra Valkyria or Shotzi, for what was described as a “freak accident.” There was speculation by many this was a work after a number of worked injuries on NXT TV.
***The remaining part of the report below contains spoilers***
Also per Fightful Select, following the injury, NXT General Manager Ava came out out and changed the match to an open challenge, which was quickly answered by Lash Legend. After a brief beatdown from Legend, Lyra rallied to win the match and retain the title.
Several sources in NXT told Fightful that they commended Lyra, Legend and Ava’s ability to adapt to what was a difficult situation for all involved.
**********
Original report posted on 2/13 at 11:40 PM ET
As first reported by Fightful’s Corey Brennan, then by F4WOnline, WWE Superstar Shotzi suffered what is said to be a serious knee injury during Tuesday night’s NXT TV taping in Orlando, FL. Next week’s NXT will be a taped episode, due to talent and crew heading to Perth, Australia next Tuesday for Elimination Chamber.
The injury was said to have occurred during the NXT Women’s Championship match, in which Shotzi was challenging Lyra Valkyria for the title.
At the time of this writing, there are not a lot of details, other than Shotzi went for a DDT on the ring apron, but then the match was stopped and Shotzi had to be helped to the back to undergo further examination.
During this week’s episode, Shotzi returned to NXT and challenged Valkyria for the Women’s NXT Championship.
It has already been announced Shotzi vs. Tiffany Stratton in a Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match on this week’s WWE SmackDown. However, that match may now not take place.
We will provide more information as it becomes available.