What Happened to Savelina Fanene?
Savelina Fanene, known professionally as Nia Jax, is an Australian-American professional wrestler currently signed to WWE's SmackDown brand. After an initial successful run that included a Raw Women's Championship reign and two WWE Women's Tag Team Championship reigns, she was released in 2021, only to make a full-time return in September 2023. Since her return, Jax has won the 2024 Queen of the Ring tournament, captured the WWE Women's Championship, and is currently one-half of the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions with Lash Legend as of April 2026.
Quick Answer
Nia Jax, whose real name is Savelina Fanene, is currently a prominent professional wrestler on WWE's SmackDown brand. She is one-half of the reigning WWE Women's Tag Team Champions with Lash Legend, a team known as The Irresistible Forces, having won the titles on February 27, 2026. Prior to this, she made a full-time return to WWE in September 2023 after a two-year absence, winning the 2024 Queen of the Ring tournament and a second WWE Women's Championship in August 2024.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Signed by WWE
Savelina Fanene signed a contract with WWE, beginning her professional wrestling career.
In-Ring Debut as Zada
She made her in-ring debut at an NXT house show under the ring name Zada, teaming with Devin Taylor.
Ring Name Changed to Nia Jax
Her ring name was officially changed to Nia Jax, the name she would become known by.
NXT Television Debut
Nia Jax made her televised debut on NXT, quickly establishing herself as a dominant force.
Promoted to Main Roster (Raw)
As part of the 2016 WWE Draft, Nia Jax was promoted from NXT to the main roster, joining the Raw brand.
Won Raw Women's Championship
Nia Jax defeated Alexa Bliss at WrestleMania 34 to capture her first Raw Women's Championship.
First WWE Women's Tag Team Championship
She won her first WWE Women's Tag Team Championship with Shayna Baszler at Payback.
Released from WWE
Nia Jax was released from her WWE contract as part of a series of roster cuts.
Surprise Royal Rumble Return
Jax made a surprise, one-off appearance as the 30th entrant in the Women's Royal Rumble match.
Full-Time WWE Return
Nia Jax made her full-time return to WWE on Monday Night Raw, attacking Raquel Rodriguez and Women's World Champion Rhea Ripley.
Challenged for Women's World Championship at Elimination Chamber
She unsuccessfully challenged Rhea Ripley for the Women's World Championship in the main event of Elimination Chamber: Perth.
Won Queen of the Ring Tournament
Nia Jax won the inaugural Queen of the Ring tournament, earning a future championship opportunity.
Won WWE Women's Championship at SummerSlam
Jax defeated Tiffany Stratton at SummerSlam to win her second WWE Women's Championship.
Aligned with Lash Legend
Nia Jax officially aligned herself with the debuting Lash Legend on SmackDown, forming 'The Irresistible Forces'.
Won WWE Women's Tag Team Championship with Lash Legend
Nia Jax and Lash Legend, as The Irresistible Forces, defeated Rhiyo (Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky) on SmackDown to become the new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
Scheduled to Defend Tag Titles at WrestleMania 42
Nia Jax and Lash Legend are scheduled to defend their WWE Women's Tag Team Championship in a Fatal Fourway match at WrestleMania 42.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Savelina Fanene, globally recognized as Nia Jax, embarked on her professional wrestling journey by signing with WWE in early 2014, making her in-ring debut in May 2015 under the name Zada before adopting Nia Jax later that year. Her powerful presence quickly established her as 'The Irresistible Force' within NXT, leading to her main roster promotion to Raw in July 2016. Her initial WWE tenure saw her achieve significant success, including a memorable Raw Women's Championship victory at WrestleMania 34 in April 2018, where she defeated Alexa Bliss. She also found tag team success, securing two reigns as WWE Women's Tag Team Champion alongside Shayna Baszler.
However, her first run with the company concluded in November 2021 when she was released amidst a series of roster cuts. During her time away, Jax did not wrestle for any other promotions, though she did make a surprise, one-off appearance in the 2023 Women's Royal Rumble match. This brief return sparked her interest in a full-time comeback, which materialized on September 11, 2023, on Monday Night Raw, under the new creative direction of Paul 'Triple H' Levesque.
Her second stint with WWE has been marked by renewed vigor and significant accomplishments. Jax quickly re-established herself as a dominant force, culminating in her victory in the 2024 Queen of the Ring tournament. This triumph earned her a WWE Women's Championship match at SummerSlam 2024, where she defeated Tiffany Stratton to capture the title for a second time, holding it until January 2025. She also challenged Rhea Ripley for the Women's World Championship at Elimination Chamber: Perth in February 2024, though she was unsuccessful.
As of late 2025, Jax formed a formidable alliance with Lash Legend, dubbing themselves 'The Irresistible Forces.' This partnership proved successful, as they defeated Rhiyo (Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky) on the February 27, 2026, episode of SmackDown to win the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship, marking Jax's third individual reign with the title. Jax has also spoken about a positive shift in the backstage atmosphere and increased creative freedom under Triple H's leadership, contributing to her revitalized career. She has also undergone a notable body transformation, losing 100 pounds, which she attributes to a healthier mindset. The Irresistible Forces are scheduled to defend their WWE Women's Tag Team Championship in a Fatal Fourway match at WrestleMania 42 on April 18, 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Savelina Fanene made different choices?