8 Things WWE Fans Need To Know About Nia Jax

3. Her Career Almost Ended Before It Began

My mom & cousin @linafanene were struck head on by a drunk driver this week - they lived. First reaction is to find the person who did this and do unrelenting harm to them. But then you realize the most important thing is my family lived thru this and we can hug each other that much tighter these days. Hug your own family tighter today and be grateful you can tell them you love them. #BearHugsAndGratitude #100PercentPreventable #ChoicesMatter

A photo posted by therock (@therock) on Aug 10, 2014 at 9:03am PDT

It’s easy to be cynical and say that her family ties were the main reason Nia Jax made it to WWE in the first place, but the Raw newcomer has overcome some gigantic obstacles to get to where she is. Aside from the hard work, grit, and dedication it takes to make it to main roster television in the first place, Jax’s WWE dream almost came to a tragic end just months into her training.

In August 2014, Nia and her aunt Ata were driving home from the Usos Foundation Banquet: a fundraiser that she and her family organise every year. Driving down the freeway, they were hit head-on by a drunk driver who was being chased for refusing to stop for a routine police check. Their Escalade was totalled, and they were both rushed to the hospital.

Fortunately, both women made full recoveries from their injuries, and Nia resumed her budding wrestling career without significant interruption. The other driver was charged with driving under the influence and was tried as such, but all three participants knew that they were lucky to escape with the lives in-tact.

Andy H Murray

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.

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