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Injured WWE Star Finally Makes In-Ring Return After 15-Month Absence

By Sridhar Krishnan • Published Jul 25, 2026 13:06 EDT
WWE logo over D'Angelo Family
WWE logo over D'Angelo Family - Source: WWE.com

A previously injured WWE star made their in-ring return recently.

Adriana Rizzo joined the wrestling promotion in 2022, making her in-ring debut at an NXT Live event in a battle royal on October 28.

Rizzo was sidelined for almost a year due to an achilles tendon rupture before making her return on October 27, 2023, again, in a battle royal.

The following month, she was added to The D’Angelo Family, led by Tony D’Angelo, which also included Channing ‘Stacks’ Lorenzo as a member.

Rizzo’s WWE NXT television debut was in an NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal match, which Roxanne Perez eventually won.

The D’Angelo Family later feuded with OTM, winning a six-person match at the 2024 Vengeance Day event.

On August 10, 2025, Rizzo tore her anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus, which would keep her out of action for several months.

In June 2026, the 27-year-old announced on her social media platforms that she had been cleared for in-ring appearances.

Guess who’s back… back AGAIN! Three years ago, I tore my left Achilles. A few months after I partially tore my left ACL. Then, in 2025, I tore that same ACL completely, tore my meniscus, and sprained my MCL—all in my left leg. Setback after setback left me feeling like I would never be the same. Today, I can finally say I feel like my old self.

Adriana Rizzo Competes On WWE NXT Live Show

At the time of her injury in August, Adriana Rizzo had been involved in an integral feud between members of The D’Angelo Family.

Betrayals and miscommunications between Tony D’Angelo, Channing Lorenzo, and Luca Crusifino had led to wide cracks developing between them.

So, Rizzo called a meeting among all members of the Family, announcing a 3-way match between D’Angelo, Crusifino, and Lorenzo on the July 15, 2025, edition of WWE NXT.

In an intense battle between the three superstars, D’Angelo emerged victorious after he pinned Stacks. The stable was subsequently disbanded.

Presently, D’Angelo is the NXT World Champion, whereas Stacks is a member of BirthRight and a former TNA International Champion. Crusifino, meanwhile, announced his retirement from wrestling after being released by WWE.

As for Adriana Rizzo, she has made full recovery and recently competed on an NXT Live Show on July 24, where she lost to Myka Lockwood.

It remains to be seen what storyline the developmental brand allows her character to pursue when she returns to NXT TV.