Karen Best, known to WWE fans as Summer Sorrell on the LFG reality series, is finally opening up about the real reason her WWE journey came to an end—and it had nothing to do with performance.
During an interview with WrestleZone, Summer revealed that a severe back injury ultimately forced WWE’s hand, despite her rising stock in the ring and on the mic.
After years in elite-level gymnastics and track and field, Summer entered WWE’s Performance Center with zero wrestling background but all the drive in the world. Things started strong, but midway through her training, a lingering back issue caught up with her.
“I have been so not injury-prone my entire athletic career,” she said, reflecting on how this injury blindsided her. “I never had a major injury in gymnastics—crazy. Track and field, the only thing I ever struggled with was my back, and I knew that was going to be a challenge coming into wrestling… My first six months at the PC, I never had a problem with it. But then after that, it was just in and out of the ring, in and out.”
Summer revealed that she suffered from two bulging discs, and WWE tried everything to help her get through it—multiple injections, rehab, and reduced workload. But the relentless training schedule didn’t allow her the healing time she truly needed.
“I’ve gotten like three or four separate injections just in the last six months. We were kind of throwing the book at it, and it was just not improving.”
Despite giving it her all, the stop-start nature of her training began to take a toll—not just physically, but professionally.
“When you have an injury like that, and it’s not improving, you’re just kind of in the ring, you’re out of the ring a week later… it’s just… it’s not a good look. That’s the reality of it.”
Still, her release from WWE wasn’t a performance issue. Summer says the coaches and higher-ups had nothing but good things to say. She understands WWE’s decision but doesn’t see it as the end—just a pause.
“I know my reasons for being released were not because my promos sucked. I got great feedback from promos. My in-ring continued to get better every time I was in the ring. I got amazing feedback from coaches and people higher up in the business.”
“I understand why I was released. This is a business—and I agree with that… I do wish I was able to stay longer, of course, because I have so much left to offer. And I have no doubt in my mind that I have every other aspect of this I’m going to be able to perfect and be amazing at.”
Now in recovery, Summer is taking her time before returning to the ring—but make no mistake, she’s not done yet.
“The door is wide open for me to come back someday… or to be with another company.”
For someone who never grew up watching wrestling but quickly fell in love with the business, Summer Sorrell’s first run may have been cut short—but her story is far from over.
How do you feel about WWE letting go of rising stars due to injury? Should talent be given more time to heal, or is it just part of the game? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
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November 26, 2025 7:10 pm
