Why Indi Hartwell Hasn't Been Seen On WWE, Explained
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For years, Indi Hartwell has been a staple part of NXT. Since being signed to a WWE contract in 2019, Hartwell has seen numerous different eras and changes in NXT. She was a part of The Way stable with Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae, and Austin Theory. In addition, she was also a part of a love story with Dexter Lumis, which saw the two ultimately have a wedding ceremony in NXT. At NXT Stand & Deliver 2023, Hartwell won the NXT Women’s Championship in a ladder match. Shortly afterward, she was drafted to the RAW brand. However, an injury during a title match has prevented her from competing on the main roster.
RELATED: Indi Hartwell Says Candice LeRae Makes The Wrestling World A Better Place
Indi Hartwell's Short Reign As NXT Women's Champion
On the April 25, 2023, edition of NXT, Hartwell was involved in a triple threat match for her NXT Women’s Championship. She was defending the title against Roxanne Perez and Tiffany Stratton. Unfortunately, it was during this match which saw her get injured. In her address to fans when she had to relinquish the championship, she said, “Last week, I was in the medical room with a high ankle sprain, about to be taken out of the match. And I thought, hell no! I got my ass back out here against two of the very best in our division.” Hartwell went on to successfully retain her NXT Women’s Title in that match.
After she relinquished the championship and placed it in the center of the ring, Hartwell was carried out of the ring by Dexter Lumis. They recreated the famous image of him carrying her out of the ring with Hartwell giving the thumbs up. As of writing, Hartwell is currently out of action due to her ankle injury. There is no reported time as to when she will be back in a WWE ring. Hartwell also revealed the extent of her injuries through some photos she shared on her Instagram.
Indi Hartwell Had Just Been Drafted To Raw
The timing of Hartwell’s injury is truly unfortunate. In addition to having just won the NXT Women’s Title, Hartwell was also drafted to Monday Night RAW only weeks after becoming champion. She was chosen as a part of the Fourth Round of the 2023 WWE Draft. When Hartwell does eventually return to WWE, she will join a roster that consists of names such as Becky Lynch, Rhea Ripley, Chelsea Green, Candice LeRae, Ronday Rousey, and many more.
RELATED: Indi Hartwell Says Candice LeRae Makes The Wrestling World A Better Place
It is unfortunate that Hartwell, just as she was gaining an incredible amount of success in WWE, was injured at the time she was. She has consistently been one of the very best during her time in NXT. Her first major storyline in WWE came when she formally aligned herself with Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae as a member of The Way. She achieved a lot of success with this. Hartwell quickly became a fan favorite thanks to great in-ring skills and personality. She also became an NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion with LeRae. She and Dexter Lumis also were a part of a beloved storyline which saw their relationship grow, and culminated with an NXT wedding. She reached the top of the NXT mountain when she won the NXT Women’s Title.
RELATED: Indi Hartwell And Dexter Lumis: Why It's WWE's Best Modern Love Story
There is no doubt that once Hartwell is healthy and back in the ring, she will continue to grow and become a big name in WWE. She has done all that there is to do in NXT and it was time for her to come up to the main roster. Once she is back, there will be no shortage of opponents for her to face and make her way up the ladder of RAW's Women’s division in WWE.
