Released WWE Star Returns To The Company In A New Role: Report
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Shayna Baszler, who was released by WWE just two months ago, was surprisingly back with the company for this week's episode of NXT. The former two-time NXT Women's Champion was not there for an on-screen appearance, but was instead working in a key backstage role.
According to a report from Cory Hays of BodySlam.net, Baszler was listed as a producer for a match during the July 8th edition of WWE NXT. This has led to speculation about her future and a potential new chapter in her career.
A Surprising Return To a New Role
The report states that Baszler, alongside fellow producer Chris Girard (formerly Oney Lorcan), was responsible for producing the match between Kelani Jordan and Laney Reid.
This news comes after Baszler was released from her WWE contract in May of this year, a move that many fans and insiders felt was a bad decision. Her release was considered a surprise, as it was reported she had re-signed with the company in 2024.
Her last on-screen appearance was on the April 11 episode of SmackDown as part of the Pure Fusion Collective faction. It is unclear if this producer role is a one-time trial or the beginning of a permanent backstage career for the "Queen of Spades."
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 23: Crowds cheer at the WWE SummerSlam 2015 at Barclays Center of Brooklyn on August 23, 2015 in New York City.
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 23: Crowds cheer at the WWE SummerSlam 2015 at Barclays Center of Brooklyn on August 23, 2015 in New York City.
A Legit Fighter's Pedigree
A move into a producer or coaching role would make a lot of sense for Baszler given her background. She is one of the pioneers of women's mixed martial arts and a member of the famed "Four Horsewomen of MMA" alongside Ronda Rousey.
Baszler's legitimate fighting background and submission expertise, honed under legends like Billy Robinson and Josh Barnett, made her one of the most credible and dangerous competitors in WWE.
This legitimacy was the foundation of her WWE career, particularly her time in NXT. Baszler was a dominant, two-time NXT Women's Champion who held the title for a combined 549 days. Her reign of terror over the NXT women's division established her as a top-tier final boss character.
More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation
What Is a WWE Producer?
The role of a WWE producer, often called an agent, is a crucial backstage position typically held by experienced former wrestlers. Producers are responsible for helping the active talent structure their matches, plan out the key moments and story beats, and ensure the match flows smoothly and safely. They also work as a liaison between the talent and the production team during a live broadcast.
Baszler's extensive knowledge of mat wrestling and submissions would make her a valuable asset in this role, especially for the developing talent in NXT. While fans may still hope to see her compete in the ring again, her appearance as a producer could signal a new way for her to contribute to the business.
More WWE News:
For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Frank Grillo Reveals What 'Surprised' Him About John Cena While They Worked Together on 'Peacemaker '(Exclusive)
The pair star together in the HBO Max series, which premieres its second season on Aug. 21 NEED TO KNOW Frank Grillo revealed what "surprised" him about working with John Cena in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE The pair star together in Peacemaker, which premieres its second season on HBO Max on Aug. 21 Peacemaker also stars Jennifer Holland, Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Steve Agee and Sol Rodriguez, among others Frank Grillo says he was left "surprised" by John Cena during their time working together on Peacemaker. While attending the premiere for the show's second season, the actor, 60, told PEOPLE that the WWE pro-wrestler turned actor, 48, delivered a performance that caught him off guard — in the best way. '[I've] got to tell you, he surprised me the most because he's an amazing actor,' said Grillo. "What he does on this show, with this season specifically, he's got some heavy weights to lift.' The second season of the HBO Max series will see Cena's Peacemaker 'face his traumatic past and take the future into his own hands' as he 'discovers an alternate world where life is everything he wishes it could be,' according to an official synopsis. Grillo, who plays Rick Flag Sr. — someone who finds himself at odds with Peacemaker — said that the 'material's heavy' for the second season, but despite this, Cena stepped up and delivered. The Resurrection of Charles Manson star added that his admiration for Cena goes beyond his acting talent. As he explained, his costar was also an exceptionally genuine person to be around.'He's maybe the nicest guy I've ever met in my life,' Grillo told PEOPLE. His sentiments also extended to the rest of the show's stars. "It's an amazingly deep cast. Like, everyone is really great and accomplished. So, I've had a ball with everyone. I really have. They're all amazing," Grillo said. Grillo wasn't the only one who praised Cena on the red carpet. Jennifer Holland, who plays Emilia Harcourt on the show, said that it has been 'amazing' getting to work with the Heads of State star. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! 'John's seen as a consummate professional, ... and we're all just doing our best to service the story, so it was just an incredible experience,' she said. 'I couldn't have asked for a better, more professional partner than John in this whole ride from season 1 to season 2, honestly.' Season 2 of Peacemaker also stars Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Steve Agee, Sol Rodriguez, Nhut Le and Michael Rooker. The series is created and directed by James Gunn. Peacemaker's season two premieres on HBO Max on Aug. 21 at 9 p.m. EST / 6 p.m. PST. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Karrion Kross & Scarlett Announce Multiple Post-WWE Appearances
Former WWE Superstars Karrion Kross and Scarlett are going to be very busy in the coming months with multiple appearances lined up. Karrion Kross took to social media Friday afternoon to announce multiple dates in his 'Killer Smokeshow' convention tour with his wife Scarlett, tweeting out: 'UPDATE. G E T R E A D Y. This is just the beginning. Stay tuned & standby. *Hourglass emoji,*' Karrion Kross said in a post. The following dates were confirmed on the graphic in the post: August 22: Mad Monster Expo in Concord, North Carolina September 5-7: Creep I.E. Aftermath in Ontario, California September 12-14: Silver Scream Con in Worcester, Massachusetts October 3-4: Scaradise in Tampa, Florida October 10-12: New York Comic Con November 15: The Big Event EXS in Brentwood, New York While it's interesting to note that none of these dates are currently in-ring appearances. It's been reported that Kross and Scarlett have been in contact with independent promoters about potential bookings, but are asking a high rate. Stay tuned to WrestleZone for more information as it becomes available. READ MORE: Karrion Kross Explains Why He Can't Speak Directly To Triple H Regarding A New WWE Deal What do you make of Karrion Kross and Scarlett hitting the convention scene? Do you think this proves their WWE departure isn't a work? Let us know your thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below. The post Karrion Kross & Scarlett Announce Multiple Post-WWE Appearances appeared first on Wrestlezone. Solve the daily Crossword
Newsweek
6 hours ago
- Newsweek
Dog's Reaction to Finally Being Allowed in Owner's Bed Melts Hearts
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. After constantly being denied access to his owner's bed, one dog finally received the green light for a one-time chance, and his reaction did not disappoint. Pet parents are often split on whether or not to let their pets sleep with them. The Sleep Foundation found that 56 percent of adults sleep with a pet in the bedroom, with respondents saying it provides them comfort, strengthens their emotional health and potentially heightens their immunity. However, those who do not allow pets to sleep in the bedroom cite germ exposure and sleep disruption as reasons against it. TikTok user @nipseyhuskinton is one owner who never lets her dog, Nipsey, sleep in the bed with her, despite the corgsky (a cross between a corgi and a husky) constantly begging to be let up. Recently, Nipsey's luck changed. After giving him a bath, Nipsey's owner caved while listening to his cries. She allowed him to get up on the bed. Thrilled, Nipsey instantly cozied up. But his excitement didn't last long because he was "knocked out" as soon as his head hit the pillow. Screenshots from an August 13 TikTok video of a dog immediately falling asleep after being let on his owner's bed for the first time. Screenshots from an August 13 TikTok video of a dog immediately falling asleep after being let on his owner's bed for the first time. @nipseyhuskinton/TikTok Nipsey slept with his mouth open, as if he hadn't felt such comfort before—though his owner reassured people on TikTok that he has his own doggy bed. In a follow-up video, she said he's allowed on the couch and loves getting cozy with blankets and pillows, so don't let his cries fool you. Despite the owner never allowing Nipsey to sleep in the bed with her, she learned it worked better than expected. "He's so cuddly," she told Newsweek. "We both slept great that day." And now, since she caved, she realized there is no going back. She said she opened Pandora's box. Viewer Reactions Within two days of posting, the TikTok clip reached 949,000 views, 233,800 likes and 2,954 comments from viewers demanding that the poster let Nipsey up on the bed more often. "Washing my sheets constantly is worth it," assured one positive pet owner. "You are his entire life! Let him sleep on the bed," another commenter urged. "My dog sometimes allows me on my bed," one TikTok user joked. And even Snooki from Jersey Shore commented, "Bring him in the damn bed," to which Nipsey's owner replied, "Omggg" with a crying emoji. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
