Released Superstar Takes Major Shot At WWE
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.
The landscape for a recently released WWE superstar is evolving, with two recent examples in Shotzi and R-Truth highlighting vastly different, but equally compelling, career paths. One finds greater financial success on the independent circuit, while the other's journey resulted in an unprecedented fan-driven return to the company.
Following her WWE release, Shotzi has immediately impacted the independent scene. She has taken high-profile bookings, including a notable appearance in a Three-Way Deathmatch at GCW: Tournament of Survival X.
After a fan commented on her working risky matches for "some change" compared to her WWE salary, Shotzi fired back with a revealing statement. Her response shed light on the financial realities for popular talent outside of WWE.
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"Made more money in 2 days than what WWE paid me for a week," Shotzi stated. This comment challenges the long-held perception of WWE as the only lucrative option in wrestling and underscores the thriving independent market.
In stark contrast, R-Truth's recent departure from WWE took a completely different turn. After he announced the company was not renewing his contract, a massive and organic fan movement began almost immediately.
DORTMUND, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 01: Natalya competes in the ring against Shotzi during the WWE Live Show at Westfalenhalle on November 1, 2022 in Dortmund, Germany.
DORTMUND, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 01: Natalya competes in the ring against Shotzi during the WWE Live Show at Westfalenhalle on November 1, 2022 in Dortmund, Germany.
The hashtag #WeWantTruth trended for days, and powerful "we want Truth" chants echoed through arenas during episodes of Raw and SmackDown. The movement became so prominent that it was even acknowledged on-air by John Cena.
The company reversed its decision, and R-Truth made a shocking return at the Money in the Bank event. He came back in a black hoodie to attack John Cena, costing him and Logan Paul their main event match against Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso.
This comeback, born from fan demand, marks a significant victory for a WWE audience that felt their voices were heard.
Shotzi first signed with WWE in late 2019, debuting on the NXT brand. With her unique punk-rock persona and signature tank entrance, she quickly became a fan favorite, winning the NXT Breakout Star of the Year award for 2020. The biggest highlight of her time in NXT came in March 2021 when she and her partner, Ember Moon, captured the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship.
She was called up to the main roster in July 2021, debuting on SmackDown alongside Tegan Nox. After that, the team was split in the WWE Draft, and she had a run as a singles competitor.
Also, she formed a tag team with Raquel Rodriguez, which led to a notable feud with Damage CTRL and a SmackDown Women's Championship match against Ronda Rousey at Survivor Series in 2022. After a brief return to NXT in late 2024 and early 2025
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