Latest news with #Baszler
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Released WWE Star Makes Surprising Reveal About Departure
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. Recently released WWE superstar Shayna Baszler has revealed a shocking detail about her departure from the company. In a new interview, the former two-time NXT Women's Champion confirmed that she had three years remaining on her WWE contract at the time of her release in May. The revelation highlights the often-brutal business nature of professional wrestling. Baszler made the comments during a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. Three Years Left On WWE Deal While speaking with Helwani, Baszler was asked if she was surprised by her release. She admitted that she was not, due to the fact that she had been off of television for several months. However, she then dropped the bombshell that she had just re-signed with the company in 2024. "She also revealed that she had 3 years remaining on her WWE deal at the time of her release after re-signing last year." A Dominant WWE Force Shayna Baszler's WWE career began with one of the most dominant runs in the history of the NXT brand. A pioneer of women's mixed martial arts and a member of the famed "Four Horsewomen of MMA," she brought a level of legitimate toughness and credibility that was unmatched in the division. 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. As the "Queen of Spades," she was a two-time NXT Women's Champion, holding the title for a combined 549 days. Her reign of terror over the NXT women's division established her as a truly feared and respected final boss. An Inconsistent WWE Main Roster Journey Despite her success in NXT, Baszler's main roster career was a story of inconsistent booking. While she had moments of dominance, including an incredible performance at an Elimination Chamber match in 2020, and multiple reigns as a WWE Women's Tag Team Champion, she was never booked with the same unstoppable aura she had in NXT. More news: WWE Superstar Announces Retirement Match Her final storyline saw her as a member of the "Pure Fusion Collective" faction alongside Zoey Stark and Sonya Deville. After Deville's contract expired in February 2025, the group was left in creative limbo, and Baszler was taken off television until her release in May. Despite her recent departure, Baszler was brought back to NXT in July for a trial run as a backstage producer. She is now an official free agent, and one of the most sought-after names on the open market. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Former NXT Women's Champion returns to WWE in a new role
Image via WWE Former NXT Women's Champion Shayna Baszler rejoins WWE in a different role. The wrestler was released by the promotion just a few months back. In May 2025, WWE released several wrestlers from the main roster and NXT. Along with Shayna, the other released wrestlers included Braun Strowman, Dakota Kai, Cora Jade, Gigi Dolin, and more. According to sources, Baszler will be returning to the promotion in a completely different role. The former star is rumored to take up the role of a producer. What is Shayna Baszler's new role in WWE? According to Cory Hayes of , Shayna Baszler attended the last episode of NXT. However, the wrestler did not just attend the event as a spectator. Baszler was present at the event in a backstage role. She was listed as a producer for the singles match between Kelani Jordan and Lainey Reid. Shayna was shadowing producer Chris Girard throughout the show. Baszler's release from the promotion came as a shock to many. She had just renewed her contract with WWE in 2024. Her non-compete clause is expected to end in early August. Baszler has returned while still being under the non-compete contract. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo This is a noteworthy situation. Her last appearance was during the SmackDown episode of April 11. Baszler appeared as a member of the Pure Fusion Collective faction. She appeared alongside Zoey Stark and Sonya Deville. After the release, Baszler has been streaming on Twitch. She also teaches Jiu-Jitsu at Rudos Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Florida. Shayna Baszler invited to join AEW AEW star Thunder Rosa wanted Shayna Baszler to join the promotion. Speaking at Busted Open radio, Rosa appreciated the latter for her career arc. Rosa also believed that AEW needed more female presence within the promotion. She stated, ''Shayna Baszler. I love Shayna. I've always loved her. And I think she's solid on everything she does. She's really good at cutting promos, she has a lot of experience on TV. I think that she'll be great. ' The wrestler further continued, 'I think we need more women in those men's stables. I think it adds more to things… I think Shayna would add a lot to that mix,' Rosa's generous offer, however, might not stand a chance. Baszler's new role in WWE will sideline the offer from AEW. Also Read: WWE Teases Massive Return of Former Divas Champion and Cornerstone of the Women's Revolution Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Newsweek
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Released WWE Star Returns To The Company In A New Role: Report
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. 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 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
Newsweek
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
AEW Star is Already Teasing Major Reunion With Released WWE Superstar
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. Days after Shayna Baszler was released from WWE on May 2, 2025, speculation about her next move is already picking up significant traction, fueled by a social media post from current AEW wrestler and former tag team partner Marina Shafir. Shafir took to her Instagram Stories, sharing a throwback image of herself with Baszler. Accompanied by the provocative caption "Let the galaxy burn," the post immediately ignited fan discussion about the possibility of Baszler joining Shafir in All Elite Wrestling and potentially reuniting their alliance. ▪️Marina Shafir, catcheuse de la All Élite Wrestling sur Instagram avec une photo de Shayna Baszler, récemment virer de la WWE. #AEW #AEWFrance — AEW Fan France 🇨🇵 (@AEWFrance1) May 4, 2025 The two women share considerable history within the wrestling world. Baszler and Shafir, Jessamyn Duke, and Ronda Rousey were famously known as the 'Four Horsewomen of MMA' before transitioning to WWE. They were featured as allies during their time in NXT. While a major cross-faction match against WWE's own Four Horsewomen (Bayley, Sasha Banks/Mercedes Moné, Becky Lynch, and Charlotte Flair) was often fantasy booked and teased, it never materialized on television. Baszler's availability comes after an impactful run with WWE that began in 2017. The former MMA competitor, the "Submission Magician," dominated the NXT women's division, becoming a record-setting two-time NXT Women's Champion. All Elite Wrestling ALL IN at Wembley Stadium in London on August 27, 2023. All Elite Wrestling ALL IN at Wembley Stadium in London on August 27, 2023. Courtesy of AEW More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation After moving to the main roster in 2020, she achieved further success as a three-time WWE Women's Tag Team Champion, holding the titles twice with Nia Jax and once with Ronda Rousey, before her release last week as part of company-wide cuts. With Shafir currently active on AEW television as a member of the Death Riders faction (alongside Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta), the prospect of Baszler joining her could significantly shake up the AEW women's division. She and Marina could be a notable tag team together. AEW adds new titles all of the time, and the idea of Women's Tag Team Titles is not warranted because there are not enough women on the roster, but that hasn't stopped AEW or WWE from adding new gold to their list of titles that they carry in the past. While Baszler's official destination remains unconfirmed, Shafir's pointed social media post strongly suggests that an AEW run could be a very real possibility for the highly credible and intimidating free agent. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
New York Post
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler among WWE cuts in pre-SmackDown stunner
On Friday, WWE underwent its semi-regular spring cleaning, releasing some big names from the roster. The company initiated a series of roster cuts that affected several main roster and NXT talents, marking the most eye-popping wave of releases so far this year — though it's not an uncommon occurrence shortly after WrestleMania, which concluded two weeks ago. Among the most notable names let go from the main roster were mainstays Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler and Dakota Kai. Additionally, Kayden Carter, Katana Chance, Cora Jade and all of Gallus, which includes Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey and Wolfgang. 3 Braun Strowman has been released as part of the WWE's 'spring cleaning' cuts. WWE via Getty Images Strowman is far and away the biggest name being let go from the company. His second run now comes to an end after he re-joined the WWE three years ago. Strowman is a former Universal Champion and Intercontinental Champion who was once on a meteoric rise to seemingly becoming one of WWE's biggest stars. Baszler, a former NXT Women's Champion and two-time Women's Tag Team Champion, had been active on both Raw and SmackDown in recent years. 3 Shayna Baszler is a former MMA fighter and two-time NXT Women's Champion. WWE via Getty Images While Baszler never rose to true stardom on the main roster as she did previously, she is most known for her run on NXT as one of the company's biggest stars in the women's division, and, to this day, the former mixed martial artist held the NXT Women's Title for the most days in company history. 'No one can offer what I have to offer. Reality. Let the Galaxy burn,' Baszler posted on X in response to her release. 3 Cora Jade, 24, was among the youngest wrestlers cut on Friday. WWE via Getty Images Kai was a member of Damage CTRL and was a tag team champion both on the main roster and in NXT. Other names later surfaced, including Gigi Dolin, Oro Mensah and Riley Osborne of NXT. Jade posted her email following news of her release, suggesting she'll be open for bookings. Most released talent are subjected to a 90-day non-compete clause for main roster performers, and 30 days for NXT talent, as standard in WWE contracts.
