Latest news with #NXTWomen'sTagTeamChampionship


Newsweek
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Released WWE Superstar Wants To Join AEW
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. Elayna Black, known to WWE fans as Cora Jade until her release on May 2, 2025, has stated her openness to joining All Elite Wrestling. The former NXT Women's Tag Team Champion shared her thoughts on her future and AEW's creative environment during a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. Black expressed a clear interest in potentially working with AEW. "I would definitely be open to going to AEW. I loved my time there. I have a lot of friends there," she said. The former WWE star made a brief appearance on AEW Dark in 2020 as Elayna Black before signing with WWE. Her positive sentiment towards the promotion is also fueled by its creative approach. "I watch all the shows. I love the fact that they have as much creative freedom as they do," Black noted. She further explained her appreciation for AEW's style. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation She stated, "I'm so much for storylines and character, so I feel they are very creatively free in that way." Black signed with WWE in early 2021 and quickly made a name for herself in NXT as Cora Jade. She developed a rebellious "Generation of Jade" persona. She captured the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship alongside Roxanne Perez, with whom she also had a memorable, intense feud after turning heel. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE... LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE wrestler Braun Strowman will face heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury and WWE champion Brock Lesnar will take on former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez at the WWE's Crown Jewel event at Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 31. More Throughout her NXT tenure, she was involved in several prominent storylines and was considered a key part of the brand's women's division. Following her WWE departure, she has reverted to her Black ring name and has been actively preparing for the next chapter of her career. She's done so by launching an OnlyFans account and taking independent bookings as her 30-day non-compete period ended around June 1, 2025. Her comments about AEW signal a significant potential landing spot for the young star. AEW may be the right landing spot for her, considering that she is still so young and could use the rival promotion as a launching pad for her career on a short-term basis. A one or two-year deal would be something she could use greatly to her benefit and perhaps make her way to WWE one day if she impresses enough. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.


Newsweek
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Departing WWE Star Fires Back At Hurtful Fan Label
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. Following a series of WWE talent releases in 2025 that included main roster names like Braun Strowman and NXT departures such as Cora Jade, it emerged that Shotzi's contract with the company would also not be renewed. Despite this news, and a planned feud with Chelsea Green reportedly being scrapped, Shotzi is apparently already being "overwhelmed by interest" from other promotions ahead of her WWE deal concluding in July. Amid these developments, Shotzi took to social media to forcefully address online fans who have labeled her "injury prone," particularly after an ACL injury sidelined her for much of 2024. She directly refuted these claims, stating, "You idiots don't know what injury prone means one major injury in 12 years is 'injury prone.'" 'Injury prone' is a term that you wanna be smart marks overuse to sound smart. 100% of the wrestlers you are calling injury prone are not, they are just human. — Shotzi (@ShotziWWE) May 25, 2025 She further criticized the misuse of the term: "'Injury prone' is a term that you wanna be smart marks overuse to sound smart. 100% of the wrestlers you are calling injury prone are not, they are just human." Shotzi's journey with WWE began with the 2015 season of Tough Enough, though a failed medical led to her early withdrawal from the competition. She officially signed with the company in late 2019, making her mark on the NXT brand as Shotzi Blackheart. Her distinctive punk-rock inspired persona, complete with a signature miniature tank entrance, quickly resonated with fans, leading to her being named the NXT Breakout Star of the Year in 2020. A significant highlight during her time in NXT was capturing the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship alongside Ember Moon in March 2021. Randy Orton has some fun in the crowd during Backlash France at LDLC Arena on May 4, 2024 in Lyon, France. Randy Orton has some fun in the crowd during Backlash France at LDLC Arena on May 4, 2024 in Lyon, France. WWE/Getty Images More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Promoted to the SmackDown brand in July 2021, Shotzi initially formed a tag team with Tegan Nox and later partnered with Raquel Rodriguez. One of her most prominent main roster moments came when she challenged Ronda Rousey for the SmackDown Women's Championship at Survivor Series WarGames in November 2022. In 2023, Shotzi was involved in a deeply personal storyline with Damage CTRL, during which she bravely shaved her head on television, an act that also served as a poignant real-life tribute to her sister who was battling cancer at the time. She made a return to NXT in late 2023 and early 2024, briefly aligning with Gigi Dolin and Tatum Paxley, before the recent news of her upcoming contract expiration surfaced. Given her established name on the independent scene prior to WWE, Shotzi is expected to have numerous opportunities available to her. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.


Newsweek
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Superstar Zoey Stark Breaks Silence On Heartbreaking Injury
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. WWE Raw superstar Zoey Stark experienced a significant setback during the May 19, 2025, episode of the show, suffering an unfortunate knee injury. The incident occurred in a moment when Stark's knee buckled severely upon landing a missile dropkick in a high-stakes qualifying match. Medical attention was immediate, with the ringside official quickly checking on her condition. Stark was then carefully carried backstage by WWE personnel, and the broadcast swiftly cut to a commercial break, underscoring the potential seriousness of the situation. Upon Raw's return, it became evident that Stark had been removed from the Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifier, which also featured Rhea Ripley and the returning Kairi Sane. In the aftermath, Stark took to social media to connect with her fanbase, providing an update and expressing her feelings about the incident. She conveyed deep gratitude for the outpouring of messages she had received during this challenging time. Stark wrote, "Wow the love and support means more to me than you'll ever know! What hurts more than my knee is knowing I wont be able to perform for all of you for a while. I LOVE what I do and I'm blessed to do this. As the saying goes, the comeback is greater than the setback. Love you guys." Adding to the concerns, a report from Fightful Select on May 22, 2025, indicated that the initial fear backstage was a tear that would require surgery. However, an official diagnosis has not yet been publicly confirmed. The report further stated that individuals backstage within WWE say they're preparing not to have Stark for the remainder of the year." HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: Zoey Stark (L) and Shayna Baszler (R) are introduced during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas. HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: Zoey Stark (L) and Shayna Baszler (R) are introduced during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Stark signed with WWE in early 2021, debuting in the women's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic on the NXT brand alongside Marina Shafir. One of her early notable achievements in NXT was capturing the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship with Io Shirai (now Iyo Sky) in July 2021 at The Great American Bash. They held the titles for several months, defending them against various challengers before Stark was sidelined with a legitimate knee injury in late 2021, which also required surgery and a lengthy recovery. Stark was then called up to the main roster as part of the 2023 WWE Draft, being assigned to Monday Night Raw. She made an impactful main roster debut and soon formed a high-profile alliance with WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus. This partnership saw Stark act as an enforcer for Stratus during her feud with Becky Lynch, playing a crucial role in several encounters, including at the Night of Champions and Payback premium live events in 2023. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.


Newsweek
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Released WWE Superstar Books Surprising Opponent For In-Ring Return
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. Priscilla Kelly, known to WWE fans as Gigi Dolin, is set for a highly unusual and personal first match since her departure from WWE earlier this month. Wrestling Revolver has announced a first-time-ever encounter where Kelly will go one-on-one with her real-life fiancé, TNA star Zachary Wentz. This unique intergender match is scheduled to take place at Wrestling Revolver's "Cage of Horrors" event on June 14, 2025, in Clive, Iowa. For Kelly, it marks a return to her original ring name as she embarks on her post-WWE career. Wentz is a prominent member of The Rascalz in TNA Wrestling, alongside Trey Miguel. He has also recently made appearances on WWE NXT programming as part of the ongoing working relationship between TNA and WWE. Priscilla Kelly's release from WWE occurred in early May 2025, bringing an end to her run as the popular Gigi Dolin character. She first joined WWE in early 2021, making an immediate impact. She quickly became a cornerstone of the NXT women's division as a founding member of the dominant faction, Toxic Attraction. Alongside Mandy Rose and Jacy Jayne, the group held a firm grip on NXT. COLOGNE, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 07: A WWE Logo at the WWE Live Tryout at the Motorworld on November 7, 2018 in Cologne, Germany. COLOGNE, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 07: A WWE Logo at the WWE Live Tryout at the Motorworld on November 7, 2018 in Cologne, her time with Toxic Attraction, Kelly, as Gigi Dolin, achieved significant championship success. She captured the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship on two separate occasions with Jacy Jayne as her partner. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Following the eventual implosion of Toxic Attraction, Jacy Jayne infamously betrayed Dolin. This ignited a profoundly personal and heated rivalry between the former best friends. Their intense feud culminated in a brutal Weaponized Steel Cage Match. Dolin emerged victorious from that violent encounter, settling the score with Jayne. Over the subsequent period in NXT, Dolin competed in various singles matches and different tag team pairings. She continued to be a featured talent on the developmental brand. Toward the end of her WWE tenure, she found new allies. Dolin joined forces with Tatum Paxley and Shotzi to form the short-lived but memorable group known as Chemical X. Now, wrestling under her original name, Priscilla Kelly is preparing to step back onto the independent scene. Her first announced match against the man she loves, Zachary Wentz, promises a truly unique and emotional spectacle. This booking by Wrestling Revolver is a significant one. It not only presents Kelly's first match since her WWE release but does so in an extraordinarily personal and unprecedented fashion. Fans will undoubtedly be intrigued to witness this clash between fiancés. The "Cage of Horrors" event is set to provide a memorable start to Priscilla Kelly's new chapter in professional wrestling. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shotzi Confirms When Her WWE Contract Expires
Shotzi is going to be a free agent soon. The 'Ballsy Badass' made waves last week when she posted an emotional social media promo. During the video, she explained why she gave herself the 'Ballsy' nickname and said that she's evolved into a new form and nothing can shake her. Advertisement Following that, many fans speculated that Shotzi had been released by WWE. Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp (via Fightful Select) later confirmed that Shotzi was still under contract. However, her deal is set to expire soon. In a subsequent update, it was noted she 'saw the writing on the wall' and prepared the promo in advance. Despite her WWE tenure coming to an end, Shotzi is said to be optimistic and excited about her future. When does Shotzi's WWE contract expire? Now, Shotzi shared more information about her contract status herself. She wrote on Twitter/X (in a since-deleted post) she still has 'a good amount of time on my contract.' She also went on to note that 'come July I will be full time balls to the walls!' Blackheart also shared her booking info and said she's 'ready to dominate.' 'The Ballsy Badass' has been with WWE since November 2019. She debuted as 'Shotzi Blackheart,' the same name she used on the independent scene. Her name was later shortened to the mononym 'Shotzi' when she debuted on the SmackDown roster in 2021. Advertisement She spent time on the NXT and SmackDown brands during her tenure. This includes winning the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship once with Ember Moon. She won NXT's Breakout Star of the Year Award in 2020. Her last match on the WWE roster was a loss to Zoey Stark on WWE Speed in February 2025. WWE has not publicly commented on Shotzi's status with the company. The post Shotzi Confirms When Her WWE Contract Expires appeared first on Wrestlezone.