Latest news with #Shotzi
Newsweek
6 days ago
- 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.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Departed WWE Superstar Expected to Join Rival Promotion: Report
A former WWE roster member is expected to join a rival promotion for an upcoming show. Recently, a wave of WWE roster and office cuts took place less than one month after "WrestleMania 41." Several stars on the "WWE NXT" roster were cut, as well as a few notable names on "Monday Night Raw" and "Friday Night SmackDown." Advertisement Shotzi was a member of the "WWE SmackDown" roster, but she had been performing on the "NXT" brand more recently. Her name wasn't a part of the talent releases, but WWE has decided against offering her a contract extension. It hasn't taken her long to find work. Shotzi brawls with Jayce Jayne during an episode of "WWE NXT."(via WWE) Fightful reports that Shotzi is locked in for an MLW show on June 26. It appears that won't be the only time Shotzi will work for MLW. It was noted in the report that the promotion expects the former WWE superstar to work several more dates with them in the future. Shotzi also figures to play a major role on MLW TV. The report mentioned that a key feud MLW is looking to run involves Shotzi and Shoko Nakajima. Back in April, Nakajima captured the MLW World Featherweight Championship. Time will tell if Nakajima will still have the gold by the time she begins her rivalry with Shotzi. Advertisement Many fans were initially confused over the fact that Shotzi is free to take bookings, while other released WWE stars must wait for their non-compete clause to expire. Shotzi can return to action sooner because she wasn't fired; rather, her contract isn't being renewed. That means Shotzi isn't under a non-compete clause. Related: 3 Things to Expect From 'WWE Raw' Tonight Following 'Backlash 2025'
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.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
MLW Teases Shotzi Blackheart's Debut
Consider this a warning shot — Shotzi Blackheart is coming to MLW. MLW aired a teaser promo during its 2025 Azteca Lucha event. The video clearly references Shotzi's arrival in the promotion, with multiple references to her persona. Advertisement 'The warning SHOTZ will be fired,' reads the screen, which features green text and a tank in the background. 'June 26 Hearts turn black' the video showed, before confirming June 26 as the date for MLW Summer of the Beasts in New York City. Shotzi recently confirmed her WWE tenure was coming to an end. She is still under contract for a bit of time, but WWE will not renew her contract and she will be a free agent. Shotzi also shared that 'come July I will be full time balls to the walls!' and shared her booking info. Shotzi had been with WWE since November 2019. She debuted as 'Shotzi Blackheart,' the same name she used on the indies. Her name was later shortened to the mononym 'Shotzi' when she debuted on the SmackDown roster in 2021. Now that she is free of WWE, she will be returning to using the 'Blackheart' surname. Advertisement Shotzi is a former NXT Women's Tag Team Champion. She also won NXT's Breakout Star of the Year Award in 2020. The 'Ballsy Badass' apparently saw the 'writing on the wall' regarding her WWE status and prepared a hype video declaring she was 'back.' News of her WWE departure broke a short time later. Read More: Reported Details Behind Dakota Kai's WWE Release The post MLW Teases Shotzi Blackheart's Debut appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Newsweek
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Released WWE Superstar Set 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. Former WWE Superstar Shotzi is returning to the squared circle, with Major League Wrestling (MLW) strongly hinting at her arrival for their upcoming "Summer of the Beasts" event. This comes shortly after news of Shotzi's confirmed departure from WWE became public earlier this month. The tease occurred during a recent MLW Azteca Lucha broadcast, where a compelling vignette aired to promote the "Summer of the Beasts" event. The show is scheduled for June 26, 2025, and will emanate from the Melrose Ballroom in New York City. The promotional video clearly indicated Shotzi's impending MLW debut. Alongside striking visuals that included a tank graphic synonymous with her persona, on-screen text declared: "June 26. Hearts Turn Black. The Warning SHOTZ Will Be Fired." This announcement aligns perfectly with Shotzi's recent statements to her fanbase. Following the news of her WWE contract not being renewed, she had assured her supporters that they would indeed "be seeing her soon." Shotzi's WWE tenure is set to conclude, with reports in early May 2025 confirming that the company would not renew her contract. Her full free agency is anticipated to commence in July 2025. Her scheduled MLW appearance on June 26 thus marks one of her first prominent announced bookings in the post-WWE landscape. This move signals Major League Wrestling's keen interest in quickly featuring the popular and energetic performer. Shotzi cultivated a strong connection with fans during her WWE run. Her unique presentation and fearless in-ring style made her a memorable standout. 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, Germany. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation During her time with WWE, primarily in the NXT brand, Shotzi achieved notable success. She memorably held the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship alongside Ember Moon, showcasing her tag team prowess. She later transitioned to the main roster, appearing on SmackDown, where she was involved in several storylines, including a notable feud with Damage CTRL. Her unique character always promised an element of unpredictability. Wrestling enthusiasts will undoubtedly be eager to see Shotzi "ride again" and unleash her distinctive style within the MLW environment. The prospect of new matchups and creative directions is sure to generate excitement. This MLW debut offers Shotzi a significant platform to embark on a new chapter and make an immediate statement. For MLW, her arrival brings added star power and considerable buzz to their women's division and the "Summer of the Beasts" supercard. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
