Latest news with #SmackDownWomen'sChampionship
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
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Superstar Set To Depart From The Company
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 NXT Women's Tag Team Champion Shotzi has confirmed that her tenure with WWE will conclude in July 2025 when her current contract expires. The company has reportedly informed her that her contract will not be renewed. This news surfaced shortly after WWE conducted a series of talent releases on May 2nd, which included names like Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler, and Dakota Kai, though Shotzi's situation pertains to a non-renewal rather than an immediate release. Despite the impending departure, Shotzi is said to be optimistic about her future. In a now-deleted social media post addressing her status. She stated in a no-deleted tweet: "Just to clarify, I still have a good amount of time on my contract. But come July I will be full time balls to the walls!" Her profile has since been moved to the alumni section of WWE's website. I am about to dominate! Lets get busy! Shotzibooking@ — Shotzi (@ShotziWWE) May 4, 2025 I am more than grateful for the wild ride! Can't wait to see where this crazy journey takes me next! I hope to make all my believers proud. 💚 — Shotzi (@ShotziWWE) May 3, 2025 More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Shotzi first connected with WWE through the 2015 season of Tough Enough, though a failed medical forced her withdrawal. She officially signed with the company in late 2019, debuting on the NXT brand as Shotzi Blackheart. Her unique, punk-rock inspired persona, complete with a signature tank entrance, quickly made her a fan favorite, earning her the NXT Breakout Star of the Year award in 2020. WWE Monday Night Raw at Rose Garden arena in Portland. WWE Monday Night Raw at Rose Garden arena in Portland. A major highlight of her NXT run was capturing the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship alongside Ember Moon in March 2021. Promoted to SmackDown in July 2021, Shotzi initially teamed with Tegan Nox and later formed a partnership with Raquel Rodriguez. During this period, she memorably challenged Ronda Rousey for the SmackDown Women's Championship at Survivor Series WarGames in 2022. In 2023, she bravely shaved her head as part of a storyline with Damage CTRL, an act that also served as a poignant real-life tribute to her sister,r who was battling cancer. Shotzi made a return to NXT in late 2023 and early 2024, aligning with Gigi Dolin and Tatum Paxley, before the recent news of her upcoming contract expiration. Shotzi will be someone who won't be hurt for work as she had a name on the independent scene before signing with WWE and will pick up where she left off before going to WWE. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
