Following a wave of WWE talent releases in 2025, including high-profile names like Braun Strowman and notable NXT wrestlers like Cora Jade, it was revealed that Shotzi’s contract with the company would also not be renewed. This news came amid plans for a feud with Chelsea Green, which has now been reportedly shelved. Despite her impending departure, Shotzi appears to be experiencing a surge of interest from other promotions, showcasing her marketability and potential beyond WWE. Her contract is set to conclude in July, prompting speculation about her future as fans await her next career move.
In a recent social media outburst, Shotzi addressed criticisms from fans who labeled her “injury prone,” mainly due to an ACL injury that kept her sidelined for most of 2024. Dismissing these accusations, she emphasized that having one significant injury over a twelve-year span does not equate to being injury prone. Shotzi argued that the term is often misused by fans trying to sound knowledgeable, declaring that many wrestlers labeled as injury prone are simply human and prone to occasional injuries. This strong stance demonstrates her frustration with the misconceptions surrounding athlete health and recovery.
Shotzi’s journey with WWE began in earnest after her time on the 2015 season of Tough Enough ended early due to a failed medical assessment. However, she officially joined the company in late 2019, adopting her “Shotzi Blackheart” persona within the NXT brand. She quickly gained popularity thanks to her unique punk-rock style, complete with a signature miniature tank entrance. Her ascent was recognized when she won the NXT Breakout Star of the Year award in 2020, marking her as a rising star within the WWE universe.
Her accomplishments in NXT included a significant victory in March 2021 when she captured the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship alongside Ember Moon. This achievement solidified her status in the division, helping to elevate her profile before she was promoted to the SmackDown brand in July 2021. On SmackDown, Shotzi formed partnerships with notable wrestlers such as Tegan Nox and Raquel Rodriguez, and made headlines by challenging Ronda Rousey for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at Survivor Series WarGames in November 2022.
In 2023, Shotzi engaged in a deeply personal storyline with the faction Damage CTRL, culminating in a powerful moment where she shaved her head on television as a tribute to her sister, who was facing cancer challenges. This brave act showcased Shotzi’s dedication to her craft and the emotional depth she brings to her character. Following this storyline, she returned to NXT in late 2023, joining forces with Gigi Dolin and Tatum Paxley, creating compelling narratives in the ring even as the rumors of her contract expiration began emerging.
With a solid reputation established in the independent circuit prior to her WWE tenure, Shotzi’s exit does not signal the end of her wrestling career. On the contrary, she is expected to attract several opportunities from various promotions eager to capitalize on her talent and popularity. As fans and industry insiders speculate about her next steps, Shotzi’s journey serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of professional wrestlers, highlighting the dynamic nature of the wrestling industry and the various avenues available to talent as they navigate their careers.
