From WWE to What’s Next: Shayna Baszler Talks Release, NXT Involvement Details, AEW & TNA Possible Run + More
Shayna Baszler has broken her silence following her May 2025 departure from WWE, speaking candidly on The Ariel Helwani Show about her release, her storied run in NXT and the main roster, and what the future may hold for “The Queen of Spades.”
Released Despite Recent Contract Extension
Baszler revealed that her WWE exit came as a release, not a contract expiration—despite having recently signed an extension that still had three years remaining.
“It’s obviously never a good feeling,” Baszler admitted. “But it wasn’t unexpected. Zoe [Stark] and I weren’t on TV, creative wasn’t clicking with our pitches, and you just get that feeling.”
She learned the news through a direct phone call, avoiding the impersonal social media notifications that some talent have experienced. WWE, she said, offered no detailed reason beyond the standard parting lines.
Pride in NXT Legacy, No Bad Blood
Baszler reflected on her eight-year WWE run, calling her NXT Championship reign during the black-and-gold era her career highlight.
“I’m proud of that run… I had a satisfied run that some people never get,” she told Helwani, adding that she holds “no bad blood” toward WWE and remains grateful for the platform.
While she acknowledged that COVID-era disruptions and missed creative opportunities altered her trajectory, Baszler emphasized her respect among peers as a measure of success:
“When the people in the business who know the ins and outs respect your work—that’s a bigger compliment than any Twitter praise.”
The NXT “Producer” Buzz Explained
Baszler addressed recent speculation about her returning as an NXT producer, clarifying that she wasn’t officially producing matches. Instead, she was in the Performance Center helping friends with submission transitions and, as she’s done for years, listening in on production headsets to learn the TV side of the craft.
“It wasn’t me on the mic calling camera shots,” she said with a laugh. “But I’ve always been open to learning every part of the business.”
She left the door open for a future behind-the-scenes role—though she’s not ready to declare her in-ring career over.
Possible AEW or TNA Run?
With her 90-day non-compete now expired, Baszler confirmed she’s had discussions with other promotions, including independent companies where she once held titles. She wouldn’t rule out AEW—where close friends like Marina Shafir wrestle—or even a TNA run, praising the latter’s “stacked” women’s division.
On why she keeps her bridges intact:
“If I went out trashing creative, a lot of doors would close. WWE and TNA work closely together—it’s smart to keep relationships strong.”
Bloodsport, MMA, and What Sets Her Apart
Baszler remains deeply tied to Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport events, calling that shoot-style wrestling “the banner I feel responsible to carry.” Though an MMA comeback is unlikely—she cites the grind required to get back into fight shape—she sees potential in coaching.
She stressed that her legitimacy, honed through years in MMA and catch wrestling, is rare in today’s wrestling landscape:
“If I can fool you in a time when the secret’s out, then I’ve done my job. Very, very few can do that today.”
Career Highlights and Regrets
Beyond NXT, Baszler pointed to her pandemic-era tag team run with Nia Jax as a main roster high point, lamenting that it never happened in front of live crowds. She also takes pride in her MMA rules match against Ronda Rousey at SummerSlam 2023, even if fan reactions were mixed.
“Ten years from now, people will see it with different eyes,” she predicted.
Looking Ahead
Whether it’s more Bloodsport appearances, a run in AEW or TNA, or an eventual producer role in NXT, Baszler insists her fingerprints will remain on the industry:
“Nobody can offer what I have to offer—especially among women. My goal is to keep the flag waving for catch wrestling and the roots of what pro wrestling was: making people believe.”
For fans of Baszler’s hard-hitting, no-nonsense style, it’s clear her story in wrestling is far from over.
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit "The Ariel Helwani Show" and provide a h/t to Wrestling.news for transcript and analysis.
Full Interview 👇
