Former WWE Star 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.
Recently released WWE star Shotzi has named AEW as her preferred destination, citing the company's creative freedom and the reputation of its president, Tony Khan, as key factors.
In a candid interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Shotzi discussed her future after her WWE contract was not renewed in May. While she would be open to a return to WWE, she made it clear that AEW is her top choice for a new home.
Why AEW Is Her Preference
Shotzi explained that her desire to join AEW comes from a place of wanting creative freedom and a supportive environment. She also named several dream opponents she would love to face in the promotion.
"I love TNA, I love AEW... AEW is my preference," Shotzi stated. "I love their freedom, I have a lot of friends there who are doing really awesome things. I've heard many stories of how Tony Khan treats talent. So, yeah, I do love that he really cares for his talent. That is super important to me."
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When asked who she would want to face, she immediately named the ROH Women's World Champion. "First thing that comes to mind, Athena. I think that she's so awesome. I honestly think that she's the best women's wrestler in the world," she said.
DORTMUND, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 01: Natalya competes in the ring against Shotzi during the WWE Live Show at Westfalenhalle on November 1, 2022 in Dortmund, Germany.
DORTMUND, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 01: Natalya competes in the ring against Shotzi during the WWE Live Show at Westfalenhalle on November 1, 2022 in Dortmund, Germany.
On Her WWE Release And Potential Return
Shotzi was let go by WWE shortly after returning from a torn ACL that kept her out of action for most of 2024. She admitted that being released after working hard to come back from such a major injury was difficult.
"When you're going through such a huge injury like that... you hope that, 'Well, if I work really hard and come back even better, maybe I'll get rewarded,'" she said. "But unfortunately for me, I was let go."
She believes the reason for her release was simple. "WWE doesn't owe me anything. That's showbiz, right? They just didn't think that I was money and that's okay. I can take that."
As for a potential return to the company, she is open to it, but with one major condition. "I would love to be back at WWE. I loved working there. I didn't love not working there, you know what I'm saying? It was only when I wasn't being used that I was unhappy," she explained.
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