Latest news with #Shotzi
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The Royal Rumble mix-up that left Shotzi Blackheart surprised
The Royal Rumble is a match full of big moments, and dramatic stories, but sometimes the chaos happens even before the match starts. This was the case for former Superstar Shotzi Blackheart during the 2025 Royal Rumble. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The whole situation left her confused, surprised, and unsure about what was going on. But even through all this chaos, Shotzi stayed strong and kept a brave spirit, proving that wrestling is not just about competition, but also about passion and never giving up. While many wrestling fans were excited to see her return after a tough injury, nobody expected things to become so chaotic. The unexpected twists that left Shotzi Blackheart surprised Originally, was supposed to be in the Royal Rumble match alongside the other Superstars. But a dramatic change in plans turned everything upside down. This left both WWE fans and Shotzi wondering what was going on behind the scenes. "I was getting confused messages. Two producers told me that I was in the Rumble all the time," Shotzi said honestly during her appearance on the Unwrapped podcast with Daria Berenato (Sonya Deville) and Toni. "They only told me at the last minute," she further stressed. "I got a call on 3 pm one day prior to the Rumble and I was asked to board a plane the same day at few hours later. I threw my bags. I do not even know what I stuffed in the bags. " Shotzi Reveals WWE Secrets: Behind the Scenes of Releases, Injuries, and What's Next This meant Shotzi rushed to make it to the event with barely any time to prepare, adding more pressure to a tough moment. Alexa Bliss ' comeback added a level to the confusion While Shotzi was battling confusion, another superstar made a dramatic return, much to the surprise of wrestling fans and the women in the match. , after two years away, made her comeback by entering the Royal Rumble at number 21. This meant that a spot originally meant for Shotzi was now filled by Bliss, adding a dramatic twist to the showdown. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Bliss was just as surprised by the chaos. "She was so terrible and approached me after telling me, 'Oh my God, I am sorry. It was really a surprise, I even did not know they set someone outside to get me in,'" Shotzi explained with a laugh, adding, "Seriously, you get to take me out with anyone, at least make it be the biggest pop that night." Alexa Bliss is BACK with first appearance since 2023: Royal Rumble 2025 highlights This moment shows just how wild wrestling can be, where a superstar's plans can be turned upside down in a matter of hours, yet their loyalty and professionalism remain strong. Shotzi's ability to handle disappointments and chaos underlines her passion for wrestling. Ultimately, the Royal Rumble might not have gone the way Shotzi expected. Still, it proved once again that wrestling is full of unpredictable moments, and the performers must be ready for whatever comes their way. Also Read:
Newsweek
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
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." More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation 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. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Released Superstar Takes Major Shot At WWE
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. The landscape for a recently released WWE superstar is evolving, with two recent examples in Shotzi and R-Truth highlighting vastly different, but equally compelling, career paths. One finds greater financial success on the independent circuit, while the other's journey resulted in an unprecedented fan-driven return to the company. Following her WWE release, Shotzi has immediately impacted the independent scene. She has taken high-profile bookings, including a notable appearance in a Three-Way Deathmatch at GCW: Tournament of Survival X. After a fan commented on her working risky matches for "some change" compared to her WWE salary, Shotzi fired back with a revealing statement. Her response shed light on the financial realities for popular talent outside of WWE. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation "Made more money in 2 days than what WWE paid me for a week," Shotzi stated. This comment challenges the long-held perception of WWE as the only lucrative option in wrestling and underscores the thriving independent market. In stark contrast, R-Truth's recent departure from WWE took a completely different turn. After he announced the company was not renewing his contract, a massive and organic fan movement began almost immediately. 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. The hashtag #WeWantTruth trended for days, and powerful "we want Truth" chants echoed through arenas during episodes of Raw and SmackDown. The movement became so prominent that it was even acknowledged on-air by John Cena. The company reversed its decision, and R-Truth made a shocking return at the Money in the Bank event. He came back in a black hoodie to attack John Cena, costing him and Logan Paul their main event match against Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso. This comeback, born from fan demand, marks a significant victory for a WWE audience that felt their voices were heard. Shotzi first signed with WWE in late 2019, debuting on the NXT brand. With her unique punk-rock persona and signature tank entrance, she quickly became a fan favorite, winning the NXT Breakout Star of the Year award for 2020. The biggest highlight of her time in NXT came in March 2021 when she and her partner, Ember Moon, captured the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship. She was called up to the main roster in July 2021, debuting on SmackDown alongside Tegan Nox. After that, the team was split in the WWE Draft, and she had a run as a singles competitor. Also, she formed a tag team with Raquel Rodriguez, which led to a notable feud with Damage CTRL and a SmackDown Women's Championship match against Ronda Rousey at Survivor Series in 2022. After a brief return to NXT in late 2024 and early 2025 More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
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.
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'
