Among the string of WWE releases was 33-year-old stalwart Shotzi, who wrestled for WWE’s singles and tag team divisions.
Shotzi performed for WWE NXT and Friday Night SmackDown during her six-year run. On May 2, 2025, she was informed that her contract would not be renewed this year, leading to her exit. Two days later, she announced that she would be taking independent bookings.
Shotzi’s Debut Was Teased for Upcoming MLW Event Following Her WWE Release
On X, Shotzi revealed that she won’t be able to compete for a while until July. But then, during Major League Wrestling’s Azteca Lucha show on Saturday, she was teased for MLW’s “Summer of the Beasts” event on June 26, 2025, at Melrose Ballroom in Queens, New York City. “June 26. Hearts Turn Black. The Warning Shotz Will Be Fired,” read the caption in the teaser.
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Although she showed promise with her unique character and in-ring work, Shotzi’s late WWE career was plagued by injuries.
After Charlotte Flair was sidelined in late 2023, Shotzi revealed plans for her to team up with Flair and go after the Women’s Tag Team titles. But the Queen was out for a lengthy period. Even Shotzi was out of action since February 2024. Upon return, she moved back to NXT.
What Did Shotzi Say About Nixed WWE Tag Team Run With Charlotte Flair?
The former WWE superstar enthusiastically spoke about Charlotte Flair in an interview with “WWE Deutschland,” stating that she looked up to the Queen.
At Survivor Series: WarGames in 2023, Shotzi had joined forces with Charlotte and Bianca Belair in the titular contest. They proved to be a winning team. When asked during the interview whether there was interest to team up with either one of them, the 33-year-old singled out the Queen.
“I always strive to be like Charlotte,” Shotzi said. “Charlotte and I were talking about possibly going for the tag titles. We got matching gear made. We really wanted it.”
As for Charlotte, she finally returned to WWE in January 2025. The Queen triumphed at Royal Rumble, then set her sights on Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton. Unfortunately for Flair, everything went south from that point on.
During the build-up to their title contest at WrestleMania 41, Stratton took major digs at Flair’s personal life, mentioning the 14-time World Champion’s divorces. It led to a messy match on The Grandest Stage, which did not receive the kind of praise the Queen got when she wrestled Rhea Ripley two years ago.