Former WWE standout Shayna Baszler has opened up publicly for the first time since her unexpected release from WWE in May 2025, revealing she had several years remaining on her contract when the company parted ways with her. Speaking candidly on The Ariel Helwani Show, Baszler confirmed that despite recently signing an extension, WWE’s budget cuts led to her release just months ago, surprising many fans and insiders alike.

Baszler, a former NXT Women’s Champion and multiple-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, explained that her exit was not performance-related. “I was still under contract for years,” she disclosed, “so it wasn’t about that. It was purely a business call”[source]. Her tenure in WWE spanned roughly eight years, during which she rose to prominence after her dominant run in the first Mae Young Classic tournament and WrestleMania 36 title match versus Becky Lynch, solidifying her status as one of the most feared competitors on the women’s roster.

Unexpected WWE Release Despite Contract Extension

The news of Baszler’s release shocked the wrestling world, especially considering her recent contract renewal. Sources close to the situation revealed that WWE’s corporate cost-cutting measures in early 2025 resulted in several surprising cuts, including high-profile talents like Braun Strowman, Dakota Kai, and Cora Jade, alongside Baszler. While WWE.com remained tight-lipped on specifics, fightful.com and wrestling news outlets pieced together that budget constraints, rather than storyline directions or in-ring performance, were the key factors behind these releases.

Baszler’s explanation in her interview clarified the confusion surrounding her departure. She emphasized that she had planned to continue performing but understood the company’s decision from a business standpoint. “It was a shock, yeah, but I’ve learned you can’t control what’s out of your hands,” she said.

Backstage Return as WWE NXT Producer

Just two months after her release, reports surfaced that Baszler had quietly returned to WWE, not as a wrestler but working behind the scenes as a producer for NXT. Reports by Cory Hays of BodySlam.net, later confirmed by Baszler herself during Twitch streams and interviews, stated she was backstage during the July 8, 2025, episode of WWE NXT, assisting in producing matches such as Kelani Jordan vs. Lainey Reid[1][2][4].

Sources indicate Baszler was paired with veteran producer and former NXT wrestler Oney Lorcan, as part of a probationary tryout to evaluate her potential for a permanent backstage role. WWE is known for testing prospective producers through such shadowing roles before offering full-time contracts. Baszler confirmed her presence at the WWE Performance Center and described her work as collaborative but declined to disclose which WWE talents had requested her involvement to maintain privacy.

What’s Next for the Queen of Spades?

While Baszler is embracing this new chapter as a producer, she remains open to returning to in-ring competition. On The Ariel Helwani Show, she admitted she still feels driven as a performer and believes she “has some stories to tell.” Importantly, Baszler teased a potential move to Japan, famous for its strong women’s wrestling scene, once her 90-day WWE non-compete clause expires, keeping fans guessing about her next destination[2].

According to insiders, Baszler’s willingness to explore international opportunities highlights her passion for wrestling beyond WWE and her desire to maintain creative freedom post-contract. Some wrestling experts speculate that her technical style and intensity would resonate well with promotions like Stardom or other top-tier Japanese companies.

Industry Perspective and Future Implications

WWE’s decision to release a talent of Baszler’s caliber despite contractual obligations underscores the company’s evolving approach to talent management amid business pressures. Wrestling News analysts observe that such moves, while financially motivated, risk alienating fans and talent alike, especially given Baszler’s established legacy in WWE’s women’s division.

Sources close to WWE suggest that re-hiring Baszler as a producer was a strategic decision to retain her experience and know-how while managing budgets. Her transition backstage may become a model for veteran stars looking to extend their WWE careers beyond active competition. This dual role—as both an experienced ring presence and a mentor/producer—can add value to WWE’s developmental system.

Shayna Baszler’s Legacy in WWE

Baszler’s journey with WWE marked a significant era for women’s wrestling. Rising from MMA roots to becoming a dominant figure in NXT and the main roster, she showcased a brutal, disciplined style that set her apart. Winning and holding multiple Women’s Tag Team titles with partners like Nia Jax and Ronda Rousey, Baszler left an indelible mark on WWE history.

Her run as NXT Women’s Champion served as a foundation for future talents who idolized her toughness and technical prowess. The wrestling community widely respects Baszler’s contributions to elevating women’s wrestling during a rapidly evolving era.

Final Thoughts

Shayna Baszler’s candid revelation about having years left on her WWE contract prior to her release enlightens fans about the sometimes opaque business realities of professional wrestling contracts and roster decisions. Her rapid backstage re-engagement with WWE as an NXT producer hints at a potential fruitful second phase of her career while keeping doors open for future in-ring returns domestically or abroad.

As WWE continues to balance talent costs with storytelling ambitions, Baszler’s experience exemplifies how wrestlers navigate unexpected shifts, adapting their roles yet remaining influential within the industry.

Sources:

• The Ariel Helwani Show interview with Shayna Baszler, 2025
• Cory Hays, BodySlam.net (July 2025)
• WWE.com official releases
• Fightful.com wrestling news coverage
• Wrestling News, Wrestling Attitude, SEScoops reports on Baszler’s release and return
• Twitch streams and direct statements from Baszler

Fans should stay tuned for official WWE announcements or Baszler’s own updates regarding her next wrestling ventures, whether inside the squared circle or behind the scenes.