Former NXT Women’s Champion returns to WWE in a new role

Former NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler rejoins WWE in a different role. The wrestler was released by the promotion just a few months back. In May 2025, WWE released several wrestlers from the main roster and NXT. Along with Shayna, the other released wrestlers included Braun Strowman, Dakota Kai, Cora Jade, Gigi Dolin, and more. According to sources, Baszler will be returning to the promotion in a completely different role. The former star is rumored to take up the role of a producer.According to Cory Hayes of BodySlam.net, Shayna Baszler attended the last episode of NXT. However, the wrestler did not just attend the event as a spectator. Baszler was present at the event in a backstage role. She was listed as a producer for the singles match between Kelani Jordan and Lainey Reid. Shayna was shadowing producer Chris Girard throughout the show.Baszler’s release from the promotion came as a shock to many. She had just renewed her contract with WWE in 2024. Her non-compete clause is expected to end in early August. Baszler has returned while still being under the non-compete contract. This is a noteworthy situation. Her last appearance was during the SmackDown episode of April 11. Baszler appeared as a member of the Pure Fusion Collective faction. She appeared alongside Zoey Stark and Sonya Deville. After the release, Baszler has been streaming on Twitch. She also teaches Jiu-Jitsu at Rudos Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Florida.AEW star Thunder Rosa wanted Shayna Baszler to join the promotion. Speaking at Busted Open radio, Rosa appreciated the latter for her career arc. Rosa also believed that AEW needed more female presence within the promotion. She stated, ““Shayna Baszler. I love Shayna. I’ve always loved her. And I think she’s solid on everything she does. She’s really good at cutting promos, she has a lot of experience on TV. I think that she’ll be great.”The wrestler further continued, “I think we need more women in those men’s stables. I think it adds more to things… I think Shayna would add a lot to that mix,”Rosa’s generous offer, however, might not stand a chance. Baszler’s new role in WWE will sideline the offer from AEW. Also Read: WWE Teases Massive Return of Former Divas Champion and Cornerstone of the Women’s Revolution