A former WWE star has revealed that a returning Alexa Bliss took their spot in the Royal Rumble, and they were informed of the change on short notice.
After more than 2 years away from the ring, Alexa Bliss made her return to WWE as part of the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble match. The former Women’s Champion received a great reaction from the fans in what was a major surprise, especially as there were rumours of contract disputes heading into the show.
With Bliss being added to the 30-woman match, one of the competitors would be unable to compete. In a new interview, former WWE star Shotzi Blackheart stated that she was the one who was replaced by Bliss and elaborated on how the switch came to be.
Appearing on Daria Berenato [Sonya Deville] and her wife Toni’s podcast Unwrapped, Shotzi first stated that she got the call the day before the show to be a part of the Rumble:
“I heard mixed messages,” Shotzi said about even being in the Rumble initially. “A couple of producers said I was always in the Rumble. Then they told me last minute. I don’t know. I was very confused by it, but they didn’t relay anything to me until the day before. It was like 3 PM the day before Rumble and they were like, ‘Can you get on a flight in a couple of hours?’ I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I’m not ready for this.’ I packed my bags. I don’t even know what I put in the bags. Got to the airport in an hour and it led to nothing.”
When asked about the moment when she realised she would not be in the match, Shotzi responded that it was the day of the show and when she was getting her makeup done:
“The day of, I got told while I was in the makeup chair that I wasn’t in it.”
“I’m So Sorry”: Alexa Bliss To Shotzi Blackheart
The former Women’s Tag Team Champion also added that Bliss was unaware that someone had to be taken out of the match so she could have her return and was very apologetic:
“Honestly, if you’re going to take me out for anyone, at least make it be the biggest pop for the night. I have to say, Alexa had no idea someone was getting replaced. She had no idea any of that was going on. She felt so bad and she came up to me after and was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m so sorry. I didn’t even realize they were taking someone out to get me in,'”
Bliss will be a part of the Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match on June 7th.
Shotzi was informed by WWE at the start of May that her contract would not be renewed when it expired. Shotzi has also been announced for a number of dates post-WWE, including in Japan.
Alexa Bliss action figures can be purchased on Amazon here [this is an affiliate link].
H/t to Fightful.
Featured image: WWE
