Former WWE star Shayna Baszler has commented on where things stand between her and the company.
Baszler was a part of the May 2025 round of releases, which saw multiple names from the main roster and NXT either seeing their deals terminated or being told that their contracts would not be renewed when they expired. Along with Baszler, main roster stars such as Braun Strowman, Dakota Kai, Kayden Carter and Katana Chance were all informed they were no longer a part of the roster.
While the stars are now free agents and are allowed to pursue other opportunities in wrestling, Baszler has made multiple appearances at the Performance Center to be a guest coach for up-and-coming talent, along with taking various independent bookings.
While speaking with Chris Van Vliet, the former NXT Women’s Champion noted that while she is not officially hired by the company, she is enjoying the guest appearances:
“I’m not officially hired, but I have a good relationship with them. I’m officially guest coaching when the opportunity comes. I don’t hate it. I actually like it a lot more than I thought I would.”
After noting that the guest coaching could turn into a full-time position if she makes a good impression, Baszler was also asked if she feels that her in-ring career is over:
“Never say never in this business. I mean, weirder things have happened, right? If I get over with something crazy on the Indies or something, and I get an offer. It’s a strange question, because I don’t know that I’m ever going to be someone that’s like, Yeah, I’m ready to be done. I’ll always feel like I can go.”
Along with 2 reigns as Women’s NXT Champion, Baszler was also a 3-time Women’s Tag Team Champion.
Shayna Baszler Comments On Possible Ronda Rousey Return
One of Baszler’s most memorable partnerships and rivalries was with former UFC Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey, as the two have been close friends for many years before either was signed by WWE. At SummerSlam 2023, Baszler defeated Rousey in an MMA rules match, which remains Rousey’s final match at the time of writing. When asked about a possible Rousey return, Baszler admitted that while it would take a lot, CM Punk came back to wrestling, so anything is possible:
“I never think Ronda is done. She’s a crazy person. I don’t know. She loves being a mom. It would take a bit, but CM Punk came back. Ronda Rousey can come back.”
Rousey took time away from combat sports to have her second child with husband Travis Brown. There has been no indication when or if Rousey will make a return.
Featured image: WWE
