Shayna Baszler was released from her WWE contract in May 2025, but later returned to the company in a backstage capacity as a producer for a few shows. While she is focused on her in-ring career, she is open to a full-time producer or coaching role in the future.
During a recent interview with Catch Club, Baszler was asked if she is interested in becoming a full-time WWE coach or producer. “It’s something that’s very fulfilling to me, coaching, helping people learn about wrestling,” Baszler said. “I think I have a lot to give in the ring still, so I want to concentrate on that and get that out of my system.”
Baszler, who has a background in mixed martial arts, noted that coaching would be a logical next step in her career. “I think obviously the natural progression would be to coach,” she said. “I always say, people sometimes go to school, college, university for 10 years to become a doctor or professor or something like that. I spent all my time learning combat arts, so my university was in the martial arts gym, learning how to submit people.”
“That’s where my level of expertise is; it just makes sense to pass that on. I had really good coaches that did that for me, so I think I’d like to pass that on too.”
Baszler’s WWE contract expired on July 31, 2025, ending her eight-year run with the company. Despite the release, she was reportedly listed as a producer for the July 9 episode of NXT and made a backstage appearance at the NXT Homecoming show on September 16.
Since her non-compete clause ended, Baszler has returned to the independent circuit. She made her first post-WWE appearance at Prestige Wrestling’s Roseland XII on October 5, defeating Dani Luna. On November 2, she debuted for Boca Raton Championship Wrestling (BRCW) and won the vacant BRCW Women’s Championship by defeating Lacey Lane.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Catch Club with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
