Shayna Baszler’s surprise appearance at the NXT Homecoming special this past Tuesday was a one-off, and the former champion has not signed a new deal with WWE. Baszler, who was released from her WWE contract in May, was featured in a backstage segment where she offered advice to current NXT stars Sol Ruca and Zaria.
According to a report from Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, while there is interest within WWE to bring Baszler back in a backstage capacity, no deal is currently in place. The report notes that WWE officials are hopeful that the 45-year-old veteran will eventually take on a coaching or producing position with the company. “Regarding Baszler those in the company said that they expect and hope she take a coaching or producing position,” Meltzer wrote. “At this point nothing is in place and it was just a one-off thing this week.”
Baszler has recent experience in such a role, as she reportedly contributed to NXT as a producer during the period between her release and the expiration of her 90-day non-compete clause. While WWE may be interested in her for a backstage role, Baszler is keeping her options for an in-ring career open. Her first scheduled post-WWE match is set for October 5 at a Prestige Wrestling event in Portland, Oregon, where she will face Masha Slamovich.
During an August appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Baszler indicated she would be open to signing with AEW if the opportunity came about. “I don’t care as much of the letters behind it, I just want to practice my craft,” she said. “And if I can do that alongside my friends, that’s always a great place to be. So, I’m not going to say a hard no to any of that.”
Before her wrestling career, she was a pioneer in women’s mixed martial arts, competing in promotions like Strikeforce and the UFC. She transitioned to professional wrestling and became a dominant, two-time NXT Women’s Champion, holding the title for a combined 548 days, which stands as a record for the championship. On the main roster, she also found success as a two-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion.
