Former WWE Superstar Shotzi Blackheart is shedding new light on the bumpy road that led her to signing with the company—one that almost didn’t happen at all. Speaking on the Dari & Toni Unwrapped podcast, Shotzi revealed that WWE had offered her a contract in 2018, only to take it back due to concerns over images she had online. “I got signed in 2018 and then they were like, nevermind,” Shotzi said. “And then like AEW started blowing up and then they hit me up in 2019 and were like, nevermind. We are like actually going to sign you. Can you start in like two weeks?”
WWE Backed Out of Deal After Background Check
According to Shotzi, WWE’s initial hesitation stemmed from what they discovered during her background check. The issue? Photos WWE deemed too provocative.
“I was not signed because of like background check stuff. They were like, I had risky photos up that, which I don’t even think are that risky now,” she said. “But they were like, ‘Oh yeah, no, that’s not what we want out of our WWE Superstars.’”
Shotzi admitted the rejection was a major blow and that she accepted the possibility that a WWE career just wasn’t in the cards for her.
“I was over the idea of WWE at that point,” she said. “I was just, okay, well, like I’m coming to terms that WWE is never going to sign me.”
Officials Changed Their Mind After AEW’s Rise
The turning point came in 2019, as AEW began to gain momentum in the wrestling world. WWE reconsidered its stance and reached out to Shotzi once again.
“But then like not even a year later, they hit me up,” she shared, noting that she was asked to start within just two weeks.
Shotzi officially signed with them in 2019 and eventually captured the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship during her run. She became a staple on TV with her unique look, tank entrance, and fearless in-ring style.
Shotzi Feels “So Free”
In May 2025, it was reported that WWE chose not to renew her contract. While her WWE chapter has ended, Shotzi sounds optimistic about what’s next.
She said she feels “so free” and has already drawn attention from several other wrestling promotions. Whether in AEW, TNA, or elsewhere, Shotzi seems poised to start a new era on her own terms.
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