Tag: shotzi

Cora Jade, Dakota Kai, Shotzi release statements on WWE departures

Posted on by Ian Carey

Cora Jade, Dakota Kai, and Shotzi all released statements on Saturday regarding their WWE departures.

Jade and Kai were part of WWE roster cuts announced on Friday. Shotzi’s profile was moved to WWE’s alumni page on Saturday, and Fightful later reported that she was informed her contract will not be renewed.

Kai posted to social media:

“Trying to get through all the messages and man, whether it’s from friends, family, colleagues, coaches, you guys… I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. That’s the stuff that matters. I got to make memories, create the best friendships and travel the world. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunities.
Gonna take a little time but just know… we are far from done. I’ve BEEN ready. Let’s go.
– king kota”

Jade’s message reads:

“Dropping out of high school at 15 to chase my dreams was scary but I’m so thankful it worked out for the time that it did! I got to live out so many childhood dreams, go so many places, do so many things and most importantly I met some of the most important people in my life that I know I’ll have in my corner forever. Unfortunately it didn’t go how I envisioned and I’m disappointed by a lot of things but I can look back with no regrets and know I did everything with love and passion and always stood up for myself, even in the times I was scared. I’m proud of myself for that. With all that being said, TRUST that this is not the end and only my new beginning. I have a lot to say when the time is right. I have so many ideas and am excited for the future and to be able to show what I truly am capable of. Elayna Black is back from the dead bitches! See you in 30”

Shotzi wrote:

“I am more than grateful for the wild ride! Can’t wait to see where this crazy journey takes me next! I hope to make all my believers proud.”

IYO Sky also commented on Kai’s release, writing, “She is so much sweet, strong, kind, smart,wonderful, and beautiful woman. My dearest and best friend. I love you. Everyone loves you.”

Charlotte Flair sent a supportive message to Shotzi as well, writing, “thank you for those months on Smackdown & long talks…”

Updated WWE departures list from May 2025:

  • Braun Strowman
  • Shayna Baszler
  • Dakota Kai
  • Kayden Carter
  • Katana Chance
  • Cora Jade
  • Gigi Dolin
  • Joe Coffey
  • Mark Coffey
  • Riley Osborne
  • Oro Mensah
  • Jakara Jackson
  • Javier Bernal
  • Eddy Thorpe
  • Dani Palmer
  • Shotzi

Report: Shotzi informed her WWE contract will not be renewed

Posted on by Ian Carey

WWE appears set to part ways with another talent.

Shotzi was informed by the company that her contract will not be renewed when it expires in the near future, Fightful reports. Her profile has been moved to the alumni section of WWE.com.

The 33-year-old has been with the company since 2019. Her last match was a taping for WWE Speed on February 14, where she lost to Zoey Stark.

Shotzi seemingly confirmed the news today on social media, writing, “I am more than grateful for the wild ride! Can’t wait to see where this crazy journey takes me next! I hope to make all my believers proud.”

She also posted a video to social media on Thursday that led many to believe she would be part of this round of roster cuts.

“Have you ever lost so much that you start to wonder if you’re even real anymore?” Shotzi asks in the video. “I call myself the ballsy badass because I was wild, reckless, chaotic. Live for the danger, loved every second of it. That confidence and fearlessness — it was intoxicating. It’s why I loved being in the ring so much. But it felt like in the blink of an eye, that feeling was gone. I lost people who meant everything to me, and I let that grief consume me. I let injuries make me feel worthless, and somewhere along the way I lost myself.”

She continued by saying that she has redefined what it means to be a “ballsy badass.”

“It’s not just about being reckless or having brutal matches, it’s about having the guts to face your demons. It’s about standing tall, even when you feel like you’ve got nothing left. It’s about refusing to break, even when the world is telling you that you should. That takes bigger balls than anything I’ve ever done in the ring. Am I still wild? Yeah. A little unhinged? Sure. But now, now I’m also unstoppable. The ballsy badass isn’t just back, she has evolved. And this time, nothing — and I mean nothing — can shake me.”

The Oakland native began her career on the California independent scene in 2014, primarily wrestling as Shotzi Blackheart. In 2015, she was selected to be a contestant on the sixth season of Tough Enough but was medically disqualified after a previously undiagnosed irregular heartbeat was discovered. Before signing with WWE in 2019, she also made a few appearances for TNA Impact in 2018 and 2019.

Shotzi advances in WWE Speed tournament

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A new episode of WWE Speed premiered on Wednesday with Shotzi defeating a recently released wrestler.

With a victory over Isla Dawn, Shotzi advanced in the WWE Speed Women’s Championship number one contender’s tournament. The match was filmed at SmackDown last Friday, shortly before Dawn was released from her WWE contract. Dawn confirmed on Saturday that she was among the wrestlers departing WWE in a round of roster cuts.

A fisherman’s DDT got the win for Shotzi with 14 seconds left of the three-minute time limit:

It will be Shotzi vs. Zoey Stark in the finals of the tournament next Wednesday (February 19) with the winner advancing to challenge WWE Speed Women’s Champion Candice LeRae. LeRae became the inaugural champion last October but has only made one title defense since then, a time-limit draw against Natalya.

Shotzi, who has been competing in NXT, was slated for a spot in the women’s Royal Rumble match earlier this month but ended up being pulled for the returning Alexa Bliss.

Women’s North American title match set for WWE NXT Atlanta event

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Shotzi gets a shot against Fallon.

The main roster star defeated Stephanie Vaquer on Tuesday to become the new number one contender for the NXT Women’s North American title. Current champion Fallon Henley and Jacy Jayne both interfered in the match, with Henley hitting Vaquer with the Women’s North American title as she was hitting the ropes. That allowed Shotzi to roll up a distracted Vaquer to earn a title match on January 28 at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia.

In a social media exclusive, Shotzi said it was her first singles match in almost a year and got emotional, saying the match set the tone for her 2025. She said she didn’t need Fallon’s help to win the match and was about to prove how ballsy Shotzi is.

Shotzi made her return from a torn ACL last month, helping Gigi Dolin after she was attacked by Fatal Influence. At New Year’s Evil she, Dolin, and Tatum Paxley were successful in defeating all three members of Fatal Influence.

Shotzi returns from injury on WWE NXT

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Shotzi has made her return.

During Tuesday’s NXT, Gigi Dolin and Tatum Paxley were being attacked by Fatal Influence following a match when Shotzi arrived to make the save, sending the likes of Jazmyn Nyx, Fallon Henley, and Jacy Jayne reeling. The segment ended with Shotzi, Paxley, and Dolin all standing tall.

Shotzi has been out of action since February when she tore her ACL during a match that took place during a double taping of NXT. She was challenging then Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria when the injury happened, causing the match to be thrown out.

During her recovery, Shotzi also received stem cell treatment in Mexico for a back injury.

Dolin made her return from injury two weeks ago on NXT, making the save for Paxley. The two teamed together this week to take on Nyx and Dolin’s former tag team partner Jayne, but came up short thanks to outside interference from NXT Women’s North American Champion Henley.

WWE’s Big E, MVP receiving stem cell treatment in Mexico

Posted on by Ian Carey

Big E and MVP are undergoing stem cell treatment.

They both posted to social media recently that they have traveled to Mexico to undergo treatment at a Rejuvstem clinic. The company has been operating since 2007 but opened a new location in Cancun just recently. Shotzi also had treatment at the same clinic last week for a nagging back injury related to an injury she suffered in late 2021.

MVP is documenting their treatment on his YouTube channel:

MVP teased last week that he’s hoping the treatment allows him to have one more in-ring run. He wrote on Instagram, “Here we go!!! Heading to Cancun for stem cell treatment at @rejuvstem so I can get back on the mats AND, into the ring. 1 last run? Let’s see…”

The 50-year-old hasn’t wrestled since July 2022.

Rejuvstem wrote on Instagram:

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome WWE superstars @the305mvp and @wwebige to our brand-new clinic in beautiful Cancun! 🌴✨ These incredible athletes are here to experience the power of cellular regeneration, boosting their performance and enhancing their overall health with millions of rejuvenating cells. Join us in celebrating their visit and learn how our innovative cellular treatments can help you feel your best too! Curious about how you can benefit? Don’t wait—reach out to us today and start your journey to optimal health and vitality!”

Since opening its doors in 2007, Rejuvstem promotes itself as a “Pioneer in providing the highest quality stem cells to tens of thousands of patients through advanced quality control and technology.”

Shotzi to receive stem cell treatment in Mexico for back injury

Posted on by Ian Carey

Shotzi is hoping stem cell treatment will help her with a longstanding back injury.

The 32-year-old has been out of action since February after suffering a torn ACL at an NXT taping. She recently mentioned on Instagram that the time off due to her knee injury has allowed her a chance to get stem cell treatment on her back in Mexico.

“In Mexico to finally get the stem cells I have been wanting since I hurt my back 2 and 1/2 years ago! Realizing that my knee injury is giving me the opportunity to finally heal my back has been a huge silver lining. Thank you @rejuvstem Thank you Universe. I am forever grateful. Here is to wrestling pain free when I come back! But first coconuts and cenotes!” Shotzi wrote.

While the exact nature of the back injury Shotzi has been dealing with is unknown, she appeared in a video by Mondragon Chiropractic on February 12, 2022, and spoke about recently having experienced intense lower back pain after a match.

“It was pretty bad. I had a match and then I woke up the next morning and it was really hard for me to get up. I slid off of the bed onto the floor and I couldn’t even put pressure onto my knees or crawl. I’ve been off for a little bit.”

Shotzi missed most of January 2022 before returning in the Royal Rumble match that year. Before that, she’d worked five nights straight on WWE’s holiday tour to close out 2021, wrestling Xia Li on each show. Shotzi also missed most of February that year as well before returning to wrestle Sasha Banks on the final SmackDown of the month.

Shotzi, who was married in December, also mentioned recently that she plans on going to Japan for a belated honeymoon soon.

“Planning a trip to Japan for my honeymoon(that we finally have time for)! Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto/Nara send me your food, shopping, things to do recommendations!!!! Arigato gozaimasu!!” Shotzi wrote.

Despite being out injured, Shotzi did attend WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia earlier this year and also attended the WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Wrestling Observer Live: Hangman ankle update, Madison, Shotzi, Dynamite notes, more

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back with tons to talk about including the alleged Hangman Page injury and what actually happened and why, Madison Rayne, Shotzi, tons of Dynamite notes, Sting and so much more. A fun show as always so check it out~!

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Wrestling Observer Radio: Cena and Orton on Vince, Hangman and Shotzi hurt, AEW and NXT, more

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including John Cena and Randy Orton commenting on Vince McMahon, Paul Roma allegations, Jennifer Pepperman from WWE to AEW for creative, Shotzi and Hangman Page injuries, ratings, your AEW and NXT TV reports, and more. A fun show as always so check it out~!

Timestamps:

Start: John Cena, Randy Orton comment on Vince McMahon allegations

11:17: Paul Roma, Cara Pipia NewsNation interviews

17:41: AEW hires Jennifer Pepperman, differences in AEW and WWE pay-per-view purchases by state

22:52: Shotzi, Hangman Page, Jim Ross injury updates

26:58: TNA wrestlers posting hourglasses on social media, Kevin Nash says WWE won’t let him go to Sting’s retirement

31:16: Ratings

39:40: AEW Dynamite recap

1:04:13: WWE NXT notes

1:13:04: AEW Rampage spoilers

1:14:03: This weekend’s lineup

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Shotzi suffered torn ACL at WWE NXT taping

Posted on by Ian Carey

Shotzi is going to be out of action for a while. 

The 31-year-old posted to Instagram on Tuesday and confirmed she was injured at last week’s NXT taping. Shotzi says she suffered a torn ACL and is looking at nine month’s recovery time. 

Shotzi wrote:

I tore my ACL which means I will be out of action for about 9 months. Thank you to everyone who has checked up on me. I am so sorry if I haven’t responded. I am just extremely devastated and angry. Some of you know, I have been through a lot the last few years and it has been so hard to keep up with what I think is expected of me and honestly my mental health had been at an all time low. But I’ve pushed through and I was feeling motivated and like myself again. I was hoping to go to NXT to prove myself again, earn some respect, build back my confidence and start putting the heartache from the past 2 years behind me. I feel defeated right now but I’m simultaneously feeling the most motivated I have ever been. I have been through way worse. I’ve watched my sister, who is fighting cancer, fight tougher battles. I’m just taking this as a sign to slow down. I didn’t take time off when both my stepdad and my dad passed and that really affected me. Now I am looking forward to coming back not just physically stronger, but mentally also. ^.

https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C3lZtWDPBM3

The injury took place last Tuesday as Shotzi was challenging Lyra Valkyria for the NXT Women’s Championship. NXT did a double-taping last week and the match will air on tonight’s episode.  

Shotzi was scheduled to wrestle Tiffany Stratton in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match on SmackDown last Friday but was replaced by Alba Fyre. 

Spoilers for tonight’s episode of NXT are available here and the lineup is listed below. 

WWE NXT lineup for February 20, 2024:

  • NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria defends against Shotzi
  • NXT North American Champion Oba Femi defends against Lexis King
  • Josh Briggs vs. Brooks Jensen
  • Kelani Jordan vs. Lash Legend
  • Roxanne Perez vs. Wren Sinclair
  • NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov & Carmelo Hayes face-to-face

Wrestling Observer Radio: AEW & NXT recaps, updates on Drew McIntyre & Maryse, injuries

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including full reviews of AEW and NXT, spoilers for Rampage and NXT next week, updates on Drew McIntyre, Maryse, Rocky Romero and QT, injuries to Shotzi and Jeff Hardy, BCC vs. CMLL in Arena Mexico, and tons more.

A fun show as always so check it out~!

Timestamps:

Start: Quick updates on Drew McIntyre, Maryse, QT Marshall, Scott D’Amore, and Ed Nordholm

8:28: Jeff Hardy & Shotzi injury updates

12:08: Blackpool Combat Club to wrestle in Arena Mexico

16:18: Ratings

25:12: Dave’s thoughts on the Darby Allin/Young Bucks angle, AEW Dynamite recap

55:40: WWE NXT recap

1:09:16: WWE NXT & AEW Rampage spoilers

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Shotzi reportedly injured at WWE NXT taping

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Shotzi suffered a serious knee injury at Tuesday’s WWE NXT taping according to reports. 

The injury occurred as Shotzi went for a DDT on the apron in her title match against Lyra Valkyria for the NXT Women’s Championship in a bout being taped Tuesday night to air on the February 20 episode of WWE NXT. The match was stopped and Shotzi was helped backstage to undergo further examination following the injury, according to reports. Fightful’s Corey Brennan was first to report on the injury. 

The Valkyria vs. Shotzi title match had been teased for this week’s episode before being officially announced for next week’s taped show during Tuesday’s NXT. 

Shotzi had already been announced as facing Tiffany Stratton in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match on this week’s WWE SmackDown, but that match is now in jeopardy. 

We will have full spoilers from Tuesday’s NXT taping up on the site as they become available. 

Our report from this week’s WWE NXT is here.

Women’s title match set for WWE NXT

Posted on by Ian Carey

An NXT Women’s Championship match was set up at a house show on Saturday. 

SmackDown’s Shotzi took part in NXT’s live event at the Venice Community Center in Venice, Florida. She teamed with Gigi Dolin in the main event and defeated NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria and Tatum Paxley in a tag team match. 

According to live reports, it was then revealed that Shotzi will challenge Lyra Valkyria for the NXT Women’s Championship on the Tuesday, February 13, edition of WWE NXT. 

WWE has yet to make the match official for Tuesday’s show. 

Shotzi also has a chance to qualify for the Elimination Chamber this week. She will wrestle Tiffany Stratton in a qualifying match on SmackDown. 

An appearance from North American Champion Oba Femi was announced on social media Sunday. Femi successfully defended the title against Dragon Lee at Vengeance Day last week.

Announced lineup for WWE NXT on Tuesday, February 13, 2024:

  • NXT Tag Team Champions Tony D’Angelo & Stacks defend against Bron Breakker & Baron Corbin
  • Carmelo Hayes vs. Joe Gacy
  • Gauntlet match: Ridge Holland vs. Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, Wolfgang)
  • Lola Vice vs. Tatum Paxley
  • Kiana James vs. Brinley Reece
  • Von Wagner & Mr. Stone vs. Noam Dar & Oro Mensah
  • Adriana Rizzo vs. Jaida Parker
  • Oba Femi returns

WWE confirms four new entrants for women’s Royal Rumble match

Posted on by Joseph Currier

In advance of tonight’s event, WWE has confirmed a few new participants who will be taking part in the women’s Royal Rumble match.

Alba Fyre, Shotzi, Zelina Vega, and Michin will be competing in the women’s Rumble tonight. Their participation was confirmed in a video that WWE uploaded after Friday’s SmackDown. Fyre, Shotzi, Vega, and Michin were shown picking their Rumble numbers.

SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis told Isla Dawn in the video that she won’t be taking part in the Rumble.

There have now been eight participants confirmed for the women’s Rumble match:

  • Bayley
  • Nia Jax
  • Becky Lynch
  • Bianca Belair
  • Alba Fyre
  • Shotzi
  • Zelina Vega
  • Michin

The men’s Rumble has 14 announced entrants:

  • Cody Rhodes
  • CM Punk
  • Shinsuke Nakamura
  • Bobby Lashley
  • Drew McIntyre
  • Gunther
  • Damian Priest
  • Kofi Kingston
  • Jimmy Uso
  • Santos Escobar
  • R-Truth
  • Carlito
  • Austin Theory
  • Grayson Waller

There will be 30 entrants in each Rumble match.

The Royal Rumble is taking place from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida tonight. The show streams live on Peacock/WWE Network starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time. An hour-long pre-show will air before that.

WWE Royal Rumble 2024 card —

  • Men’s Royal Rumble match
  • Women’s Royal Rumble match
  • Fatal four-way match: Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Randy Orton, LA Knight, and AJ Styles
  • United States Champion Logan Paul defends against Kevin Owens

 

Shotzi gets married in Las Vegas before WWE house show

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Shotzi spontaneously got married in Las Vegas prior to WWE’s house show on Friday night.

With WWE’s Holiday Tour coming to the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Shotzi (real name Ashley Urbanski) and her significant other Jesus Alfaro decided to elope before the show. Shotzi then arrived at the WWE event while still wearing her wedding dress. She wrestled with the dress on, teaming with Bianca Belair in a victory over Damage CTRL’s IYO SKY & Bayley.

Shotzi wrote on Instagram:

JUST MARRIED! When I realized I would be performing in Vegas, we decided to elope before the show. It was very spontaneous and so perfectly us. I loved every second of it. I’ll post something a little mushier later but its now time for an action packed reception! @wwe @mgmgrand

Dave Bautista was among those who responded to Shotzi’s post: “F**k yes!! Live like there’s no tomorrow! Love it. Congrats!!”

Shotzi has long been feuding with Bayley and Damage CTRL. The December 22 episode of SmackDown featured an eight-woman Holiday Havoc tag match where Shotzi, Belair, Michin & Zelina Vega defeated Bayley, SKY, Kairi Sane & Asuka.