Alexa Bliss replaces WWE star in Royal Rumble after a sudden contract resolution, leading to Shotzi’s late removal from the lineup just before the 2025 premier event in Texas. The abrupt change unfolded as Bliss re-signed with WWE merely a day before her surprise entry, leaving Shotzi frustrated and disappointed by the lack of communication from company officials.
Alexa Bliss Returns to WWE in Shocking Royal Rumble Appearance
Alexa Bliss, former Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion, made a dramatic return to WWE television during the 2025 Royal Rumble. Her appearance marked her first televised WWE performance after a two-year hiatus. With speculation circling around her contract status, Bliss’s re-entry was finalized only a day prior to the event, solidifying her spot at number 21 in the Women’s Royal Rumble match at the venue in Texas. The urgency surrounding her return stemmed from protracted contract talks, with both Alexa Bliss and WWE reaching an agreement shortly before the high-profile match began.
Shotzi’s Account: Confusion and Frustration Behind the Scenes
Shotzi, recently released from WWE, spoke about being originally chosen for the Women’s Royal Rumble match before being supplanted by Bliss. She detailed the confusion she experienced regarding her status, indicating that company producers sent mixed signals about her participation and shared little information until the last possible moment. Sharing her perspective, Shotzi recalled the whirlwind events that led up to the night:
“I heard mixed messages. A couple of producers said I was always in the Rumble. Then they told me last minute. I don’t know. I was very confused by it, but they didn’t relay anything to me until the day before. It was like 3 PM the day before Rumble and they were like, ‘Can you get on a flight in a couple of hours?’ I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I’m not ready for this.’ I packed my bags. I don’t even know what I put in the bags. Got to the airport in an hour and it led to nothing.”
—Shotzi, WWE Star
The uncertainty persisted until the evening of the Royal Rumble, with Shotzi finding out during makeup preparations that her role had been revoked. She shared,
“The day of, I got told while I was in the makeup chair that I wasn’t in it.”
—Shotzi, WWE Star
Bliss Steps In as the Unexpected Replacement
Shotzi confirmed that Alexa Bliss was unaware of the swap and expressed regret over the situation. Bliss, herself surprised, apologized directly to Shotzi after the match, acknowledging the emotional toll the last-minute change caused.
“Honestly, if you’re going to take me out for anyone, at least make it be the biggest pop for the night. I have to say, Alexa had no idea someone was getting replaced. She had no idea any of that was going on. She felt so bad and she came up to me after and was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m so sorry. I didn’t even realize they were taking someone out to get me in.’”
—Shotzi, WWE Star
Contract Developments and Recent Departures
Shotzi was recently listed among WWE departures, with confirmation arriving on May 3 that her contract would not be renewed as it neared expiration. This followed a turbulent period not only for her but for several other WWE stars, amid an environment of high-profile exits and returns. The decision to have Alexa Bliss return at the Royal Rumble felt all the more dramatic as it coincided with these sweeping changes across the roster, adding an edge of tension and uncertainty for performers like Shotzi.
Impact on WWE’s Women’s Division and What’s Next
The late replacement of Shotzi with Alexa Bliss reflects ongoing volatility within WWE, especially as contract negotiations and creative plans intersect so closely before major events. Alexa Bliss’s unanticipated re-signing and return not only delivered a significant moment for the Texas crowd and worldwide viewers but also revealed how abruptly fortunes can change for talent behind the scenes.
As WWE continues to evolve its women’s division, stories like Shotzi’s highlight the intensity and unpredictability that performers face, while surprise appearances by established names like Alexa Bliss keep audiences engaged. With attention now shifting to future events and ongoing contract talks, fans await further developments involving both current and former stars, with the shadow of sudden changes always looming over the wrestling world.
