Chris Jericho responds to Shotzi’s AEW interest controversy as discussions intensify over her potential move to Tony Khan’s company following her WWE exit. The situation brings renewed attention to their previous conflict and raises questions about Shotzi Blackheart’s standing in the wrestling world.
Flashback to Blood & Guts I: The Origin of the Tension
Chris Jericho, though currently on hiatus from both AEW and ROH, maintains a prominent role as a representative of Tony Khan’s organizations. The trouble resurfaces from a pivotal moment on May 5, 2021, when AEW held its first Blood & Guts match—a hardcore contest featured on Dynamite. In that match, The Pinnacle secured victory over The Inner Circle, leading to a dramatic moment where Sammy Guevara surrendered on behalf of his team after MJF threatened to throw Jericho from the top of a cage, an action he followed through.
However, the spectacle drew criticism among fans and wrestling insiders. Broadcast footage made it apparent that Jericho’s landing took place on protective crash pads camouflaged as a steel platform, sparking accusations of inauthenticity. Shotzi Blackheart, still affiliated with WWE then, publicly mocked the AEW spot by posting a GIF of a woman falling onto a bed, a move widely interpreted as deriding the segment’s realism.
This incident initially resulted in online backlash, with Jericho responding indirectly, and Shotzi later offering an apology, stating she had meant no disrespect and even praised the Blood & Guts match. Despite that, the previous exchange is once again topical, reignited by Shotzi’s current interest in joining AEW.
Shotzi’s Post-WWE Ambitions and Renewed Scrutiny
On May 3, Shotzi’s contract with WWE officially ended after six years, closing out her run as a former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion. Shortly after, she discussed her future in wrestling during an interview with Ariel Helwani, expressing openness to signing with AEW for reasons she described as ‘curious.’
With Shotzi now trending due to both her departure and candid interest in AEW, speculation is mounting in the wrestling community. Many fans and notable analysts believe that her past comments and public jabs at AEW—namely the Blood & Guts incident—could jeopardize any hope she has of joining Tony Khan’s roster. Jericho, celebrated as AEW’s inaugural World Champion and regarded as someone with significant influence in hiring decisions, is regarded by many as a potential obstacle for Shotzi’s aspirations.
Jericho’s Reaction and Public Criticism of the Match
As online discourse circulates old clips and quotes, Jericho’s original comments following the Blood & Guts controversy are resurfacing. While dismissing the criticisms that claimed the match lacked realism, Jericho defended the stunt and described the risks involved.
He directly addressed the critics and referenced unnamed WWE performers, alluding to Shotzi’s initial social media post.
can really f**k their a*s because it was dangerous.
—Chris Jericho, wrestling legend
He elaborated further on his feelings toward criticism from inside the wrestling industry.
“People laugh at that sort of stuff but there’s no reason to because this is the real deal and it can happen at any time. Best of luck to anybody in our business, and anybody that bags on somebody who’s taking a chance and putting their bodies on the line can really f**k off. Especially people in the business. I could say some names. There’s a couple of chicks in WWE who said some stuff and they should probably not have said that. They probably weren’t trained any better and in six months they’ll probably be asking us for a job anyways and I’ll remember that. So, we’ll leave it at that,”
Jericho said.
—Chris Jericho, wrestling legend
With these statements making rounds on social media once again, the negative undertones between Shotzi and Jericho have reignited community debate, fostering doubt about Shotzi’s prospects within AEW.
Shotzi Clarifies Past Actions Amid Career Transition
The rift that unfolded between Shotzi and Jericho has not been easily forgotten, especially now. At the time, Shotzi provided a clarification regarding her GIF post and explained her intentions,
A wonderful chat with @ShotziWWE & @TeganNoxWWE_ where we talked the SD call-up, running away when meeting Kane & The Undertaker and in the clip below, Shotzi explains how she was just joking with Jericho & meant no offence with *that* GIF.STORY: https://t.co/rtHKRsdWkrpic.twitter.com/VE3JajQMLc— Alex McCarthy (@AlexMcCarthy88)
—Alex McCarthy, wrestling journalist
Despite her efforts to clarify and apologize, many observers feel that her prior remarks may linger over current negotiations with AEW and its leadership.
Shotzi’s Recent Matches and Independent Ventures
After her WWE departure, Shotzi quickly returned to wrestling action on the independent scene. She made her debut for GCW as an unexpected entrant in the Tournament of Survival, participating in a Three-Way Deathmatch where Matt Tremont retained the GCW Ultraviolent Championship against both Blackheart and Jimmy Lloyd. A day earlier, Shotzi had achieved victory in her first bout since leaving WWE, defeating Rick Scott Stoner at Hoodslam Fearless.
Her activity highlights a determined effort to maintain momentum and visibility within the wrestling world as she seeks new opportunities, despite lingering controversy.
Looking Ahead: The Impact on AEW and the Wrestling Landscape
The resurfacing of the old feud between Chris Jericho and Shotzi casts an uncertain shadow over her prospects with AEW. With the influence of Jericho in Tony Khan’s organization and a divided response from fans and insiders, Shotzi’s future in professional wrestling hangs in the balance. The ongoing scrutiny underscores how past actions on social media and industry rivalries can follow performers long after their initial disputes, potentially influencing major career moves and shaping wrestling’s current climate.
