AEW wrestler Jon Moxley’s close ally Marina Shafir recently discussed her experience after being released from WWE during a candid interview. Speaking about the period following her departure from the Stamford-based promotion, Shafir shared how she navigated financial struggles and pursued new opportunities while maintaining contact with Moxley. Her reflections provide insight into the challenges some wrestlers face after leaving WWE.
From WWE Release to AEW: Shafir’s Path to Rebuilding Her Wrestling Career
Marina Shafir, who was released from WWE in June 2021, soon connected with Jon Moxley while carving out her path in AEW. After leaving WWE, she showed Moxley a recording of her match against Masha Slamovic at GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 7 event, a critical step that marked her determination to get back on her feet in the wrestling world.
Shafir revealed that financially she was in a difficult spot after her release, emphasizing how essential it was for her to persevere. Referring to WWE simply as the “Fed,” she noted the pressing responsibilities she faced, including supporting her family and providing the best education for her son. She credited Josh Barnett for helping create a platform that allowed her to demonstrate her abilities and rebuild her career.
“The first match I sent Jon [Moxley] was my match with Masha [Slamovic] from Bloodsport, my very first one. Because, I just got released from the Fed and I didn’t know what the fu** was going to happen. All I knew was that I had a mortgage to pay. I had to hustle. My son deserves the best education and I need to fortify myself and like establish myself. That’s what I did on that show. I’m forever grateful for Josh [Barnett]. Cause I think that was like the relating, the relating factor,” Shafir said.
Active Role in AEW and Future Prospects
Currently, Marina Shafir continues to compete in AEW, where she is a key member of Jon Moxley’s faction, the Death Riders. Most recently, she wrestled on AEW Dynamite in a match against Toni Storm, reinforcing her ongoing commitment to the promotion and her career resurgence. Her story highlights the resilience required to overcome obstacles in the professional wrestling industry after a significant release such as the Jon Moxley WWE release.
With her connection to Jon Moxley and support from influential figures like Josh Barnett, Shafir’s trajectory suggests she will remain a fixture in AEW and possibly influence upcoming developments within the Death Riders stable. Her experience also sheds light on the harsh realities behind wrestling contracts and the importance of adaptability in the sport.
