Former WWE star Shayna Baszler revealed details about her surprising transition to a producer role in NXT during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. After her WWE release, Baszler has taken on behind-the-scenes responsibilities, helping with production tasks and match development, illustrating her continued connection to the wrestling world.
How Baszler Became Involved as an NXT Producer
Baszler explained that her involvement stemmed from informal assistance rather than a formal producer appointment. She recounted being onsite on a Tuesday, coincidentally helping friends improve submission transitions. Despite not officially being a producer, she was present enough to offer input and support during NXT shows.
Reflecting on her early exposure to production, she credited Daniel Bryan (Bryan Danielson) for influencing her perspective on wrestling production. She recalled Bryan’s advice from the COVID era, noting how sitting on a headset watching the flow of camera calls changed his understanding of wrestling on television. Baszler took that lesson to heart and made it a habit to observe NXT’s production headset communications whenever possible.
Baszler’s Experience Sitting on Production Headsets
Though not on microphone or officially directing production, Baszler shared that she frequently listened in on headset communications during NXT tapings, which helped deepen her comprehension of the show‘s execution. She stressed that this had been ongoing throughout the 90 days following her release, assisting with a few matches here and there without being heavily involved in mic work or planning camera shots.
She noted a particularly memorable NXT show that took place before WWE Evolution, featuring Raw and SmackDown stars competing in a battle royal, where her behind-the-scenes presence was noticeable yet understated.
Baszler’s Thoughts on Becoming a Full-Time Producer
While Baszler has not officially signed on as a permanent producer, she is open to conversations about such a role. She emphasized the importance of negotiating practical details like compensation and balancing the physical demands of wrestling in her 40s with behind-the-scenes duties. She acknowledged others who continue performing successfully at this stage in their careers but indicated this path would require careful planning.
Baszler also reflected on the rarity of her situation—being released as talent yet still welcomed to engage with NXT production. She described the wrestling industry as male-dominated but admitted WWE is actively seeking women capable of stepping into roles like hers. This opportunity to learn the craft and develop new skills adds to her toolbox, regardless of whether it results in a long-term producer position.
Baszler’s Vision for Impact and Future Ambitions
She expressed aspirations to influence NXT with a “visceral reality” comparable to Antonio Inoki’s legacy. Although she is uncertain about fully retiring from in-ring competition, Baszler values the openness to contribute beyond wrestling matches and hopes to bridge her experience as talent with a growing production role.
Her evolving position signals a shift for former wrestlers maintaining relevance through leadership and creative input, especially as WWE aims to diversify its backstage talent pool and enhance show quality.
Industry Context and Significance of Baszler’s Producer Role
Baszler’s transition to assisting in production highlights how relationships and expertise gained during a wrestling career can be leveraged post-wrestling. Her involvement in NXT’s production also underscores WWE’s willingness to integrate former performers into new capacities, particularly women aiming to break into backstage roles traditionally dominated by men.
As WWE continues evolving NXT into a destination for rising stars and creative innovation, Baszler’s presence behind the scenes adds value by blending her in-ring savvy with awareness of televised production demands. This dual perspective may eventually position her as a key contributor shaping the future of WWE programming.
Her story serves as an example for other wrestlers considering career longevity beyond the ring, showing that skills can transition into influential roles that extend professional relevance.
