Shayna Baszler made an unexpected comeback at NXT Homecoming on September 16, surprising fans by addressing ongoing issues between Sol Ruca and Zaria in their tag team partnership. The former NXT Women’s Champion, who last competed in the Royal Rumble earlier in 2025, urged the two wrestlers to resolve their differences and work together in order to achieve success.
Unexpected Return and Message to Ruca and Zaria
At the NXT Homecoming event, Baszler appeared in a backstage segment to intervene in a dispute between Ruca and Zaria, who have recently faced challenges in their relationship as tag partners. Releasing a firm warning to both, Baszler said,
“Fix it, and you’ll get everything you want.” – Shayna Baszler
Her words carried weight given her reputation as a tenacious competitor and mentor. This appearance surprised viewers as Baszler had been released from WWE in May 2025 despite having three years remaining on her contract. Her last match took place at the 2025 Royal Rumble, where she entered at number 11 and lasted over ten minutes before elimination by Bayley.
Baszler’s Experience as Guidance for New Talent
Throughout her career, Baszler became known for her tough, submission-based wrestling style, developed from her mixed martial arts tenure in UFC prior to joining WWE in 2017. Her track record includes two reigns as NXT Women’s Champion and three WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship victories alongside different partners. Drawing from this extensive experience, Baszler advised Ruca—who currently holds the NXT Women’s North American and WWE Women’s Speed Championships—and Zaria, her partner since their meeting during the Iron Survivor Challenge in December 2024.
Despite their past successes, Ruca and Zaria’s partnership recently hit rough patches, making Baszler’s intervention particularly significant as she encouraged them to put aside conflicts for the benefit of their careers.
Transition to Backstage Role After WWE Release
Since her release, Baszler has transitioned to working as a producer for NXT, beginning in July 2025. She has been collaborating with producer Chris Girard on matches involving talents like Kelani Jordan and Lainey Reid, gaining experience behind the scenes to help wrestlers refine their skills. Her shift from in-ring competitor to producer reflects her ongoing commitment to WWE and its performers, even after her departure as a wrestler.
Her release came during a WWE roster reduction that included other notable talents such as Dakota Kai and Cora Jade, a move that surprised many fans who believed Baszler still had much to contribute in the ring given her proven track record and popularity.
Broader Impact and Future Prospects
Baszler’s surprise reappearance reinforces her enduring influence on the NXT roster and highlights WWE’s recognition of her value beyond active competition. By stepping in to address the conflict between Ruca and Zaria, she demonstrates a willingness to mentor emerging talent and shape the company’s future stars. Fans can expect Baszler’s behind-the-scenes role to expand as she aids in developing new wrestlers’ abilities and possibly influencing storylines from a production standpoint.
Her message about partnership and focus might also signal new directions for Ruca and Zaria, potentially setting up renewed alliances or story arcs that revolve around teamwork and resilience in upcoming NXT events.
"Fix it, and you'll get everything you want."
When Shayna Baszler speaks, you listen @SolRucaWWE and @ZariaWWE_… 😳 pic.twitter.com/5LmdTOL795
— WWE (@WWE) September 17, 2025
