Shayna Baszler has quietly returned to WWE following her release earlier this year, now serving as a producer for WWE NXT. Her new role was confirmed during the July 8 NXT show, where she was credited as a producer for a match, signaling a shift in her WWE involvement amid ongoing uncertainty about her future in the company.
Details of Baszler’s Return and Recent Activity
Baszler, who was part of WWE’s roster cuts announced on May 2, made her return to WWE production duties on the NXT program just over two months later. Wrestling journalist Cory Hays of Bodyslam.net revealed that she, along with Oney Lorcan, produced the bout between Kelani Jordan and Lainey Reid. This marks a notable transition from her previous in-ring role to a behind-the-scenes position.
Before her release, Baszler had signed a multi-year contract with WWE as recently as June 2024. Under her likely 90-day no-compete agreement, she was restricted from wrestling elsewhere, keeping her inactive in matches until at least August 2025. Her last wrestling appearance occurred at GCW’s Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XIII event during WrestleMania week in Las Vegas, held at the Palms Casino Resort.
Shayna Baszler’s Career Background and Impact
Since debuting in WWE’s 2017 Mae Young Classic, Baszler has been a significant figure within the brand. The 44-year-old has earned accolades including two reigns as NXT Women’s Champion and three WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship titles. Her return as a producer adds a new chapter to her tenure in WWE, illustrating a potential change in her contributions beyond competing.
Implications of Baszler’s New Role in WWE
Shayna Baszler’s shift to a producer role on NXT raises questions about her long-term position in WWE and whether she will eventually return to the ring or remain in behind-the-scenes capacities. Her involvement in match production may influence the creative direction of future NXT events while allowing her to maintain a presence within the company during this transitional phase.
@BodyslamNet has learned that Shayna Baszler was listed as a producer for last night’s episode of #WWENXT. More details available on the Bodyslam Patreon https://t.co/4HVwtoTeYp pic.twitter.com/oUjKYC8ibv
— Cory (@Cory_Hays407) July 9, 2025
