Tony Khan hiring former WWE star Shotzi Blackheart has ignited strong reactions among wrestling fans, as speculation rises over AEW bringing her on board after her recent WWE exit. The debate comes amid a wave of talent departures from the major sports entertainment company, with Shotzi Blackheart’s name surprising many in the wrestling community.
Shotzi Blackheart’s WWE Departure Stirs Discussion
Shotzi Blackheart, who is 34 years old, originally signed with the company in 2019 and showcased significant promise but never received a central position. Despite her talent and dedication, she did not achieve a breakthrough during her six-year tenure. She left WWE in May 2025 and soon shifted her focus to the independent circuit, continuing to build her reputation outside the mainstream promotion.
Her candid reflections about her time in WWE and her aspirations moving forward were revealed during a recent interview. She expressed that AEW, under Tony Khan’s leadership, might rank high among her post-WWE ambitions. According to Shotzi Blackheart, the culture of creative freedom at the Jacksonville-based AEW, along with Tony Khan’s reputation for supporting talent, make the company an attractive option.
Fan Opinions Remain Polarized
The possibility of Tony Khan hiring former WWE star Shotzi Blackheart has generated a conflicted response online. While some fans oppose the move and urge AEW to be cautious, others see potential for her to fit in well with the locker room and make a positive impact on the promotion.
Shotzi Blackheart Speaks on Her Release
Although she only recently parted ways with WWE, Shotzi Blackheart is already focused on establishing her presence in independent wrestling events. Addressing the circumstances behind her departure in an interview with Ariel Helwani, Shotzi Blackheart acknowledged the uncertainty with honesty.
“I probably will never know why they released me, but WWE doesn’t owe me anything. That’s showbiz, right? They just didn’t think that I was money and that’s OK. I can take that (…) I loved working there. I didn’t love not working there, you know what I’m saying? It was only when I wasn’t being used that I was unhappy. But anytime I was being used, good time. Loved the locker room, loved everyone I was working for,”
she said. —Shotzi Blackheart, former WWE Superstar
What the Future Could Hold for Shotzi Blackheart
The wrestling world is watching closely to see where Shotzi Blackheart’s journey takes her next. With support and skepticism surrounding Tony Khan hiring former WWE star Shotzi Blackheart, her next move could influence both AEW’s women’s division and the broader landscape of professional wrestling. For now, fans, industry insiders, and fellow wrestlers await a formal decision and look forward to what Shotzi Blackheart achieves on the independent circuit and possibly beyond.
