Shayna Baszler Opens Up on Life After WWE Release and Her Ongoing Role Behind the Scenes
Former WWE champion Shayna Baszler has opened up candidly about her current relationship with WWE following her release, revealing a situation that is far more fluid — and positive — than many fans might have expected. While Baszler is no longer officially listed on WWE’s active roster, she remains closely connected to the company, staying busy both behind the scenes and in the ring on her own terms.
Speaking on a recent episode of Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Baszler clarified that she is not formally employed by WWE at the moment, but that hasn’t stopped her from regularly contributing. When she isn’t traveling for independent bookings, Baszler can often be found at the WWE Performance Center, where she assists younger talent and helps shape the next generation of wrestlers.
“So pretty much, if I’m not on the road, I’m helping out there, if I can,” Baszler explained. She noted that WWE has been supportive of this arrangement and has not placed any restrictions on her continuing to wrestle outside the company. She continues to take independent dates, run seminars, and remain active in the wrestling world while also maintaining open lines of communication with WWE.
Baszler has also been making frequent appearances at WWE NXT, where she has taken on guest coaching duties and shadowed producers backstage. According to her, the experience has been unexpectedly fulfilling. “Seeing the growth of the girls — and even some of the guys — collaborating on ideas, it’s been really rewarding,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would, to be honest.”
Interestingly, Baszler revealed that she began helping out in this capacity even before her WWE release was officially finalized. Although she admitted feeling “salty” at first when asked if she would continue contributing during her 90-day non-compete period, her perspective quickly shifted once she became emotionally invested in the athletes she was working with.
“I got emotionally invested in everything,” Baszler said. “I got emotionally invested in the athletes that are there that I’m working with.” That investment, she explained, has made her busier than ever — sometimes even more so than when she was a full-time performer on the road.
“Strangely enough, I feel like I’m busier and away from home more than I was before,” she admitted. “But it’s by choice — taking every opportunity I can to do everything I want to do.”
Shayna Baszler Embraces a New Chapter, Balancing Indie Wrestling, NXT Coaching, and Creative Fulfillment
Beyond coaching, Baszler has also made select on-screen appearances, including a notable cameo at NXT Homecoming this past September. These appearances have fueled speculation about a potential full-time return to WWE in some capacity, though Baszler has been careful to manage expectations.
“I’m not officially hired,” she emphasized. “But I have a good relationship with them.” She added that she wouldn’t rule out wrestling matches for WWE if asked, though her priorities have evolved. At this stage of her career, Baszler is less focused on titles and accolades and more interested in creative fulfillment and preserving her wrestling style.
“I’ve been a talent,” she said. “So I know how to go from creative to the talent and kind of bridge the gap of what creative is looking for and what the talent wants to do.” That ability to serve as a connector — someone who understands both sides of the process — is something Baszler hopes could eventually translate into a more permanent backstage role.
When asked whether her current guest coaching could evolve into a full-time position, Baszler didn’t hide her enthusiasm. “I’m hoping,” she replied, adding with a laugh, “If I don’t suck too bad at the guest part of it…”
At 45, Baszler brings a wealth of experience to the table. She is a former two-time NXT Women’s Champion and a three-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion — credentials that command respect in any locker room. Since her release in May, she has remained active, motivated, and creatively energized, carving out a path that blends independence with collaboration.
For now, Shayna Baszler’s WWE status may be unofficial, but her presence — and influence — is very real. Whether her future lies in the ring, backstage, or both, one thing is clear: Baszler is far from finished, and her relationship with WWE is very much alive.
