Former Tag Team Champion To Leave WWE

The WWE departures continue.

It’s been reported by Fightful Select that Shotzi has been informed that her WWE contract won’t be renewed. The star had been moved to the alumni section of the company’s website on May 3.

Her exit comes after a raft of main roster and NXT stars were released 24 hours earlier, including Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler, Dakota Kai, and Cora Jade.

Shotzi is said to have seen the writing on the wall and is already feeling optimistic about her future.

After the news broke, Shotzi posted an upbeat message on social media, writing that she was excited to see what comes next.

I am more than grateful for the wild ride! Can’t wait to see where this crazy journey takes me next! I hope to make all my believers proud. 💚

Shotzi’s first brush with WWE came in 2015 when she was selected to take part in the sixth season of Tough Enough, however, she was forced to withdraw after failing a medical. Despite the setback, Shotzi signed with WWE in 2019 and went on to win the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship while with the developmental brand.

The Californian star was promoted to the main roster in 2021, but moved back to NXT three years later.

WWE Star Released Due To Pay

While there’s been no public comment on the reason behind the releases, it seems at least one was down to money. According to Dave Meltzer, Braun Strowman was released because WWE felt he was overpaid.

As noted by one source, there was a feeling within the company that Strowman was being paid too much compared to how much he was being used.

“He is the one that the salary was high. One person told me that they felt he was being… he was paid more than how they were using him, I guess is the best way to put it, but salary played a part in this.”

Following the news that NXT star Dani Palmer had also left the company, it was reported by Fightful that she isn’t expected to continue wrestling. Palmer also made reference to her athletic career being over.