Shayna Baszler’s departure may seem like the end of a chapter, but for a wrestler of her caliber, it may well be the beginning of something more impactful
Free from the creative constraints of WWE, she now has the freedom to redefine herself once again, whether in another wrestling promotion or through completely new ventures.
Her cryptic farewell, “Let the Galaxy burn,” might be less of a goodbye and more of a warning: The Queen of Spades isn’t done dealing pain—she’s just changing the venue.
While roster cuts are disheartening, they are also turning points. Shayna Baszler and the others now have a chance to write their own narratives, without creative shackles or backstage politics.
Mojo Rawley’s prediction may turn out to be prophetic. With the wrestling world more open than ever, the sky truly is the limit for those bold enough to seize it.
Also Read: Shayna Baszler Bio, Age, Career, Net Worth, Personal Life And More
Table of Contents
Shayna Baszler’s WWE Departure
A Shocking Exit from the Queen of Spades
WWE’s roster underwent another wave of unexpected releases in early May 2025, and among the notable names to be shown the door was Shayna Baszler, a performer once hailed as one of the most fearsome forces in women’s wrestling.1
The former NXT Women’s Champion and multi-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion left fans stunned—not just because of her release, but also due to a cryptic message she delivered in its aftermath.
Shayna Baszler’s journey to WWE was far from typical. Before stepping foot in a squared circle, she made a name for herself in the world of mixed martial arts, amassing victories with her technical grappling and submission prowess.
Known for her brutal Kirifuda Clutch, Baszler brought a realism to her matches that few others could replicate.
When she signed with WWE in 2017, she immediately stood out as a uniquely dangerous competitor. Her MMA pedigree was not a gimmick—it was a reputation she had earned through blood and grit. This authenticity quickly translated to dominance in WWE’s developmental territory.
— Shayna Baszler (@QoSBaszler) May 3, 2025
NXT Glory: The Reign of the Queen of Spades
Baszler quickly rose through the ranks of NXT, becoming a two-time NXT Women’s Champion and establishing herself as one of the brand’s most dominant forces.
Her hard-hitting style, intense promos, and ruthless in-ring psychology made her a perfect foil for fan favorites like Kairi Sane, Io Shirai, and Ember Moon.
Many viewed her title reigns as a blueprint for how to build a heel champion. She didn’t rely on shortcuts—she dismantled her opponents with surgical efficiency. NXT’s women’s division thrived during her reign, and Baszler left an indelible mark on the brand.
Shayna Baszler: Main Roster Challenges
A Tale of Underutilization
Baszler’s transition to the main roster, however, was rocky.2
While she had moments of brilliance—like her 2020 Elimination Chamber performance where she eliminated every opponent—it was clear that creative never fully understood how to present her.
Despite winning the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships three times (twice with Nia Jax and once with real-life friend Ronda Rousey), Baszler often found herself caught in midcard limbo.
There were flashes of the dominant Baszler from NXT, but they were fleeting and inconsistent.
The Formation of the Pure Fusion Collective
One of Baszler’s most promising main roster angles came in late 2024 with the formation of a new heel faction, The Pure Fusion Collective (PFC).
The group—featuring Baszler, Zoey Stark, and Sonya Deville—was a blend of tough, no-nonsense fighters who positioned themselves as purveyors of reality in a WWE universe increasingly filled with spectacle.
Their promos struck a chord with a section of the fanbase who missed the more serious, wrestling-centric characters. However, despite the faction’s potential, WWE’s booking failed to give them a proper spotlight.
Following Deville’s release earlier in 2025, the writing was on the wall. With only Zoey Stark left, the PFC quietly disbanded, never quite reaching its full potential.
A Chilling Farewell: “Let the Galaxy Burn”
Following her release, Baszler didn’t hold a press conference, release a lengthy video, or launch into a tirade against WWE. Instead, she posted a short, ominous message on social media:
“No one can offer what I have to offer. Reality. Let the Galaxy burn.”
The message, brief as it was, sent chills through the wrestling community. It was defiant, cryptic, and deeply in character—a final bow from someone who had always stayed true to her persona.
But more than just theatrics, it felt like a declaration of intent. Shayna Baszler wasn’t finished. She was just beginning a new chapter.
A Respected Veteran Gone Too Soon
Baszler’s release triggered an outpouring of reactions from fans, journalists, and wrestlers alike.
Many were shocked that WWE would part ways with a talent of her caliber—especially considering the women’s division is often criticized for lacking depth and credible threats.
Wrestling veterans, including Mickie James and Natalya, took to social media to praise Baszler’s contributions. Ronda Rousey, her longtime friend and tag team partner, shared a heartfelt message, expressing both disbelief and support for whatever came next.
What’s Next for Shayna Baszler?
The biggest question now is where Baszler will go from here.3
At 44 years old, she may not have the same runway as younger talent, but her style is less reliant on athleticism and more focused on psychology, submissions, and intensity—traits that can prolong a wrestling career.
Several major promotions could be viable options:
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AEW: With its growing women’s division, AEW could use Baszler as a linchpin for a more serious, technical style.
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Impact Wrestling (TNA): Known for giving overlooked talents a fresh start, Impact could be a place where Baszler shines as a top-tier threat.
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Japan: Promotions like Stardom or SEAdLINNNG might welcome a tough, legit fighter into their ranks, giving her a new playground to dominate.
Legacy of the Queen of Spades
Whether or not Shayna Baszler returns to WWE down the line, her contributions to the company—especially in NXT—won’t be forgotten.
She helped usher in a new style of women’s wrestling that blended realism with character-driven storytelling. Her matches felt different, her promos hit harder, and her presence commanded respect.
She wasn’t flashy. She wasn’t trying to be a social media darling. She was, in her own words, reality—and that made her terrifying.
While Baszler did achieve notable success on the main roster, many agree that WWE never tapped into her full potential.
In an era where women like Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair were given extended runs and major storylines, Baszler was often relegated to the background despite having the credentials and presence to be a top star.
Many fans point to potential rivalries—Baszler vs. Becky Lynch in a sustained feud, or Baszler vs. Charlotte Flair in a high-stakes program—that were either rushed or never fully explored.
The company had a legitimate fighter on their hands but often seemed unsure of how to present her in a way that felt organic and impactful.
Also Read: Who is Shayna Baszler Wife? Dating And Relationship Update
Shayna Baszler’s Next Chapter
Among the released talents, Shayna Baszler stands out as a veteran with significant credentials.
A former NXT Women’s Champion and one-half of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Baszler brought legitimacy and grit to WWE’s women’s division through her MMA background and intense in-ring style.
Despite consistent performances, her main roster booking never fully capitalized on her NXT dominance.
Now that she is no longer bound by WWE’s creative limitations, Baszler has the opportunity to reinvent herself in promotions like AEW, TNA/Impact Wrestling, or even return to MMA.
Mojo Rawley’s confidence in her earning potential outside of WWE is not misplaced — Baszler remains a bankable and respected talent.
One person who sees immense potential in the recent WWE departures is former Superstar Mojo Rawley. His optimism centers around Shayna Baszler and several others who now find themselves free agents.
Monster Among Free Agents
Braun Strowman’s release is perhaps the most surprising of all. A former Universal Champion and one of WWE’s most physically imposing performers, Strowman seemed destined to be a mainstay.
His initial release in 2021 shocked the wrestling world, but he was brought back later. Now, with another release, his future again becomes the subject of intense speculation.
Mojo’s claim that wrestlers will make more money outside WWE could be very true for Strowman. His imposing figure and mainstream appeal could draw lucrative offers from AEW, Japanese promotions like NJPW, or even Hollywood.
A crossover career could make him a more prominent name than ever before.
In the fast-paced and ever-changing world of professional wrestling, roster cuts are an unfortunate reality. While these changes often come as a shock to fans and talent alike, they also open new doors for wrestlers ready to redefine their careers.
Shayna Baszler: The Coffey Brothers & Wolfgang
Rebuilding in the UK Scene
Gallus — the trio of Wolfgang, Mark Coffey, and Joe Coffey — had established themselves as a dominant force in NXT UK before the brand’s merger into NXT 2.0. Their gritty, no-nonsense style made them fan favorites.
Returning to the UK’s rich wrestling scene might be the best move. Promotions like PROGRESS, OTT, or even WAW could provide them with a home base to rebuild and redefine their brand — and, if Mojo Rawley is right, perhaps even out-earn their WWE salaries.
Formerly known as Karl Fredericks in NJPW, Eddy Thorpe brought a unique blend of strong-style wrestling and technical finesse to NXT.
Though he had only started making waves in WWE, his release offers a chance to return to the style and audience that originally embraced him.
NJPW, NOAH, or MLW would likely welcome Thorpe back with open arms. His skill set is tailor-made for fans who appreciate mat-based wrestling, and that niche could become a financial goldmine for him.
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A New Age of Wrestling Opportunity
Gone are the days when WWE was the only game in town. Thanks to a global explosion of wrestling content, wrestlers now have choices.
Promotions across the world are hungry for talent, and streaming platforms have made even the most niche events accessible to a wide audience.
This democratization of wrestling means that stars like Shayna Baszler, Braun Strowman, and Dakota Kai can choose their paths and build wealth on their terms — exactly what Mojo Rawley hinted at.
Another key factor in these wrestlers’ futures will be fan support. Social media has become a vital tool in amplifying released talent, helping them secure bookings, merchandise deals, and brand collaborations.
Wrestlers like Matt Cardona (formerly Zack Ryder) have made fortunes post-WWE, thanks to savvy business moves and loyal fanbases.
If Baszler, Dolin, Strowman, and others follow that blueprint, their financial ceiling could be far higher outside the corporate machine of WWE.
Also Read: Carmelo Hayes in Shock: Braun Strowman Returns After Two-Month Absence
