Just two months after her release from the company, Shayna Baszler has made a swift return to WWE, undertaking a new role as a backstage producer. The development occurred during the July 8 episode of WWE NXT, where Baszler was listed as a producer for the match between Kelani Jordan and Lainey Reid.
Baszler’s return follows her departure in early May 2025, which was part of a significant round of talent cuts. Her release was considered a surprise internally, particularly as reports indicated she had renewed her contract with the company in 2024.
For her first assignment in the new role, Baszler worked alongside fellow producer Chris Girard, formerly known as Oney Lorcan. This initial period is reportedly a trial, a standard company practice where prospective producers shadow veteran staff before potentially being hired for a full-time position. The situation is notable as Baszler is still under the 90-day non-compete clause from her talent contract.
The former two-time NXT Women’s Champion has remained connected to her WWE legacy, posting on social media on July 7 about her historic championship win at the first Evolution event in 2018. Her last official match for the company was on the April 11 episode of SmackDown. During her brief time away from the company, Baszler did not wrestle for other promotions, though AEW’s Thunder Rosa publicly expressed interest in bringing her to the rival organization.