Shotzi recently discussed a complication in her path to WWE, revealing the company initially withdrew a contract offer due to what they deemed “risky” online photographs. She shared these details during an appearance on Unwrapped, explaining that she first signed with WWE in 2018 and completed all required medical evaluations. However, her prospective induction was abruptly halted.
So, I had like a weird thing where I got signed in 2018 and then they were like, ‘Never mind’.
She described feeling disheartened, believing her WWE aspirations had ended. Shotzi clarified that the issue was not related to medical concerns or wrestling ability but rather her online image.
I was just like—I was over the idea of WWE at that point. I was like, okay, I’m coming to terms that WWE is never going to sign me. I wasn’t signed because of like background check stuff. They were just like—I had like risky photos up that, which I don’t even think are that risky now, but they were just like, ‘Oh yeah, no, that’s not what we want out of our WWE superstars.’
After the initial rejection, Shotzi continued performing on the independent circuit. WWE contacted her again in 2019, presenting a different scenario.
Then like AEW started blowing up and then they were like, ‘Actually we are going to sign you. Can you start in like two weeks?’
According to Shotzi, WWE reversed its stance on the content previously deemed “risky.”
Not even a year later they hit me up and they were like, ‘Actually it’s not that bad.’
Shotzi’s return to WWE in 2019 led to a tenure in NXT, followed by a main roster debut and various appearances before her contract was not renewed in 2024. Her experience illustrates the rapid shifts that can occur in the wrestling industry and within company priorities.