Shayna Baszler Aids NXT Unofficially After WWE Release

Former WWE wrestler Shayna Baszler, released from the company in May after an eight-year tenure, continues to contribute to its developmental brand NXT through unofficial guest coaching and producing roles, while maintaining an active schedule on the independent circuit.

Baszler, a 45-year-old former two-time NXT Women's Champion and three-time WWE Women's Tag Team Champion, described her post-release life as surprisingly demanding during a recent appearance on the Insight with Chris Van Vliet podcast. "Strangely enough, I feel like I'm busier and away from home more than I was before, just by the nature of taking every available opportunity there is to just do everything that I want to do," she said. Since her departure, she has taken independent wrestling bookings, conducted seminars, and made regular visits to the WWE Performance Center to assist younger talent. When not traveling for matches, she shadows producers and provides guest coaching at NXT events.

Although not formally employed by WWE, Baszler emphasized her strong ongoing relationship with the organization, which has allowed her to participate without restrictions on her indie work. "I'm not like officially hired,...