Following her departure from WWE, Shotzi Blackheart has identified AEW as her preferred future destination. During an appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show, she expressed a clear interest in the promotion over other options like TNA.
Blackheart detailed several factors driving her ambition, highlighting the creative freedom afforded to talent and the positive experiences of her friends currently with the company. She also pointed to reports of how Tony Khan treats his roster as a significant draw.
I love TNA, I love AEW. AEW. For so many reasons. I love their freedom, I have a lot of friends there who are doing really awesome things. I’ve heard many stories about how Tony treats talent, so I do love that he really cares for his talent—that is super important to me. And like, hot girls get to make out with each other, so that’s cool.
Earning a Spot on the Independent Circuit
Despite her interest, Blackheart clarified that she does not expect an immediate offer based on her previous WWE tenure. Instead, her strategy is to re-establish her value on the independent scene. This approach was recently showcased on June 6, when she made a surprise return to HOODSLAM, the promotion where her career began in 2014, for her first match since her WWE exit.
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I wouldn’t wanna go to AEW just because I was signed with WWE and expect them to sign me. That’s why I wanna earn my spot and kill it on the indies, and if they really love what I’m doing for the rest of the year, I’m game.
Her post-WWE schedule underscores this commitment, with a number of high-profile bookings already confirmed. Her non-compete clause has expired, and she is set to debut for MLW on June 26 in New York City. This will be followed by international dates, including a match for PROGRESS Wrestling in England on June 29 and a three-show tour in Japan with GCW in late July.
This independent run is proving to be a lucrative venture. On June 10, Blackheart revealed that she earned more in just two days on the circuit than she did in a full week while under her WWE contract. This financial success reinforces that her desire to join AEW is driven by creative and professional aspirations rather than necessity.
When asked about potential rivalries in AEW, Blackheart immediately identified Athena as a dream opponent.
Dream feud? First thing that comes to mind is Athena. I think she’s so awesome, she’s the best women’s wrestler in the world.
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