Shayna Baszler’s latest appearance in WWE, working backstage at an NXT taping, raised questions about whether or not she had truly returned. Well, no. As it turns out, the former NXT Women’s Champion was just acting in accordance with the non-compete clause of their contract, which is what many released talents do. This is the complete breakdown.
Still Under Contract: The 90-Day Rule
Despite Shayna Baszler’s early May release, WWE contracts usually include a 90-day post-release clause. She was therefore still obligated to the business until the beginning of August, which prevented her from wrestling elsewhere, but she was still able to make a few backstage appearances.
During a Twitch stream, Baszler clarified:
“Technically I’m still under contract … I have 90 days … to help out with some stuff in the ring… I happened to sit on a headset. That’s it. That’s literally all that happened, guys.”
Behind the Curtain: Producer for a Match
She was formally acknowledged as a producer, or “road agent,” during the July 8 broadcast of NXT on The CW, according to reports. She was working on the Kelani Jordan vs. Lainey Reid match with Chris Girard and veteran Oney Lorcan.
Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio confirmed:
“She has been at NXT tapings. She has agented other matches… it’s not like she’s taken a job as an agent… She is doing it since she’s around and they’ve asked her.”
So, no full-time role yet—just a temporary backstage assist within contractual allowances.
Why Baszler Teamed Up with NXT Production
Baszler cited her inspiration from veteran Bryan Danielson on why working a headset matters:
“It helps you understand the TV part of wrestling… which is what WWE is. And so I was doing that… learned years ago from Bryan Danielson.”
With more than eight years of WWE experience, including two NXT Women’s title runs and numerous main roster Tag Team titles, Baszler has a wealth of knowledge and is well-suited to assist with matchmaking.
Is This the Start of a Full-Time Role?
As of yet, there is no long-term agreement. Wrestling News Source and SI.com are among the many websites that stress that Baszler has not been employed as a full-time road agent. As part of WWE’s strategy for using talent in the last stages of their contracts, she is instead supporting production upon request.
No official agreements have been confirmed, despite Fightful’s statement that WWE may be looking into giving her a more involved backstage role.
A Natural Next Step for Shayna?
Given that she “kept a good relationship at NXT” and likes working behind the scenes, Shayna hinted to the prospect of a future backstage job. However, she also stated that when her non-compete period ends, she will still have “stories to tell” as an active competitor.
What This Means for Fans
There won’t be a surprise return since Shayna isn’t going back to the ring just yet.
Respected as a mentor, WWE obviously values her experience in molding younger talent.
The future is still up in the air—Baszler may decide to return to wrestling, work as a producer, or look for possibilities in other promotions after she is released from non-compete.
Final Take
Shayna Baszler’s thoughtful time spent backstage at NXT is indicative of WWE’s approach to repurposing departed talent, which involves making use of their background while adhering to contractual obligations. She is merely playing a helpful role within her 90-day window while considering her future course of action; it is by no means a covert comeback. Whether it’s back in the ring, working steadily behind the scenes, or somewhere else… She has only just begun her journey.