Shotzi Appears To Suffer Significant Knee Injury During WWE NXT Women’s Title Match

At last night’s taping for next week’s episode of “WWE NXT,” which is set to run in its usual timeslot (8pm EST/ 7pm CST) on the USA Network on February 20. On next week’s episode of “NXT” will see Lyra Valkyria defend her “NXT” Championship against “WWE SmackDown” star Shotzi, who returned during last night’s broadcast. Unfortunately, that title match was stopped as Shotzi reportedly suffered a significant injury.

According to Fightful Select, Shotzi hit her knee against the side of the ring during a spot that was meant to take the match into the commercial break. Unfortunately, Shotzi was unable to continue, and was immediately helped to the back, where Corey Brennan of Fightful was able to confirm she was unable to put any weight on her leg and was in an immense amount of pain when she arrived backstage. WWE officials were reportedly very concerned as she was taken for medical evaluation, which led to one source claiming Shotzi’s injury was a serious one and not a work, unlike the string of worked injuries that have taken place in “NXT” recently. However, there is reportedly no heat on Shotzi or Valkyria as the incident was described as a “freak accident.”

Following the injury, “NXT” General Manager Ava announced an open challenge for Valkyria’s title as Shotzi was unable to finish the match, with resulted in Lash Legend answering the call. Fightful says people within “NXT” commended Ava, Legend, and Valkyria for their ability to act quickly and professionally in such a difficult situation.

Following her participation in the double “NXT” taping, Shotzi was set to face Tiffany Stratton in a Women’s Elimination Chamber qualifying match on “SmackDown” this Friday. Depending on the severity of her reported injury, WWE may now have to find a replacement for Shotzi.

Source: Wrestling Inc.