Shayna Baszler sparked plenty of chatter earlier this week after being listed as a producer for the Kelani Jordan vs. Lainey Reid match on WWE NXT. While rumors suggested the Queen of Spades might be transitioning into a backstage role, Baszler took to Twitch to clear the air—and tease what could lie ahead.
During a recent livestream, Baszler confirmed that she was indeed at the WWE Performance Center, but insisted her presence was more about learning than producing. “I happened to be at the PC working with people,” she explained. “I’m not gonna out the people that requested I work with them. So please, the dirt sheets are usually wrong, so do not believe stuff.”
Baszler shed more light on her visit, revealing that she was taking inspiration from a piece of advice given to her by Bryan Danielson (formerly Daniel Bryan in WWE). “He always told me he learned the most just sitting on the headset backstage,” she said. “Learning what the cameras look for, timing, cues—it helped him as a performer. So I figured, while I was home, I’d go to NXT and sit on the headset.”
According to Baszler, the unique atmosphere at NXT allowed her to take advantage of that opportunity. “On RAW or SmackDown, you’re not usually allowed in Gorilla unless you’re in the segment, unless you’re a top guy,” she noted. “But at NXT, because I was a top talent there, I could do it. I was there to learn.”
She also took part in some in-ring work, noting that she’s still technically under WWE contract during her 90-day no-compete window. “A couple of my friends got the okay for me to help out in the ring. It just happened to be on a Tuesday. I sat on a headset, that’s it,” she said, downplaying any official producer role. “Could the possibility be there? Sure. But I’d have to decide if I’m ready to be done [with wrestling]. I still think I have some stories to tell.”
That said, Baszler didn’t close the door on working behind the scenes one day. “A part of me hopes the powers that be at WWE see all the talk online and think about it,” she admitted. “That would be great, right? I can’t throw myself on the floor until I’m 60.”
As for what’s next, Baszler hinted that her in-ring journey might still have a few detours—possibly overseas. “Honestly, I really kind of want to go back to Japan,” she said. “I’ve wrestled most of the Joshi talent I’ve wanted to—except for a couple.”
Whether it’s one more run inside the ring or a future behind the curtain, it’s clear Baszler isn’t done with pro wrestling—she’s just evolving. And for fans of the former NXT Women’s Champion, that’s a storyline worth following.
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