There might be a temptation to wallow or implode after being released by a major company like WWE. But Shotzi Blackheart took it as an opportunity to reinvigorate her career.<\/p>\n
After being released last May, Shotzi has flourished on the independent scene. Blackheart has leaned fully into her ‘Ballsy Badass’ persona, building a reputation for wince-inducing spots and using inventive weaponry. Utilizing everything from staplers to thumbtacks, Shotzi has reached gory heights that would be near impossible to get approved in WWE.<\/p>\n
Her work as an indie wrestler has paid off immensely. This week, Blackheart was named 2025’s Indie Wrestler of the Year by PWI<\/a>. She follows in the footsteps of Mustafa Ali, Nick Gage, and her frequent in-ring rival, Matt Cardona<\/a>. Shotzi and Cardona feuded extensively throughout 2025 in GCW before he returned to WWE.<\/p>\n Cardona’s signing to the SmackDown brand has seen him reunited professionally with his wife, Chelsea Green. Green similarly reinvented herself on the independent scene before being re-signed by WWE in 2023. Shotzi has her own history with Green, having feuded with the two-time United States Champion shortly after Green’s return.<\/p>\n Not going to lie, @ShotziWWE<\/a> scares us… \ud83d\ude28<\/p>\n But, she doesn't seem to be scaring @ImChelseaGreen<\/a> tonight! #SmackDown<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/gIznuqFd0i<\/a><\/p>\n — WWE (@WWE) October 28, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n