Former WWE Star Shayna Baszler Returns Indie Wrestling Portland

Shayna Baszler, the former WWE NXT Women's Champion known for her MMA-influenced wrestling style, is making her in-ring return at Prestige Roseland XII on October 5 in Portland, Oregon, where she will face Masha Slamovich. Baszler was released from WWE in May 2025 despite having years left on her contract and has since been active behind the scenes, including a producer role at a WWE NXT event during her non-compete period. She expressed openness to wrestling for promotions like AEW, emphasizing her focus on practicing her craft rather than the company name. Despite her release, Baszler maintains a positive relationship with WWE and has shown interest in future backstage roles, hoping to bring more realism to wrestling production. Her return to the ring is highly anticipated, especially as she faces a formidable opponent like Slamovich, who matches her physical intensity. Baszler's release and subsequent return have sparked significant interest in the wrestling community, given her reputation and influence in the sport.