Former WWE wrestler re-signs with MLW
Shotzi Blackheart is sticking around in MLW — a promotion that’s become home to her following her departure from WWE.
While no details about the contract were reported, it was announced today that Blackheart has re-signed with MLW. She debuted for MLW in June 2025 and currently holds the MLW Women’s Featherweight Championship, which she won from Shoko Nakajima in February.
Proving that she can lead a division is one of the reasons that Blackheart chose to re-sign her MLW deal.
“I just think about the goals I have this year, and MLW ticks every box to help me grow and elevate as a performer.” she told The Takedown on SI. “I want to prove that I can lead a division and be the face of a company. They push me to grow as a TV performer.”
Blackheart exited WWE after being informed in May 2025 that her contract would not be renewed. MLW has been the right fit for her creatively since then, with Blackheart feeling like she’s in her “own pro wrestling horror movie” with the way MLW leans into her character.
“I’ve been at every MLW taping since June. They were one of the first companies to hit me up when my WWE contract ended, and it has turned into my favorite creative playground. It’s a company that truly believes in me,” Blackheart said.
“They’ve invested in me creatively. I’ve never had a company understand my character more than MLW. Every time I get a script, I’m like, ‘Oh my God, they understand me,’ or they make a T-shirt for me, and I’m like, ‘That’s so me.’”
Blackheart also competes for indie promotions like Game Changer Wrestling and House of Glory. She was featured on both the main roster and in NXT during her WWE career.
MLW is preparing to relaunch its weekly Fusion TV series soon. The promotion will be at Center Stage in Atlanta this Saturday for a taping.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.