Shotzi Blackheart is SmackDown’s tank-driving ballsy-badass who made an instant impact upon her debut for the blue brand recently. As Shotzi along with (Tegan) Nox, they defeated the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions two weeks in a row and will now challenge them for the titles.
The former NXT Women’s Champion was a hugely popular star on the yellow and gold brand. Her unique look and style make her stand out character and it wasn’t a surprise the main roster call would come.
Here are 5 things you didn’t know about Shotzi Blackheart.
5. Shotzi Blackheart was once known as ‘Missy Highasshit’ and ‘Pizza Cat’
Like many wrestlers on the independent scene, Shotzi Blackheart went by several other pseudonyms. But much like Blackheart personality, her wrestling monikers are slightly kookier and unique.
In 2014 Blackheart debuted for the edgy and out-there San Francisco Bay wrestling promotion Hoodslam. As her ring name, Missy Highasshit, insinuates she was part of the pot-loving faction Stoner-U. She would cheerlead, manage and wrestle alongside fellow stablemates Nuggs, Rick Scott, Scott Ricks and Bobby Burgerhands.
In 2017 in Hoodslam, Blackheart suffered a bite from an alien cat, which in turn transformed her into Pizza Cat. As Pizza Cat, she dressed and acted like a cat with a fascination for pizza.
I did tell you they were kooky.
4. Shotzi Blackheart is a huge horror film fanatic – and has even starred in some!
To say Shotzi Blackheart is a horror movie lover would be putting it mildly. In fact, her signature emerald green hair is inspired by the 1954 classic, the Creature from the Black Lagoon.
The link between her wrestling character and horror doesn’t stop there. She was a member of the Cave Girls named Shotzi Blackheart on a Californian cable show called the Creepy KOFY Movie Time. That is why she was the perfect host for NXT Halloween Havoc last year.
Shotzi has actually also starred in some horror films, two of which are yet to be released! Blackheart starred in World of Death and Forgotten Tales – and will feature in Blood Drive and Executioner!
3. Shotzi Blackheart was a contestant on Tough Enough – but had to leave for medical reasons
Shotzi Blackheart was one of the multiple wrestlers who applied to achieve their dream of working for WWE when they brought back Tough Enough for its sixth season in 2015. Blackheart, along with Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose was selected to take part in the competition. However, she had to withdraw from the show before it started when she failed the medical due to a previously undiagnosed irregular heartbeat.
Blackheart spoke about the condition that nearly halted her in-ring career on Lilian Garcia’s Chasing Glory Podcast:
“So I think a year into my training, I got onto Tough Enough and I made it into the house; I was, like, the top 13. And they told me that I couldn’t do it because they found that I had a heart condition, so I had to leave the show. I was devastated and really scared because I didn’t know I had anything wrong with me whatsoever.”
2. Shotzi Blackheart wrestled for IMPACT! Wrestling
Shotzi Blackheart appeared for IMPACT! Wrestling on two separate occasions. She took part in several matches in 2018 and 2019. In 2018 she faced the future Bunny of AEW, Allie in singles action. On the following show, she teamed with Tessa Blanchard to face Kiera Hogan and Allie in a losing effort.
In 2019 Blackheart challenged Laynie Luck for the Zolo Pro Women’s Title in a Triple Threat match that also featured Kylie Rae. She also faced TNA/IMPACT! legend Madison Rayne the next week.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsgYBfp-XKs
1. Shotzi Blackheart was offered her WWE contract in front of a live crowd
Shotzi Blackheart became an unmissable name on the independent wrestling scene and it was not surprising that WWE came knocking.
At EVOLVE 137, Blackheart defended her SHINE Nova Championship against future NXT referee, Aja Perera. After the match, while she was celebrating in the ring, NXT General Manager William Regal’s music hit.
As he entered the ring Blackheart existed but Regal ushered her back in. He then went on to explain that he was there to change someone’s life and that someone was Shotzi Blackheart. On behalf of WWE, he then offered an NXT contract. Blackheart was moved to tears before shaking his hand to seal the deal.