Shotzi has a long road to recovery ahead of her following her recent injury in WWE.
On February 13th, the Shotzi challenged NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria to a title match that is set for broadcast on February 20th. The show was filmed immediately after the live broadcast went off air as staff and talent are travelling to Australia for the upcoming Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event.
Unfortunately, reports from those in attendance have stated that the match was forcibly stopped as Shotzi hit her knee on the apron while being sent to the outside in a routine commercial break spot. The main roster star was unable to continue and WWE were forced to change plans as a result of the unforeseen injury. This would also affect the following taping of SmackDown, which saw Alba Fyre be named as the replacement in the Elimination Chamber qualifying match.
PWInsider reported that Shotzi was spotted in Birmingham Alabama, likely scheduled for knee surgery in the near future. The star confirmed this report in a new Instagram post, revealing that she’ll be out of action for 9 months following an ACL tear. Along with a photo of herself in the hospital, Shotzi wrote:
“I tore my ACL which means I will be out of action for about 9 months. Thank you to everyone who has checked up on me. I am so sorry if I haven’t responded. I am just extremely devastated and angry.
Some of you know, I have been through a lot the last few years and it has been so hard to keep up with what I think is expected of me and honestly my mental health had been at an all time low. But I’ve pushed through and I was feeling motivated and like myself again. I was hoping to go to NXT to prove myself again, earn some respect, build back my confidence and start putting the heartache from the past 2 years behind me.
I feel defeated right now but I’m simultaneously feeling the most motivated I have ever been. I have been through way worse. I’ve watched my sister, who is fighting cancer, fight tougher battles. I’m just taking this as a sign to slow down. I didn’t take time off when both my stepdad and my dad passed and that really affected me. Now I am looking forward to coming back not just physically stronger, but mentally also.”
Shotzi Is Not The Only WWE Star Dealing With A Serious Injury
The promotion has seen many female stars sidelined with injuries in recent months, causing multiple pivots in storylines going into WrestleMania. The biggest star of the women’s division to suffer a major injury is Charlotte Flair, who is expected to be out for most of 2024. Flair has continued to provide updates on her road to recovery on social media.
With many stars from the division all being sidelined with knee injuries, some have questioned if the training methods at the Performance Center are to blame. Responding to this claim, NXT announcer Booker T gave his thoughts on the matter.
Everyone at Inside The Ropes would like to wish Shotzi a full and speedy recovery.