Shayna Baszler: Oh? NXT Needs A New GM

Jeremy LambertJanuary 31, 2026, 12:40 pm

Shayna Baszler volunteers as tribute.

Ava (Simone Johnson) announced her WWE departure on Friday, making the decision to not renew her contract. Ava was the on-screen general manager for WWE NXT.

With Ava leaving, the GM spot is seemingly open.

Shayna Baszler wrote on social media, “Oh? @WWENXT needs a new GM” with a GIF of herself pointing to….herself.

Oh? @WWENXT needs a new GM pic.twitter.com/lml6DLrYFD

— Shayna Baszler (@QoSBaszler) January 31, 2026

Baszler is a former two-time NXT Women’s Champion, holding the title for 549 days between her two reigns. She left WWE in May 2025 after her contract was not renewed, but did make a cameo appearance at NXT Homecoming, and has worked as a guest producer and trainer at the Performance Center.

Fans can find WWE’s statement on Ava leaving the company here.