TNA Officially Signs Former WWE Star Shayna Baszler

TNA has made it official: Shayna Baszler is now a signed member of the roster. The company confirmed the deal after Baszler’s interview with Denise Salcedo, of Instinct Culture, revealed the news, with TNA crediting Salcedo as the first to report it.

Baszler, a former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, already has gold around her waist in TNA. She debuted at Bound for Glory on October 11, teaming with her old Pure Fusion Collective partner Zoey Stark — now going by Zoey Serrano — as the duo known as Apex. Together they beat Allie and Kiera Hogan that night to capture the TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championship, making Baszler a champion in the company before her signing was even made official.

Baszler’s pro wrestling career dates back to 2015, and she built a reputation long before that in mixed martial arts, where she compiled a 15-win record with 13 submission victories. That background has always been central to her in-ring identity, and it should mesh well with the way TNA has positioned its Knockouts division.

Her arrival continues a notable trend for TNA, which has been scooping up talent exiting WWE at a brisk pace. Samuel Shaw and Joseph Sawyer — formerly known as Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy from WWE’s Wyatt Sicks faction — recently signed on and are now competing as Syx. Shotzi Blackheart has also been confirmed for the company. Baszler’s signing fits that same pattern of former WWE performers finding a new home and immediate spotlight in TNA.

There’s reason to think more names could follow. Erick Redbeard appeared at Bound for Glory to help his Syx stablemates get the better of the Hardy Boyz, a cameo that could be the first step toward a fuller TNA run. There have also been reports that TNA considered Sheamus for a Bound for Glory program against Moose before that spot ultimately went to Max Caster, suggesting genuine interest in bringing the Celtic Warrior into the fold. Apollo Crews, known in WWE as Uhaa Nation, already made an appearance at TNA Slammiversary earlier this year, hinting he could be next in line as well. Add in free agents like Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, and Nikki Cross, and TNA’s pipeline from WWE shows no signs of slowing.

For TNA, landing a decorated name like Baszler — and immediately plugging her into a title win — signals continued ambition to build a roster that can stand toe-to-toe with the bigger promotions in the women’s wrestling space. With Apex holding the Knockouts Tag Team Championship right out of the gate, expect Baszler and Serrano to be featured prominently as TNA looks to capitalize on the momentum coming out of Bound for Glory.