Shotzi Confirms Alexa Bliss Replaced Her In 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble, Says Alexa Apologize To Her After

Alexa Bliss made her return to television in the 2025 women’s Royal Rumble, entering at number 21. It was Alexa’s first appearance on TV in two years.

Fightful Select reported that Shotzi was originally planned for the Rumble.

Speaking to Daria Berenato (Sonya Deville) and Toni on Unwrapped, Shotzi confirmed she was replaced by Alexa.

“I heard mixed messages,” Shotzi said about even being in the Rumble initially. “A couple of producers said I was always in the Rumble. Then they told me last minute. I don’t know. I was very confused by it, but they didn’t relay anything to me until the day before. It was like 3 PM the day before Rumble and they were like, ‘Can you get on a flight in a couple of hours?’ I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I’m not ready for this.’ I packed my bags. I don’t even know what I put in the bags. Got to the airport in an hour and it led to nothing.”

Daria noted that Shotzi was part of rehersals, and asked when Shotzi found out when she wouldn’t be in the match.

“The day of, I got told while I was in the makeup chair that I wasn’t in it,” said Shotzi.

Shotzi then confirmed Alexa was the one who replaced her.

“Honestly, if you’re going to take me out for anyone, at least make it be the biggest pop for the night. I have to say, Alexa had no idea someone was getting replaced. She had no idea any of that was going on. She felt so bad and she came up to me after and was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m so sorry. I didn’t even realize they were taking someone out to get me in,'” she said.

Shotzi was part of NXT at the time of the Rumble, just returning from a knee injury in December.

Shotzi’s contract was not renewed by WWE in May.

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