Because joining the promotion after its release from WWE in 2025Shotzi Blackheart has been a cornerstone of the MLW Women’s Division, including holding the MLW Women’s Featherweight Championship for most of 2026. However, that will change as Blackheart becomes a TNA Knockout. Combat option reported that Blackheart signed with TNA after his appearance at the TNA TV tapings in Alabama on Tuesday. It’s unclear how long Blackheart’s deal is.
Blackheart, who appeared in TNA, had many wondering about his status with MLW, leading to earlier Fightful report which clarified that his latest contract with MLW was for six months and expired on October 5th. Blackheart was said to still be on good terms with MLW and “committed” to working dates for the promotion in 2027, although it appears his contract with TNA will prevent that.
Those close to the situation indicated that MLW was at least aware of the possibility that Blackheart could move on, as they say they have “contingencies” in place should that happen. Although Blackheart lost the featherweight championship to Masha Slamovic last monththe change has yet to be advertised on television, suggesting that Blackheart is still slated to appear in upcoming episodes of MLW Fusion.
Blackheart will be able to hold some dates outside of TNA since he’s still that is currently scheduled to appear on Chris Jericho’s Rock N’ Wrestling Rager at Sea show cruise next month hosted his old nemesis Chris Jericho. While this will be her first stint in TNA as a contracted wrestler, Blackheart wrestled twice for Impact in 2018, losing in a singles match with Allie, before teaming with Tessa Blanchard following losses to Allie and Kiera Hogan. She would also later work two TNA shows in 2019, including a singles match against Madison Rayne.
