During last night’s edition of NXT, Shotzi made a surprise return to the black and gold brand for the first time since October. In a backstage segment, she laid down a challenge to NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria for next week’s show, which was also taped last night due to most talent and crew heading to Australia next week for the WWE Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event. Unfortunately, however, the match between Shotzi and Valkyria didn’t end according to plan.
Fightful Select reports that during their title match, Shotzi hit her knee against the side of the ring after taking a fall to the ringside area – in what was described by one source as “a freak accident” – and was unable to continue, leading the bout to end via referee stoppage. In a spoiler for next week’s episode, NXT General Manager Ava came out after Shotzi was taken to the back and changed Valkyria’s match to an open challenge, which was answered by Lash Legend. Legend got some early offence in on Valkyria but the champion is said to have turned the tides quickly and went on to retain her title.
Regarding what we know about Shotzi’s condition, it’s reported that she was unable to place any weight on the knee she injured during the match and had to hop to the backstage area with help from WWE medical officials as a result. After making it backstage, Shotzi was taken for an immediate evaluation as officials were said to be very concerned for her as she was said to be in great pain. The outcome of the medical evaluation is currently unknown.
Shotzi had been previously advertised to compete on SmackDown this Friday where she would have faced Tiffany Stratton in a qualifying match for the Women’s Elimination Chamber match on the namesake Premium Live Event. With her apparent injury, the status of that match is now up in the air.