“The Ballsy Badass” Shotzi Blackheart has been named 2025 independent wrestler of the year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated magazine.

Shotzi Blackheart has been selected as the 2025 indie wrestler of the year in a poll by the PWI readers. She becomes the first woman to win the annual prize, joining two-time winner Matt Cardona, Mustafa Ali, Nick Gage and WARHORSE.

Shotzi reacted to receiving the award, “Your COVER GIRL and PWI INDEPENDENT WRESTLER OF THE YEAR! I have a lot to say after the crazy year I had (broken bones, zero sleep, non stop grind) I said I was going to work my ass off and this is the receipt!”

The newest issue with her on the cover will hit newsstands on February 17th.

Your COVER GIRL and PWI INDEPENDENT WRESTLER OF THE YEAR! I have a lot to say after the crazy year I had (broken bones, zero sleep, non stop grind) I said I was going to work my ass off and this is the receipt! @OfficialPWI 📸: @iLLiteFotos pic.twitter.com/ihjC0KXwST

— Shotzi (@ShotziTCB) January 29, 2026

Congrats to @ShotziTCB, who PWI readers have selected as 2025's Indie Wrestler of the Year! "The Ballsy Badass" breaks new ground as the first woman to take home the coveted prize.

One of 4 collectible covers, find this edition of our #PWIAwards issue in stores Feb 17 🇺🇸🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/ZTjMnftfvG

— PWI (Pro Wrestling Illustrated) (@OfficialPWI) January 29, 2026