Rock band Downstait has released “Hart Won’t Quit,” a new song that will serve as Indi Hartwell’s entrance theme.

Hartwell (Samantha De Martin) was released by WWE in late 2024 after approximately five years with the company. During her time there, the Australian star held the NXT Women’s Championship and the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship alongside Candice LeRae.

In a video on her new YouTube channel, Hartwell revealed she was blindsided by WWE’s decision to release her. “I didn’t see it coming at all, especially since I’d been on TV pretty regularly,” she said.

Despite the shock, Hartwell expressed gratitude for her WWE journey, saying, “It’s a bit bittersweet, but I’m choosing to focus on the good memories.”

She remains committed to professional wrestling and will feature Downstait’s “Hart Won’t Quit” as part of her presentation in the next chapter of her career.

Johnny Gargano Shares Heartfelt Farewell to Indi Hartwell

Indi Hartwell has started preparing for an in-ring return ahead of her free agency.

The young star was released from her WWE contract in November last year, ending her 5-year-run with the company. Hartwell, who still had time left on her deal has to serve a 90-days non-compete period before becoming a free agent.

Based on the announcement of her release, Hartwell is expected to become a free agent in February. Before the impending free agency, the former champion seems to be getting her ring rust off at Ace Steel’s Foundation wrestling academy as revealed by Steel in an Instagram post:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Foundation of Professional Wrestling (@thefoundationofprowrestling)

• Indi Hartwell Blindsided by WWE Release: ‘I Didn’t See It Coming’

Indi Hartwell had a successful run in NXT from 2019 to 2023 before she was moved to the main roster. The female star was one of the members of Johnny Gargano & Candice LeRae’s The Way faction and she had runs with both the NXT Women’s Title and NXT Women’s Tag Team Titles during her time in the developmental.

Her release while not linked directly, was part of a wave of surprising departures from WWE in 2024. Other names in the list include former champions such as Bobby Lashley, Jinder Mahal and Baron Corbin.

Hartwell has not been announced for any matches outside of WWE so far, but the former champion is scheduled to be in the Indianapolis area during the Royal Rumble weekend for a Wrestlecon signing.

• Johnny Gargano Shares Heartfelt Farewell to Indi Hartwell

Indi Hartwell shared her reaction to her WWE release in a recent video on her new YouTube channel. Reflecting on the unexpected news, she admitted, “I didn’t see it coming at all, especially since I’d been on TV pretty regularly.”

Despite the shock, Hartwell expressed gratitude for her WWE journey, saying, “It’s a bit bittersweet, but I’m choosing to focus on the good memories.”

Hartwell highlighted the positive aspects of her time in WWE, from memorable experiences to meaningful relationships. “I’m grateful for everything I learned and everyone I met along the way,” she told fans.

Looking Ahead

Remaining lighthearted, she joked about having a “naughty list” for those who hadn’t reached out to her post-release. Hartwell invited fans to share their favorite moments from her WWE career and hinted at future plans she’s eager to share.

Fans can watch her full remarks on her new YouTube channel here:

Johnny Gargano sent a heartfelt message to Indi Hartwell following her unexpected release from WWE on Friday. Hartwell’s tenure at WWE came to an end as she was part of releases that also included Baron Corbin and Tegan Nox.

During her time in WWE, Indi traveled with Candice LeRae and Johnny Gargano, and his tag team partner Tommaso Ciampa. Gargano runs a channel on YouTube and captures travel videos. In his latest vlog, Gargano paid tribute to Indi with a montage of their travels and it also included Indi’s popular gym ratings. The vlog ended with the message:

“You’ll always be family. We love you, Indi Wrestling.”

After the news of her release broke, Indi Hartwell had also dropped a post on X. Her final WWE match, which was taped earlier, aired Friday night on SmackDown. She and Candice LeRae battled the team of Bayley and Naomi.

Hartwell had joined WWE back in 2019 and was part of the faction, The Way which was led by Johnny Gargano. During her time with the faction, she and Candice LeRae captured the NXT Women’s Tag Titles in 2021 and held the gold for 63 days.

At NXT Stand & Deliver in April last year, Hartwell also captured the NXT Women’s title, but she was forced to vacate the title due to an injury. She was then drafted to WWE Raw. Hartwell is set to become a free agent after the 90-day non-compete clause with WWE expires.

Meanwhile, last month, Motor City Machine Guns defeated #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) to become the No.1 Contenders to the WWE Tag Team titles on WWE SmackDown. They eventually captured the titles by defeating The Bloodline in an impromptu match on the show.

This week, Indi Hartwell’s time with WWE came to an end as she was part of releases that also saw Baron Corbin and Tegan Nox cut from the company. While it’s never fun to lose one’s job, Hartwell took to Instagram this week to share that she’s focusing on the positives at this unfortunate time.

I got to live out a childhood dream for the last 5 years and I’m so grateful!

I’m just a girl from Australia who never took naur for an answer and made her dreams a reality. It all started with a match in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center and fittingly, ends there too.

Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened ?

Hartwell signed with WWE in 2019 and would align with The Way the following year. Indi’s time with the Johnny Gargano-led faction would see herself and Candice LeRae win the NXT Women’s Tag Titles in 2021 and hold the gold for 63 days. At NXT Stand & Deliver in April 2023, Hartwell won the NXT Women’s Championship, but vacated the gold after being drafted to Raw. Her 31-day reign with the gold remains the shortest reign of anyone in the title’s history.

Hartwell’s on-screen marriage to Dexter Lumis would also prove popular with fans but was not addressed when either Superstar arrived on the main roster. Now, the Australian wrestler will have to re-establish herself outside of WWE, but remains hopeful for the future and positive about her time as a Superstar. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Indi Hartwell and her future outside WWE.

This week, WWE cut Baron Corbin, Indi Hartwell, and Tegan Nox, in the latest round of releases by the Sports Entertainment juggernaut. While Corbin has been informed that his contract will not be renewed when it expires, Nox and Hartwell have already been cut and are awaiting entering free agency next year.

On social media, several wrestlers shared their support for those cut by WWE. Former NWA World Heavyweight Champion Tyrus had an interesting offer for Baron Corbin.

AEW broadcaster Renee Paquette showed her support for Corbin, who appreciates everyone who’s supported him during his 12 years with WWE.

AEW’s Deonna Purrazzo had nothing but love for Indi Hartwell after the now-released Superstar tried to see the silver lining in her situation.

Shazza McKenzie is optimistic for Hartwell’s future post-WWE and is firmly a member of Hartwell’s fan base.

Veda Scott made clear that she sees the former NXT Women’s Champion as a star.

Fellow WWE NXT UK alum Flash Morgan Webster is excited to see what Tegan Nox does next and praised the ex-Superstar’s Shining Wizard finisher.

Alex Windsor of World of Sport is eager to see Nox, who’ll now be going by her pre-WWE name of Nixon Newell, in the near future.

And WWE SmackDown Superstar Michin said that she was thinking of her friends after these latest cuts to the roster.

It’s never easy to lose a job, and now these three wrestlers will now have to forge their paths outside WWE. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Indi Hartwell, Nixon Newell, and Baron Corbin and their future outside of WWE.

Indi Hartwell is departing, as reported by Fightful Select. She signed in 2019 and rose to prominence as an NXT Women’s Champion before transitioning to the main roster in 2023.

Her release comes amid a series of recent roster cuts, including Tegan Nox and Baron Corbin. She reacted on social media, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

Hartwell will be a free agent after a 90-day non-compete clause expires.

Her final WWE match, taped last week, aired Friday night on SmackDown hours after her release. She and Candice LeRae wrestled against Bayley and Naomi.

Another Halloween has come and gone, and for the Superstars of WWE, they once again have had the chance to dress up for the season. The Superstars are hardly strangers to portraying colorful characters on TV every single week and that has been the case with this year’s Halloween costumes.

On X, WWE showcased some of the Superstars in this year’s costumes. Otis and Akira Tozawa made quite the pair of Dudley Boyz while Maxxine Dupri portrayed the ‘Duchess of Dudleyville’ Stacey Kiebler. R-Truth dressed as his childhood icon John Cena while Chelsea Green and Piper Niven did their take on WWE GMs Nick Aldis and Adam Pearce.

Mia Yim channeled her inner Lita while Zelina Vega represented her LWO ally Rey Mysterio from his WCW days post-unmasking. Byron Saxton gave a royal replication of King Booker and, Indi Hartwell learned how to be Chelsea Green from the self-prescribed Hot Mess herself.

Halloween is always a fun time in wrestling, with WWE leaning into the spooky season with the recent NXT Halloween Havoc Premium Live Event. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from WWE as the company prepares for major changes, including Raw’s move to Netflix, in the coming months.

WWE superstar Indi Hartwell has been hoping to be on the WWE Elimination Chamber card since it was announced last year. It’s the first premium live event in Australia since 2018 and is Hartwell’s home country. The ‘Aussie’ native wanted to be in the Women’s Elimination Chamber match but could not qualify. However, WWE has decided to put her in a tag team contest to add her to the show. 

During the WWE Elimination Chamber Press Event, the company announced that Hartwell and Candice LeRae will challenge the Kabuki Warriors(Asuka & Kairi Sane) for the Women’s Tag Team Championship. It will occur on the PLE kick-off on February 24, starting at 4 AM ET/1 AM PT. 

The matchup will mark Hartwell and LeRae’s first opportunity to challenge for the Women’s Tag Team Championship. They have tried to qualify twice for a chance but were unsuccessful. Their last attempt to become contenders was on the November 11, 2023, WWE Monday Night Raw episode, where they lost a Tag Team Fatal Four-Way Match to Natalya & Tegan Nox. 

WWE allowing the ‘Babyface’ team to challenge for the titles is also a great way to showcase their ability. They have struggled to maintain a consistent winning streak in the women’s tag division, but an impressive performance could get them featured more on TV. 

That said, the Kabuki Warriors are seemingly the favorites to retain their titles at WWE Elimination Chamber this Saturday. 

More On Indi Hartwell & Candice LeRae vs. The Kabuki Warriors At WWE Elimination Chamber 

Although they are fresh in their title reign, the Kabuki Warriors could be holding the titles heading into WWE WrestleMania 40 this April. 

They won the Women’s Tag Team Championship by defeating Katana Chance & Kayden Carter on the January 26 episode of WWE Friday Night Smackdown. The ‘Heel’ team also followed up with a successful title defense against Chance and Carter two weeks later on WWE Monday Night Raw.

Asuka and Sane seemingly have momentum on their side, making it unlikely the company would have them drop the titles at WWE Elimination Chamber. However, this Saturday is a moment for Hartwell and LeRae to perform on a big stage. Although they may not win, they could steal the show and create demand for another title opportunity in the future. 

For Hartwell personally, she has a chance to live her dream and perform in front of close to 50,000 Australian fans. 

Several WWE Superstars are applying the term “when in Rome” to their stay in Perth, Australia ahead of WWE Elimination Chamber.

Footage has surfaced of an array of names holding a koala before they have to step in between the ring ropes this weekend and it’s pretty heartwarming for animal lovers.

LA Knight, Bianca Belair, Pete Dunne, Montez Ford, Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae all got to hold one of Australia’s most notable mammals. Hartwell was the only one coming back home, but the rest of the gang may have experienced something new holding a marsupial.

Cuteness overload when you meet one of Australia’s national treasures!! ??? #WWEChamber @RealLAKnight @BiancaBelairWWE @PeteDunneYxB @indi_hartwell @CandiceLeRae @WestAustralia #WWEAustralia pic.twitter.com/OET9LCzOCd

— WWE Australia (@WWEAustralia) February 22, 2024

What’s On Tap For WWE Elimination Chamber

Holding a koala may tug at the heart-strings, but WWE will get down to business for Elimination Chamber. The men’s match will feature Drew McIntyre vs. LA Knight vs. Kevin Owens vs. Logan Paul vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Randy Orton while the women’s match will have Becky Lynch vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Bianca Belair vs. Naomi vs. Liv Morgan vs. Raquel Rodriguez.

Also on tap for the PLE is the hometown heroine Rhea Ripley defending her WWE World Women’s Championship against Nia Jax. The WWE Tag Team Championships will also be on the line as Damian Priest and Finn Balor defend the titles against Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne.

Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins will also have a featured segment together on the “Grayson Waller Effect.” Not only that, but The Undertaker was seen arriving in Perth for the show as well. For the American viewers on the east coast, Elimination Chamber starts at 5 AM ET.

WWE is gearing up for their Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, and there is a lot going on to set up the big show. One Australian WWE Superstar is rather bummed, because it seems the company has snubbed her from the show.

WWE Didn’t Include Indi Hartwell

Indi Hartwell voiced her frustration on social media towards WWE official Adam Pearce for not arranging a qualifying match for her in the upcoming Elimination Chamber event.

In preparation for WWE Elimination Chamber, the company held numerous qualifying matches to secure spots in the men’s and women’s chamber matches. Indi Hartwell, although she’s from Australia, is not included.

In the Women’s Elimination Chamber match, Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan, Tiffany Stratton, and Naomi have all successfully secured spots in the match. Jade Cargill was supposed to be in the match, but she is no longer competing in the unforgiving structure.

The final participant in the women’s match remains undetermined, with a Last Chance Battle Royal scheduled to feature previous qualifying match losers and additional female talent competing for the coveted spot.

On February 18, Indi Hartwell responded to a fan’s tweet showing support with the hashtag #WeWantIndi, which was posted under WWE’s announcement of the “Last Chance” Battle Royal. In her reply, Hartwell directly addressed Adam Pearce, questioning why she was not given the opportunity for a qualifying match.

“Crazy how @ScrapDaddyAP didn’t give the Aussie a qualifying match.”

Crazy how @ScrapDaddyAP didn’t give the Aussie a qualifying match.. https://t.co/5FpmP9slO1

— Indi Wrestling (@indi_hartwell) February 18, 2024

Indi Hartwell isn’t the only Aussie who is upset about not getting into an Elimination Chamber match. Bronson Reed was not happy either, and this caused him to do a lot of thinking about how things are panning out for him in WWE.

What’s Next

This week’s episode of WWE Raw, on February 19, will feature a Last Chance Battle Royal. Sadly, Indi Hartwell isn’t advertised to be in that match, but the lineup includes names like Shayna Baszler, Michin, Zoey Stark, Zelina Vega, and Alba Fyre.

The 2024 Elimination Chamber event will take place on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Optus Stadium in the Perth, Australia. The show will start at 5:00 AM EST, and we will have coverage of the show.

SE Scoops will have more updates on this story as they are made available. 

Former WWE NXT Superstar Johnny Gargano has said that The Way was meant to be much more serious than what fans saw.

The Way, comprising of Gargano, Candice LeRae, Indi Hartwell, and Theory was a dominant force in NXT, capturing both the North American and NXT Women’s Championships.

Dexter Lumis joined the stable in late 2021 after marrying Hartwell in the premiere episode of WWE NXT 2.0.

Speaking to The Bob Culture Podcast on YouTube, Gargano said that factors outside of WWE made the group become much more fun than first planned.

“That was never going to be the way that character was supposed to be. It was going to be a lot more serious, but I just kind of felt like with everything going on with the pandemic and with COVID and things like that, I felt like NXT just needed a little bit of levity, a little bit of funniness, silliness, goofiness, and I was happy that I was able to provide that.”

The Way disbanded in late 2021 following Gargano’s departure from WWE.

Lumis was released from WWE earlier this year, ending his on-screen relationship to Hartwell, with the explanation on TV being that Lumis left her.

• Johnny Gargano Returns to the WWE Performance Center (April 2022)

Thanks to Wrestling Inc for the transcription.