The rejuvenation of Shayna Baszler is long overdue. For much of this year, she had been relegated to the role of “pin taker” in her team with Nia Jax – as well as number one, designated victim of evil, demonic doll of death, Lilly. Thankfully, her doll days are behind her; having recently began surfing a wave of momentum which, in recent weeks, has seen her demolish Dana Brooke and former WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship partner, Nia Jax. In addition to this, on last night’s episode of Monday Night Raw, it was announced that the Queen of Spades would be jumping ship to SmackDown; where fresh opponents await her on the blue brand. Hopefully, at last, Shayna Baszler can ascend to a position more befitting her character and ability.
Shayna Baszler Has Endured A… Difficult Year
Everyone who has followed Shayna’s career knows just how good she is; a legitimate bad*ss who successfully and smoothly blends her MMA background into a professional wrestling arsenal which allows her to almost always look like one of the coolest competitors in the ring. Though 41 years of age – a relatively late comer to the world of professional wrestling – it does not matter; her style, her background and her manner of work means she could be 50 and still be believable in the ring. She is that good. She was allowed to showcase her worth masterfully in NXT – where she quickly became the top antagonist in the promotion, capturing NXT Women’s Championships along the way. Though initially debuting as this NXT character on the main roster, a WrestleMania loss to Becky Lynch last year sent her crashing down the card; relegated to the role of designated pin-taker in a tag team within a division evidently short on teams. It was a spectacular fall from grace for a character who many – ourselves included – believe is worth and capable of so much more.
Then there was the feud with Alexa Bliss. Bliss, to her credit, has done a fine job with a character which, in today’s world, comes across as “hokey”. The magical, mystical character – at least when written in such a cartoony, fictional way – does not work. Now, this is just our opinion – there are many out there who were fans of this incarnation of Alexa Bliss. The point is, Alexa’s character was terrible for Baszler, who had to sacrifice much of the legitimacy and cool-factor she has rightfully gained over the years. Shayna having to sell for a tiny, inanimate doll was terrible storytelling which should never have been allowed to happen. Regardless, that part of Shayna’s career is over and she can now, hopefully, rebuild.
Shayna’s Push is Long Overdue
This is a push which is long overdue. As mentioned, Shayna has been in midcard purgatory for much of the past year and a half – a crime for a woman of her ability. Only now, with her most recent push, is she once again looking like a legitimate threat to the main event women in the WWE; the likes of Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair etc. Baszler’s name should have always been among the best of her peers and the fact it was relegated for so long was a mistake. The beginnings of a monster push, coupled with a breakaway from the tag team division and a fresh start on SmackDown has all the makings of Shayna Baszler finally capturing a singles championship on the “main roster” one day soon. The time has come for Shayna Baszler to be allowed to shine as only she can: as a dominant, legitimate threat to all who stand between her and the top prize – the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
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