What is Shayna Baszler’s Potential in WWE?

Shayna Baszler made it all the way to the finals of the Mae Young Classic. But will we see the Queen of Spades on top of NXT, SmackDown, or Raw?

Shayna Baszler burst onto the scene during the Mae Young Classic. Having never stepped foot into a WWE ring, Baszler found herself in the tournament finals. Leaving a path of destruction in her wake, Baszler defeated seasoned pro wrestling veterans like Mercedes Martinez and Candice LeRae, as well as up-and-comers Mia Yim and Zeda.

Before the finals match even began, Executive Vice President of Talent, Triple H, took to Twitter to announce that Baszler had signed with WWE.

In the finals of the Mae Young Classic, Baszler found herself face-to-face with with the Pirate Princess and international sensation, Kairi Sane. Ultimately, Baszler was defeated by an Insane Elbow. However, despite coming up short, Baszler impressed the WWE Universe with her hard-hitting, UFC-style offense.

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Is an NXT Championship on the Horizon for Baszler?

Now, with the NXT Women’s Title vacated, the Queen of Spades my get a chance to be crowned as the Queen of NXT. Commissioner William Regal has already announced that at NXT Takeover:  Houston there will be a Fatal 4-Way to determine the new champion. As winner of the Mae Young Classic, Kairi Sane was immediately added to the match. While the matches haven’t aired yet, Cageside Seats(spoilers within) reported on the two other women who have earned their way into the match. With one spot still remaining, it stands to reason that Baszler would at least get a chance to earn her way into the match.

Regardless if she is included in the Fatal 4-Way match, the feud born during the Mae Young Classic, could easily carry them both to a title feud. If Kairi is anywhere near the title scene, it’s easy to imagine that Baszler would be right behind.

NXT would be a great place for Baszler to hone her craft. Having spent most of her life fighting in the octagon in UFC, she’s relatively green in the world of pro-wrestling. Baszler only began her pro wrestling career in 2015, wrestling in the independents. She has made appearances in Shimmer and ROH along with ReDragon. But she wouldn’t be the first superstar to make the successful jump from the octagon to the squared circle.

Which leads me to my next point…

A Main Roster Debut

Speculation has been running wild (brother) that the WWE is interested in a match between the 4-Horsewomen of WWE vs. 4-Horsewomen of UFC. While nothing has been set in stone, the match has WrestleMania-like allure to it. With Ronda Rousey at ringside during the MYC, it’s not hard to imagine that Baszler could be the catalyst to this feud.

Not only would it be a logical and interesting entry point, there should be some urgency in the WWE to launch Baszler’s career ASAP. At 37, Baszler is right in what would be the prime of her career. WWE needs immediate return on investment for one of their top performers and signees. They don’t have the luxury of time they generally have with new member of the performance center.

Next: Six Standouts From the Mae Young Classic

Whatever WWE decides to do with Baszler, I have no doubt that they will put her in a position to succeed.