Shayna Baszler On NXT TakeOver New Orleans: ‘All the keyboard warriors better gather together and bring tissues’
WWE NXT Superstar Shayna Baszler has become one of the roster’s best heels since making her first television appearance on Dec. 27, 2017. Her interview with Byron Saxton showed some more of the remorselessness and savagery that has made her so easy to despite (and respect).
At WWE NXT TakeOver: New Orleans, Shayna Baszler will face off against Ember Moon for the latter’s NXT Women’s Championship.
The two had an underrated match at NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia, with Baszler injuring Moon’s arms and controlling most of the match. Moon rallied back by hitting an Eclipse, but she could not capitalize due to the injury. In the end, Moon did prevail in a heart-warming display, barely rolling up Baszler while in yet another submission hold.
Baszler, of course, didn’t take the loss quietly, locking in a rear-naked choke on the ramp.
Ever since that loss at TakeOver: Philadelphia, “The Queen of Spades” has continued to stake her claim in the NXT Women’s Division by brute force. She called out Moon repeatedly before getting a rematch for NXT TakeOver New Orleans, and Baszler intends on finally holding the title.
Recently, Baszler “sat down” with WWE.com (the article’s byline credits Byron Saxton, so it was presumably his interview) to answer questions about how she prepares for matches, why she’s willing to bend the rules, and what Moon and the NXT Universe can expect at TakeOver: New Orleans.
It’s the answer to the last question that really caught my eye.
"“All the keyboard warriors better gather together and bring tissues, because at TakeOver, the hero, Ember Moon, loses her title. And The Queen of Spades will be the new champ, while everyone else will still be crying. This isn’t a bandwagon; it’s a war wagon. You won’t be able to hop on because you’re going to get run over.”"
I love it. Baszler gets plenty of heat from the fans on social media, so she’s familiar with the nasty comments she gives. And she’s perfectly happy to feed into the hatred by goading the fans with her on-screen character. She knows most people want Moon to retain, and she knows some fans cannot stand her for whatever reason.
Baszler has a great chance of avenging her loss to Moon at NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia and becoming the champion. If that happens, then the likes of Dakota Kai and Kairi Sane would have serious cases to challenge Baszler.
No matter what, Baszler is on the rise, and her match against Ember at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans could be a defining moment for her. While I thoroughly enjoyed her classic brutal heel vs. resilient face match against Moon earlier this year, I also got the feeling that they could have an even better match down the road. Hopefully we’ll get to see that match next week.
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In the meantime, don’t forget to stock up on Kleenex. You’re going to need it. And while you are crying, Baszler will pull a Baron Corbin and float down the river of your tears.