AEW: Britt Baker’s welcome character change helps the women’s division
On this week’s episode AEW Dynamite, Britt Baker cut another scathing promo, reinforcing her new heel persona. So far, it’s a welcomed change.
Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. has been a curious case as a pivotal addition to AEW’s women’s roster. She clearly has something special, but she lacked the character or storyline to bring it out. Her recent heel turn might be just what the doctor ordered.
Since its inception, AEW has seemingly earmarked Baker as the face of their women’s division. She was the first signee outside of The Elite and she has been present at every major press event. So, it was easy to assume that she would have a major role in the new company.
Surprisingly, Baker has lost all of her title matches so far. She even failed to earn a spot in the first AEW Women’s World Championship match. Britt was eliminated from the Women’s Casino Battle Royale at All Out, which many fans predicted she would win.
This was probably meant to mold her into a sympathetic figure, but she just didn’t connect with the audience as well as expected. Some fans could’ve rejected her because they felt AEW would push her no matter what, diminishing the believability of her programs. Others just didn’t seem to like her clean-cut character.
At any rate, something clearly wasn’t working and it was time to try something different. For Baker, that came in the form of subtle change following an impromptu fatal four-way match on the Homecoming episode of Dynamite.
After she unsuccessfully challenged for the title again, Baker took out her frustrations on Riho. She interrupted the champion’s interview and attempted to paint her as an absentee champion. This was a questionable move from someone who was supposed to be a face, especially because her claim wasn’t true.
On the next episode, she raised more eyebrows when she didn’t step in to help Riho and Kris Statlander. The Nightmare Collective attacked the two after their title match, but Baker sat at ringside and watched while Big Swole and Hikaru Shida came to their aid.
“The Mayor of Brittsburgh” cemented her turn on the Bash at the Beach episode when she cheated to defeat Priscilla Kelly. Afterward, she took aim at Tony Schiavone when he asked about it.
This week, she cut another savage promo. This time she lambasted “good ole” Jim Ross and took another shot at Riho. In addition, she referenced the Cleveland Brown’s quarterback, Baker Mayfield, to generate some traditional heat from the Ohio crowd.
Britt Baker got a great reaction on the last two episodes so the turn seems to be working. Honestly, this gives her the fire she has been missing. Furthermore, fans, who are familiar with her work as an independent wrestler, know she is capable of pulling this off.
To tell the truth, The Lockjaw is kind of a heel finisher, so it all fits.
Big Swole vs. Diamante wasn’t that bad, you guys are just mean. dark. Next
It’s unclear what AEW has planned for Britt Baker now, but her new character adds more intrigue to her brewing feud with Riho. The women’s division could really use a consistent antagonist, as well. Baker fits the bill and this is a good way to play of the work they’ve already done to establish her.