Former MMA fighter-turned-professional wrestling sensation Shayna Baszler recently sat down for a candid conversation with PW Mania. She looked back on her illustrious career and pinpointed the matches she takes the most pride in, making for an engaging and insightful discussion.
Undoubtedly, one of the most matches she treasures is her memorable clash with Rhea Ripley for the NXT Women's title. Despite coming out on the losing side, Baszler takes immense pride in the captivating storyline that unfolded and the visceral crowd reaction it elicited.
Baszler's Poignant Loss to Ripley
Reflecting on the night, Baszler said, "The match with Rhea Ripley on TV was particularly poignant. Even though I lost, I'm tremendously proud of our performance. The crowd was ecstatic when the villain was finally defeated.
They flooded into the ring, celebrating the victory, a testament to our impact. It was a moment that highlighted the strength and appeal of the NXT division." Baszler also highlighted two other matches that resonated deeply with her: her NXT Takeover Brooklyn bout with Kairi and the riveting cage match with IYO SKY.
"The face-off I had with Kairi at Takeover Brooklyn was truly memorable, as was the cage match with IYO on NXT TV. These rank among my top three matches," Baszler shared with a sense of pride and accomplishment. While her in-ring achievements are impressive, her camaraderie and kinship with her comrades are equally significant.
The "Four Horsewomen of MMA," as they are fondly known, consists of Shayna, Ronda Rousey, Marina Shafir, and Jessamyn Duke. The synergy and bond they share, both in and out of the ring, are palpable. Baszler elaborated, "We're more than allies in combat; we're genuine friends.
We've trained together, lived together, and constantly keep in touch via a group chat named '4 Horses.' Unlike their wrestling counterparts, we've managed to maintain our bond. Our unity is our strength, and we're always ready to fight together, no matter what comes our way." The raw passion and dedication that Shayna Baszler brings to her profession are evident in her reflections. With such cherished experiences and intense bonds, it's clear why she has become one of the leading figures in WWE.