In an unexpected turn, the long-standing friendship between WWE's Shayna Baszler and Ronda Rousey recently stopped. After ruling the women's tag team division and sharing a close off-ring camaraderie for several years, the relationship soured when Baszler sabotaged Rousey at the Money In The Bank event.
This betrayal cost them their prestigious WWE Women's Tag Team Championships. A rivalry has now sprung between the two, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown at the SummerSlam event in Detroit. At the root of this conflict is the perception that Rousey, known as "The Baddest Woman On The Planet," has been receiving preferential treatment and availing opportunities that "The Queen of Spades" - Baszler, rightfully earned.
The tension escalated further after their fiery interaction during the recent episode of "WWE Raw."
"Bully Ray Anticipates Intense Face-off"
Bully Ray, a prominent figure in the wrestling world, expressed his enthusiasm for this impending match during the "Busted Open Radio" program.
Alongside co-host Tommy Dreamer, he commended both women for their remarkable promotional skills and for successfully escalating the rivalry's intensity. Ray, a multiple-time tag team champion, also suggested the addition of a specific condition to enhance the competitive nature of this face-off.
"Rousey showed her prowess with the microphone last night, successfully provoking the audience. Shayna also delivered an equally powerful response," he noted. "Their verbal exchange intrigued me, and I eagerly anticipate this clash at SummerSlam.
Considering the aggressive style of these two competitors, it reminds me of the Universal Wrestling Federation or Union of Professional Wrestling Force International." The UWF and UPWFI were wrestling promotions that paved the way for MMA.
These platforms showcased legends such as Vader, Dan Severn, Bob Backlund, and The Iron Shiek. They propagated a wrestling style that was submission and strike-based, taught by acclaimed shooters like Lou Thesz, Billy Robinson, and Danny Hodge.
Given Baszler and Rousey's MMA background, including a points-based match at SummerSlam could add an extra layer of intrigue. Alternatively, reintroducing the Fight Pit could be a unique proposition. However, irrespective of the specific match type, it's inevitable that this contest will be intensely personal and a must-watch event for WWE fans.