Shayna Baszler

At 44 years old, Shayna Baszler has this physical status:

Shayna Andrea Baszler (born August 8, 1980) is an American professional wrestler and former mixed martial artist who has recently signed to WWE Perpetutive, where she is the current NXT Women's Champion in her second appearance, while retaining the NXT Women's Champion for two reigns. Baszler was trained by former UFC fighter Josh Barnett and Billy Robinson as a licensed catch wrestler.

She had her first professional fight in 2006 and gained acclaim in the years after using her hammerlock submission technique when on her back; a tactic that she has used to sue many opponents, including Roxanne Modafferi.

In an audio interview with Jordan Breen of Sherdog Radio Network, she referred to the submission as the "Shwing." Baszler was signed by the United FC in 2013 to appear as part of Ronda Rousey's Reality TV series The Ultimate Fighter, which included two pro bouts (0-2) outside of the series.

She was released by the UFC in 2015 and started her wrestling career the same year, Josh Barnett being trained by her.

Baszler has a total record of 15 wins and 11 losses, with 13 wins by submission.

Personal life

Baszler was born and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She has German ancestry on her father's side and Chinese ancestry on her mother's side. Baszler studied at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas, where she majored in religious studies.

Baszler was a key spokesperson in the push to establish a South Dakota athletic commission for combat sports. Rep. Steve Hickey was once referred to as the "child porn" of sports in a speech. Hickey changed his mind after visiting Baszler at the Next Edge Academy of Martial Arts, Baszler's training site, as well as other mixed martial arts fighters and practitioners.

Baszler, a licensed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with Baszler's South Dakota-based roller derby team, is a combat sports expert (EMT).

Baszler is a Warhammer 40,000 fan and occasionally incorporates the appearances of specific Space Marine chapters into her Ring gear.

Source

Mixed martial arts career

Baszler faced Amanda Buckner at MFC: USA vs. Russia 3 on June 3, 2006. In the third round, she was disqualified by TKO.

Samantha Gavere of NFF: The Breakout on March 10, 2007. In the first round, she won by a kimura submission.

Baszler made his EliteXC debut at a ShoXC event on July 27, 2007. Jan Finney, a veteran, was denied a first-round armbar by the time she met Jennifer Tate three months later. Baszler advanced to the main EliteXC cards after defeating Keiko Tamai with a stunning Twister submission at a third ShoXC tournament.

On CBS television, Baszler's next match was against Cris Cyborg. EliteXC: Unfinished Business was launched in July 26, 2008. In the second round, she was disqualified by TKO in the second round.

Baszler debuted for Strikeforce Challengers in September 19, 2009, but she was disqualified by a unanimous decision following EliteXC's dissolution.

Baszler competed in the Freestyle Cage Fighting Women's Bantamweight Grand Prix in Shawnee, Oklahoma, on January 30, 2010. In the first round of their quarterfinal match, Megumi Yabushita made a twister submission. Baszler had won an MMA match for the second time thanks to his unique submission. Baszler was faced by late replacement Alexis Davis in the second round of the FCF tournament at FCF 40 on March 27, 2010. Davis was defeated by a majority vote. Baszler had been scheduled to meet Jan Finney in the tournament final at FCF 43 on June 12, 2010. Finney, on the other hand, pulled in to participate in Strikeforce, and Baszler met Adrienna Jenkins instead. Baszler became the FCF Women's Bantamweight Grand Prix Champion after defeating Jenkins by a first-round armbar.

Baszler met Elaina Maxwell at The Cage Inc. on November 19, 2010. Baszler was disqualified in the first round of the TCI Women's 140 lbs Championship by default due to a knee injury.

Baszler was supposed to defend her TCI title in a rematch with Alexis Davis of The Cage Inc. on July 30, 2011. However, the match was called off after Davis signed with Strikeforce, but Strikeforce pulled him out of it.

Baszler has agreed to face Kelly Kobold in a rematch at Cage Fighting Xtreme: Spring Brawl on April 21, 2012. However, the demonstration had been postponed until March 16, according to the festival's website.

Baszler was defeated by Reina Miura at Deep Jewels 15, on February 25, 2017. Baszler's last MMA match was in this series.

Baszler will face Sara McMann in the main event of Invicta FC 2: Baszler vs. McMann on April 28. The festival took place on July 28, 2012. Baszler lost the war in what was supposed to be a contentious unanimous decision in a back-and-forth affair. Invicta's Fight of the Night was the title of the fight.

Invicta FC 3: Baszler vs. Sugiyama on October 6, 2012. In round two, she defeated D'Alelio by forfeiture due to a rear naked choke.

Baszler faced Alexis Davis in a rematch at Invicta FC 4: Esparza vs. Hyatt took place on January 5, 2013. In round three, she was defeated by technical submission due to a rear naked choke. Invicta's Fight of the Night was the fight.

Baszler was one of the fighters selected to compete on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rousey vs. Team Tate. Baszler faced Colleen Schneider in the first round and won by an armbar submission. Baszler was then selected by Ronda Rousey as the first team pick and the first fight of the season against Julianna Pea. Baszler lost to Pea after falling out due to a rear naked choke in the second round.

Baszler was supposed to meet Sarah Kaufman at The Ultimate Fighter Nations Finale. However, she pulled out of the tournament on April 2, 2014, owing to a knee injury.

Baszler played Bethe Correia on August 30, 2014, at UFC 177. She made her promotional debut on August 30, 2014. In the second round, she was disqualified via TKO.

Amanda Nunes was the protagonist of Baszler's UFC Fight Night 62 on March 21, 2015. After getting multiple leg kicks, she lost the contest via TKO in the first round. Baszler was fired from the company and went on to pursue a career in wrestling after going 0–2 with the promotion.

Professional wrestling career

Baszler accompanied reDRagon to the ring on March 1, 2015 for their ROH World Tag Team Championship defense. She was a member of the Royal Society who fought for a cause, helping with a merchandising campaign in which they referred to her joining the team as "[finding] our Ringo." Baszler made her pro wrestling debut under Josh Barnett's guidance on September 26, 2015 in Reno, Nevada, losing to Cheerleader Melissa for Quintessential Pro Wrestling (QPG). After the match, Baszler was assaulted by Nicole Matthews, setting up a future match between them. Baszler defeated Matthews in their first match against each other on October 30, but they lost in their second match, a KO or submission only match in January 2016, which was decided by Matthews in less than 90 minutes. Baszler defeated Ruby Raze on July 17 to become the Premier Women's Champion at Premier XIII.

Baszler made his debut for Absolute Intense Wrestling (AIW) in April 2016, losing to Mia Yim. She returned to the sport in June, defeating Veda Scott and then defeating Annie Social the following month. She defeated Heidi Lovelace on September 9, becoming the AIW Women's Champion. She made her first appearance against Britt Baker on November 5 and then retained the title against Ray Lyn and Ayzali in a three-way match for Rise Wrestling on November 10. In a rematch on November 25, she retained the championship against Lovelace once more.

Baszler made her debut for Shimmer Women Athletes at Volume 81 in June 2016, defeating Rhia O'Reilly. She defeated Solo Darling at volume 82, and she unsuccessfully challenged Nicole Savoy for the Heart Of Shimmer Championship at volume 83. At Volume 85, she defeated Mia Yim once more. In a loss to The Australian Squad (Kellie Skater and Shazza McKenzie) at volume 86, she returned in November, working with Mercedes Martinez. She faced Kay Lee Ray, Heidi Lovelace, and Vanessa Kraven in a thrilling four-way match that was dominated by Kraven at Volume 87. She disqualified to Shazza McKenzie at Volume 88, owing to her disqualification. She lost to McKenzie once more in a no disqualification match at Volume 89. Heidi Lovelace was deposed by she at Volume 90.

Baszler served two events in October 2015 during his first visit to Covina, California, first teaming with Brittany Wonder and Datura (Act Yasukawa, Kris Wolf, and Kyoko Kimura), and then unsuccessfully challenging Cheerleader Melissa for the GRPW Lady Luck Championship two days later. She returned to the country in January 2017, this time to Japan. She made her debut on January 3, working with Mayu Iwatani and Jungle Kyona to defeat Sumie Sakai, Kagetsu, and Kyoko Kimura. She joined Nixon Newell and Kay Lee Ray the following day to defeat Iwatani, Kairi Hojo, and Konami. She defeated Himomi Mimura and Viper in a triple threat match won by Viper the following day. On January 15, she appeared in another triple threat match, this time defeating Momo Watanabe and Jungle Kyona. Kris Wolf, Viper, and Kagetsu were defeated by Deonna Purrazzo and Christi Jaynes on January 29, the 29-year-old defeated Kris Wolf, Viper, and Kagetsu. Baszler defeated Io Shirai in the World of Stardom Championship on February 23, defeating them in a tumultuous match.

Baszler entered the Mae Young Classic tournament hosted by WWE on August 28, 2017, defeating Zeda in the first round. Baszler defeated Mia Yim, Candice LeRae, and Mercedes Martinez in the final this week. Baszler was defeated in the final of the tournament by Kairi Sane on September 12, 2011.

Baszler made her NXT debut on August 10, 2017, where she joined The Iconic Duo (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce) against Kairi Sane, Aliyah, and Dakota Kai in a losing battle. She made her singles debut on August 12, defeating Zeda. Baszler had signed with the company and began training at the WWE Performance Center on October 3, WWE confirmed it on October 3.

A vignette appeared on NXT's December 6 episode teaseing Baszler's televised debut. On the December 27 episode of NXT, she made her television debut by attacking Kairi Sane. She made her in-ring debut on January 10, 2018 when defeating Dakota Kai by referee stoppage on the NXT's January 10, 2018. Baszler continued to assault Kai until NXT Women's Champion Ember Moon made the save, triggering a championship match against NXT Takeover: Philadelphia on January 27, where Moon defeated Baszler to keep the title but was attacked by her later. Baszler competed in a second title match against Moon at NXT TakeOver: NXT TakeOver: Baszler won the NXT Women's Championship in New Orleans on April 7, where Baszler defeated Moon by technical submission to win the NXT Women's Championship. Baszler defeated Baszler in a title match at NXT TakeOver: Chicago II on June 16, which culminated in a feud with Nikki Cross.

Baszler lost the title to Kairi Sane on August 18, ending her reign at 133 days in NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn 4. On October 28, she defeated Sane in a rematch to regain the crown for the first time in two-time NXT Women's Champion history. Baszler continued to defend her titles against Sane at NXT TakeOver: At NXT TakeOver: Phoenix, B.H. Baszler took over: NXT TakeOver: Bianca Belair, Providence, and Io Shirai in a crucial four-way match against Sane, Belair and Io Shirai at NXT Takeover: New York on April 5, 2019. Baszler launched a feud with Shirai, retaining her position against Shirai at NXT TakeOver: XXV on June 1 and June 26, which brought an end to the feud. She defeated Mia Yim to hold her position at NXT Takeover: Toronto on August 10 to keep her position.

Baszler appeared on November 1 on SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley as the first NXT wrestler to enter the show, while SmackDown, Sasha Banks, and SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley were the first NXT wrestler to fight the show; later that night, she joined Triple H and the rest of the NXT roster as they declared war on both Raw and SmackDown, promising to face the Survivor Series brand war. Baszler and her crew lost in the first ever women's WarGames match at NXT TakeOver: WarGames on November 23, 2009, against Rhea Ripley and her crew. Baszler defeated Raw Women's Champion Becky Lynch and SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley in the Survivor Series on a Friday in the NXT brand's Survivor Series. Baszler lost the championship to Ripley on December 18, ending her reign at 416 days, making her her sixth longest reigning women's champion after Sensational Sherri's reign of 441 days. Charlotte Flair, the last woman eliminated by Charlotte Flair, will contest the women's Royal Rumble match at #30 on January 26, 2020, which tied for most eliminations in a women's Royal Rumble match. Baszler defeated Shotzi Blackheart in what would be her final match in NXT on January 22nd.

Baszler made her main roster debut on the February 10 episode of Raw Women's Champion Becky Lynch by biting Lynch's neck ferocious. Baszler defeated Elimination Chamber in March 8 to become the top contender for the Raw Women's Championship, while still destroying every other woman in the Elimination Chamber, beating every other woman in the Elimination Chamber. Baszler failed to win the championship from Lynch on the first night of WrestleMania 36 on April 4, despite a roll-up pin. Baszler failed to win the briefcase, which contained the Raw Women's Championship rather than the job.

Baszler and Nia Jax won the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship at Payback on August 30 after defeating Bayley and Sasha Banks. On December 20, they lost the titles to Asuka and Charlotte Flair at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs. Baszler and Jax defeated Asuka and Flair on January 31, 2021, becoming the first-time WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. Baszler and Jax retained the titles against Natalya and Tamina on the second night of WrestleMania 37 on April 11, both on the second night of WrestleMania 37. Baszler and Jax lost the championship to Natalya and Tamina on the May 14 episode of SmackDown after multiple singles and tag team matches between the two teams.

Baszler and Jax lost their respective titles after being on the May 31 episode of Raw, where he began feuding with Alexa Bliss, who claimed that the use of Bliss' "powers" was the reason why Baszler and Jax lost their titles. On June 20, Bliss won a match in Hell in a Cell. Baszler and Jax's tensions stayed high on the show, but their friendship came to an end when she brutally assaulted Jax after their match against each other on September 20.

Baszler was introduced to the SmackDown brand as part of the 2021 Draft. Baszler qualified in the Queen's Crown tournament in October, defeating Dana Brooke in the first round but losing to Doudrop in the semi-finals. On November 21, Rhea Ripley was eliminated by Bianca Belair after she was eliminated by Bianca Belair in the 5 on 5 Survivor Series elimination match at Survivor Series. On January 19, 2022, she also participated in the Royal Rumble match at the namesake event, but Charlotte Flair defeated her. Baszler formed a tag team with Natalya and qualified for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship, resulting in a deadly four-way tag team match for the titles on the second night of WrestleMania 38, which was won by Sasha Banks and Naomi. Baszler was ranked the top contender for the SmackDown Women's Championship, which was won by Natalya on the June 3 episode of SmackDown. Baszler failed to qualify for the Money in the Bank ladder match after losing to Raquel Rodriguez on the June 17 episode of SmackDown and a six-woman elimination match on Raw's June 27 episode. Baszler won a gauntlet match against Liv Morgan for the SmackDown Women's Championship at Clash at the Castle on August 5 but failed to win the title at the tournament.

Source