10 Mae Young Classic Wrestlers WWE Must Sign

2. Shayna Baszler

toni storm
WWE.com

It looks like WWE are on the verge of booking MMA's Four Horsewomen against their former NXT counterparts. Ronda Rousey, Marina Shafir, and Jessamyn Duke squared up to Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, and Bayley in a backstage segment released after this week's set of Mae Young Classic shows, and while nothing is confirmed yet, it'd be a big surprise if it didn't go ahead.

When/if it does, Shayna Baszler will be tasked with doing much of the heavy lifting. Her MMA compatriots have all seemingly started training, but she's the only one with significant in-ring experience, having competed on the independent circuit since her UFC release in 2015.

A genuine pioneer of women's MMA, the wrestling style of 'the Queen of Spades' draws heavily on her previous career. She has made a seamless transition to her new profession, and while there are still a few rough edges in her work, she looks extremely convincing whether working limbs and peppering opponents with strikes. More importantly, Baszler comes off like a legitimate badass whenever she's onscreen, and although she's a totally different wrestler to Asuka, this aura makes her well-suited to taking the 'Empress Of Tomorrow's spot in NXT.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.