5 Ups & 1 Down From Last Night's WWE NXT (Apr 25)

3. The New Underdog

Regular readers of this column will note a significant level of appreciation for what Shayna Baszler brings to the developmental table. She was strong again last night, interrupting a Dakota Kai segment in an attempt to bully the babyface upstart into submission, but it was her future opponent who stood out the most.

There are hints of Bayley in Kai's character. Like 'The Hugger' before her, Dakota is sympathetic, easy to root for, but not entirely confident, particularly in the face of someone as domineering as Baszler. She almost cowered in the NXT Women's Champion's presence, and that's perfect for where this storyline is presumably heading.

Kai should be afraid of Shayna, because Shayna is a killer. 'The Queen Of Spades' is a legitimate women's MMA pioneer, and she has already put Dakota on the shelf with a worked arm injury earlier this yea. Playing on Kai's vulnerabilities not only presents the Champion as the alpha bully, but the potential challenger as someone with a struggle worth investing in, and the day she eventually rises above her insecurities will take her character to the next level.

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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.