Backstage Update On WWE's Plans For Shayna Baszler, Kairi Sane & Natalya

Untangling the women's division's complicated web.

Shayna Baszler
WWE

Monday saw PWInsider report that Kairi Sane had finished up with WWE after the day's tapings in Orlando, Florida. Her RAW match with Bayley could have been the last of her run, though the promotion had originally planned to capture footage for the show's 27 July episode as well, meaning Sane could conceivably show up next week as well.

Per Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, Natalya was originally planned to attack Sane as part of a write-out angle. Nattie would have injured Kairi, ending her televised run, which could have then transitioned into a potential programme with RAW Women's Champion Asuka - Sane's tag team partner.

Shayna Baszler being Sane's attacker has also been speculated. 'The Queen of Spades' was shown backstage watching Bayley vs. Kairi as it went down, telling interviewer Charly Caruso that she had a vested interest in the bout. Baszler vs. Asuka had been part of WWE's SummerSlam 2020 plans for a while though it is currently unclear whether this is still the case or not.

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There's a chance we could see Baszler laying Sane out next week if WWE were able to film the 27 July episode in advance. Otherwise, Kairi is likely going out on a win over the SmackDown Women's Champion. Not bad at all.

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.