The More Things Change? Shayna Baszler’s Career Was Drastically Changed By This One Move

The more things change. NXT is in a very strange place now as they have gone from a regular weekly show on the WWE Network to doubling in length, airing on the USA Network and serving as the front line of defense against AEW and Dynamite. With so many things going on, it would make sense that WWE pay some more attention to the show and that seems to be what they are doing, with NXT now being part of the Survivor Series. There is more to it than that though, as NXT has been allowed to keep one of its bigger names in the fold.

Shayna Baszler has held the NXT Women’s Title for over a year now and has broken Asuka’s record for most combined days as champion. The record comes over two different title reigns with Baszler retaining the title over all comers since defeating Kairi Sane to win the title at the Evolution pay per view. She has become a standard of Takeover and NXT in general, though she has also been discussed as a call up to the main roster for several months. As it turns out, things were even closer than they seemed.

You might be familiar with her. Check out Baszler’s match against a rather strong opponent:

According to Wrestling Observer Radio, Baszler was ready to be called up to the main roster but the move was postponed due to the NXT television deal with USA being announced. The plans for her debut on the main roster were said to be significant, though no details are currently known. While not a member of the main roster, Baszler has appeared on both Monday Night Raw and SmackDown in recent weeks as part of the NXT invasions of both shows. There is no word on if or when Baszler would be permanently promoted.

And then on to the big shows. Check out Baszler shredding through Bayley:

Opinion: Baszler moving up to the main roster is something that has been discussed for so long now that it is almost impossible to believe we will ever see it happen. She has completely dominated the NXT women’s division, to the point where more opponents are having to be brought in from other promotions to face her. There is little reason to keep her down in NXT other than star power, and having her break Asuka’s record for longest reign would offer her just that. Granted that is a long way off, but just being in the discussion is almost impossible to believe.

Do you think Baszler will move up to the main roster? Where would she fit in best? Let us know in the comments below.

Thomas Hall has been a wrestling fan for over thirty years and has seen over 50,000 wrestling matches. He has also been a wrestling reviewer since 2009 with over 5,000 full shows covered. You can find his work at kbwrestlingreviews.com, or check out his- Amazon author page with 30 wrestling books. His latest book is KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews.

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