In the latest episode of “Cheap Heat,” Shayna Baszler attributed her loss on “The Ultimate Fighter” to a decline in her enthusiasm for life. According to her, she simply no longer cared enough. Baszler mentioned that Josh Barnett noticed her waning drive.
As per her account, she expressed doubts about securing worthwhile fights in the UFC in the near future, and it was Barnett who suggested the possibility of pursuing a career in professional wrestling to maintain her involvement in combat sports without enduring the physical toll of professional fighting. Subsequently, with the assistance of Barnett, Baszler obtained her release from the UFC and made the transition to wrestling.
Shayna Baszler reflected on her journey and stated that her pivotal moment of closure occurred when she fought in Japan in 2017. Although she ultimately lost the fight, Baszler expressed contentment with her performance and acknowledged that it went to a decision. Despite believing that she had actually defeated her opponent, she understood the influence of being the hometown favorite and refrained from complaining about the outcome. Baszler found solace in the experience and considered it a significant milestone.
Drawing inspiration from combat sports and pro wrestling legends like Barnett and Lou Theszs, Baszler recognized the positive impact of touring Japan and engaging in both MMA and professional wrestling. In WWE, Shayna Baszler discovered a kindred spirit in former UFC Champion Ronda Rousey.
At present, Shayna Baszler and Ronda Rousey hold the prestigious WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship, showcasing their dominance in the tag team division. Their desire to be a team reportedly stemmed from similar frustrations experienced by Rousey in her professional wrestling career. The duo claimed the titles at the end of May after Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez relinquished them due to Morgan’s injury.
Shayna Baszler MMA record
Shayna Baszler, alongside her close friend Ronda Rousey, has enjoyed remarkable achievements within WWE. However, Baszler also played a pioneering role in women’s MMA.
Commencing her MMA journey in 2003, Baszler competed at a high level until 2017 when she made a full-time transition to professional wrestling. Throughout her career, she faced a formidable lineup of future UFC champions such as Cris Cyborg, Amanda Nunes, and Julianna Pena.
Regrettably, ‘The Queen of Spades’ experienced most of her accomplishments outside of the UFC, as the promotion only introduced women’s divisions in 2013 following their acquisition of Strikeforce. Prior to her stint in the UFC, Baszler amassed a commendable record of 15 wins and 8 losses in the world of MMA.
After securing a first-round submission victory over Colleen Schneider in the entry fight, Shayna Baszler earned a spot on “The Ultimate Fighter.” She was selected as the first pick for Team Rousey. Although Baszler delivered an impressive performance in the initial fight, she experienced defeat in the quarter-final round against Julianna Pena, who went on to become the eventual winner of Team Tate. Pena secured the victory by submitting Baszler.
Following her appearance on “TUF,” Baszler stepped into the octagon twice. Unfortunately, she suffered losses in both bouts, one against Bethe Correia and the other against the reigning two-division UFC champion, Amanda Nunes. Consequently, Baszler was released by the promotion. She made one final appearance in MMA, competing in a lightweight bout against Reina Miura at Deep Jewels 15, where she experienced a unanimous decision loss. This marked the conclusion of her MMA career, leaving her with a record of 15 wins and 11 losses, along with a 1-1 exhibition MMA record.
Shayna Baszler and Ronda Rousey – WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions
Shayna Baszler and Ronda Rousey stand tall as the reigning WWE Women’s Tag Team champions, solidifying their incredible achievements in Baszler’s WWE journey. Holding the prestigious titles, Baszler, famously known as ‘The Queen of Spades,’ and her partner ‘Rowdy’ Rousey seized the opportunity in a thrilling fatal four-way tag team match aired on the May 29 episode of Raw. Their victory showcased their exceptional teamwork, skill, and determination in the women’s tag team division, leaving no doubt about their dominance in the WWE.
The seamless integration of their MMA backgrounds into their in-ring personas and unique styles adds an exciting dynamic to the women’s tag team division, garnering increased interest from fans. Apart from her impressive three reigns as Women’s Tag Team champion, Baszler has achieved the distinction of being a former two-time NXT Women’s champion, notably holding the title for an astonishing 416 days during her second reign, the second-longest in the history of the NXT women’s championship.
I’m Heorhii Rysak, a go-to sports enthusiast and blogger. My fascination with sports began in my childhood with karate, setting the foundation for my love of physical fitness. Over the years, I’ve delved into various disciplines, including martial arts and CrossFit, and developed a passion for tennis. I bring a wealth of practical experience to my blog, where I share equipment reviews, workout plans, and fitness advice. My goal is simple: to inspire and assist you in your journey toward better health and performance.