In a recent interview, Shayna Baszler revealed the shocking truth behind her highly-anticipated main roster debut at WrestleMania 36. The former NXT Women’s Champion claimed that she was originally scheduled to face Becky Lynch for the Raw Women’s Championship, a match that would have undoubtedly catapulted her to the top of the women’s division.
A Different Path
The global pandemic that swept the world in 2020 drastically altered the trajectory of Baszler’s main roster run. According to Baszler, she was set to challenge Becky Lynch for the Raw Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 36, a match that would have seen her face off against one of the greatest female wrestlers of all time.
“I remember discussing the match with the creative team, and they were all on board with the idea,” Baszler said in an interview with Chris Van Vliet. “It was going to be a huge story, and I was going to be the one to finally take down Becky Lynch for the title.”
However, as the pandemic began to spread across the globe, WWE was forced to adapt to the new reality. The company quickly shifted its focus, moving WrestleMania 36 to an empty Orlando Arena and changing the landscape of the event.
A Bittersweet Debut
Baszler’s main roster debut ultimately took place at WrestleMania 36, but it was not the match that she had originally envisioned. Instead, she found herself paired with Becky Lynch in a non-title match, a bout that saw her ultimately emerge victorious.
“It was a tough pill to swallow, to be honest,” Baszler admitted. “I had put so much into preparing for that match, and to have it changed on me at the last minute was tough to deal with.”
Despite the setback, Baszler’s performance at WrestleMania 36 marked a significant milestone in her main roster career. She would go on to become a key player in the women’s division, feuding with the likes of Natalya and Nia Jax.
Looking Back
In the years that have followed, Baszler’s original plans for WrestleMania 36 have become a topic of discussion among wrestling fans and insiders. According to a WWE insider, the company was always looking for ways to create a new, exciting storyline for Baszler’s main roster debut.
“Shayna was always intended to be a game-changer on the main roster,” the insider revealed. “The company wanted to create a new era of dominance, and Baszler was the perfect person to lead the charge.”
A Legacy Unwritten
As Baszler looks back on her original plans for WrestleMania 36, she remains proud of the career she has built in the WWE. Despite the setbacks and changes along the way, she has become one of the most formidable forces in the women’s division.
“I may not have gotten the match that I wanted at WrestleMania 36,” Baszler said, “but I’ve got no regrets about where I am today. I’m still pushing forward, still striving to be the best that I can be.”
For fans of Shayna Baszler, the story of her original plans for WrestleMania 36 serves as a reminder that even the best-laid plans can go awry. Yet, as she continues to forge a path through the WWE, one thing remains clear: Baszler is a force to be reckoned with, and her legacy is still very much unwritten.